Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)is a treatment that keeps the air pressure in your airways steady.
It prevents your upper airway from collapsing and makes it easier to breathe while you sleep.
CPAP is a common treatment forobstructive sleep apneaandacute heart failure.
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CPAP devices are reliable and effective.
Even so, some users have problems with the machine that can complicate treatment.
This article takes a look at 10 solutions that can help overcome these challenges and improve your CPAP experience.
Try setting the machine at a lower pressure when you first put it on.
you could gradually raise the pressure as you start to fall asleep.
This is known as a ramp function.
Some machines also havebi-level (BiPAP)or C-Flex options.
They alternate between inhalation and exhalation pressure so it’s more like natural breathing.
If you still have trouble breathing against the pressure, speak with your healthcare provider.
It may be that the pressure setting is too high for you.
Swallowing Air
Swallowing air is uncomfortable for some CPAP users.
It may leave you feeling bloated or cause you to burp.
This could mean your pressure is set too high.
The snug fit makes some people feel stifled or smothered.
That feeling may make your heart race.
You might feel like tearing off the mask.
Those are signs that you are havingclaustrophobia.
Some people overcome this by getting a mask that does not enclose the nose.Nasal pillowsare good examples.
Other people use relaxation or distraction techniques, such as watching TV or listening to music.
These strategies help them gradually adjust to the sensation of wearing a mask.
If the claustrophobia doesn’t get better, you may want to seekalternative CPAP therapies.
Speak with your healthcare provider.
Dealing With Condensation
Extra moisturein the air can make breathing more comfortable.
But sometimes water droplets collect inside the CPAP tubing.
This extra water can end up reducing your airflow.
Too much moisture is a common complaint among those who use a heatedhumidifierand sleep in a cooler room.
To overcome this, turn down your humidifier temperature.
You could also venture to keep the CPAP tubing slightly warmer by putting it under blankets.
Or you might opt for a newer CPAP unit withheated climate-adjusted tubing.
Developing a Dry Mouth
Your mouth shouldn’tdry outwhen you use a CPAP machine.
If it does, your mouth may be falling open with the mask on.
When this happens, the airflow will escape from your mouth and make it very dry.
Any off-putting “new” smell should lessen over time.
If you use a humidifier at night, fill the reservoir with distilled water only.
That will reduce the chance of unpleasant smells and scale buildup.
If the marks are excessive, it may mean your mask doesn’t fit properly.
You may need to try a different size mask orchoose a new maskaltogether.
A CPAP mask should never give you sores.
If yours does, tell your healthcare provider so they can adjust or replace your mask.
A heated humidifier orsaline nasal spraycan sometimes open nasal passages.Oral antihistaminesor a prescriptionnasal spraycan help with chronic orseasonal allergies.
For those who simply cannot breathe through the nose, there are alternatives that may help.
You could try a CPAP mask that covers the nose and mouth.
You could also opt for a newer oral CPAP mask that delivers pressure through the mouth only.
If those don’t work, you may need to consider other treatments.
To stop this, try tightening the mask slightly.
Returning Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepinessoften decreases when you start using CPAP.
Over time, however, symptoms can return for some people.
If this occurs, have your equipment checked to confirm it is delivering the prescribed pressure.
It may also be necessary to have a new titration study to find a better pressure.
As people age or have weight changes, the initial pressure setting may no longer be correct.
It may need adjustment.
If you start tosnorewhile using CPAP, your pressure level may no longer be right for you.
It may need fine-tuning.
Summary
CPAP machines are a tried and true treatment for people with breathing problems.
But that doesn’t mean they are problem-free.
Some problems occur because the pressure setting is too high.
Others are related to a mask that doesn’t fit quite right or trouble with the tubing.
In some cases, other health conditions complicate the treatment.
If you’re having problems with your CPAP unit, talk to your healthcare provider.
A simple solution may be available to help you get a better night’s sleep.
It can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas pain.
Adjusting the pressure or using a different pop in of mask may help relieve the pain.
The air from the CPAP machine can dry out your nasal passages.
2015;44(2):100-6. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.01.002
National Sleep Foundation.How to use a CPAP machine for better sleep.
American Sleep Apnea Association.Troubleshooting Guide for CPAP Problems.
American Sleep Association.Side Effects.
