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There are great benefits when treating obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A CPAP machine’s constant airflow holds your airways open and prevents breathing breaks which could threaten your health. This makes it easier to breathe and better sleep. As a consequence, when you wake up, you feel warmer and refreshed.
The following tips help you overcome the five common problems for both new and seasoned CPAP users. These easy strategies help keep your sleep and wellbeing with CPAP on a long-term basis. If you have concerns about your CPAP, remember to always speak to your CPAP supplier. If you have recurring issues, contact your doctor. He or she will help make your CPAP a successful and easy therapy.
You Seem to Have More CPAP Nasal Obstruction
The most common side effect of CPAP therapy is nasal stuffiness. It may also be running nose, nose bleeding, dry, or itchy. Within the first month of use, nasal congestion always goes away. Bear in mind that many individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are naturally congested more nasally. In winter, allergy congestion is more common. The treatment with CPAP is not always a guarantee. Speak to your health care provider if you are experiencing serious congestions or have nasal, sinus or ear pressure. These tips can reduce nasal issues:
Try to spray the nasal saline. It’s basically a salt and water mixture. It can be found on your own pharmacist’s shelf. Before using your CPAP, add a few sprays on each nostril.
Try a decongestant nasal. This can be a spray or a tablet you take from your mouth. Certain forms require the doctor to recommend you.
The use of CPAP Means you Have a Dry or Sore Throat
Anyone who breathes in sleep through their mouth may have this problem. If your sore throat is very painful, you should speak with your doctor. These tips can help alleviate inflammation of the throat that CPAP causes.
Try to use a total nose and mouth mask. Try to moisten and warm your throat with a heated humidifier that matches your CPAP machine.
Using your mask to hold your mouth tight when you’re sleeping with a chin strap.
It’s Tough to Breathe that Much Air Into Your Mask
This issue is typical if your OSA is serious. To keep your airways open you need a high degree of air pressure. You can feel like you get too much air at a pressure level too high. Without talking to your sleep doctor you can never reduce your air pressure. Try the following tips instead:
Start using the CPAP throughout the day for short periods. Using it when you watch or read the news. You will start to adapt your body to the air pressure. It could take a few minutes at a time to start using it. The length of your sessions is rising steadily. Take a nice, slow pace to breathe.
Use the “ramp” configuration for your device. The unit begins at very low air pressure. It slowly increases the pressure to the right amount. You will start reducing the time for setting your ramp, as you become familiar with it.
Having Red Eyes, Snoring, or Cessation of Breathing During Sleep
All these issues are signs that your mask will leak air. You can fix the issue with these tips:
- Set your mask to best suit with straps and headgear
- If your mask has been on for some time, make sure it isn’t worn or broken
- A different size mask can be necessary for you to try
It can work better for you for another form of a mask. A full-face mask or a pillow of the nose may remove air leakage.
Discuss with your doctor or CPAP supplier to try a mask that molds your face form.
Speak to your CPAP provider if you still have air leak issues. Contact your CPAP provider if the mask keeps irritating your skin or causing discomfort. Speak to your CPAP supplier about checking your face shape mask.
Contact your CPAP provider if you have any further questions or concerns about the use of CPAP.
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