Five Commons Problems Using a CPAP Machine and How to Avoid Them

Receiving a CPAP machine might be daunting, but don’t worry, they’re a very common treatment for sleep apnea. There are many adjustments and changes you can make to find just the right fit and comfort for you. If you’re suffering or experiencing any of the following issues with your CPAP machine, check out our tips and tricks below:

1. Wrong Size Mask

This is a widespread issue people mention when first using a CPAP machine. They don’t feel like the mask is right for them, and that it doesn’t fit their face correctly.

Solution: 

There are many different sizes of masks available, different manufacturers, and various accessories to add to your mask. If you’re experiencing air leaks, try adding a gel nasal pad. Sometimes adding a lubricant can reduce the number of leaks and can also help a mask feel snugger and minimize friction if the mask is rubbing and moving. Your doctor is also happy to help you determine the best fit and size for you.

2. Difficulty Falling Asleep

Another common issue for new and veteran CPAP users may have difficulty falling asleep. Some people complain of the noise, the comfort level, and others can’t stand the thought of having to wear their CPAP machine every single night.

Solution: 

It’s entirely normal to have these feelings. If the noise of your machine is keeping you awake, there may need to be an adjustment made with your tubes or the machine itself. Your CPAP machine should be silent and not noticeable. Sometimes your air pressure might be too low, or too high, and may affect your sleep. Be sure to ask your doctor and supplier about the best settings for you. If you do become frustrated with wearing your CPAP day after day, remember the reasons why you were prescribed in the first place. Ultimately, the machine will help you feel better and sleep better, and can even alleviate other health problems you’ve been experiencing.

3. Skin Irritation or Sores

Sometimes after a good night’s rest, your CPAP mask may have irritated your skin, left bruises, or sores. If fitted properly, your mask should not be leaving you with any discomfort in the morning. If you start to experience these issues, there is a solution.

Solution: 

If you’ve been wearing your CPAP mask for some time now and just recently starting feeling sore and irritated in the mornings, your mask cushion might have simply worn it. It may be time to replace your mask and the face and or nose cushion to alleviate your pain. However, if you are a new CPAP patient, you should consult with your doctor and perhaps your CPAP supplier. There is a good chance your mask simply is not fitted properly.

4. Feeling Claustrophobic

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth can be nerve-wracking at first. Many people feel anxiety and claustrophobic as they’re getting used to wearing their mask. These feelings and concerns will subside over time as you grow accustomed and used to your mask and machine. Remember, the machine is there to help you!

Solution: 

If you don’t attempt and commit to wearing your mask, you’ll never give yourself the chance to grow accustomed to it. CPAP is a type of sleep therapy, so keep that in mind as you work on feeling more relaxed and comfortable with using the mask to assist your sleep. Practice wearing your mask during the day or in front of the TV, in a relaxed area before you try to sleep with it on. Try taking naps with your mask on, too. If you’re having trouble adjusting to the air pressure, you can consult with your doctor about starting off at a lower air pressure and working your way up to the proper level.

5. Dry Mouth

Sometimes we hear from patients that they wake up with a dry mouth, or dry throat after a night using their CPAP machine.

Solution: 

You might experience a dry mouth or throat in the morning if your CPAP machine’s humidification settings or temperature is off. Make sure that your machine is using both warm and moist air, which should help alleviate any dryness you’re experiencing in the morning. Sometimes, you might be breathing too much from your mouth, or you might need to add in some nasal sprays or oral rinses to your morning routine. There are also attachments and accessories available to help you breathe less from your mouth and more from your nose.

For more information, please call us today at 877-EAR-NOSE to schedule an appointment.

7 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Are you tired throughout the day, unable to pay attention to your family or friends? Do you experience mood swings or irritability? Can your spouse no longer sleep next to you due to your loud snoring and gasping? You may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting approximately 18 million adults in the U.S. with 80 percent going undiagnosed. If you are unsure if you are affected with sleep apnea, keep these symptoms listed below in mind.

1. Loud, Persistent Snoring
Although snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea; loud, chronic snoring is one of the most frequently cited symptoms. Snoring is caused by partial blockage, restricting your airways. If your snoring is loud, disruptive, and occurs nightly, visit your primary care physician to discuss if you may have sleep apnea.

2. Gasping While Sleeping
Again, the cause of gasping in your sleep is due to the obstruction of your airway. The fatty tissues of the throat and tongue become relaxed and fall back into your airways, restricting airflow for a few seconds. The low oxygen levels due to the restriction causes your brain to wake itself long enough to get past the air blockage causing you to gasp while you're breathing. This can occur 5 to 30 times in an hour lasting up to 10-20 seconds at a time.

3. Tired all the Time
While you may think you got plenty of sleep because you were in bed for 7-9 hours, all of the pauses and interruptions your body made in order for you to breath properly adds up. One of the most overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea is EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness). If you have difficulty waking in the mornings, feeling excessively tired throughout the day, a general lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating among others, you may be affected by EDS and sleep apnea.

4. Wake with Headaches
While uncomfortable no matter what time of the day, if you get morning headaches it could be a sign of something more serious - sleep apnea. Low oxygen levels causes headaches and when you stop breathing during the night, less oxygen is making its way to your brain. This symptom, along with excessive daytime drowsiness are the two symptoms sufferers complain about the most.

5. High Blood Pressure
The same reason you experience headaches is how you can get high blood pressure. When your body wakes from your sleep due to low oxygen levels, it causes a spike in your blood pressure which restricts your blood vessels to kick start your system into working again. When this repeatedly happens throughout the night, your body gets used to restricting its blood vessels and begins to during the day, even when you are breathing normally.

6. Obesity
People who are overweight or obese are most likely linked to sleep apnea. Excess of fatty tissues can fall back into the airways during sleep causing obstructions to the airway. You are not alone in this fight, more than two-thirds of adults are overweight in America. Discuss options with your primary care physician to help you lose weight which in turn helps with your sleep apnea.

7. Irritable, Depressed, or Experience Mood Swings
Waking up hundreds of times during the night - even briefly - can have a serious affect on your mood and personality while you are awake. With lack of sleep you are prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings among other things. Talk to your doctor to see if any of these symptoms are related to a sleep disorder.

To learn more about sleep apnea or the services we provide to help with this disorder, please call us today at give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE.