Articles
CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems
10. Annoyed by the noise
Time and patience key to success
2. Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP device
9. Unintentionally removing the CPAP device during the night
3. Difficulty tolerating forced air
7. Difficulty falling asleep
Content
1. The wrong size or style CPAP mask
2. Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP mask
3. Bothered by the forced air
4. Dry, stuffy nose
5. Feeling claustrophobic
6. Leaky mask, skin irritation or pressure sores
7. Trouble falling asleep
8. Dry mouth
9. Accidentally removing the CPAP mask during the night
10. Bothersome noise
Time and patience are key to success
Time and patience key to success
2. Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP device
9. Unintentionally removing the CPAP device during the night
3. Difficulty tolerating forced air
7. Difficulty falling asleep
Content
1. The wrong size or style CPAP mask
2. Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP mask
3. Bothered by the forced air
4. Dry, stuffy nose
5. Feeling claustrophobic
6. Leaky mask, skin irritation or pressure sores
7. Trouble falling asleep
8. Dry mouth
9. Accidentally removing the CPAP mask during the night
10. Bothersome noise
Time and patience are key to success
3. Bothered by the forced air
Some CPAP users don't like the pressure of air blowing into their nose or mouth. To help with this, some CPAP machines have a "ramp" feature. This setting allows you to start with low air pressure. The machine then automatically and slowly increases the air pressure to your prescribed setting as you fall asleep. Your healthcare professional can adjust the rate.
If this feature doesn't help, talk with your healthcare team about changing to a machine that automatically and constantly adjusts the pressure while you're sleeping. One type, called a bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machine, delivers more pressure when you breathe in and less when you breathe out.
