Tips, Products, and Solutions For Common CPAP Questions
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s airway collapses during sleep, which leads to periods where the individual stops breathing. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea.1 This increasingly common sleep disorder is linked to a number of comorbidities, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased risk of death. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment of sleep apnea but adherence remains suboptimal.
At The CPAP Shop, a majority of our CPAP machines and accessories come with an initial set-up kit including some with a live conversation with a sleep coach. After allowing for time to get used to the therapy, most lingering complaints can be alleviated with some simple machine or mask setting adjustments. However, in some cases, you may need a little extra help.
Here are some products that you should try if you have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy.
Mask Wipes
Cleaning CPAP equipment is not only necessary from a germs perspective but helps to lengthen its usefulness. All that is necessary to clean a CPAP mask, tubing and other accessories is a bit of vinegar and water. However, we often do not take the time to ensure that we wash off any oil or dirt left behind from basic use. Dirty and oily cushions are the cause of common problems, such as leaks, rashes, and facial marks that linger long into the day. Therefore, mask wipes may be an ideal solution. Keep them by your bedside and when you wake up, simply wipe off the cushion.
We recommend:
Sanitizing Machines
Keeping your CPAP mask and accessories clean is time-consuming but necessary to keep equipment functioning properly. A contaminated CPAP mask may result in rashes, odors, and even infections. An uncleaned CPAP tube could build up mold and other contaminates which get into lungs and cause congestion or worse. Most importantly, all of these factors can ultimately reduce your compliance. The new line of sanitizing machines, including the SoClean and Lumin, are ideal for those who want to streamline their CPAP maintenance regimen. These machines are disinfectants, intended to kill up to 99.9% of germs. While you still have to clean the equipment, these products may reduce any potential for infections from using unsanitary equipment.
We recommend:
- SoClean 2 CPAP Sanitizing Machine: The SoClean thoroughly sanitizes your CPAP mask in one easy step. First, place your mask inside the cleaning unit. You don’t even have to disconnect the hose. The machine is compatible with a wide range of mask types, from nasal pillow to full face. The completely automated system destroys 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold without using water or any chemicals.
- Lumin CPAP Mask and Accessories Cleaner: The Lumin is a one-touch, five-minute system to also kill harmful bacteria that can build up in CPAP mask and accessories. It uses a powerful amount of UV light contained inside a fail-safe chamber to disinfect without any harsh chemicals or water. The ozone-free system reports a 99.9% kill rate for harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus.
Mask Liners
Some individuals cannot get used to the feel of a mask on their face. Because giving up on therapy is not truly an option, a simple mask liner may be the answer. These liners act as a barrier between the skin on your face and the silicone on the mask’s cushion. This can help reduce leaks, prevent skin irritations or facial pressure marks, eliminate noises from escaping air, and increase comfort. The liners also help absorb facial moistures and oils, so they don’t break down the mask.
We recommend:
CPAP Pillows
Air leaks are one of the biggest issues while on CPAP. That issue may be caused by not regularly washing the mask cushion. The oils from the face make the cushions slippery, which makes it easier for the mask to shift out of place and create a leak. If washing the cushion daily does not solve the issue, it may be time to try a CPAP pillow. The CPAP pillow is uniquely designed to accommodate your CPAP hose and mask structures. This reduces mask shifting and should reduce leaks.
We recommend:
- Psych Memory Foam CPAP Pillow: The new, gel-infused memory foam allows the CPAP pillow to remain at a much cooler temperature than standard memory foam. The pillow features a quilted CoolMax fabric cover to regular body temperature, reduce moisture, and allow for a cooler night’s sleep. An orthopedic roll provides support to the neck, shoulders, and head, whether sleeping on the side or the back.
- Contour Cloud Cool Air Edition Pillow: An orthopedic CPAP comfort bed pillow that offers an ergonomic solution and adjustable comfort and support for all sleep positions: back, side and stomach. The pillow features two sleeping surfaces. One side is memory foam with a Cool 3D mesh cover to for better airflow. The other side is a soft, plush, hypoallergenic Fiber Fill pillow top. The inside layers are color-coded to allow you to select between four different heights, ranging from 2.25” to 5.25”.
- CPAP Memory Foam Pillow: The multi-layered reversible memory foam CPAP pillow molds to the shape of your body to reduce pressure points and achieve the most comfortable sleep position with a straight spine and neck. The pillow features a ventilated memory foam to promote air circulation, a cooling gel-infused memory foam with mint and charcoal to reduce perspiration, and is infused with herbal green tea for therapeutic sleep. Users can adjust pillow height as needed.
Heated Tubing
Heated tubing, or climate control tubing, is typically available as an optional add-on to your CPAP machine. This tubing helps to control the temperature of the air and reduces condensation inside the tubing. Adjustments in the air temperature may also help your body better absorb moisture. This may reduce dryness and a burning feeling in the nasal or oral passages, throat dryness, or sore throats. Excessive dryness causes inflammation, which has been linked to increased airway resistance. Dryness in the trachea can also reduce your cilia’s ability to function properly. Cilia are the tiny, hair-like structures that move secretions out of the lungs.
The heated tube you pick will be dependent on the machine you use. Popular options include:
BiPAP Machines
Many patients have a hard time using CPAP due to the fact that they have to exhale against a force of air. Some patients say it feels like you are blowing up a balloon and it can tire you out. Most, if not all CPAP machines, have FLEX or EPR comfort settings that reduce the force of air against which you are exhaling. This more closely mimics natural breathing. However, the problem is when you have maxed out the FLEX/EPR settings and you still feel like you can’t exhale properly. Instead of giving up and leaving your obstructive sleep apnea untreated, ask your doctor if BiPAP is an option. BiPAP treatment allows the inhalation and exhalation pressures to be programmed. This can make breathing feel more natural. You will need to consult with your doctor and get a prescription to begin BiPAP therapy.
We recommend:
Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto BiPAP Machine with Bi-Flex and C-Flex
The DreamStation Auto BiPAP is designed to improve PAP adherence and overall satisfaction. The machine with the humidifier is less than 4 lbs, making it small and light for easy travel. The machine features multiple modes: fixed CPAP, fixed BiPAP, and auto BiPAP. The C-Flex and Bi-Flex functions smooth out breathing transitions to complement therapy and significantly improve exhalation comfort. The machine features an optional heated tube and effective humidification system so rainout is not an issue.
A vibrant, color screen displays daily progress and an easy-to-use menu. The hose swivel features a heated tube and front-facing display for easy operation. The machine features integrated Bluetooth technology and the goal-setting DreamMapper tool to review results and make improvements to therapy. Other key features include advanced event detection, mask type resistance control, mask fit check and oximetry capability. EZ-Start allows for automatic, personalized adjustments to CPAP pressure to help patients gradually acclimate to prescribed level of therapy.
The CPAP Shop offers premium sleep coach service in the United States for any DreamStation Auto BiPAP purchased through us. Sleep coaching improves satisfaction and increases adherence. With this optional service, the user receives two phone calls to assist with any technical questions that may arise during the initial use period. Topics include machine setup, menu applications, CPAP functionality, humification and heated tubing, CPAP mask issues, and the DreamMapper app. The more you understand how your equipment functions, the more you’ll see enhanced results, better sleep, and increase your quality of life!
ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto with Heated Humidifier
The ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto is a premium auto-adjusting BiLevel device. It automatically adjusts pressure levels to ensure you receive the lowest pressure necessary. It features an integrated humidifier and built-in wireless communication. This connects to ResMed’s cloud-based management system called AirView, to allow for remote access to device settings and to troubleshoot as needed. The AirCurve uses the proven AutoSet and Easy Breathe waveform in its VAuto algorithm to treat sleep obstructive sleep apnea patients who need greater pressure support.
The AutoRamp feature delivers low pressure to help you fall asleep with ease. Once you are asleep, it comfortable increases pressure to ensure prescribed level is delivered. Advanced event detection differentiates between obstructive and central apnea to deliver appropriate therapy. The ambient light sensor adjusts brightness on screen based on the light of the room. The user-friendly controls, intuitive interface, and color LCD screen features easy to navigate menus. The quiet, Easy Breathe motor features foam and isolating materials incorporated into the base of the device to produce minimal turbulence and eliminating noise in the room.
Adherence to CPAP therapy is vital to your continued health. These six products may help make it a little easier to adjust. As always, our knowledgeable staff is a just a phone call away!
References:
- Sleep Apnea. National Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/sleep-disorders-problems/sleep-apnea. Accessed November 14, 2018.
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Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s airway collapses during sleep, which leads to periods where the individual stops breathing. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea. This increasingly common sleep disorder is linked to several comorbidities, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased risk of death. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment for sleep apnea, but adherence remains low.
Common CPAP Questions, Problems, and Solutions
Why Do I Have Red Marks on My Face?
Problem: Mask contact on the skin can leave red marks. Tighter-fitting CPAP masks, typically due to users adjusting their headgear too tightly, can leave deeper red marks and soreness. CPAP masks that fit tightly (or too loosely!) can be uncomfortable.
Solutions:
- Adjust Strap Tension: loosening the tension on headgear can relieve pressure on your face and reduce red marks and discomfort. If your straps are not adjusting properly, it may be time for new headgear. Explore replacement headgear for your CPAP mask here.
- Use Padding: padding accessories can help soften mask contact points and reduce redness and soreness. Explore padding products.
- Explore Different Mask Styles: it can take time to find the ideal CPAP mask. Try out different mask types to see which one provides the most comfort. Find CPAP masks.
- Moisturize Skin: you can reduce redness and soreness with skin moisturizers applied around CPAP mask contact points in the nostrils. Use nasal moisturizer.
- Consult Healthcare Provider: If the above solutions do not work, peak with your doctor about pain or red marks from CPAP masks. Your doctor can offer some recommendations based on your current equipment.
Why is My CPAP Mask Leaking?
Problem:
A loose CPAP mask or one with damaged seals allows air to seep out through gaps, which can compromise the effectiveness of CPAP therapy. Mask leaks can also reduce air pressure from your CPAP machine, so you are not attaining the recommended pressure setting of your prescription.
As a result, patients may overtighten masks to try and stop the leak, which can lead to discomfort skin redness, and soreness.
Solutions:
- Ensure proper mask fit: make sure that your CPAP mask fits securely to prevent leaks. If you need to overtighten your mask to stop leaks, then it may be time for a new one. Explore replacement CPAP masks.
- Address skin issues: if you experience frequent red marks or soreness on your skin, be sure to address these issues with padding or skin moisturizers. Explore comfort products.
- Maintain mask hygiene: a dirty CPAP mask can lead to poor performance. Be sure to keep all your CPAP equipment clean, especially your mask. Find cleaning options.
- Explore alternative mask options: finding a good mask fit helps prevent leaks. Find a CPAP mask that fits without overtightening.
- Try the AR Mask Fit with virtual face scanning technology: a new 3D facial scanning capability can help you determine the best fit for your CPAP mask, eliminating trial and error. Learn more about the AR Mask Fit.
- Consult with a sleep therapist or CPAP provider for personalized solutions: your doctor or sleep therapist can provide recommendations that can end leaks and improve CPAP compliance.
Why is My CPAP Machine Making Noise?
Problem: CPAP machines can sometimes be loud, which can disrupt your sleep and the sleep of your bed partner.
Solutions:
- Check the machine's filter for dirt or blockages: clean or replace your filter if you notice it is worn out or damaged. Keeping your CPAP machine clean and replacing dirty filters may help reduce the noise. Find replacement filters.
- Ensure the mask, tubing, and connections are properly assembled and secure: check your machine connections, loose mask and tubing connection points may cause air pressure to whistle. Replace parts as needed. Find replacement parts.
- Inspect the tubing for any leaks or holes: replace them if damaged as tubing with holes can cause noise. Replace tubing as needed. Find replacement tubing here.
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ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with Bluetooth, HumidAir and ClimateLineAir76 ReviewsAs low as $960.00
Why Do I Have Dry Mouth?
Problem: The dry air of CPAP therapy can leave your mouth feeling dry, especially if you are a mouth breather. The dry air flow all night long dehydrates the mouth and throat. Dryness can disrupt sleep and may also lead to dental problems if left untreated.
Solutions:
- Adjust the CPAP settings: you can adjust your CPAP machine to reduce air pressure, which may help reduce dryness. Check with your doctor first. Make sure your CPAP machine provides a range of settings that fit your therapy needs.
- Use a heated humidifier: heated humidifiers can moisten the airflow and help reduce dry mouth.
- Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated during CPAP therapy and reduce dryness.
- Try using a chin strap to keep your mouth closed if you are a mouth breather. Keeping your mouth closed helps maintain hydration and reduces dry mouth.
Why is There Water in My Tubing?
Problem: Condensation can build up in CPAP tubing when a humidifier is used in conjunction with a CPAP machine. The condensation can lead to a backup of water into the machine itself, which can cause damage. The problem can also cause splashing and gurgling noises during therapy which can be disruptive to sleep.
Solutions:
- Adjust the CPAP machine's humidity settings to minimize condensation: making some minor adjustments to your CPAP machine’s humidity settings may solve the problem. You can find CPAP machines with built-in humidifiers with auto options to help manage humidity effectively without adjusting. Try a machine option with auto features.
- Use a CPAP hose cover to insulate the tubing and reduce condensation: insulating your CPAP tubing can help prevent ambient temperatures from causing condensation.
- Elevate the CPAP machine or tubing to prevent water from flowing back into the device: by elevating your CPAP machine, you can prevent water from backing up into the machine and help protect it from damage.
- Use a CPAP hose with a built-in heated wire to maintain temperature and prevent condensation: heated tubing can prevent condensation buildup..
Why am I Removing My CPAP Mask Unintentionally?
Problem: Discomfort with CPAP, especially among new patients, often hinders CPAP compliance. Patients may wake up at night and remove their mask. By removing the mask, they suffer from more sleep apnea episodes as they use CPAP less than recommended by their doctor, which reduces the effectiveness of therapy.
Solutions:
- Try different mask styles: new patients especially should experiment with different mask types to find one that is the most comfortable.
- Use mask stabilizers: a mask stabilizer helps keep CPAP masks secure and less likely to slip off your face and lead to removal. Explore mask stabilizer options.
- Try different sleeping positions: how you sleep can affect the comfort of your CPAP mask. Try sleeping on your back or side to reduce mask pressure on your face.
- Practice relaxation techniques: much of the discomfort with CPAP masks is due to anxiety about therapy. Try relaxation methods such as meditation or simple breathing exercises to reduce anxiety.
Why Am I Having Difficulting Falling Asleep?
Problem: Starting out with CPAP therapy can be difficult, especially trying to fall asleep for the first few nights. The mask can feel uncomfortable. You may also experience dryness or throat or nose irritation from the dry air of the CPAP machine. Ideal pressure settings can take some time to discover, and you may change them frequently. Also, having a CPAP machine at your bedside means getting accustomed to an unfamiliar noise that can keep you awake.
Solutions:
- Try different types of masks (nasal, nasal pillows, full-face) to find the most comfortable fit: different mask styles can be more comfortable for different people. Feel free to try different types of masks until you find the ideal one.
- Use a heated humidifier to alleviate dryness and irritation: heated humidifiers help reduce the dryness of CPAP air. Find a heated humidifier.
- Gradually increasing CPAP pressure settings to acclimate to therapy: getting used to CPAP therapy requires gradually adjusting pressure settings. You can also use a CPAP machine with a ramp feature that can help you ease into higher-pressure settings.
- Use a CPAP machine with quieter operation or employ white noise machines: quieter CPAP machines are available. Find one with a lower decibel level.
Why am I Feeling Claustrophobic?
Problem: Wearing a CPAP mask can feel claustrophobic. There may be an unfamiliar feeling of tightness. You may feel like you cannot breath like you normally do when going to sleep. These sensations can lead to discomfort and feelings of anxiety.
Solutions:
- Adjust Mask Fit: take time to adjust your CPAP mask properly so it fits comfortably. Follow the fitting and adjustment guidelines provided with the mask.
- Gradual Acclimation to Therapy: do not expect to experience CPAP therapy comfortably right away. Be patient. Gradually adjust to CPAP pressure settings by starting at a lower setting one night and working your way slowly to higher settings. A CPAP machine with a ramp feature can help.
- Relaxation Techniques: focus on relaxation. Breathing exercises and meditation before bedtime can relieve feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia.
- Seek Professional Help: therapists can help you adjust to the unfamiliar feeling of wearing a mask and breathing pressurized air while you sleep.
Why Do I Have a Stuffy Nose?
Problem: A stuffy nose is a common problem with CPAP therapy. You may have trouble breathing due to nasal congestion, which can interrupt your sleep and reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy
Solutions:
- Nasal Decongestants: you can use nasal decongestants to help with symptoms.
- Nasal Saline Rinse: nasal saline rinses help reduce nasal congestion.
- Nasal Mask Options: different nasal CPAP masks can help improve comfort.
- Elevate Head Position: elevating your head while you sleep can help drain nasal passages and make sleeping more comfortable.
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Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask With Headgear118 ReviewsAs low as $79.00 Regular Price $109.99
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How Do I Combat my Difficulty Tolerating Forced Air?
Problem: Breathing forced air from a CPAP machine can be difficult. You may feel like you are suffocating and dislike the sensation of blowing air in your nose and mouth. This feeling can often lead to patients abandoning CPAP therapy.
Solution:
- Nasal Masks or Pillows: nasal CPAP masks or nasal pillow masks can be helpful alternatives to a full face mask.
- Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) or Flex: some CPAP machines feature expiratory pressure relief which reduces pressure during exhaling, which is a common complaint.
- Mask Fit and Adjustments: make sure your mask fits well and that it is properly adjusted to your face.
- Breathing Exercises: conducting breathing exercises before bedtime can help you adapt to CPAP therapy.
Conclusion
At The CPAP Shop, most of our CPAP machines and accessories come with an initial set-up kit including some with a live conversation with a sleep coach. After allowing for time to get used to the therapy, most lingering complaints can be alleviated with some simple machine or mask setting adjustments. However, in some cases, you may need a little extra help.
Adherence to CPAP therapy is vital to your continued health. These products may help make it a little easier to adjust. As always, our knowledgeable staff is just a phone call away! Contact us at 866-414-9700.
