Symptoms Your CPAP Pressure is Too High
Key Takeaways
- Using an appropriate CPAP pressure level is vital to keep the airways open without excess pressure that can lead to side effects.
- CPAP levels may be too high if you experience difficulty exhaling, discomfort, and excess air swallowing.
- There are ways to deal with CPAP pressure that is too high, such as using the ramp feature, adjusting your mask style, and speaking to your doctor for recommendations.
Having the right CPAP setting is essential to keep your airway open and treat sleep apnea without excess pressure that can lead to side effects. Generally, during your sleep study, which is needed for a diagnosis of sleep apnea, your physician will determine the appropriate CPAP pressure required to prevent airway obstruction.
However, this pressure setting is not necessarily set in stone. Changes in your weight, health, and sleep position may affect your pressure settings. Also, pressure settings that are too high may be difficult to tolerate, which would lead to non-compliance with CPAP therapy.
If CPAP pressure is too high, it can lead to certain side effects and trouble sleeping. Usually, if your CPAP pressure is too high, you may experience certain symptoms.
Seven Clear Signs Your CPAP Pressure Needs to be Lowered
If your CPAP pressure is too high and needs to be lowered, you may experience one or more of the symptoms below.
Difficulty Exhaling
When the pressure is too high, you'll feel like you need to exhale against the pressure and force the air out instead of naturally exhaling. Everyone has a different respiratory rate, exhalation time, and volume of air they breathe in. When CPAP pressure is too high, it disrupts the natural rhythm of your breathing, making exhalation feel difficult or forced instead of natural.
Mask Leaks and Noise
Air pressure from your CPAP should gently inflate your mask cushion and create a seal. When the pressure is too high, it can force air underneath the mask cushion. This lifts the mask edges and breaks the seal, leading to mask leaks and noise.
Aerophagia (Air swallowing)
CPAP is meant to keep your airways open. It is not meant to inflate your stomach. However, if the pressure is too high, especially if you're lying flat, the excess air may take the path of least resistance. Instead of going into your trachea, it may go into your stomach. This can lead to gas and bloating.
Dry Mouth and Nose
A common symptom of CPAP use is a dry nose and mouth from the stream of pressurized air. When the air pressure is high, it may dry out the inside of the mouth or nose even more. Learn more about dry mouth here.
Eye Irriation
High-pressure settings may force the mask to lose its seal. When this occurs, air may leak out around the mask and blow towards the eyes. Eye dryness and irritation can develop.
Discomfort/Anxiety
Feeling as if too much pressure is coming at you can make some people anxious. If you have difficulty exhaling against high pressure, this can also lead to discomfort. Mask leaks and nose and eye irritation can also contribute to overall discomfort when CPAP levels are too high.
Frequently Waking Up
Feeling as if too much pressure is coming at you can make some people anxious. If you have difficulty exhaling against high pressure, this can also lead to discomfort. Mask leaks and nose and eye irritation can also contribute to overall discomfort when CPAP levels are too high.
What to Do If You Need to Lower Your CPAP Pressure
Several strategies may help if you need to lower your CPAP pressure Consider one or more of the options below.
- Utilize the Ramp Feature: The ramp feature on your CPAP machine automatically adjusts the CPAP pressure as you fall asleep. The pressure starts low and will gradually increase as you fall asleep to maintain an open airway. This may help prevent the feeling that you're being blasted with air at the start and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Consider a Different Pressure Mode: Different CPAP modes change when and how the pressure is delivered. For example, switching to an expiratory pressure relief mode can lower your exhalation pressure, which may ease the difficulty of exhaling. Changing modes may help breathing feel more natural.
- Make Mask Style Adjustments: Masks vary in how they distribute the pressure. For instance, nasal masks distribute air pressure across the nose, while nasal pillows deliver it directly into the nostrils. Switching to a different mask style may improve air pressure distribution and the seal.
- Pro Tip! Having trouble finding the perfect mask for you? The CPAP Shop has partnered with MaskFit AR to offer hassle-free, personalized shopping recommendations that will help you find the perfect CPAP mask to fit your needs. Simply answer some questions, scan your face, and we’ll help you find the right mask for you. Find your mask now!
- Increase Humidification: Most CPAP machines have built-in humidification. If you're experiencing a dry nose and mouth or irritation, consider increasing your humidification to see if that helps alleviate the symptoms.
- Track Your Specific Symptoms and Talk with Your Doctor: It's always your best bet to discuss CPAP pressure symptoms and side effects with your doctor. Make note of your symptoms when they occur and how frequently and discuss pressure adjustments with your doctor.
Conclusion
Consistently wearing your CPAP and sticking to your therapy is essential to prevent complications of sleep apnea. In addition to the correct pressure settings, using the right CPAP equipment is also crucial to the success of your treatment. Please visit The CPAP Shop to purchase your CPAP masks and accessories!
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