Althoughh, surgery may help some with airway obstruction which leads to sleep apnea; CPAP remains one of the most effective treatments provided. Then why are so many people not following their prescribed orders for CPAP? It is more than a shame, when a disorder which could result in death, and has a treatment which can help, is not followed.
Listed below are a number of those reasons, with one or two clues as to how these problems can be mitigated.
Mask discomfort
This problem is usually caused by an ill-fitting mask. The mask should fit snuggly so there are no airleaks, but not tight enough that pain should result. One of the signs of an ill fitting mask are sores on your nose. The remedy for a mask which doesn't fit, is to find a different manufacturer. Not every mask fits every nose, so one might have to experiment a bit.
Nasal congestion, irritation or runny nose
The use of a humidifier with CPAP usually eliminates this symptom. So make sure a humidifier is used along with the CPAP. Other people may have allergies initially, which are exaccerbated with the CPAP. These symptoms can usually be controlled through prescriptions providerd by your physician. Additionally, though not as effective there are masks which also cover the nose. Air leaks become more problematic, however.
Difficulty breathing through your nose
If caused by allergies, see the above paragraph. However, a deviated septum is at times the cause of problems with nose breathing. In this case, an ENT specialist can be consulted and will help.
Headache or ear pressure
Most headaches disappear as a result of CPAP; however, sometimes a cold or other congestion may temporarily cause this symptom. One can try OTC antihistamines or nasal decongestants. If this is ineffective, contact the sleep specialist who can also help you.
Inadvertently taking mask off during night
This usually happens when a patient is new to the CPAP experience. Usually, as one continues to adjust to the mask, this problem disappears. Taking Benadryl or other OTC sleeping aid may help one sleep through the night, until adjusted to the CPAP. One should always consult with the physician prior to taking any medications, this includes OTC.
Air in the stomach
Though decreasing the pressure may help this problem, do not do this unless your sleep specialist agrees. Adjusting the bed is a strategy that helps many patients. However, do not adjust the head of the bed by adding pillows, as this may cause the neck to jut forward, thus causing obstruction problems.
Air is too cold
A heated humidifier will eliminate this problem
CPAP is too noisy
Generally, the CPAP is quieter than the noisy and disruptive snoring which the patient previously experienced. However, sometimes a person has an older machine, and the noise can be alleviated by switching to one of the newer, more quieter models.
Reattaching mask during night is too much trouble
If you have to go to the bathroom during the night, don't detach the mask; but the tubing only. This eliminates the trouble of having to fit the mask during the night; especially when very tired.
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