Continuous positive airway pressure machines, or CPAP machines, are essential equipment for those who experience sleep apnea. These machines use a hose and mask design to deliver constant oxygen to the brain and body during sleep.
While these machines are a highly effective and vital form of treatment, this equipment can also create unexpected difficulties for new users. To learn more about the most common issues CPAP machine users experience.
Air leaks
Air leaks are one of the most common issues CPAP machine users experience.
When the mask portion of a CPAP machine does not fit around a user’s face entirely, air can escape from the open edges of the mask. Leaks are also a common occurrence for sleepers who change their sleeping position often throughout the night.
The solution
Consulting with your CPAP manufacturer will help to prevent or stop air leaks. For example, masks can be adjusted to fit users’ faces better, or users can alter the pressure settings to help avoid leaking. Doctors may even recommend nasal pillows to help make sleeping with these machines more secure.
Air swallowing
Many CPAP users often cite gas issues when starting their CPAP treatment. These gastrointestinal problems are often the result of air swallowing that occurs during sleep. When users wake up feeling full or bloated, this is a typical sign of excess air swallowing during sleep.
The solution
Luckily, CPAP users can quickly reduce this condition by changing the pressure of CPAP machines to be lower. Once the air pressure of a CPAP machine is lower, oxygen will avoid entering the stomach instead of the body’s upper airways.
Skin irritation
Wearing a tight facial mask each night can take an inevitable toll on a CPAP user’s skin. People most commonly develop rashes or dry irritations at the bridge of their nose and under their chin while using these machines.
The solution
Since this is a prevalent issue with CPAP users, plenty of solutions are available to sleep with these machines more comfortably.
For example, CPAP creams, lotions, and mask lines can all help to reduce skin irritation and rashes. In addition, unique masks for CPAP users with facial hair are also available to prevent future discomfort during sleep.
Difficulty falling asleep
New users of CPAP machines commonly struggle to fall asleep with this equipment.
People with sleep apnea are tasked with the challenge of adapting to having a mask, hose, and entire airway machine by their bedside. The size, sound, and scale of this equipment can make falling asleep a difficult endeavor.
The solution
Time is the most effective treatment for this problem. The more that users wear their CPAP machine, the less overwhelming the equipment will become. Â
Regardless of CPAP users’ problems, these machines will help users achieve uninterrupted, restful sleep. Speak with your doctor if you have any additional concerns regarding your CPAP machine.
