Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, it only works if patients use it. Current research shows that about 34% of people on CPAP for OSA aren’t consistent with their nighttime treatment.
Our sleep medicine specialists, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel, at Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, know that many people give up on CPAP therapy too soon because of the discomfort. That’s why they teach their patients how to adjust their CPAP machine to improve comfort and compliance at their CPAP clinic.
Before giving up, learn how to adjust your CPAP machine and sleep better.
CPAP therapy uses air pressure to keep the airway open to improve breathing while sleeping. Treatment requires a mask that covers the nose, mouth, or both that’s connected to a machine that delivers the forced air into the airway.
It’s a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway. The positive pressure from CPAP keeps the throat open, preventing the disruptions in breathing and sleep that occur with OSA.
Some people have a hard time sleeping with CPAP therapy due to mask discomfort or noise from the machine. However, a few adjustments may resolve these issues.
Finding the right mask for CPAP therapy is key to comfort. First, you need the right type of mask. If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, the full mask that covers the mouth and nose may work best. For nose breathers and those who find the full mask claustrophobic, we may recommend the nose mask, also called the nasal pillow.
Finding the right size mask also improves function. The sleep technicians at our CPAP clinic help you with sizing and show you how to adjust the mask for a better fit. If your mask doesn’t fit right, you may wake up with a dry nose or irritated skin.
Some people dislike the force of the air from the CPAP machine. In this case, we may try a machine that uses varying levels of pressure for inhaling and exhaling or a machine that auto-adjusts to your breathing pattern.
CPAP machines are quiet, but blocked filters and air leaks may cause noise that affects sleep. Keep the filter clean, and check the mask and tubing for leaks to prevent sleep-disrupting sounds. Noise from your machine may mean the motor is worn out or damaged and in need of a replacement.
CPAP therapy takes time to get used. Don’t give up too soon. If you’re not adjusting to therapy as quickly as you’d like, call us so we can make adjustments to your machine. We can try different masks, machines, or therapies.
For OSA patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy, we may consider SomnoGuard®, an oral appliance that moves the jaw forward to keep the airway open. Oral appliances are custom-made to fit your mouth, improving comfort and function.
We also offer Inspire® Therapy, a mask and hose-free option for OSA that uses an implanted device to stimulate the airway muscles, keeping the passageway open.
Are you having a hard time adjusting to your CPAP machine? Let us help. Call our office today at 732-356-9950 or request an appointment online. Our sleep experts can talk to you about your treatment and provide recommendations after an evaluation.
