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5 Reasons Why People Fail at Using CPAP

2/15/2011

5 Reasons Why People Fail at Using CPAP

2/15/2011

CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. It is a machine that uses a mask of some type to deliver a specific pressure of air to help keep the airway open. The problem with CPAP therapy is that it does take getting used to in order to be successful in using it nightly. There are some very specific reasons that people fail to be able to adjust to it and there a definitely ways to overcome these obstacles to be successful and feel better.

There is a lack of communication. Many patients are afraid they are disturbing someone if they call when they are having issues with their CPAP. The truth is that if you want to be successful using your machine you need to communicate your issues with a professional. Depending on who you are working with you should call your doctor, the company that set up the machine or the sleep lab who performed your study. There can be many issues but if no one knows you are having problems then the problem can not be fixed.
You have the wrong mask. If you had a sleep study where they fit you with a mask you must remember that you were only there for a short time. A mask might seem right during the study but may not fit as well at home. You may also find that although the mask is good the first couple of night after wearing it for a week it may not be as comfortable. In most cases insurance will pay for a change of mask during the first 2-4 weeks after your machine is delivered. This may not be true for those who have an HMO where the insurance company may dictate which mask you are given. In those cases it may benefit you to purchase a mask that might fit you better. It may cost you but it will be worth it in the end. Also those who have sensitive spots from the mask may benefit from having two masks to rotate through to change the pressure point.
You do not use the humidifier. Many patients think that the humidifier is an optional piece of equipment but it is not. It is essential that you use the humidifier and that you set it to the appropriate setting. In the winter you will need more humidification then during the summer due to the air being dryer. If you do not get enough humidity you will find your mouth, nose and sinuses will get sore, swollen. You may also find that you will develop a stuffy nose due to the welling of the nasal tissue and the increase of mucus being secreted to deal with it.
The pressure is too high or too low. The goal of the sleep lab is to find the lowest pressure needed to eliminate most of your respiratory events. However, just because they achieved a final pressure does not mean that it is the best pressure for you. Remember you are only in the sleep lab for one night and it is not the optimal sleep conditions. You are wearing wires, sleeping in a strange bed and it is usually the first time you have ever tried on a CPAP mask. The pressure achieved may be a little high or a little low. It may be that you need a higher pressure then you can handle. No matter what the issue there are certain procedures that must be followed before lowering the pressure. You will probably be asked to try a different mask. This is to see if the issue is not pressure but comfort. You may then have to see the sleep specialist before he is willing to turn you pressure down. This is because he is ultimately responsible for making sure your care is the best you can receive.
You did not give yourself enough time. This is long term therapy. That means you will be using this equipment for a long time. So give yourself a little time to get used to it. For the first few days if you feel uncomfortable wearing it at night. Put it on while you are sitting in your recliner in the living room. Wear it for about an hour. Get used to it. Then increase your time wearing it. Usually be the end of the first one or two weeks you should be ready to sleep with it.

CPAP therapy is an important part of keeping you healthy if you have sleep apnea. Giving up before you give the therapy some time will do nothing to improve your health and in the long run can have very serious consequences. Remember your doctor and the people who have worked with you want you to be successful.

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5 Quick Fixes for the Top CPAP Problems

3/30/2010

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CPAP therapy is the “gold standard” for treating obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA. For some of the people who use CPAP it is very difficult to use every night. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is a lack of education. With this in mind there are five things that you can try that may help you being more successful with your CPAP.

You can start using it little by little. For the first couple of days try wearing you CPAP while watching the evening news. Make sure you are in a comfortable position such as sitting in your recliner. The reason for this is because it is less intimidating then lying in a dark room telling yourself you must fall asleep with this strange machine attached to you. Once you have been able to sit for 30 minutes increase it to an hour. Usually if you can use the machine for an hour you can move to the bed and all asleep with it.
Clean the mask properly. Many people are not taught how to properly clean their mask. Using the improper technique can lead to your skin breaking down, red marks on your face or a rash where the mask and headgear sit on your face. You should wash the part of the mask that sits on your face every day with a gentle soap like ivory, rinse it very well then air dry it. Your headgear, hose, humidifier chamber and the full mask is washed once a week. Again you should use a gentle soap, rinse well and then disinfect it. Many companies sell a product you can use or you can use the old fashion method. Use 1 part white distilled vinegar and three parts water, soak for 20 minutes, rinse well then air dry. Just make sure you rinse the equipment well enough or you will smell the vinegar all week.
Humidification is essential to reduce swelling and congestion in the nose. Many people do not use or underuse their humidifier because of rain out or water in the tubing. If you create a sleeve for the tube using flannel and some fabric glue you can help to reduce the rain out.
Leaking masks do not help anyone sleep better. Many people will put their mask on before turning on the machine. They then tighten the mask down too tight. This actually increases the leak rather then decreases it. Most of the new masks are designed to create an air seal against the skin. If the CPAP is not on this pocket does not inflate. If you over tighten the mask it will crush this pocket keeping it from keeping it from sealing properly.
Ask for help. You have a team that is supporting you. Take advantage of that team especially if you are having problems. Talk to your DME provider, your sleep lab or your sleep specialist. They are there to help you be successful. If you need a new mask or have questions they are there for you. They can get you a new mask if you need one. They may also be able to look at other therapy for you including BILEVEL therapy or oral appliances. Find support websites and local support groups. These will allow you to talk to someone who is outside your care group and will also allow you to find other patients who may be able to share what they did to overcome your problem.

CPAP therapy is designed to help you live a healthier life. It is long term care for the person who is using it and for the person who sleeps with him or her. It reduces snoring, apnea, and airway resistance. It does take some getting used to but in the end the energy and better health you experience from using your CPAP on a regular basis will be worth it.

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5 Reasons Why People Fail at Using CPAP

5 Reasons Why People Fail at Using CPAP

5 Quick Fixes for the Top CPAP Problems

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