CPAP Help

There are other services that may help with CPAP tolerance:

• CPAP mask desensitization

• CPAP mask fitting

• CPAP pressure readjustment

Problems with CPAP or BiPAP

The most common problems are:

• Mouth air leaks

- Dry mouth is the main symptom

- Causes poor sleep quality, morning tiredness

- Difficult to treat, treatments are full face masks, chin straps,

or lowering the pressure

• Mask discomfort

- Any discomfort will wake you up!

- Try to make the mask comfortable with adequate air seal before

you fall asleep

• Claustrophobia

- Certain masks cause less claustrophobia, ie. nasal pillows

- Ask your doctor or the sleep center regarding CPAP desensitization

• Excessive pressure or difficulty exhaling

- Your doctor may temporarily lower the pressure to make it more tolerable; this may be increased later

• Water condensation inside the CPAP tubing

- This problem occurs during winter and should resolve when the

room temperature gets warmer in spring and summer

- Use an insulation or a cover for the CPAP tubing

- Decrease the temperature of the heated humidifier

- Put the machine at a lower level than the bed

- Water should drain back to the humidifier chamber

- Use a longer hose and leave it next to your body; your body will keep the tube warm