This treatment creates an influx of air that opens the collapsed airway, and allows for unimpeded breathing. Unfortunately, CPAP is also the sleep apnea option that is often least tolerated by patients. When the machine is used properly and consistently, it works very well. The problem is, that wearing a mask to sleep every night is a daunting task, and more often than not, patients fail to comply with the directives and fail to wear the mask to sleep each night.
Oral appliance therapy is an excellent option. Instead of bulky tubes, machine noise, and claustrophobia inducing masks, oral appliances look like a retainer and are simply placed in the mouth during sleep.
Oral appliances, like CPAP masks, come in a variety of designs to create options for patients. The oral appliance is placed in the mouth much like an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouth guard. It is utilized during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the breathing passages stay open during sleep. As you can tell by the image above, oral appliances are much less cumbersome than CPAP masks.
Following good general sleep habits also is helpful. Exercise regularly and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Try to relax. For example, take a warm bath before you go to bed. Don't go to bed until you're tired. If you breathe through your mouth at night or sleep with your mouth open, some CPAP machines may worsen dry mouth. A chin strap may help keep your mouth closed and reduce the air leak if you wear a nasal mask.
A machine with a full face mask that covers your mouth and nose also may work well for you. A CPAP-heated humidifier that attaches to the air pressure machine also may help. It's not unusual to sometimes wake up to find that you've removed the mask in your sleep. If you move a lot in your sleep, you may find that a full face mask will stay on your face better.
You may have removed your mask while sleeping because you were uncomfortable. Consider trying a different type of mask that may fit you better. You may be pulling off the mask because your nose is congested. If so, ensuring a good mask fit and adding a CPAP-heated humidifier may help. A chin strap may help keep the mask on your face. If this is a consistent problem, consider setting an alarm for a time during the night so you can check whether the mask is still on.
You could progressively set the alarm for later in the night if you find that you're keeping the mask on longer.
Most new models of CPAP machines are almost silent. But if you find that your machine's noise is bothersome, first check to make sure the machine's air filter is clean and unblocked. Something in its way may worsen noise. Ask your doctor or CPAP supplier how to properly clean your mask and hose. If this doesn't help, have your doctor or CPAP supplier check the machine to ensure it's working properly.
If the machine is working correctly and the noise still bothers you, try wearing earplugs or using a white noise sound machine to mask the noise. Placing the CPAP machine as far away from the bed as possible also may help make any machine noise less noticeable.
Ask your doctor or CPAP supplier if extra tubing is available and right for your machine. Using a CPAP machine can be frustrating as you try to get used to it, but it's important that you stick with it. The treatment is essential to avoiding complications of obstructive sleep apnea, such as heart problems and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Work with your doctor and CPAP supplier to ensure the best mask fit and device for you. Regular visits to your sleep doctor are important and can help troubleshoot any problems and adjust settings, if needed. It can take a while to find the correct settings and get used to the mask. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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See more conditions. CPAP machines: Tips for avoiding 10 common problems. For this reason, n o CPAP user should be resigned to failure, because their healthcare provider truly does "have their back. The obvious risk is that you don't treat your sleep apnea and continue to suffer its impact on your health and well being.
Major concerns include cancer , brain damage , stroke , diabetes , heart disease , and other chronic, life-threatening conditions. CPAP isn't a "whenever you feel like it" treatment; you have to use it for it to work, and without it, you will go back to the original problems that sent you to the doctor in the first place.
But the second risk is that you may lose your CPAP machine and supplies because of noncompliance. So, for a week's time, that equals about 5 nights out of 7, and in a month's time, that equals about 21 nights out of Most private insurers cleave to a similar definition.
This definition isn't arbitrary, by the way. It exists to define the minimum amount of therapy shown by research to be effective for offsetting the dangerous cardiac problems that untreated sleep apnea can lead to.
Ultimately, the challenge is not about CPAP, but about how you will find the right therapy to correct your sleep breathing disorder. Generally, the go-to treatment usually starts with PAP therapy, but if it doesn't work for you, that's no reason to feel ashamed or give up.
The bright side. In that case, your "failure" may actually be grounds for an upgrade to a therapy you love! So don't take it personally Consult with your sleep specialist about all of your options, if you are concerned about CPAP intolerance. There truly is a treatment out there for everybody, and the best sleep centers will help you find what you need to be healthy and happy again.
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