CPAP is a crucial medical equipment, however, like other devices, CPAP can be sometimes difficult to handle, especially when you are feeling an uncomfortable experience during your CPAP therapy. Leaving those issues neglected can lead to many other major issues that can overall impact the functionality and smooth operation of your CPAP machine, which is highly crucial to getting proper treatment.
So if you are currently facing any issue regarding your CPAP machine, it is important to know what essential steps you need to take that can help in fixing your CPAP machine back to ensure that you are not compromising on your CPAP therapy effectiveness and most importantly your health.
In this guideline by Respiratory Zone, we will help you identify Common Issues with CPAP Machines and How to Fix Them that will help you achieve a peaceful night through uninterrupted breathing.
Understanding: Common Issues with CPAP Machines and How to Fix Them
Let us study in detail the factors that contribute to common issues with your CPAP machine that will help you deal with your machine in a better way.
1. Mask Discomfort
Problem:
Getting an uncomfortable mask is a common issue, as many people struggle with keeping their CPAP mask in one place throughout the whole night as there is mask is not well-fitted, other issues related to CPAP masks are having tight straps or skin irritation which makes them feel uncomfortable and often lead to not getting proper CPAP therapy.
Solution:
Before selecting the CPAP mask for your therapy, ensure that it is well-fitted, which means make sure that your mask doesn’t easily move and is most likely to stay in one place also it is not too tight, stretching your skin or causing any pain or uncomfortable experience.
Try different CPAP masks before jumping to the conclusion and purchasing your CPAP machine, there are different ranges of CPAP masks, which someone can choose according to their sleeping position and breathing pattern and enhance their comfort and ease for CPAP therapy and get a peaceful night. For additional comfort, you can also opt for silicon cushions or cloth liners as they are specially tailored for enhancing comfort.
Make sure that you are replacing your mask regularly and properly. Over time, there is a risk and a high possibility that they might not function as same if they get worn out.
2. Air Leaks
Problem:
Air leaks are a very common issue that can occur at times, especially when you are not properly inspecting your CPAP machine. This can impact the health and sleep quality of the user as they are not getting the effectiveness and benefits from the CPAP machine.
Solution:
The first and easiest thing that you can do is change the position adjustment of your CPAP mask and see if the issue is still is their.
Look if the components of your CPAP are not damaged such as cushion, headgear, or tubing, if you notice signs of worn-out or crack in any of these components, replace them immediately.
Neglecting cleanliness and maintenance of your CPAP mask can over time impact the mask and further lead to issues like receiving improper CPAP therapy as being careless about your mask can affect the mask seal and quality of your mask. To prevent this issue, make sure that you are cleaning your mask regularly at least once a week.
3. Dry Mouth or Nose
Problem:
Patients constantly rely on a CPAP machine especially those who want to improve their breathing condition or are suffering from severe health conditions like sleep apnea and need respiratory support most of the time.
This means that they require constant airflow, but this leads to one of the most common problems which is a dry mouth, which can be a very uncomfortable experience especially when you are new to CPAP therapy.
Solution:
Using a Humidifier can add moisture and help you in preventing the issue of dry mouth. Some CPAP contain built-in humidifiers or give you the option to use a humidifier as an optional and additional equipment to enhance your CPAP therapy experience. Also, you can adjust the setting of your humidifier according to your needs, comfort, and what works best for enhancing your therapy experience. If you are looking for another solution then you can opt for heated tubing as they also help in enhancing the therapy experience.
Look for a mask that is suitable for your breathing pattern and gives you a proper seal as neglecting these things can also cause mouth dryness.
Along with taking proper cpap therapy ensure that your body is hydrated. To increase your hydration level you can make a habit of drinking water before going to bed and drinking proper water intake during the day by following this simple habit, you can prevent dry mouth cpap problem.
4. Noise Disturbance
Problem:
Often CPAP machines and masks make noise especially when they are fully operated, which can disturb sleep and make it difficult to get quality sleep, especially who prefer to sleep in a quiet and peaceful environment.
Solution:
First of all, look closely and inspect your mask if it is creating a weird or whistling sound, as it is one of the major signs that your mask is damaged or not adjusted well and they are causing an air leak problem, adjust or replace your mask accordingly.
Using a CPAP hose cover can also help you in reducing the noise level and enhance your sleep quality. If you are constantly getting weird or strange sounds from your cpap machine, you can switch to the CPAP model that operates and functions quietly.
5. Feeling Claustrophobic
Problem:
If your mask is too large it can give you an uncomfortable experience of claustrophobia, which can compel you to not wear a mask at all.
Solution:
If you are new to CPAP therapy, it is always advised to wear the mask for a short interval at the beginning and as your body starts getting used to it you can slowly and gradually increase the time.
Look for the masks that feel comfortable to wear and do not feel like they are covering most of your mouth, there are different cpap available that are specially tailored for less coverage and a comfortable experience such as a Nasal pillow mask.
Taking deep breaths and relaxing your body through different mindfulness exercises can help your body be prepared for CPAP therapy.
6. Difficulty Falling Asleep
Problem:
If you have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea condition and are not used to the CPAP machine at all, then due to air pressure setting, you might find it difficult to sleep.
Solution:
Before jumping straight to increase air pressure setting, it is better to let your body take time to adjust to cpap therapy by gradually increasing pressure.
By making a habit of sleeping at a fixed time, your body starts adapting and preparing yourself to sleep on time. You can also try to listen to soothing music that calms your body and helps you sleep.
7. Skin Irritation or Pressure Sores
Problem:
A mask can cause skin irritation or marks, especially if it is not well fitted which will leave you with an uncomfortable experience.
Solution:
Inspect your Cpap mask carefully, and check its strap is not too tight.
If you have sensitive skin, it means you are more prone to skin irritation, to prevent this issue, opt for a Barrier cream that strengthens and improves your skin condition.
If you are feeling that you are getting constant pressure on your skin by your cpap mask, try changing between mask styles.
8. Machine-Related Troubles
Problem:
CPAP machine overtime might not work as it used to especially when you are not maintaining it well, which is why it can show errors or faults in the system.
Solution:
Look for error codes and take action accordingly for the smooth operation of your cpap machine.
Check if your device is plugged properly, and is not disconnected from the power source.
If the issue you are facing is persistent and it is impacting your CPAP therapy effectiveness, then it is better to get help from an expert such as a manufacturer or your healthcare specialist.
