Common Problems in Using CPAP
1. Will CPAP cause harm to the body?
The CPAP machine itself will not cause harm to the body, but improper use or complications may cause some problems.
2. How long does it take to use the CPAP machine?
The timing of CPAP use depends on the patient’s condition. Some patients may only need a few days, while others may need weeks or even months.
3. What can I get from CPAP therapy?
Successful CPAP users will have improvements in many aspects:
- Energy and motivation
- Work performance
- Mood
- Sexual desire and sexual ability
- Alertness when driving
- Quality of life
- Sleep quality
4. What risks may I have if sleep apnea is not treated?
Patients who do not use CPAP may increase the complications related to OSA:
- Hypertension (OSA increases the risk of hypertension by 5 times that of normal people)
- Stroke
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
CPAP Problems And Solve Tips
1. Skin Allergies and Nasal Ulcers
Estimated Cause: Exhaled breath stimulation
Solutions: Remove oil from both sides of the nose, which will disappear within a few hours after getting up
Estimated Cause: Nasal mask compressed
Solutions: Partial padding with paper towels
Estimated Cause: Nasal mask too small
Solutions: Replace the nasal mask with a suitable one
Estimated Cause: Headband too tight
Solutions: Adjust the tightness of the headband
Estimated Cause: Allergic skin
Solutions: Consult a doctor and discontinue use if necessary
2. Dry mouth, dry nose, nosebleed
Estimated Cause: Insufficient humidity
Solutions: Increase room temperature and use a humidifier
Estimated Cause: Insufficient pressure/Excessive pressure
Solutions: Contact your doctor to adjust your pressure
Estimated Cause: Habitual mouth breathing
Solutions: Gradually adapt, and you can get better
Estimated Cause: Improper use of medication
Solutions: Avoid taking medications that cause dry mouth
3. Sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, nasal congestion, general discomfort
Estimated Cause: Severe septal deviation, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis
Solutions: Use CPAP after surgical correction of deformity
Estimated Cause: Cold air irritates the nasal mucosa and induces allergic rhinitis
Solutions: Use a humidifier and nasal ephedrine drops before bedtime
Estimated Cause: Common cold
Solutions: Suspend use during the acute phase
Estimated Cause: The dust filter is covered with dust
Solutions: Cleaning and replacing the dust filter
4. Hiccups, bloating, chest tightness
Estimated Cause: Mouth breathing into the esophagus
Solutions: Contact a doctor to reduce stress and take oral medication for symptomatic treatment
5. Eye irritation or conjunctival hyperemia
Estimated Cause: Leakage above the nasal mask
Solutions: Adjust the tightness of the headband and the position of the nose mask
6. Feeling of fear
Estimated Cause: Lack of coordination between human and machine, excessive ventilation, conscious breath holding, psychological tension
Solutions: Contact your doctor and adjust your blood pressure using the boost function
7. Automatically remove the mask to interrupt treatment at night
Estimated Cause: Insufficient pressure/Excessive pressure
Solutions: Contact your doctor to adjust your pressure
Estimated Cause: CPAP Reasons
Solutions: Choosing Auto CPAP or BiPAP
8. Headache
Estimated Cause: Transient vasodilation
Solutions: It may disappear on its own within two weeks
Estimated Cause: Too high pressure
Solutions: Contact your doctor to adjust your pressure
Estimated Cause: Headband too tight
Solutions: Adjust the tightness of the headband
Estimated Cause: Accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus and dizziness
Solutions: It is not caused by CPAP. Please go to the hospital for treatment
9. Water accumulation in pipes
Estimated Cause: The humidifier is too high, and water flows back into the machine.
Solutions: The humidifier should be placed below the head.
Estimated Cause: The humidifier is filled with water exceeding the maximum water level
Solutions: The water filling cannot exceed the maximum water level
Estimated Cause: The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the pipeline is large, and condensation is formed.
Solutions: Increase indoor temperature
10. Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep (elderly)
Estimated Cause: Changes in sleep structure, increased deep sleep
Solutions: Gradually adapt, and you can get better
