CPAP Machines: Helpful Tips For Use
There are alot of tricks that patients can try to help them to get better use from their CPAP machines. If you have difficulty wearing your CPAP at night, one of these tips may be the answer for you.
1. Use heated humidity. It really helps with the dry mouth that CPAP sometimes can cause. Learn how to adjust the humidity setting because the temperature and moisture in your house rises and falls with the seasons.
2. If you suffer from nasal allergies, nasal sprays like a nasal steroid can be very helpful. If your nasal passages are not clear it will be nearly impossible to wear a CPAP mask with success.
3. Do not tighten the mask too tightly on your face. When you do this you increase the risk of getting a sore where the mask hits your face. The mask is designed to float on your face. If you experience a little air leak, the machine can compensate for it. Small air leaks are not a problem as long as they do not bother you. Many times a leak will occur because a patient has not been fitted properly and is wearing a mask that is the wrong size for them. If this is the case, you should speak with the company who sold you the mask and they can help you to get another one.
4. Use the RAMP button when you awaken during the night. This allows the CPAP pressure to rise slowly.
5. If your machine has a Cflex button, you can adjust it. Cflex allows a slight reduction in your pressure when you breathe out, which can make using CPAP more comfortable. The most relief is given with a setting of 3, but you can experiment to see if another setting is the best for you.
Most issues with CPAP machines can be resolved by speaking with the equipment company who set you up. If you are still having difficulty with your CPAP machine, you should speak with your sleep physician. Your pressure may need adjusting and it will require an order from a doctor to do this.
