Adjust Your Mask Fit: A well-fitting CPAP mask can help you avoid dry eyes. If you need to over-tighten your headgear just to get a good seal, you may benefit from trying another cushion size or a different mask.
There is now four general proximate pathways and targets for therapy by which one might develop recurrent apneas and hypopneas, the signature features of sleep disordered breathing (Figure 1).
Stimulation lead: The cuff electrodes in the stimulation lead deliver gentle nerve stimulating electrical currents that cause the base of the tongue to move forward and open the upper airway.
Nasal mask. This mask will cover your face from the bridge of the nose to the top of your upper lip, creating a seal over your nose but not your mouth. The AAST recommends nasal masks for people who want a more conterraneo-feeling airflow than they’d get with nasal pillows.
Use Ice or Heat: If you experience discomfort or the area is slightly swollen, apply a cold, wet compress to your face. Your doctor may also encourage you to try a warm compress if you develop an open wound, have CPAP acne, or develop an active infection.
Your Pressure Needs Adjusting: If you have addressed all the other potential causes of shortness of breath and are still struggling, it may be a sign that your CPAP pressure is too high.
Drink a Glass of Water: If your throat is feeling dry, it can be helpful to keep a glass of water beside your bed to calm that throat tickle and ease the dryness.
What are the benefits of CPAP? CPAP is a safe and effective treatment for people with sleep apnoea. You should sleep better after using it. Treatment often improves how well you function in the day, with better concentration and improved behaviour in children.
A CPAP device can cause anxiety for patients, especially those who are prone to claustrophobia. Some patients may even experience a severe emotional response to a CPAP mask, such as having a panic attack. These patients can also experiment with oral appliance therapy as an alternative.
A CPAP machine holds your airway open by gently blowing air into your breathing passages at a set pressure.
"I found the masks heavy and hard to sleep with, but the pillows are comfortable and less obtrusive," he says.
Light sleepers may be unwilling to continue with CPAP treatment due to sleep disruptions. Patients who don't take well to CPAP may prefer using Inspire to treat their sleep apnea.
Whether your doctor has just recommended CPAP or you’ve been struggling with the treatment, here’s how to get the most out of this therapy. How CPAP Machines Work
Base of tongue collapse is recognized as a significant site of obstruction in patients with OSA and is often underappreciated. There may also be read more an associated epiglottic contribution (64). Both of these will significantly increase CPAP pressure requirement and hence cause difficulty in tolerating this form of therapy.