CPAP – Q&A’s

My CPAP machine sounds too noisy

• The machine may be on a hard surface causing vibration – place on a
  mat.

My CPAP pressure seems too low

• Ramp time may be in use – wait for ramp time to finish, or turn ramp off.
• Air filter may be dirty. Replace air filter.
• Wipe face to ensure excess oils are removed from skin.

I am using an Auto machine but my CPAP pressure seems too high.

• Mask leaks may cause the machine to compensate by increasing
  pressure. Check for leaks & refit mask. Wipe over face to remove excess
  oils.

After using CPAP I wake with a dry, sore nose

• The air temperature may be too low causing dryness, try heated tubing
• You may try using a natural product to protect mucous membranes ie.
  Nozoil.
• A humidifier may be added to your machine

After using CPAP I wake with a dry, sore throat

• There may be mask leakage – ensure mask is fitting correctly with no or
  very few leaks.
• Your mouth may be open while sleeping – if a constant problem, you may use a chin strap
• A humidifier may be added to you machine.

After using CPAP I wake with sore eyes

• Usually caused by mask leakage – refit mask to resolve leaks. Ensure straps are
  not adjusted too tightly, this can cause excess leakage.

After using CPAP my nose is congested   

• A saline nasal solution may relieve this problem.
• Using CPAP without humidification may cause nasal congestions – you might like to add a humidifier

The tubing gets in my way while sleeping

• Ensure tubing leads up over your head while sleeping – you may place it
  on a hook on the bed-head or similar.

I have nasal congestion due to a cold/hayfever

• A nasal decongestant combined with a humidifier may be effective.
• If using a nasal mask or nasal pillow, you may request a full face mask for this time.

I am using a humidifier and waking with excessive water in the tubing

• The humidifier temperature may be too high – lower temperature level.
• The room temperature may be too low for current setting – lower humidifer temperture .

I am still snoring while sleeping

• Check for any mask leakage.
• If using a fixed pressure CPAP your pressure may be too low – see physician for review of settings
• Discuss lifestyle issues with physician ie. Weight loss, nutrition

I still experience tiredness during the day

• Check for excess mask leakage.
• Discuss lifestyle issues with physician ie. Weight loss, nutrition

Will I need to replace my equipment?

• Suppliers recommend replacing the entire mask annually, however, if your
  equipment is well maintained it will last longer.
• Individual mask parts may be replaced at any time.

Can I take my CPAP machine on holidays?

• CPAP should be continued when you go on holidays. Most CPAP machines can be used overseas or while camping. Most machines now operate on both 110 and 240 VAC as well as 12 VDC.