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Frequently Asked Sleep Therapy Questions

Will I have to sleep with this machine for the rest of my life?
Since there is not a cure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a CPAP or Bilevel machine must be used each night during sleep to effectively treat this condition. Fortunately, new and improved products are released continually making it much easier for patients to tolerate and benefit from the therapy.

How long will it take before I get used to falling asleep with my CPAP/Bilevel machine.
This varies from patient to patient, however, on average, it may take two to four weeks for a person to acclimate to and benefit from their sleep therapy regimen. Motivation is a big factor in determining success, and comfort, comfort, comfort
is the goal in order to relax and get good, quality sleep.

How often do I need to replace my mask?
There are two factors that may help to extend the life of a mask/delivery device:
The mask should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s recommendations with regular frequency.
The patient’s face should be washed each night to avoid excess oils and dirt.
The minimum life of a mask/delivery device should be at least six months and should be replaced at least once a year.

What does it mean if I wake up gasping for air?
This is a classic symptom that you may still be experiencing some obstruction(s). If this occurs more than once, notify your sleep lab or physician immediately. You may need to have the pressure setting adjusted.

What does it mean if I still wake up tired?
This is another classic symptom that you are still experiencing obstructions, apneas, or both. You should notify your sleep lab or physician immediately. You may need to have the pressure setting adjusted.

Why do I have a runny or stuffy nose?
These are common side effects from your nasal airways becoming dried out or irritated by the constant air flow. One of the functions of your nose is to warm and moisten the air as you breathe it in. When a patient begins using a CPAP/Bilevel machine, their nose often over-compensates secretion production in order to maintain humidification of the air entering their airways resulting in a stuffy or runny nose. An option would be to add or increase heated humidification as needed to help acclimate to the effects of the constant airflow required for therapy. If increase humidification does not resolve the issue, you should notify your physician.

Why do I wake up with a dry mouth, or a dry, scratchy throat?
This may occur if you have inadequate humidification. You may, in this case, also experience mouth-venting (air escaping out of the mouth during therapy). Adding or increasing heated humidification should help to resolve these issues. If increasing humidification does not resolve the mouth-venting, an option would be to add and wear a chinstrap. If these options do not resolve the issue, you should consult your physician.

Why do I wake up with dry, irritated eyes?
Typically, this occurs from a mask leak towards the top of your mask that allows the constant airflow to pass over the eyes drying them out and causing irritation. Eliminate the leak around the eyes as much as possible without over-tightening the mask. If the mask is over six months old, you may want to consider replacing it.

Is it normal to feel “smothered” or “claustrophobic” with my mask on?
The key to having success with sleep therapy is developing a level of comfort with the mask/delivery device. For some people, it takes some time to acclimate themselves to being able to tolerate certain types of masks. Some patients may need to utilize desensitization exercises in order to acclimate to using the mask/delivery device. If you require assistance with this or if you would like to explore your options for alternate delivery devices, then call our Landmark office and discuss this with one of our clinicians.

Why do I wake up with water in my mask?

1. Make sure that you do not fill your humidifier chamber above the fill line and that your humidifier is placed level with or lower than where you are sleeping.
2. Condensation can occur when the difference between your bedroom air temperature and the temperature in your CPAP tubing is widened (especially in the summer months when the air-conditioning is on). You may need or want to decrease the setting on your heated humidifier if this is happening.
3. If you require the increased level of humidity, but the condensation problem persists, then it may be beneficial to insulate the CPAP tubing, Call the Landmark office to discuss the possibility of adding a Tubing Insulation Sleeve to your system.

If I get a cold or the flu, should I stop using my machine?
No, you should continue to use your machine. Obviously in some cases this may not be possible. For example, if you have a severely blocked nose and cannot breathe through a nasal mask/delivery device. If this is the case, you may want to stop using the machine until you are able to breathe through your nose again. If you are suffering from a chest infection or a blocked/sore ear, consult your physician before restarting your sleep therapy.