Using PAP therapy could be exhausting and/or challenging, not only because it is a life changing experience, but it's simply a lot to get use to. Keep in mind that you are not alone about two-thirds of people prescribed PAP therapy understand it is a great long-term solution for their apnea. The following are a few tips to try, if you are having any of these issues.
Tips for PAP Therapy
-
Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose - Increase the humidification
-
Dry mouth - Increase the humidification, Ask for a mask fitting appointment from your sleep provider
-
Redness or irritation from the mask - Ensure mask is cleaned with water and mild dish detergent, Ask about a mask fitting appointment from your sleep provider
-
Leaks around the mask - Ask for a mask fitting appointment from your sleep provider, because you may need a different mask, Tighten the headgear
-
Claustrophobia - Try sitting up in a chair, during the day, while using the PAP machine to help get used to mask operations, ask about different mask options
-
Too much pressure - Inform your sleep provide and ask if there can be a temporary drop in pressure, try sitting up in a chair, during the day, while using the PAP machine to help you to get used to it, try the ramp function which allows a lower pressure and gradually increases over a period of time
-
Excessive Water in the Tube - Decrease the humidification setting, Use a heated hose OR insulate the hose
**If you or your partner are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your primary care physician and/or check with your insurance company for an in-network sleep provider.If you are unsure if you should see a provider, or if seeing a provider is not on your radar at this time, schedule a 30-min consultation for more information.