CPAP - Pathology

Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) involves sending pressurised air through a mask applied on the face (nose and / or mouth). This air intake keeps the upper airway open during sleep. Breathing becomes regular during sleep, snoring ceases: restful sleep is restored. Accordingly, the quality of life improves and reduces associated risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke as well as traffic accidents due to fatigue.


 

In the early days of CPAP therapy, some discomfort while breathing with the machine is normal. Try to control and relax your breathing in the first instance by breathing through the nose. With a little practice your breathing will become more synchronised and comfortable.

Sometimes the feeling of high pressure /a lot of wind can be caused by an unintentional leak. Re-check the mask and tube and humidifier setup to ensure everything is correct. 

To gradually get used to the sensation you can use therapy while awake, watching television for example.

Quite often your device starts at a lower pressure to enable you to fall asleep easily, this may adjust while you are asleep and deliver the appropriate pressure when required. 

Some people prefer to start at a higher pressure; however this should be discussed with your prescriber and can be adjusted by Air Liquide on receipt of a valid prescription.

If after a few days you do not get used to the pressure please contact our Customer Service team on 1800 24 02 02. 

Do you have a humidifier? If yes: it may not be set at the correct temperature. Try to increase the temperature. Generally the humidity level is adjusted on the screen of the device and is represented as a number, this may be represented by the symbol with small waves. The lower the number the less humidity, the higher the number the more humidification is given. 

If you are not using a humidifier: you can carry out a nasal wash with saline solution before CPAP treatment or consult your doctor or local pharmacist for other possible recommendations. You could discuss getting a humidifier prescribed with your physician.


 

You should adjust your mask to ensure that it is not over-tightened or causing you any discomfort. 

Depending on the frequency of any pain or discomfort you may need to be assessed for a change of mask. 

You may need to see your dentist to assess for any dental work which may be required.

Please contact our Customer Service team should the problem persist.


 

Hydration is important, drink plenty of water regularly, do nasal washes with saline solution. Refer to your CPAP prescriber to assess if a humidifier could be used to help relieve these symptoms. You may be able to use a lubricating nasal spray to give relief, please discuss this with your prescriber or pharmacist.

It takes time to get used to using a CPAP device. Set yourself the goal for using the machine every night. It can also help getting used to the treatment by wearing the device during the day if you are taking a nap. Awakenings are often caused by an increase in air flow that is caused by leakage if your mask is not properly adjusted and worn correctly.


 

If you struggle with sleep, you're not alone. Apply these tips to get the sleep you deserve. Before bedtime: 

Avoid stimulants: If caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol are consumed too close before bedtime, even in small doses, they can make your sleep lighter and increase your number of bathroom visits during the night. 

Eliminate distractions: If you catch yourself watching the clock, turn it around. If your pets keep you up, keep them in another room. If your phone vibrates, turn it off. 

You and your bed: Wear loose-fitting nightclothes and ensure your pillow and mattress are as comfortable as possible. 

Keep technology out of the bedroom: From phones to e-readers and tablets, limit technology use prior to bedtime, especially the hour before. 

Associate your bedroom with sleep: Avoid turning your bedroom into an office or activity room. Keep your bedroom for sleep, intimacy and relaxation. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark: The right atmosphere can help you fall asleep. Try earplugs, eye shades or a white noise machine to help reduce background noises. At night when you prepare to fall asleep: Stick to your sleep schedule. Regular sleep patterns are important. Ensure you get up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day, including on weekends. Allow yourself to feel sleepy: Go to bed when you feel sleepy, and be patient with yourself. If lying in bed awake makes you restless, leave the bedroom and go do something relaxing until you feel sleepy — then go back to bed and try again. Be careful with naps: If you wake up during the night, try cutting back on your daytime naps. If you nap, limit it to no more than 30 minutes. 

Throughout your day: Keep moving. Daily activity improves your nighttime sleep. Try to avoid vigorous exercise less than 3 hours before bed.


 

If you have gained or lost weight you should contact your doctor to assess the situation and possibly change the pressure settings of your device. If after the visit with your doctor you determine a change in pressure settings is required we must receive an updated prescription in order for us to change your pressures on your device.


 

Try to adjust your sleeping position. Sleeping at an incline might help. Many people find it helpful to sleep with their head up at an angle of about 30 degrees. A wedge pillow might also help or if possible raise the head of the bed. You may need to discuss this with your prescribing physician.

It is possible to add a humidifier to your device. This humidifier moistens and heats the air and may feel more comfortable. You may need to contact your prescriber if you wish to add a humidifier to your device as a prescription will be required.


 

It is safe to use your CPAP device when you have a cold. Good quality sleep is essential to recovering from sickness. If you have prolonged infection in the  nose, ear or sinus you should see your doctor: They may recommend that you stop the treatment until the infection has resolved itself or continue treatment despite infection. 

While you are suffering from a cold we recommend that you wash the mask and the tubing more frequently. In the event of having significant nasal obstruction, it may be necessary to change the mask to a model that covers both the nose and the mouth. Remember it is important to use your CPAP nightly as to go without therapy could make you sleepy the next day and may inhibit you from performing some tasks safely, such as driving, operating heavy machinery.