If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, chances are good that you have been told to wear a CPAP mask while you sleep in order to treat the condition. CPAP is an acronym that stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Typically, a face mask is connected to a pump and forces air into the nasal passages to stimulate proper breathing.
Here are some common questions our sleep disorders physicians are asked about CPAP along with their answers. If you are having trouble with your CPAP be sure to speak to your physician. Many sleep disorders labs have regularly scheduled CPAP clinics where patients can go and get their problems worked out.
My CPAP mask is uncomfortable and does not fit properly. What should I do?
Often times, patients have to try out a few different masks before they get a proper fit. Masks can also be individually adjusted to fit comfortably. If you are having problems contact your health care provider to see what can be done.
Is there one CPAP mask that fits all people?No, unfortunately there is not. Everyone’s facial shape and features are different, therefore there are a variety of masks available. It’s important you find the right one with the proper fit to ensure you are able to wear your CPAP consistently.
Do I need to wear my CPAP every night?
Consistency is the key in treating disorders such as sleep apnea. Therefore, it’s important to wear your mask every night. The more you wear it, the more you’ll get used to sleeping comfortably. Sleep apnea actually causes you to stop breathing several times during sleep and is therefore a very dangerous condition. It can cause stroke or heart attack if left untreated.
My throat gets dry when I use my CPAP. Is this normal?Yes, this is a common complaint. Many CPAP machines come with a humidifier control which helps control dry mouth. If your particular model does not have this function, ask your health care provider about upgrading or trading in your machine.
How long will it take my CPAP to become effective?Everyone is different, however, it can range from several weeks to a few months. It all depends on your diagnosis. The key is to wear your CPAP every night (or day if you are a shift worker) once you’re fitted. It will be uncomfortable and awkward at first, but once patients get into the habit, it becomes a routine part of sleep hygiene.
Dr. Adam Fisch joined JWM Neurology and is a board certified neurologist and sleep disorders medicine physician.
