Sleep Associates

Compare the features of some cpap machines

CPAP tips from CPAP Central

I am having trouble with Nasal Congestion when I use CPAP. What can be done to alleviate this?

Many patients exhibit nasal congestion during CPAP use. Recent clinical studies point to mouth leaks or mouth breathing as the main cause. As the CPAP airflow and moist expired air rushes from the mouth, the nose is stripped of its supply of moisture normally supplied by the expired air. In a futile attempt to provide moisture in the nasal cavity, vessels fill with blood trying to create moisture for the next inspiratory breath. The congestion caused by this blood flux narrows the airway, increasing the resistance. As the nasal resistance increases, CPAP pressure has to increase as well to make the effective airway splint.

Patients with mouth leaks will increase the nasal resistance just as any nasal problems due to allergies, nonspecific rhinitis, or nasal pathology such as polyps.

Using Heated Humidification will alleviate nasal resistance from mouth leaks thereby reducing the need to increase CPAP pressure to compensate for the nasal congestion.
Chinstraps can be used to prevent mouth leaks.
Patients with chronic nasal congestion due to allergies, rhinitis, etc. should talk to their physician about the possible need of a nasal spray.

What is the best way to get a good fit with my CPAP mask?

When fitting the CPAP mask/headgear to your face:

Turn the machine on
Place the headgear on your head, loosely
Lie down on your back
Then gently adjust the straps until no leaks are found

Note: Do not overtighten...this makes the mask collapse and may cause leakage as well as discomfort.

My nasal pillows tend to irritate the inside of my nose. What can I do for this?

If your nose is getting "chapped" from the nasal pillows, try putting Carmex on the outside of the pillows. This will soften the surface, may help decrease air leaks, and it has a pleasant scent .

More tips:

Use a steady bedside table, large enough to accommodate your CPAP unit, humidifier, and bedside lamp.

It is not a good idea to keep your CPAP unit on the floor where it will be exposed to more household dust and could become a safety hazard.

Position the unit so that the air hose can be draped over the head of the bed, with plenty of slack, to allow you freedom of movement during sleep.

Keep your air filter free from blankets, curtains, or anything else that could block the free flow of air to the CPAP unit.

Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.

Don't have a clock visible during the night.

Wash your face before putting on your mask. Facial oils will impair the seal.

Don't drink alcohol within two hours of bedtime. Alcohol impairs the quality of sleep.

Eliminate caffeine products from your diet within six hours of bedtime.

Tips for proper cleaning:

Baby shampoo-- use for daily or weekly cleaning of mask or nasal pillows and tubing.

Distilled water--use for cool and heated humidifiers. Distilled water helps avoid mineral build-up inside the humidity chamber.

Surge protector--use to plug in your equipment to protect from power surges.

White vinegar--use every three months to clean mask or nasal pillows and tubing.

Clean humidifier chambers with hot, soapy water. Rinse the chamber with hot water and towel dry.

Comfort tips:

Saline nasal spray--use for nasal dryness.

Carmex or vitamin E ointment--use for nasal pillow irritation.

Vicks Vapor steam solution--one drop in the humidifier for sinuses. (Check with your doctor first! Do not use too much!)

Cosmetic sponges, Duoderm or Moleskin under mask--use over sore area to protect until healed. Loosen mask.

When to call your DME:

Know your replacement schedule for cpap supplies!

Mask and headgear--replace every 6 months.

Nasal pillows--every 6 months.

Disposable filter for your CPAP machine--every 6 months.

Reusable filter--every 6 months.

Chin strap--every 6 months.

Replacement schedule for Medicare insurance:

Mask--every 3 months.

Headgear--every 6 months.

Nasal pillows--every month.