Frequently Asked Questions  [ Return to  About Sleep Apnea  ]

CPAP - How does it work?

 

How will OSA treatment affect my life?

 

How long will it take to get used to CPAP Therapy?

 

How long should it take before I notice an improvement?

 

What should I do if I find my CPAP noisy?

 

I've just started CPAP Therapy and it's irritating my nose.

 

I'm finding that my airways feel cold, dry and irritated. What can I do?

 

Why do I sometimes feel bloated after using my CPAP?

 

Do I need to wear my CPAP every night?

 

CPAP - How does it work?

CPAP Therapy applies positive air pressure through a face mask, holding the upper airway open and preventing collapse during sleep.

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How will OSA treatment affect my life?

CPAP Therapy should not interfere with your lifestyle. The unit is only used whilst you are asleep. The units available are quite small, quiet and travel easily. Many units have an internal voltage converter so that they can be used in virtually any country. Some units also have the capability of being run from 12V or 24V batteries (with appropriate adaptor). There are also many ‘low-profile’ masks available, so that you may read or watch television comfortably before going to bed.
CPAP Therapy can have a very positive effect on your life. Many people report feeling less sleepy during the day, having greater amount of energy and stamina, and having a much more refreshing sleep when they use their CPAP unit regularly.

 

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How long will it take to get used to CPAP Therapy?

Every person is different and there is no determined answer for how long it will take you to get used to CPAP therapy. You can take steps to increase your comfort from the start of your therapy. Trial a CPAP unit to find the right one for you and your lifestyle. Trial masks and headgear, and when you have found one that suits you, have it properly fitted. This will decrease the chance of leaks and discomfort associated with an ill-fitting mask. For many, the use of a humidifier can greatly increase the comfort of CPAP therapy.

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How long should it take before I notice an Improvement?

You should not be snoring with the use of your CPAP.
If your previous symptoms persist, contact your doctor or AIR LIQUIDE Healthcare representative. Our experienced customer support teams can offer trouble-shooting advice for many of your day-to-day concerns.
Some people feel an immediate improvement after using their CPAP treatment. Others do not feel as dramatic a difference. The most important factor is that your OSA is being treated and you are eliminating the negative effects it has on your body.

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What should I do if my CPAP unit is noisy?

Sometimes placing your unit on a piece of foam or carpet can reduce the vibrations that cause noise. Humidifiers may also act as a muffler to reduce the noise from the machine. Sometimes the mask is the cause of the noise, not the machine. If the ports or holes in the mask are being partially blocked, they may whistle. Some masks are made specifically to reduce noises of this type.
Trialling your equipment before making a decision can help you to find what unit and mask works best for your lifestyle.

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I've just started CPAP Therapy and it's irritating my nose.

Sometimes the mask can cause irritation at the bridge of the nose or on the skin. You should not tighten your headgear excessively. The mask should be just tight enough to prevent air leaks, but still comfortable. Rather than tightening the straps of your headgear, readjust the mask so that it sits comfortably and correctly your face. If the discomfort persists, call your AIR LIQUIDE Healthcare representative to arrange for a complimentary mask re-fitting. Sometimes the problem is the mask itself. You may choose to try on or trial other masks that may be more comfortable. If you find that the inside of your nose is dray or sore, we can provide you with NozOil – a pharmaceutical grade form of sesame oil that protects and heals irritated and damaged nasal tissue.

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I'm finding that my airways feel cold, dry and irritated. What can I do?

Because the air from your machine is travelling much faster to hold your airways open, this can cause a cool, drying effect on the air passages. Some people try to adjust to this, and over time some get used to it.
Another option is using a humidifier with your CPAP unit. There are two types of humidifier available: cold or pass-over types; and heated humidifiers. Many people find the heated humidifier to be the most effective at providing relief. It warms and moistens the fast moving air to make it more comfortable to breathe. It virtually eliminates the cool, dry irritation of the nose, mouth and throat.

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Why do I sometimes feel bloated after using my CPAP ?

This is usually the result of excess air being swallowed over the night. Sometimes slow deep breathing exercises with the machine on will help you to become used to the flow and not swallow the air.
Many CPAP units now come with a ramp or auto option. The ramp slowly increases to your optimal pressure over a nominated period of time, allowing you to fall asleep with more ease. Auto-titration is a highly sensitive setting that drops the pressure on exhalation to allow for more comfortable, natural breathing when sleeping.
If you experience on-going discomfort as a result of bloating, contact your AIR LIQUIDE Healthcare representative or your doctor for advice.

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Do I need to use my CPAP unit every night?

Do not stop your CPAP Therapy without the approval of your doctor. You should consult your doctor if you expect to be in a situation where you cannot use your CPAP unit overnight.
CPAP is a long-term therapy, helping to combat the symptoms of OSA. It is not a cure. Compliance to your CPAP therapy will provide you with the benefits of a good night’s sleep for as long as you use it.
It is recommended that you undergo a sleep study every two years. This will help to evaluate the effect of any lifestyle changes (for example, weight loss) that have occurred, and will ensure that you receive the optimal therapy prescription.

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Notice: All medical and therapeutic information and advice contained on this website is necessarily general in nature. The information and advice contained on this website should not be acted or relied upon without consultation with your physician or healthcare professional.