CPAP & BiPAP | Oxygen
CPAP & BiPAP:
Machines | Supplies | Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting:
We realize CPAP therapy can be a difficult adjustment. Our team of Respiratory Therapists is here to assist you through that transition. We ask that you allow yourself time to become accustomed to the therapy.
In order to succeed, it is essential to apply the therapy every night. If you experience any of the following problems, please follow the suggestions or call our office if assistance is required (Respiratory Therapy Department 716.667.9600 option 5).
Compliance/Usage
Dry/Bloody Nose or Runny/Congested Nose
Dry Mouth
Fatigue
Feeling Air Starved
Gastric Distention (Stomach Filled with Air)
Mouth Breathing
Red Marks on your Face
Snoring
Unable to Fall Asleep
Waking up after 1-2 Hours with the Need to Remove
Compliance/Usage: | Return to Top
You may be asked at different times during your therapy to obtain compliance/usage information from your machine. If you are unsure how to do so, click here for instructions.
Dry/Bloody Nose or Runny/Congested Nose: | Return to Top
This may signal inadequate humidity is being provided. Nasal congestion or a runny nose can be the body's attempt to compensate for the dryness by flushing fluid to the area. Slowly increase your humidity level.
Please note: a very small percentage of people react to high heat levels which could create more congestion. The range is available to allow you to adjust to your most comfortable setting. If you try the higher heat settings with no success, try the lower settings.
Dry Mouth: | Return to Top
First, try increasing the heat level on your humidifier. You may be breathing through your mouth or leaking a small amount of air through your mouth. If you are wearing a nasal mask, contact our office to discuss changing to a full face mask. If you are already on a full face mask, an oral lubricant may help (e.g. Biotene, which may be purchased at your local drug store).
Fatigue: | Return to Top
If you are using your therapy nightly for a minimum of 4 hours a night, you will usually notice a decrease in your feeling of fatigue. You may notice this decrease as soon as the first night you start using your new therapy. But it may take as long as a month, depending on the duration and severity of your OSA.
Feeling Air Starved: | Return to Top
You may be adjusting to the feeling of pressure resistance on exhalation; give yourself time to adjust to the therapy. After a period of time, if this feeling continues, contact our Respiratory Therapy Department for assistance.
Gastric Distention: | Return to Top
You are probably swallowing air. Limit yourself to using only one pillow while you sleep. If this does not correct the problem, contact our Respiratory Therapy Department.
Mouth Breathing: | Return to Top
If you have just started therapy, give yourself a little time to see if your body will adjust. Sometimes people will begin to breath through their nose to avoid the high air flow caused when opening their mouth.
Red Marks on your Face: | Return to Top
The marks could be from dry skin irritation from the mask material. Try using the CPAP Moisture Therapy cream we carry.
Too much pressure can cause pressure sores on the face. Please refer to your mask fitting guide for the correct application of your mask. Be sure to use the minimal amount of tightening needed to obtain a good seal.
A mark at the bridge of the nose may go away after a short period of time if you loosen the headgear and apply a cushioned band-aid to the area. You may also try our Sleep Comfort Care Pad, which will help protect this area of your nose.
If these suggestions do not correct the problem, please contact our Respiratory Therapy Department.
Snoring: | Return to Top
If you continue to snore while on your therapy, please contact our Respiratory Therapy Department.
Unable to Fall Asleep: | Return to Top
Use an hour each night, slowly working up to a full night's use by applying the therapy more and more every night. After one week if you see no improvement, please contact our Respiratory Therapy Department.
Waking up After 1-2 Hours with the Need to Remove: | Return to Top
You may not be receiving enough humidity and your body may be trying to compensate by flushing fluid to your nose which can create inflammation or congestion. Increase your heater temperature to increase your humidity.
"Stacy was very pleasant and informative. She's a very compassionate therapist." ~Sue, Tonawanda
