FAQs

I am waking up with a dry/irritated nose or have nasal congestion in the morning.

Adjusting your humidity to a higher setting could help. Turn the level up gradually to find a setting that works for you. If you have problems with allergies or frequent congestion, discuss this with your physician. Try using a nasal saline rinse prior to bedtime.

I wake up with a dry throat or mouth.

Try adjusting the humidity level to a higher setting. If this doesn’t help, you may need a chinstrap or mask that covers your nose and mouth (if you are not already using one).

I have ear pain due to pressure from the PAP device.

This could be relieved with lower pressures, please call your equipment provider to verify settings or notify your physician. This could also be relieved by decongestants if it is related to nasal congestion.

My eyes are dry and irritated in the morning.

It’s possible the mask is leaking into your eyes. Review the mask adjustments and if it persists, contact your equipment provider for help with other mask options.

My skin is irritated from the mask.

Make sure you have washed the cushion of the mask where it comes in contact with your skin. You may be sensitive to the soap you are using on the mask, consider fragrance-free soap, don’t use antibacterial soaps. We recommend using only mild soap on the equipment. Other options would be using a nasal pillows mask. You could also try decreasing the heat/humidity setting if it seems to be a heat rash.

My mask leaks!

This is a common problem, the first thing to do is work on adjusting the headgear. Review the mask user guide to make sure you have the headgear and mask in the proper position. Adjust the mask when you are in your sleeping position. If you have a beard or mustache, consider shaving. Keeping your mask clean and replacing the cushion and mask when needed will help with keeping a good seal. If the problem persists, contact your equipment provider for help with mask options.

I frequently wake up with stomach bloating and occasional chest discomfort. What are my options?

PAP treatments may cause these symptoms. Check with your provider to assess pressure settings – a change in setting may help alleviate your symptoms. **Please note if the chest discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms of a heart attack, you should call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room.

I started to develop nasal or facial pressure sores from the mask I am using.

Make sure you have washed the cushion of the mask where it comes in contact with your skin. Do not use facial creams or anti-aging products where the mask comes in contact with your skin. This could potentially cause skin irritation. You may be sensitive to the soap you are using on the mask – consider fragrance-free soap and don’t use antibacterial soap. We recommend using only mild soap on the equipment. Other options would be using a nasal pillow mask. You could also try decreasing the heat/humidity setting if it seems to be a heat rash.

Excessive tightening of the mask and headgear are more than likely the reason for the sore. Try to adjust the headgear for a looser fit, we suggest trying to adjust it while lying down if possible. If you adjust the mask sitting up it will tighten when you lie down. If the sore continues please contact HealthPartners Home Medical and we can help you adjust or find a different mask.

If you are using one of the nasal pillow masks and develop any nasal irritation, we suggest using a non-petroleum based ointment in the nostrils. This will help to lubricate and protect the nasal membranes from the air pressure.

I get a claustrophobic feeling when I wear the PAP.

Try to determine when you get the feeling of claustrophobia. Is it when you put the mask on? Or once you start the pressure? Are you using the ramp option on your machine? If so, the pressure may not meet your initial needs for air; or maybe exhaling against the airflow is uncomfortable. There may be some adjustments with your settings that could help. Contact HealthPartners Home Medical and we can help you determine if this is possible with the machine you are using.

If your claustrophobia continues, try to set aside time during your awake hours to try this exercise. Find an activity or do something that will help to distract your thoughts, for example, a crossword puzzle, reading, watching TV or listening to the radio. Hold the mask up to your face with the machine on, the air will be blowing. Once you are getting used to breathing with the air blowing consider putting the headgear on and continue with the air blowing.

How often do I need a sleep test?

After your initial diagnosis, a repeat study is not usually necessary unless your original symptoms return example; daytime sleepiness, and/or snoring if you have significant weight loss/gain, or you had any type of upper airway surgery. We strongly encourage regular follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor and evaluate the current therapy and its effectiveness.

Will I need to be on PAP treatment forever? What happens if I lose weight?

In many instances, the underlying cause of the unstable upper airway that leads to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is lifelong. However, if your weight was a major factor in your Sleep Apnea, weight loss can possibly decrease the amount of pressure needed to stabilize your airway. In some cases, weight loss can eliminate the need for PAP therapy. If you do lose or gain significant weight, it is very important to talk with your sleep provider about your PAP therapy.

Note: If you are having issues with your PAP device, it is possible that you have the ability to send us usage data remotely. This will allow us to assist you without the need for an appointment. Ask us for more details.

Check out our sleep information page for more details on sleep therapy and CPAP. If you know what you’re looking for or are curious what our catalog contains, check it out today!

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