PAP TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

NASAL CONGESTION

If you wake up with nasal congestion this may be related to your CPAP machine. Often times this is related to the temperature or humidity settings. Everyone reacts to temperature and humidity differently. Try different settings to see which feel best – see temperature and humidity chart.
If you have nasal congestion before you use your CPAP machine this is likely not related to CPAP. Some people use a nasal rinse before bed. If the nasal congestion is significant ask your provider what else can be done.
If you are NOT adding distilled water to your humidity tank you will likely have issues with congestion.
Some masks cause more congestion than others. Some people need to use a full-face mask, so they are able to breathe through their mouth during the night.

If you wake up with nasal congestion this may be related to your CPAP machine. Often times this is related to the temperature or humidity settings. Everyone reacts to temperature and humidity differently. Try different settings to see which feel best – see temperature and humidity chart.
If you have nasal congestion before you use your CPAP machine this is likely not related to CPAP. Some people use a nasal rinse before bed. If the nasal congestion is significant ask your provider what else can be done.
If you are NOT adding distilled water to your humidity tank you will likely have issues with congestion.
Some masks cause more congestion than others. Some people need to use a full-face mask, so they are able to breathe through their mouth during the night.

Use your PAP device with heated humidity. Adjust the temperature and the humidity.
Change your CPAP filters.

Air is probably leaking out of your mouth during the night
This may improve over time. You may want to try using a chinstrap to help keep your mouth closed at night.
If your nose gets congested, you may start breathing out of your mouth- see nasal congestion troubleshooting.

Air is probably leaking out of your mouth during the night
This may improve over time. You may want to try using a chinstrap to help keep your mouth closed at night.
If your nose gets congested, you may start breathing out of your mouth- see nasal congestion troubleshooting.

Your temperature may be too low for your humidity setting. You need a certain amount of temperature to keep the humidity in the air

This is a common problem when people first start CPAP. It is caused by not be accustomed to breathing against pressure. This typically gets better with time.
Practice using your machine during the daytime to help acclimate to pressure.
If this is a problem when you first turn your machine on, try turning your ramp option on. If this doesn’t help talk to your provider about lowering your pressure.
Consider trying a different mask. Some masks you feel the pressure less intensely than in others.

If this is a problem when you first turn your machine on, try turning your ramp off. If you still feel like you need more air let your provider know. You may need your pressure adjusted.

If your mask leak is high, then snoring/apneas can be noticed because you aren’t getting the pressure that you need. Replace mask.
Recent weight gain can lead to symptoms returning. May to talk with your provider regarding pressures.

Air may be leaking into your eyes. Try adjusting the mask while using the run a mask fit option on your machine.
Mask may be too tight causing air to leak into eyes try loosening the straps and adjusting the mask.
Increasing the machine humidity may help- see temperature and humidity chart.

•This is normal and happens less and less as you get comfortable with CPAP. Try to put the mask back on if this happens during the night.

•Practice wearing your mask with the pressure during the daytime to help acclimate to CPAP therapy.

If you are new to CPAP, getting used to wearing the mask may just take time. Practice wearing the mask during the daytime.
Make sure not to overtighten the mask.
You may need to try a different mask.

Replace mask parts regularly – see supply replacement schedule.
Clean mask parts regularly – see cleaning schedule
Adjust mask – tightening the mask is not always better. Try fitting the mask while you are laying down with your machine running. Use the mask fit feature on your machine.
Mask seals well at first, but leaks during the night – Often this happens because the machine is starting at a low pressure. During the night when the pressure increases the mask starts leaking. Try using the mask fit feature on your machine to test how the mask will seal at higher pressures.
Mask leaks when I sleep on my side – if your pillow pushes the mask often this causes the mask to leak. Try sleeping on the edge of your pillow. There are pillows specifically designed for CPAP users. Many of these have cut outs to avoid pushing on the mask.
Not the right mask – sometimes it’s just the right mask for you. If this is the case follow up with CPAPnow for a mask fitting.

NOTE- air from the mask vents is not considered a leak. This is normal.