We’re here to help! Call 1.800.356.5221
M-F 8AM-8PM | Sa 8AM-5PM (CST)

Solutions to Every Single CPAP Problem You Could Run Into

Table of Contents

Do you feel like quitting CPAP therapy? You’re not alone. Being new to sleeping with a CPAP machine can be an overwhelming experience, and there are many common problems. When you’re starting CPAP therapy, you have to adjust to a whole new bedtime routine.

There’s no doubt that the first few weeks of treatment are going to be the hardest. But once you fully adjust to wearing your CPAP machine regularly, you’ll love the benefits that you experience. This list is intended to be one of the most comprehensive resources, addressing some of the most significant CPAP problems you’re likely to face, and how to effectively deal with them.

We’ll cover a lot of the side effects of CPAP machine therapy, along with solutions to these problems. Let’s get started!

Mask Questions
1. My CPAP Mask is Uncomfortable
2. I’m Still Snoring, Even When Using CPAP
3. I Can’t Fall Asleep With My CPAP
4. I’m Having Painful Gas and Bloating from My CPAP
5. I Fall Asleep Before I Can Put on My CPAP Mask
6. I Feel Like I’m Choking on Air
7. I’m Feeling Claustrophobic
8. I Can’t Get a Good Mask Seal
9. My Mask is Too Noisy
10. How Do I Get a Good Seal With a Beard?
11. My Mask is Blowing Air Into My Eyes
12. My CPAP Mask is Leaving Red Marks
13. I’m Removing My Mask in the Night and Not Remembering It
14. My Nose and Throat are Drying Out from CPAP
15. I Keep Getting Nasal Congestion
16. I Keep Getting Sick from My CPAP Mask
17. What’s the Best Way to Use CPAP When You Have a Cold?
18. How Can I Stop Mouth Breathing?

Machine Questions
19. I Wear My CPAP Every Night, But My AHI is Still High
20. My CPAP Machine is Too Noisy
21. I Keep Getting Tangled in the Hose at Night
22. I Keep Getting Splashed By Water in the Tube
23. I Keep Pulling the CPAP Machine Off the Nightstand?
24. Why Do I Feel Worse After Using CPAP?

Humidifier Questions
25. What Happens if I Spill Water Inside My Machine?
26. Why Can’t I Use Tap Water with my Humidifier?

Miscellaneous Questions
27. What Can I do if my Bed Pillow Keeps Breaking the Seal?
28. I’m Having an Operation. Can I Use my CPAP?

General Common CPAP Problems

I don’t like sleeping with a CPAP mask at night. It’s very uncomfortable.

If sleeping with a CPAP mask at night is uncomfortable, and it’s difficult to relax or sleep with it– don’t worry! This is a common experience among many first-time CPAP users. Some new users also complain about the noise from the CPAP mask and machine. It’s going to take some time to get used to your CPAP machine.

There’s no way around it. To get more comfortable with wearing your CPAP mask, try wearing it casually around the house, even when not preparing for bed. Over time, you’ll start to get used to the feel of your mask, and you’ll be more prepared to use it during your routine.

To get used to the sounds of the machine and the pressurized air, try using the device while you read or watch TV. This will help make your CPAP easier to tolerate because you’ll be acclimating yourself to the feeling of pressurized air and wearing your mask. The more you do this, the easier it will be to fall asleep.

Eventually, you’ll be ready to wear the mask and use the machine only when getting ready for bed, and you’ll be able to fall asleep with the mask on and the device running. You can expect this process to take weeks or months. The more you practice, the easier it will be to get there.

Back to Top

I’m still snoring, even when I use my CPAP machine. What can I do?

If you are still snoring, even on nights when you use your CPAP machine, it’s a sign that your therapy is not working. CPAP therapy acts like an invisible splint that keeps the airway open, so you shouldn’t hear much noise from the soft tissues of the airway.

If you are hearing snoring while using your CPAP machine, you may need to have your physician increase your CPAP pressure. It’s also important to look at the results of your night’s sleep data and pay particular attention to your AHI.

If your AHI is regularly above 5, it means your CPAP machine isn’t at the right pressure for your needs.

A possible solution might be to switch from a CPAP machine to an Auto CPAP machine. APAP machines are just like CPAP machines, but with one key difference. APAP machines automatically choose the best pressure for your needs.

As your breathing changes during the night, the APAP machine adjusts the pressure so that it’s exactly what you need when you need it. Because APAP machines automatically set the pressure, it can be more effective than a CPAP at preventing you from snoring.

Back to Top

I’m having difficulties falling asleep with my CPAP machine.

If you’re having difficulties falling asleep with your CPAP machine, it’s critical to know why. Are the straps too tight? Do the mask and hose keep you from your favorite sleeping position? Is the noise too loud? All of these things could be keeping you from sleeping. If the straps are too tight, you could try loosening them and see if you still have a good seal. It may be more comfortable that way.

If the mask and hose are keeping you from your favorite sleeping position, consider getting a CPAP pillow, which is specifically designed to make your preferred sleeping position compatible with CPAP.

Since most of the noise that’s involved with a CPAP machine comes from the mask, investing in a mask that has a low decibel output may make it easier to fall asleep.

Back to Top

I’m getting painful gas and bloating from using my CPAP machine.

Painful gas and bloating is a CPAP machine side effect known as aerophagia. Aerophagia is a condition in which the person swallows air during a night of therapy, causing often painful bloating and gas when the person wakes up in the morning.

Adjusting your CPAP pressure or trying a different style of mask could be the trick, but you may be interested to know that using a BiPAP machine may help you improve your aerophagia symptoms.

A BiPAP has a higher pressure when inhaling, and then a lower air pressure when exhaling. Because the pressure drops when you exhale, you’re less likely to swallow air while using a BiPAP.

Find out more about how BiPAP can help aerophagia, check out this article from our blog.

Back to Top

I fall asleep before putting on my CPAP. What should I do?

If you’re falling asleep before you turn on your CPAP equipment, you’re not getting the benefits of CPAP therapy. To get around this, you’ll need to look for warning signs that you’re about to fall asleep. Does your breathing change? Do your eyes get heavy? Do you start snoring when you’re awake?

If you decided to start your machine when you first notice you’re about to fall asleep, you’re going to be a lot more compliant with your therapy. Compliance is important because if you’re compliant, it means you’re more likely to see the long-term benefits of successful CPAP therapy.

The first step is to start using your CPAP machine. The second step is to start using your CPAP machine regularly.

Back to Top

I feel like I’m choking on air.

At first, the feeling of breathing in the pressurized air can feel suffocating. Here are some possible solutions:

  1. Attach your mask to your face, and get everything in place
  2. Turn on the machine. You’ll feel the pressure increase.
  3. Begin to breathe normally.

By putting on the mask first, you’ll be less likely to feel like you’re choking on air.

Back to Top

Common CPAP Mask Problems

My CPAP mask makes me feel claustrophobic. What can I do?

If you’re feeling claustrophobic when you put on the CPAP mask, a lot of people feel that way. But there are a few steps you can take to get used to wearing your mask, reducing feelings of anxiety and claustrophobia along the way.

  • All CPAP masks have a carbon dioxide venting system, via vent holes drilled into the mask. Locate the vent holes on the mask. The vent holes are there to make sure that you won’t suffocate if the airflow from the machine were to cut off for any reason. If you can, try the mask on and breathe. You’ll notice that you’re able to breathe in and out as carbon dioxide escapes from the mask– even when the machine is not running.
  • Get used to wearing your CPAP mask. Wear it casually around the house. The more you wear it, the more comfortable you’ll be when using it at night. Claustrophobia is something that often happens when treatment first starts, but after a while, you’ll get used to wearing your CPAP mask.
  • You may want to avoid using a full face mask, or any mask that blocks the field of vision. These masks can make you feel more “boxed in” and less comfortable. Try wearing a nasal pillow mask. Nasal pillow masks have a more open field of vision, and generally, don’t cover the bridge of the nose. It may be more comfortable for you if you’re feeling claustrophobic.

Back to Top

I can’t get a good CPAP mask seal. What can I do?

If your mask isn’t sealing correctly and you’re experiencing mask leaks, there are a few different things you can do.

  1. Tighten the mask. This may stop the leaks. Be careful not to hurt yourself by tightening too much.
  2. Consider investing in a mask liner. Mask liners absorb oils from the face, increasing CPAP comfort, and can improve the seal.
  3. If leaning against the pillow is putting pressure on the mask and in the process breaking the seal, a CPAP pillow may help. CPAP pillows feature cutout contours that are designed to support a CPAP mask, making the pillow less likely to break the seal.

If you’ve tried these things and your mask still isn’t getting a good seal, it may be time to look for a different mask. Usually, mask leaks become more frequent as pressure increases, and the mask doesn’t correctly fit the contours of the face. Reducing the gaps makes it more likely to stay sealed, and the above methods are an excellent way to do that.

But if it’s still not working, it’s time to shop for a different mask. If you can identify where the mask isn’t sealing correctly, you can look for a mask that overcomes those issues.

Back to Top

My mask is too noisy. It seems to make a whistling noise.

If your mask is too noisy, there are a few things you can do. CPAP.com has actually written a whole article about this topic. Different masks have different decibel level outputs. Most of the noise on a CPAP mask comes from the exhalation ports on the mask, as carbon dioxide vents from the mask.

Quiet masks make it easier to fall and stay asleep, and several models are marketed as being ultra-quiet. Masks like the Swift FX and the Amara View are designed to keep sound output low.

To make your mask a little quieter, consider tightening the straps, and adjusting the mask on your face. When you do this, you’re looking to minimize leaks. Stopping leaks will help keep the sound down.

Back to Top

How can I get a good CPAP mask seal with a beard or mustache?

A beard or mustache presents challenges to making a CPAP mask seal properly. For men with beards, it’s best to stay away from using a mask that rests on top of the lip, as this is the point at which the CPAP mask most interferes with your beard. Try looking for a nasal pillow or a full face mask.

As long as the mask doesn’t have to interact with the top of the lip, you’ll be in good shape.


Related Reading: Best CPAP Masks For Beards


Back to Top

What can I do if mask air is blowing into my eyes?

Sometimes the vented carbon dioxide from the CPAP mask blows up the sides of the cheeks and vents directly on the eyes. This is a problem that can be very annoying to most users. Try adjusting the mask so that the angle of the vented air blows away from the eyes. Sometimes it’s possible to angle the mask so that it doesn’t blow directly on the face, and that’s the only thing you have to do.

The real culprit here may be leaks, so you’ll want to look into maybe using a mask liner to help improve the seal. This will help reduce the leaks and make it less likely that air will blow directly in the eyes.

Back to Top

My CPAP mask is leaving red marks and causing skin irritation?

If your CPAP mask is leaving red marks on your face, it’s a sign that your mask is on too tight. If possible, try loosening the straps of your headgear. If loosening the straps on the headgear breaks the seal between your mask and face, then it’s probably time for a new mask. When shopping for a new mask, consider models that minimize touchpoints on the forehead and face.

A mask like the Amara View or the Philips Respironics DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask are designed to reduce touchpoints on the face, and at the same time improve the field of vision.

You may find that not only do you see better, but you’ll also have fewer red marks as well.

Back to Top

I’m removing my CPAP mask in the middle of the night, and not remembering I did it. What can I do?

In this case, practice makes perfect! When you’re adjusting to your new or next CPAP mask, you may wake up in the night because of leaks, or because you’ve shifted position, and as a result, you take your mask off. Or, you may wake up and think it’s time to start the day and take the mask off.

Whatever the reason, taking your mask off in the middle of the night means you’re not getting the benefits you need from your CPAP therapy. You may want to consider tightening your mask or using mask liners to get a better seal so that you’re less likely to wake up because of leaks. The only real way to get past this issue is to keep trying to wear your mask.

If you have a bed partner, who is a light sleeper and is willing to help you, see if they can convince you to put the mask back on if you take it off during the night. Sometimes this is all you’ll need to get back on track when you’re having difficulties wearing your mask. This will help in the initial adjustment period, and make it easier to stick with your treatment.

Back to Top

My nose and throat are drying out from my CPAP machine. I’m getting a sore throat from my CPAP. What can I do?

If you’re getting dry mouth from your CPAP therapy, or you’re getting a sore throat and a dry nose, there’s something you can do right away to improve things. Using a CPAP humidifier with your CPAP therapy will add moisture back into the air you’re breathing.

The increased moisture from a CPAP Humidifier will mean less soreness and dried out, feeling that you get from your CPAP machine. You don’t need humidification for CPAP therapy to work, but many people consider humidification to be an essential part of their treatment because of the comfort that humidification provides.

Back to Top

I’m having trouble with CPAP nasal congestion. What can I do?

If you’re having trouble with CPAP nasal congestion, there are a few things that you’ll need to do.

  1. Aggressively treat nasal allergies. Sometimes nasal congestion can make it hard to breathe, especially if you’re using a nasal mask. Aggressively treating your nasal allergies can improve your sinus problems and make it easier to breathe through your nose. This may include using a few different kinds of antihistamines and can include nasal sprays. This may help resolve CPAP nasal congestion.
  2. Use a heated humidifier. Using a heated humidifier can help with CPAP nasal congestion, as it helps open up the nasal passages, and will keep them more comfortable.

Back to Top

I keep getting sick from my CPAP mask.

If you keep getting sinusitis from your CPAP equipment, the reason could be you’re not sanitizing it completely after you’ve had a cold. Without complete sanitization, germs can linger on your nasal pillows or in the mask, and you can get sick again. There are many different ways to sanitize your CPAP equipment. You can try using mild soap and water, but that may not get it completely sanitized.

For complete sanitization, you could use Control III Disinfectant, a strong disinfectant used in hospitals and sleep labs. You could also invest in a CPAP cleaner like the Lumin which uses UV light to completely disinfect, killing all germs on a mask inside of five minutes.

Whichever way you choose, following good sanitization procedures with your CPAP equipment after a cold will help keep you from getting sick again.

Back to Top

What’s the best way to use a CPAP machine when you have a cold?

It’s one thing to be sick, but it’s another thing to be sick and try using a CPAP, especially if you’re a nasal or a nasal pillow user. The added congestion from the cold can make breathing difficult. Here are some tips on how to navigate using a CPAP while having a cold. Here are some things that may help.

  • Sleep on your side or elevate your head. Generally, sleeping on your side can make it easier to breathe with your CPAP machine. This can be especially helpful when you have a cold, and it’s harder to breathe. Your CPAP machine will not have to work as hard to get the much-needed oxygen to your lungs.
  • Use a heated humidifier. Using a heated humidifier will help keep your nasal passages from getting dried out, and it will make your CPAP therapy more comfortable– even when you don’t have a cold.
  • Use a decongestant nasal spray. Decongestant nasal sprays can help make it easier to breathe at night, especially when you’re sick. If you’re using a nasal mask or a nasal pillow mask, you may find a decongestant nasal spray makes a big difference and helps you breathe.
  • Try an APAP machine. An APAP machine adjusts with your breathing to provide greater pressure when you need it the most. If you’re sick, you may temporarily require a higher pressure to get air into your lungs. If you’re using a CPAP machine, it doesn’t have the ability to increase the pressure, and you may not be getting enough. That’s why when you’re sick, an APAP machine can be a big help.

Back to Top

How can I learn to stop mouth-breathing?

Mouth breathing can be difficult to stop because you have to first figure out why you’re breathing through your mouth as opposed to the nose. The nose is designed to warm and moisten the air, filtering out any dirt or allergens along the way. The nose is meant to be the usual way humans breathe.

When you breathe through the mouth, you’re not filtering the air at all, and it can result in a sore throat. You could be mouth breathing at night because your nose is clogged and it’s difficult to breathe. To stop mouth breathing you can try using a chinstrap for CPAP which is designed to hold your mouth shut while you sleep, and force you to breathe through your nose.


Related Reading: Best CPAP Chinstraps Reviewed


Back to Top

Common CPAP Problems: CPAP Machines

I’m wearing my CPAP machine every night, but my AHI is still high.

If you’re faithfully wearing your CPAP machine every night, but it’s not working (meaning you’re not getting any of the benefits like increased energy, reduced fatigue, or a well-rested feeling), there are a few things you can try.

  1. Change Sleeping Positions. Sleeping on your back is the worst sleeping position for CPAP therapy. When you sleep on your back, gravity works naturally to help close the airway. This means your CPAP has to work harder, and still may not be helping you get a good night’s sleep. If you switch to sleeping on your side, gravity works with you, not against you, and it helps naturally keep your airway open. This means that your CPAP has to do a lot less work to open your airway, and your therapy can be effective again.
  2. Increase CPAP Pressure Settings. If your CPAP isn’t working, and you’ve tried sleeping on your side, you may need to increase your therapy pressure. You’ll need your doctor to change the pressure settings on your machine to a higher setting so that your CPAP machine can do a better job of opening your airway.

CPAP.com has written an article that offers advice on how to tell if your CPAP therapy is working. Following some of these tips will help you gauge your progress as you evaluate your CPAP performance.

Back to Top

My CPAP machine is too noisy. What can I do?

If your CPAP machine is too noisy, you can start by taking steps to quiet your mask. Since most of the noise from a CPAP machine comes from the mask, quieting the mask is a good first step. We’ve also written an article covering the quietest CPAP machines in terms of decibel output.

The best way to make sure that you have a quiet machine is to pay attention to decibel output when you get your first machine. Some machines are quieter than others. One of the quietest machines on the market today is the Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto, which checks in at around 25 decibels and is one of the quietest machines overall.

Choosing a quiet machine and a quiet mask, in the beginning, are a great way to get your CPAP therapy off to a great start and will help make it easier to fall asleep.

Back to Top

What should I do if I get tangled in the hose during the night?

If you’re getting tangled in the hose and tubing, there’s an easy solution for that! We recommend using a hose suspension system like the Hose Buddy.

This product elevates the hose so that it hangs down above your head. If you toss and turn in the night the hose moves with you, keeping you from getting tangled during the night.

Back to Top

I keep getting water in the CPAP hose and tubing, and it’s splashing me during the night.

If you keep getting splashed by water during the night, it can be an annoying problem. You’ll be pleased to know it has a fairly easy solution. Heated air can sometimes cool as it travels from the humidifier to the mask and causes water in the CPAP hose and tubing as it travels from the humidifier to the mask.

Because cooler air can hold less moisture, water falls out as condensation. This process is known as “rainout.” The only way to stop this is to prevent the air from cooling as it travels through the hose. This can be done one of two ways:

  1. Use a hose cover. A hose cover is like a coat for your CPAP hose. It traps the heat inside the tube and prevents it from escaping. This, in turn, prevents the moisture from falling out of the air, which prevents the moisture and the splashes.
  2. You could also opt for a heated hose. A heated hose uses heating coils to warm the air inside the tubing so that it can hold more moisture, which in turn prevents the condensation from forming.

Back to Top

What can I do if I keep pulling the CPAP machine off the nightstand?

Since most hoses are around six feet long, you may be able to set the CPAP machine on the floor and have enough hose length to reach your bedside. Setting the CPAP machine on the floor will help prevent rainout as well, as you’re less likely to get splashed if the tubing isn’t hanging above you.

You may also want to consider using a CPAP bedside table which creates a spot for your CPAP machine, right along the bedside.

If setting the CPAP machine on the floor won’t work for your situation, consider using a hose suspension system like the Hose Buddy we mentioned earlier. A hose suspension system can help reduce tangles, which may be the reason you keep pulling your CPAP machine off the nightstand.

Back to Top

Why do I feel worse after using my CPAP equipment?

Sometimes, during the initial adjustment process, you could feel worse after using your CPAP equipment. You may be taking your mask off during the night, limiting the amount of time your therapy is able to work. Or you may find your equipment to be uncomfortable or too noisy, and you take it off because you can’t sleep.

Don’t give up! It can take a long time to get used to CPAP therapy, but once you finally do, you’ll find that it has many benefits that outweigh the discomfort you may initially feel.

You may find the following article about feeling worse after using a CPAP to be a good resource with additional information.

Back to Top

Common CPAP Problems: Humidifier Questions

What happens if I spill water inside my CPAP machine?

CPAP machines are electronic devices and can be damaged by water spills. If you spill water into your CPAP machine, it can damage the electronic components, and cause equipment failure. The best way to avoid spilling water in your CPAP machine is by removing the humidifier water chamber and filling over the sink.

This makes spills less likely, and it’s less tedious than carrying the entire machine over to the sink and filling the water chamber there.

Back to Top

Do I have to use distilled water for my CPAP machine? Why can’t I just use tap water?

When you use a humidifier, you’re breathing in everything that’s in the water you put in the humidifier chamber. This includes any germs, pathogens, and chemicals that wind up in your drinking water. Using tap water will also leave a hard film at the bottom of the humidifier chamber, making it more difficult to clean.

Even using a water filter at home will not remove all of the minerals and chemicals, and it will still leave you with a lot to clean up. The best solution is to use distilled water. Distilled water can be purchased very inexpensively at most grocery stores, and it will be worth the money. It will make cleaning easier, and it will improve the quality of the air you’ll be breathing in.

You won’t be as exposed to bacteria and chemicals as you are with tap water.

Back to Top

Common CPAP Problems: Miscellaneous Questions

What can I do if the bed pillow is breaking my CPAP mask seal?

If the CPAP mask is breaking the mask seal, consider trying to sleep with a CPAP pillow. A CPAP pillow is specially designed to accommodate the CPAP mask, putting less pressure on the CPAP mask so that it doesn’t break the seal.

CPAP bed pillows make it easier to sleep with your mask at night and help to create a more comfortable, restful sleep.

Back to Top

I’m having an operation. Can I use my CPAP?

If you’re having an operation, you’ll need to let your care team know so that they can make arrangements for you to continue CPAP therapy while having your procedure. Sleep Apnea can make things more complicated for your surgical team, but standards have been instituted to handle Sleep Apnea patients during and after surgery effectively.

If a Sleep Apnea diagnosis hasn’t been made yet, your surgical team may delay your surgery until after treatment for Sleep Apnea begins. This way, they can be sure you’re getting the oxygen you need without waking up to breathe.

Back to Top

We hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful as you look to solve common problems with CPAP machines and CPAP therapy. It can be a difficult task when you start or as you continue CPAP therapy, and problems are bound to come up. If you can work through the problems with CPAP therapy, you’ll have more energy, feel less tired during the day, and be more productive.

Ready to get back on track with your CPAP? Subscribe to our newsletter and get an extra 15% off your next purchase (you’ll also be the first to hear about exclusive flash sales).

  • David Repasky

    David Repasky has been using CPAP treatment since 2017 and has first-hand experience with what it's like to live with Sleep Apnea. He brings the patient's perspective to the CPAP.com blog and has received formal training in CPAP machines, masks, and equipment.

Need Help With Sleep Apnea?

Table of Contents

113 Responses

    1. Hi Shelia, I am not certain if there is a direct correlation between eye infections and CPAP use. It could be that air from your mask is blowing into your eyes. In this case you may have a mask leak. What type of mask are you currently using? If you are using a full face, or nasal mask please confirm that you have the correct size mask.

      If the infection persists please contact your doctor who may be able to provide more insight as to what the cause of your infection is.

      Enjoy your day

    2. I am due next month for brain surgery which will leave a nasty large horizontal surgical wound down my head. HowcanI wearable CPAP mask?

      1. Hey Ann, I would recommend you speaking directly with your doctor, this way they can suggest a mask that will not interrupt with your healing process.

        Also, please see the links below to view masks that does not have any straps going over your head, or face. These masks may work, but again, please get clearance from your doctor for your after surgery treatment.

        https://www.cpap.com/productpage/bleep-dreamport-cpap-mask

        https://www.cpap.com/productpage/tap-pap-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask-improved

        If you think of any further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at; 1-800-356-5221.

        We wish you a speedy recovery!

  1. Air in the stomach is not Aerophagia! That is a term for swallowing air. Gastric insufflation is the term that should be used. It occurs commonly when the sphincter valve at the end of the esophagus cannot keep the air from the PAP out of the stomach. This happens to those with hiatal hernias. It can be dangerous for older patients. My plea to the CPAP community is that you start using proper terminology for this condition! Otherwise patients think it is due to their swallowing air.

    1. Hey Eileen, thank you for pointing out that Aerophagia and Gastric Insufflation are two totally different conditions. We certainly recognize that there are some distinct differences between the two however, the article is specifically bringing awareness to Aerophagia.

      We value all of our readers voices, so your input is greatly appreciated. For further concerns we can be reached at: 800-356-5221, or e-mailed at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a wonderful day!

  2. QUIERO SABER A DONDE ENVIAR MI EQUIPO PARA MANTENIMIENTO, LA PRESION SUBE Y BAJA DEMACJADO, ES IMPORTANTE QUE ME DEN ESE SERVICIO.

    1. Hola Waldemar, lamento escuchar que tiene problemas con su máquina. Para obtener servicio, es posible que desee comenzar con el proveedor del que recibió su máquina.

      Si necesita ayuda con la solución de problemas, con gusto le brindaremos asistencia por teléfono.

      Nos puede contactar al: 1-800-356-5221. Nuestro departamento de servicio al cliente está disponible de 8 am a 8 p.m. Central.

      ¡Que tengas un gran día!

    1. Hi Don,

      If your humidifier is not heating your water, the first thing you want to do is confirm what setting you have the heat on. If a low setting, you can increase the setting, and carefully confirm if the heat plate is warming up. If not, it could mean that you should replace your humidifier.

      If you would like to go through some troubleshooting steps over the phone, please feel free to contact our customer service department at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Enjoy your day!

  3. I have been using a CPAP machine for a year now. The first six months were great but the last six months I awaken each morning with huge bags under my eyes. My doctor has no answer. Hoping you might have an idea what to do. I do use the CPAP pillow, full face mask and am a side sleeper.

    1. Hey Gwen,

      I am sorry to hear that you are having some problems. There could be a few reasons that you are seeing bags under your eyes. It is possible that you have a mask leak which is causing the bags. Have you changed your mask cushion within the last 3 months, or your mask within the last 6 months? It could also be that the mask/headgear that you are using is too tight. Please make certain that you are using the correct size mask/headgear. If too large and you are having to pull the headgear too tight to avoid leaks, this may be part of the cause for the bags under your eyes. Also, please keep in mind that the bags under your eyes could be occurring naturally and not related to your CPAP Therapy at all.

      I hope this information helps. If you have further questions, or concerns please feel free to call us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Have a great day!

  4. the top came off my swift fx that I slide water chamber into. the how do I get it back on?iece with the hose on top. .

    1. Hey Pat, the Swift FX is the name of a mask. If you would like you can contact us at 1-800-356-5221 with your machine in front of you and we will be happy to help you determine the type of machine that you have and the part that you need.

      Enjoy your weekend!

  5. I spent last night in sleep center to get “fitted “ and adjusted for CPAP. First, I tired nasal pillows. I breath through my mouth for this type. Technician changed me to full face mask. Slept good, but when woke and got up was dizzy. Went away after a couple of hours, but still felt uncomfortable. I do have a left ear that is deaf and have vertigo occasionally. I do think even after one night if I could tolerate mask it would help my energy level, etc. solution?

    1. Hey Barbara, since you breath through your mouth, a full face mask is going to be your best option. It may take some time to get used to wearing the mask, so give yourself a little while to get acquainted to the mask.

      If you find that you are not able to tolerate the full face mask, you may want to try a nasal mask with a chinstrap.

      Please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221 for further questions, or concerns.

      Enjoy your day!

  6. I currently use a res med air sense 10 machine with a full face quattro pro mask my problem is trying to fall asleep when I exhale the little flipper sounds like a loud heart beat everytime it closes. I never used to experience this noise I will have used this machine for 4 yrs and 9 months. My supplier is telling me all full face masks have a flipper and nothing can be done I also tried several other masks in the last 2 months what do you suggest

    1. Hi Carl, I am very sorry that you seem to be having some issues with your mask. You may want to check the bottom of your mask to make sure that the ports are pushed in all the way. I have also included a link that has a reassembly video for the mask, just in case a part may be out of place on your mask and in turn, may be causing the noise that you are hearing.

      You can forward the video to to the 10:20 mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caKvxANKaVc

      Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with. We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Have a great weekend!

    2. This could be a very simple fix. I have found that this happens with my machine if I overfill the humidifier chamber. When I remove the water chamber, pour a little water out, and put it back, problem solved!

  7. Am convinced the air vent from cpap blows in my eyes and they’re red an watery in am. Have tried pillow and nasal masks. Can’t do full mask due to neck problems . Anyone know of a cpap that vents away from face.

    1. Hi Maureen, I am sorry to hear that you are having some trouble with locating a mask that works well for you. Please see the link below for a couple of masks that are known to disperse air away from the user.

      If you have already attempted to these masks, please feel free to contact our customer service department at: 1-800-356-5221 and we will be more than happy to try to find other options for you.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2edp

      Have a great weekend!

  8. I am just trying to get used to my Cpap machine. I started with the nasal pillows. After 1 week I was very congested every night. I woke up with my right ear completely blocked and was unable to clear it. The next day my ear drum ruptured. It has been 2 weeks and I switched to a full face mask. I felt pressure in my ears and now am afraid it will rupture my ear again. My doctor does not think it is related. Has anyone else had this happen?

    1. Hi Kathy, i’m sorry to hear you’ve experienced such discomfort. I have never heard of this issue, specifically with pillow masks. I would definitely suggest you follow the advice from your doctor however, I was able to find other CPAP users with similar experiences that you’ve mentioned. Please see the link below to review their concerns and comments.

      http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t40233/Ruptured-eardrum-from-CPAP.html

      For further questions, or concerns please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or email us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

    1. Hi Lynda, I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing problems with your CPAP machine. We will be more than happy to assist you over the phone with troubleshooting. Please contact our office at: 1-800-356-5221 for assistance.

      We wish you the best!

    1. Hi Anthony, once you power your machine on, it should remain on until you turn it off. If you are utilizing the auto off feature on your machine, once you remove your mask, your machine will turn off also.

      Please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221 for troubleshooting if necessary.

      Enjoy your day!

  9. My father has stopped using his bipap because the air is so cold to his nose and face. The humidifier heater seems to work and I have added a hose cover. He is 93 and very sensible to cold. Any advice ?

  10. I transported my res med CPAP machine with water in it and now it won’t work it keeps saying humidifier fault. How can I dry it out….

    1. Hi Pam, i’m sorry to hear that you are having problems with your CPAP machine. Unfortunately, your machine may be ruined from water damage. You should contact whomever you purchased your machine from to see what the warranty guidelines are and if there are steps that you may take to repair the machine. If your machine is not under warranty, you will most likely have to have it replaced.

      Please feel free to contact us for further troubleshooting with your machine near you at: 1-800-356-5221.

      We wish you the best!

  11. My 17 year old son started with CPAP 3weeks ago. He takes his mask off and doesn’t remember doing it. I am checking on him 4-5 times per night and waking him up to put it back on. Needless to say, both of us are exhausted. Do you have any suggestions? Is it unusual that he is removing the mask after three weeks? How long does it normally take before this passes? Thanks.

    1. Hi Lori, my sincere apologies for the delayed response. I am sorry that your son is having some trouble keeping his mask on during the night.

      It is not unusual, for a new CPAP user to remove the mask unintentionally during the night. There is no certain period of time that we can say this trouble will pass, as each individual person is different.

      There are some suggestions, that may help with him keeping the mask on. For starters, please make sure that your son is using the correct size mask, if not he will more than likely never get use to it because it is uncomfortable. I would go so far as to say, allow him to try different masks to see if he is able to tolerate them better. Be sure there are no mask leaks also, because if so he will remove the mask because it will be uncomfortable.

      Some folks have used a Chin Strap in conjunction with their mask as this keeps the mask from being easily removed during the night. Another option is to maybe add tape to the headgear, in locations that will not affect his therapy, some folks have tried placing band-aids strategically on the mask to help keep it from being easily removed.

      You could also try having him wear the mask when he’s awake, watching television, playing a video game, surfing the internet, or just relaxing. This will allow your son to get use to wearing the mask in general and may help decrease the number of times he removes the mask during his sleep.

      I hope you find this information helpful, if you have any further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Enjoy your weekend!

    1. Hi Taylor, i’m sorry to hear that you are having this problem. There could be a few causes for this issue. For starters, are you disconnecting your hose from the machine daily and draping/hanging it in a dry place? If not please try doing so.

      Also, please make certain that you are not over filling the water chamber. Only fill with water up to the fill line.

      Lastly, please keep in mind that one of the common effects of using CPAP Therapy, is Rainout. This is the accumulation of water in the hose. Rainout doesn’t usually occur as soon as you turn your machine on though.

      If the problem persists, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221 and we will be happy to go over some troubleshooting steps with you.

      We wish you the best!

  12. I’m getting a headache every morning when I wake up from using my cpap machine. The headache lasts all day and night. What can I do to prevent from getting headaches ? Thanks

    1. Hi John, I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing headaches each morning. I would strongly recommend that you speak with your doctor regarding the headaches, but also please see the link below with information relating to headaches and CPAP Therapy.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Common-Side-Effects#why-do-i-have-a-headache-when-i-wake-up

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

  13. The plastic hose connector digs into my face, the straps cut my ears and I routinely wake with sore gums, numb top lip & raw septum. The numbness was off after 1/2 an hour or so but my gums and front teeth are deteriorating.
    Even when the straps of the mask are pulled incredibly tight my machine rarely registers above 60% efficient.
    I have had these experiences for 4 years! (The material of a hard mask ‘burns’ my face.)
    I wake more refreshed without using the CPAP machine but my specialist has threatened to withdraw my driver licence if I abandon it!
    Is there an answer?

    1. Hi Jeff, I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing some discomfort during your CPAP Therapy. What is the name of the mask that you are currently using? You may be using a mask that isn’t a good fit for you. With you experiencing such discomfort, my first suggestion would be for you to speak with your doctor about possibly changing masks.

      If you would like assistance with selecting a mask that may provide you with better comfort and possibly improve your sleep therapy, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      We wish you the best!

  14. I have recently been diagnosed with Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy, which is a genetic condition in which the layers of my cornea develops abnormal cells. I take twice daily prescription drops to make sure my eyes do not dry out because with my corneal topography not being smooth, I run the risk of having my cornea adhere to my eyelid and cause a corneal erosion. This is terribly painful and requires months of recovery, as I hav had this happen twice in my life. I now have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been given a CPAP machine. The mask I was sent home with specifically says that it is not to be used with patients with dry eye. Do you know of a type of mask that would be a better option for protecting my eyes? I am not really wanting to add a pair of goggles to my face, as it is already incredibly difficult for me to deal with the mask alone. I don’t like things on my face and struggle to find a comfortable position. Thanks!

    1. Hi Christy, i’m sorry to hear about your eye condition. First, I would recommend that you speak with your doctor regarding the mask which has been selected for you and be certain to advise them of the instructions for you not to use with dry eye.

      Also, there are a few Full Face Masks, that may not cause air to leak in/near your eyes. Please see the link for a few examples. Please speak with your doctor about which option may work better for you.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2f0p

      For further questions, or concers, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Have a great day!

  15. I have a 4-year-old Resmed Airsense S10 APAP machine. I recently have been getting poor therapy, but the data shows no problems! I have resorted to using my old S8 machine, which works fine. There is something wrong with my S10, but I can’t make my case if the data is perfect. My S10 sometimes wakes me up with a huge torrent of air blowing into my mask. But, this doesn’t happen every night. Bottom line – I feel lousy when I use the S10, and I think it’s the machine. Have you ever seen this before?

    1. Hi Guy, usually when you receive a sudden burst of air, it is an indication that you have a leak in either your mask, hose, or maybe you need to change the filter in your machine. Keep in mind that it is recommended that you change the cushion on your mask every 3 months in most cases, some cushions must be changed every 30 days.

      Most machines use a disposable filter which should be changed every 30 day. Other machines, have reusable filters that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. It could be that when you change positions during your sleep, your mask moves and causes a temporary leak and the machine is trying to compensate for the leak by pushing more air to you.

      Please see the link below to see what some other users are saying about their experiences with sudden streams of air.

      http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t154492/Erratic-bursts-of-air.html

      If you would like to go through troubleshooting over the phone, or have other questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Have a great day!

  16. One problem I didn’t see mentioned here is hair damage from mask straps. I’ve tried many different CPAP masks over the past 8 years, and have had continual problems with straps causing my already-thin hair to break and pull out. The ResMed AirFit P10 has worked best for me therapy-wise, but I had to resort to wearing big fluffy strap pads to prevent strap marks on my cheeks. My provider suggested I try similar pads for the straps across the top and back of my head, but they slip around and are just too darn hot, coupled with the ones on my face. In despair, I’ve recently turned to the Bleep DreamPort system, which doesn’t have straps, so my hair is spared from further destruction, and it works quite well overall. However, I have extremely sensitive skin, and the adhesive which keeps the DreamPorts attached to my nose, while hypoallergenic, is beginning to cause irritation on my face. Plus, the Bleep system is pretty expensive, as I’m on Medicare and can’t seem to get coverage figured out with my secondary insurance. Going without a CPAP is not an option, so I’m afraid my only choice is going to be returning to a conventional mask and enduring the giant bald spot which will inevitably result…which may be trendy (and common) for men, but is definitely not a very good look for a woman. Unless there’s a solution out there I just haven’t found yet….?

    1. Hey Cheri, yes, the headgear can definitely take a toll on your hair. I’m sorry to hear that you are being challenged with finding a mask that can provide you the comfort and therapy that you need.

      The Bleep is a great alternative to having to deal with headgear, but you are right, it does get costly. The AirFit P10, is a great mask, but it still goes over your hair which is what you are concerned about.

      I have located a different mask that may interest you, called the Swift FX Bella Nasal Pillow. This mask does not go over your head at all and instead has loops that wraps around your ear to keep your mask on. Please see the link below for further information about this mask.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-swift-fxbella-nasal-pillow-cpap

      If you have a valid prescription, you may purchase the mask from us. It is sold with free 30 day returns. If you try the mask and find that it will not work for you, then simply return the mask for your money back, or a different mask.

      For further questions, or concerns, please reach us at: 800-356-5221.

      We wish you the best!

  17. I have been using my CPAP machine with a SO CLEAN sanitizing device. After using it for several months I noticed my lungs feel somewhat sore and breathing has become more difficult. Is there any history of the Ozone from the So Clean , when used with humidifier converting the water to hydrogen peroxide and negatively affecting lungs?

    1. Hi Richard, I am sorry to hear about the breathing difficulty you are experiencing. Unfortunately, I have very little information on the impact that using your So Clean, has on your breathing since we don’t sell the cleaner.

      My suggestion would be for you to reach out to SoClean.com, to see if there are any side effects associated with the use of the cleaner. Also, if the breathing difficulty continues, I would recommend you speaking with your doctor for further guidance.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a wonderful day!

  18. Hi
    My res med cpap does not use any water when the humidifier is on. Do have a solution for that?

    Thanks

    Marty

    1. Hi Marty, your machine may have the climate control feature enabled. When the humidifier automatically adjusts to moisture in the room, it will not provide more moisture from the unit.
      (Some regions have a drier/humid climate, which can factor into this.)

      You should be able to go into your comfort settings and change the mode to manual, this way you can control how much moisture you receive.

      If you would like assistance with adjusting your settings, or have any other questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      I hope this helps, have a great day!

  19. I have been using my Cpap for about 5 weeks. The first two weeks I was able to get about 7-8 hours of sleep and felt rested. Lately I have been waking up after 6 and even 5 hours with chest soreness. The kind of soreness you get when you have a chest cold and cough for 2 days a lot. Muscle pain. I’ve read on other blogs that this may be because my lungs are being filled more than normal and muscle paid results. However it seems to be getting worse in week 5 than week 4 and most people have commented it should be getting better. Could my max pressure be too high? Should I expect 8 weeks, 10 weeks for the muscles to learn? 53 years old and a bit overweight.

    1. Hi Steven, my apologies for the delayed response. I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with chest pain.

      The chest pain that you are experiencing could be caused from you becoming acclimated with your therapy. You may want to try sleeping in a different position, as flat as possible. It is possible that a setting adjustment is needed as well. Also, I would recommend you speaking with your doctor, as the pain you are experiencing is not necessarily related to your CPAP Therapy.

      For further questions, or concerns please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you great success with your CPAP Therapy!

      My suggestion

  20. While this site has helped many questions… it did. It help with one

    I keep having water chamber crack. Tonight my 3rd or 4th in 3-4 months broke. Any ideas what is causing this?

    Originally I thought it was from leaving the machine on.to long (I pulled the mask of during the night, and the machine ran dry). However this chamber has never ran dry. I’m stumped.

    1. Hi David, i’m sorry to hear that you have experienced problems with multiple water chambers cracking. There are a couple of issues that may be causing this to happen. To begin, please make sure that you are using distilled water in your chamber. If not, build up may occur and and this can cause the chamber to crack.

      Also, please be sure that you are not using any harsh chemicals to clean your chamber. To clean your water chamber, you should use a mild detergent and warm water. If you notice any build up, you may try soaking the chamber in a 2:1 solution of white vinegar to water for about 20 minutes, then wash them off with a mild detergent to remove the vinegar.

      Keep in mind that ordinarily the manufacturer recommends that you wash your chamber daily and replace it every 6 months to a year. I would recommend you speaking with your medical equipment supplier to confirm if there is any warranty on the water chamber, so that you may receive a replacement.

      Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com, with any further questions, or concerns.

      We wish you the best!

  21. Does anyone have the answer to trying to use a CPAP machine while having an esphogeal henria and other health issues that make it feel like being strangled and or suffocated when try to use the CPAP machine?

    1. Hi Christy, i’m sad to hear that you are having some issues with your CPAP Therapy. I would recommend you speaking with your doctor about your concerns with using your machine with your health issues.

      Your doctor, may make a medical decision to change your machine type, or adjust your settings.

      Please feel free to reach our customer service department at: 1-800-356-5221, with further questions, or concerns.

      I’m sorry that we couldn’t be of more assistance, we wish you the best!

  22. Hi I have been using CPAP for almost three weeks, I have almost perfect scores with my full mask, but I am
    waking every morning to bags under my eyes and sometimes swollen eyes. I am also feeling very tired
    during the day like I have not had any sleep.

    1. Hi Sharon, i’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing problems with your therapy. Sometimes bags under, or puffy eyes, can indicate a mask leak.

      You stated that you have almost perfect scores, what is your leak rate? Also, please make certain that your mask is not too tight and keep in mind that not all masks will work for you. You may want to consider trying a different mask.

      Since, you are feeling tired during the day, I would encourage you to speak with your doctor, as it could mean that your pressure setting must be adjusted, but just the same, you may just need more time to become acclimated with your CPAP machine.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach our customer service department at: 1-800-356-5221.

      We wish you the best!

  23. I have a reamed 10 ,been on it 3 years, my setting is at 10, was not getting enough air so I turned it up to 12, still was not getting enough air, then I noticed the machine was not going above 4. This is not good ,I’ve even turned it up to 20, but it will not go above 4, what’s up thks

    1. Hey Danny, i’m sorry to hear that the pressure doesn’t seem to be increasing. Please confirm if you have a ramp set. If so, try turning the ramp off to see if this helps.

      If the low pressure continues, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, with the machine near you for further troubleshooting.

      We wish you the best!

  24. I am new to using a CPAP machine. I am trying to figure out what to do when I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Should
    I remove the mask or should I keep the mask on and remove the hose only….

    1. Hey Tom, really it’s your choice. Which option makes it easier for you? Some masks are designed with a quick release feature, which allows you to easily remove the hose from your mask, so that you don’t have to worry about re-adjusting the mask when you return. If you can easily remove the hose, this is definitely the option I would recommend.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      We wish you the best with your CPAP therapy!

  25. I have read some comments about the differences between an APAP and CPAP machine where the APAP adjusts while your sleeping if needed but the CPAP does not.. However, when I bought my CPAP machine the Airsense 10 Autoset I was tie it would also adjust during sleep as needed but just within the parameters set on the machine. Is that true?

    1. Hi Tom, an auto machine is set to a high and a low pressure and the machine changes to the pressure that you need in-between those two numbers on a breath-by-breath basis. Yes, what you were told is true.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at; 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

  26. I have a crap Resmed machine. After I have wore it for an hour or so at night, I a waking up with air pushing out my mouth even though my mouth is closed. It’s feels like a build up of excess air and I am making snore like guttural noises from the air expulsion. What is causing this?
    Thank you

  27. I have been using my CPAP for about 18 months now and hate it. I don’t sleep any better than without it, at best my sleep with the CPAP is equal to without it. I wake up every morning with cotton mouth or water dripping out of the mask (there is no setting that works). To have the masks not leak the straps have to be so tight that there are depressions in my scalp.

    I have seen no positives effects of wearing my CPAP. Has anyone else felt the same?

    1. Hey Raymond, I am sorry that you are experiencing such difficulty with your CPAP therapy. What type of mask are you currently using (ex. full face, nasal, nasal pillow)? A large part of successful therapy is choosing the correct mask, being comfortable wearing the mask, and making certain that you have the correct size mask.

      Usually, waking up with dry mouth is an indication that your mouth is falling open during your sleep. If this is the case, you would need to wear either a full face mask, or you can use a nasal in conjunction with a chinstrap. Also, with you having to pull the strap really tight, its an indication that you are using the wrong size mask, or it is time for you to change your mask. You should change most mask cushions every three months and should change your entire mask every 6 months.

      Are you currently using a heated humidifier? With the water dripping from the mask, it sounds like you are experiencing rainout. You may try insulating your hose to see if this will reduce the accumulation of water in your hose. Please see the link below for a product called Snugglehose, which covers the hose and may reduce rainout.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/snuggle-hose-tube-cover

      For assistance with selecting a different mask, further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail questions to: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best, don’t give up!

  28. Hello, thank you for answering some questions here on your blog. My husband has been using a CPAP for about 3 years and for 2 months now has begun to lose his sense of smell and taste. He is extremely faithful in cleaning his machine. Besides this complaint, the machine has benefited his health and sleep, so right now he is disappointed. Any suggestions please would be appreciated.

    1. Hey Holly, my apologies for the delayed response. I’m sorry to hear that your husband’s sense of smell and taste seems to diminishing. Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to find any information that the use of a CPAP Machine, causes smell and taste to disappear.

      I did however find other patients speaking about this problem on our cpaptalk.com blog. Please see the links below to read what others are saying.

      http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t26697/loss-of-taste.html
      http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t43630/Loss-of-smell.html

      I would strongly, recommend your husband speaking with his doctor about the symptoms he is experiencing to make certain that there isn’t a problem unrelated to CPAP Therapy causing the problem.

      For further questions, or concerns, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

  29. Why does my CPAP machine only Supply Air when I’m breathing in? That doesn’t make sense to me since I obviously have no problem actually breathing in air. What I need is air to be pumped into my lungs when I stop breathing which it does not do. If I hold my breath which resembles exactly what happens when I’m sleeping no air is supplied to my lungs to keep me breathing. So I’m a little confused as to what this machine is supposed to help me with if it isn’t making a difference perhaps it’s just a programming issue.

    1. Hey Mike, a CPAP machine is designed to provide air when you inhale, not exhale. I would recommend you speaking with your doctor regarding your thoughts towards your breathing needs to make certain you have the correct type of machine.

      Your doctor may find that you are in need of a BiLEVEL (ST) machine, (a machine that provides a separate pressure for inhalation and exhalation).

      If you would like any further assistance, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Best Wishes!

    1. Hey Rose, we’d be happy to assist you with the settings on your humidifier. What machine do you have? Please contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, with your machine near you and we’ll get you taken care of!

      We hope to hear from you soon!

  30. I’m sleeping great but my lungs feel like I’ve been beating air from a machine and it feel very strange. Why the feeling? Thanks

    1. Hey Steven, we’re glad to hear that you are sleeping well, but sorry to hear about the feelings with your lungs. Please speak with your doctor about the symptoms/feelings you’re experiencing.

      Also, if you have a machine that has an exhalation relief feature, you may try adjusting it to 3. If you need assistance with making the adjustment, or anything else, please contact us at: 1-800-356-5221 with your machine near you.

      We wish you the best!

  31. My Philips resperonic CPAP machine is making a noise. It also is warm around the display board and where the power cord plugs in. What do I do?

    1. Hi Krith, i’m sorry to hear that your having some problems with your CPAP machine. It’s hard to say for certain what is causing the noise. We’d be happy to assist you with over the phone troubleshooting. Please give us a call with your machine near you.

      Please call 1-800-356-5221.

      We hope to hear from you soon!

  32. I have a nasal pillow and it makes my columnella (the piece between the nostrils) sore. Not a rubbing kind of sore, but more from pushing on it.

    1. Hi Lanis, i’m sorry about the soreness to your columnella. Most times when you feel soreness on the inside of your nose, it is because the nasal pillows are too big, or the wrong shape for your nose.

      You may want to try a smaller size so that it may seal around your nares. Also, if this is your first time using a nasal pillow mask, it may take some time for your nose to adjust to the pillows. You may want to try using a nasal mask and possibly switch back and forth from nasal pillow to nasal.

      Please see the link below for a product that may provide some relief to the soreness that you are experiencing.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/CPAP-Moisture-Therapy-Cream-1-oz-Tube

      Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221 or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com, with further questions, or concerns.

      We wish you the best!

  33. My Phillips Resporonics is working just fine and I sleep all night and feel fine when I wake up. The problem is that my usage percentage has dropped drastically even though I use it 6 to 8 hours a night. I have to be at 70% minimum to be in compliance so that I can pass my D.O.T. physical. My percentage dropped from 85% to 63% and hasn’t gone back up. It has been two weeks now since it dropped down. I’m getting desperate because my medical card expires in 2 days. Which means I could have my CDL suspended and lose my job which will result in an avalanche of losing everything because I can’t make $30 an hour working in a warehouse or McDonald’s. Please help!!!

    1. Hi Robert, i’m sorry to hear that you’re machine isn’t showing the proper usage time. In order for us to assist with what may be causing the problem, we need additional details.

      What is the name of your machine? Where are you receiving your data from (your machine’s display screen, a mobile app,)? Does your data show any leaks? Is the machine shutting off at night? Have you traveled, or moved recently? Also, please confirm that your machine has the correct time listed if not, this can cause data reporting problems.

      Please compare the data on your machine’s display to the app, to confirm if it is the same. If the data doesn’t match properly, it could be a software problem and this would be something that you should contact Phillips Resporonics about directly.

      Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, with your machine near you for further questions, or concerns.

      We look forward to hearing from you soon!

  34. I have used bipap since 1990. My issue is that now while I sleep air passes through my nose and out my mouth leaving my mouth dry as parchment. Chin straps don’t help and a full face mask doesn’t solve the problem either. What do you suggest??

    1. Hi Ken, i’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing dry mouth. Are you using a Humidifier with your therapy? If not, I would recommend you adding one, as this will add moisture with your therapy. Which full face mask are you currently using. You may try a try a mask that fits under your chin to see if this helps with your dry mouth. Please see the link below for an example of the mask i’m referring to.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/FlexiFit-432-HC432-Full-Face-Mask-Fisher-Paykel

      Please feel free to reach us with further questions, or concerns at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

  35. I am having running nose an eyes in the morning and during the day. I is not cold It is an allergy issue and been to ent have 2 sprays for the am and pm also constant nasal drip.an throat clearing I changed to nasal pilow was worse and went back to my nasal mask with cushions. a little better. Setting is on 2.5 Would putting it on 3 or higher help with this or also have the presure lowered on the machine help thank you

    1. Hi Gloria, my sincere apologies for the delayed response. I’m so sorry to hear about the problems your experiencing with your CPAP therapy. When CPAP-processed air enters a person’s nasal cavity and throat, the air naturally dries, consequently making the temperature drop, thereby cooling the throat and nasal cavity. The dry and cool CPAP air can lead not only to sneezing and runny nose, but to sore throat as well. For some, the condition might last for a few days or a week; but as you acclimatize to the therapy the condition goes away on its own.

      Unfortunately, there is no ideal setting when it comes to comfort as each patient is different, so it may take a couple of adjustments until you find your comfort level with the humidity settings.

      Your comfort settings and mask choice may be the culprit for your runny nose/eyes, not your pressure setting. Please don’t make changes to your pressure setting before speaking with your doctor.

      Also, if you haven’t tried using a full face mask, you may find that switching to one may provide you some relief.

      Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, with any further questions, or concerns. You may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com also.

      Best Wishes!

  36. My husband didn’t clean his CPAP machine for a month or two. We both now have coughs and tinnitus (which can be signs of mold exposure). Our symptoms began within days of each other. My question is: can a dirty CPAP machine cause a spouse to become ill along with the CPAP user? When he exhaled, was I being exposed to mold spores too?

    1. Hi Mimi, I’m sorry for the delayed response. I hope both you and your husband are feeling better. Yes, it is possible that your husband’s machine caused you illness. This is because even when you aren’t breathing using the machine, the machine is still pushing air through the hose.

      Please make certain that your husband has changed his hose, filter(s) and water chamber if using a Humidifier. Also, he may try cleaning with a disinfectant such as Control III, shown in the link below.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Control-III-Disinfectant-Germicide-CPAP-Mask-Cleaning-Solution-Cleaner

      Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or via e-mail: cpap@cpap.com, with further questions, or concerns.

      We wish you both the best!

  37. I always put my mask on without the tubes connected so I can start breathing in it before the machine is on, then after a minute or two connect the machine and let it start itself when it notices me breathing. So far so good, but within a few minutes it just feels like the air isn’t circulating, the air around the mask feels stifling and too warm, like putting your head under a pillow/blanket with no ventilation for too long. Breaking the seal only helps a little, I have to take the mask off entirely for a 3-4 breaths.

    I’m already fairly sure I need to switch to a bipap as I experience the bloating sensations described in the list above, and my doctor and I think I have center-apnea, unfortunately we can’t persuade blue-shield to cover the cost of a full sleep study.

    1. Hey Oliver, I’m sorry about the problem you’re having with your sleep therapy. Does the stifling feeling go away after a few minutes? If so, it may help if you speak with your doctor about increasing your starting pressure.

      Also, please confirm if your ramp feature is on. If so, you may try turning it off to see if this provides you some relief. Are you using a Heated Humidifier? If so try decreasing the heat.

      If you’d like to speak with us further regarding any concern you have, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

  38. I have been on a Cpap for 10 years.i have a new res med a 10 for 3 months with full mask. My problem is the head gear. My hair gets tangled on Velcro and breaks the seal. Any suggestions?

    1. Hey Cheryle, you may try sleeping with your hair in a ponytail, or bun. Also, depending on the mask you have you may find that a Softcap, solves the problem. Please see the link below for more information on this product.

      https://www.cpap.com/productSearch#::::softcap::::

      Please visit our Forum at cpaptalk,com to see how other CPAP users are dealing with this issue. http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t108814/long-hair-management-and-cpap.html

      You may reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or via e-mail at: cpap@cpap.com, with further questions, or concerns.

      Best Wishes!

  39. I use a ResMed AirSense 10 with airfit F20 mask. There is no air venting out my mask at all when I’m using my cpap machine. I feel like the valve is stuck or something. Should there be some air coming out my mask? Otherwise, I feel I’m rebreathing my CO2. Help me, please. What should I do?

    1. Hi Jim, there is actually two points on your AirFit F20 which allows air to escape your mask. The flaps inside the elbow itself and the diffuser around the port of the mask. Please see the video below to see where the air is diffused. You can start at the 6:20 mark.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CfJlZDd3t8&feature=youtu.be&t=281

      For further questions, or concerns, please contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

  40. When in bed air strongly shoots out the front of my mask… is there any way to deflect it so I can lie towards my wife without waking her.

    1. Hi Michael, it sounds like you’re referring to the air coming out of the exhalation ports. What is the name of your mask?

      I’m not certain there is any way to deflect the air from your current mask, but depending on the type of mask you’re using, we may be able to suggest a different mask that has the exhalation ports positioned, so that air blows away from your wife.

      For further questions, or concerns, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      I hope to hear from you soon!

  41. Thanks much for your reply… I have a Fisher and Paykel Vitera Full Face, the air shoots out of little holes at the front of the mask at maybe 12 to 18 inches.

    1. Hi Michael, my apologies for the delayed response. There isn’t any way to divert the air from the exhalation ports on the Vitera Full Face Mask.

      I have checked many full face masks, but unfortunately, they all pretty much have exhalations ports on the front of the mask/elbow that will blow air on your wife.

      You may consider trying the DreamWear Full Face Mask, which has exhalation ports on the cushion, and in the mask’s elbow, which quietly disperse excess air, you may also consider the AirFit F30i.

      Please see the link below to view the suggested mask’s details. If you purchase your mask from CPAP.com, it is sold with free 30 day returns (prescription required), so if your wife complains of the air blowing on her, you can simply return the mask, for a refund, or a different mask.

      https://www.cpap.com/compare-chart/full-face-cpap-mask/2y4q

      Please feel free to reach us with further questions, or concerns at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

  42. i have been using my cpap machine now for about a year.it has worked wonders for me. however now whenever i have just got to sleep an alarm comes on telling me that the humidifier isnt working. this alarm will keep coming on unless i switch the humidifier off which i tried last night. as a result i woke up in the middle of the night with my mouth and throat so dry i could not breath. i assume the humidifier is broken but how do i fix it ?? i always fill it with water although i have always used tap water. this is a BMC machine

    1. Hi Simon,

      I’m sorry you’re having problems with your Humidifier. In order for us to assist you more efficiently, please give us a call at: 1-800-356-5221, with your machine and humidifier near you.

      We hope to hear from you soon!

  43. I have Airsense 10 I got it from the VA. My cpap machine recently started a whining noise. Very disruptive. I contacted my VA pulmonary dept. they stated that water reservoir seal was bad. They sent me a new mask and water tank. First night I used it I’m still getting the noise. Any suggestions. Thanks

    1. Hi Jerry,
      I’m sorry you’re having problems with your machine. Have you confirmed the noise is definitely with the machine and not the mask? Please be certain that you have the water chamber installed properly. Also, have you recently changed your filter? Your filter should be changed every 30 days. Do you hear the whining noise upon inhale/exhale, or both?

      You may have to have your machine returned to the VA for replacement, or repair, but before doing so, if you would like to try some over the phone troubleshooting, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      We hope to hear from you soon!

    1. Hi Michael,
      I have checked many full face masks, but unfortunately, they all pretty much have exhalations ports on the front of the mask/elbow.

      You may consider trying the DreamWear Full Face Mask, which has exhalation ports on the cushion, and in the mask’s elbow, which quietly disperse excess air, you may also consider the AirFit F30i.

      Please see the link below to view the suggested mask’s details. If you purchase your mask from CPAP.com, it is sold with free 30 day returns (prescription required), so if the mask, doesn’t meet your expectations, you can simply return the mask, for a refund, store credit or a different mask.

      https://www.cpap.com/compare-chart/full-face-cpap-mask/2y56

      For further questions, or concerns, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221 and ask for Carol M.

      Best Wishes!

  44. Recently, my husband who uses a cpap machine has noticed black marks on his face where the mask is when he wakes up in the morning. He has changed the filter. What could be the cause?

    1. Hi Christy,
      I’m sorry about the black marks your husband has developed. It sounds like he may be tightening the headgear too much.

      Has he recently changed his mask? He should be changing the mask cushion at least every 3 months in most cases. The entire mask including headgear should be changed every 6 months otherwise, it will stretch and in turn have to be pulled so tight that marks are left on the face.

      In some cases, mask liners can help with mask leaks and marks on the face. Please see the link below to view one of the options we have available depending on the type of mask he is using.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzzs-full-face-cpap-mask-liners

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzzs-nasal-face-cpap-mask-liners

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzzs-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask-liners

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great weekend!

  45. Hi, I use a humidifier with my cpap. However, I have noticed that sometimes very little water, if any, is used from the reservoir but last night the water was used up completely. I had to stop using the mask as I kept coughing this is when I realised the reservoir was empty. Why the variation? I use a heated hose as I suffered from rainout.

    1. Hi Bernie,
      What is the name of the machine you’re using? Your machine may be using an ambient temperature. If so, please change to manual.

      Also, what type of mask are you using (nasal, full face, nasal pillow)? If you’re using a nasal/pillow mask, and you’re mouth fell open during your sleep for some reason, this will cause you to use more water.

      Please check your therapy data to confirm what your leak rate is. If you have a high leak rate (more than 24L/m), this could be the cause for the sudden increase in the amount of water you’re using.

      For real-time troubleshooting and assistance with adjusting your machine settings, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Best Wishes!

  46. My CPAP hose’s outer rings have seperated from the thin plastic tube liner near the rubber connector to my mask (full face). As a result the tube when twisted will collapse the thin plastic tubing. Is there a rigid insert that can be used, just like a stent to keep the tube open?

    1. Hi Mitch,
      I’m very sorry your having a problem with your hose. I’m not aware of any stent that can be used to keep the tube open.

      Please give us a call so that we may better understand your needs. It sounds like you may need to just change the hose.

      We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221.

      Have a great day!

  47. I’ve been on Cpap for 7 months and I’m more tired and exhausted then when I started… my events are less then one. Can you think of any reason for this happening.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Need Help? 

5/5

Need more help? Contact us!

Get help from an expert like Liz

Our experts know CPAP inside and out. Give us a call today and one of our 5 star customer service representatives will help you.

or Text "Help" to 832-308-2219

or Text "Help" to 832-408-9760

Mon-Fri 8am-8pm CST, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm CST