💡 Key Takeaways
- Address Mask Fit: A leaky or ill-fitting CPAP mask can exacerbate nasal dryness. Ensure your mask fits properly to maintain optimal humidity levels.
- Utilize Heated Humidifiers: If your machine has a built-in humidifier, it’ll add moisture to the air to reduce nasal dryness and irritation. Adjust the heat level for personalized comfort.
- Apply Non-Petroleum Moisturizers: Doctors recommend using a non-petroleum-based moisturizer in your nose to combat dryness.
- Consult Sleep Specialists for Settings: If you’re still experiencing dryness despite using a humidifier and proper mask, consult a sleep specialist to review your machine settings.
- Explore Specialized Products: From CPAP Moisture Therapy Cream to heated tubing, various products are available to alleviate nasal dryness. Consult your sleep specialist for personalized recommendations.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy helps treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The treatment involves wearing a nosepiece or mask that’s hooked up to the CPAP machine to deliver you steady and constant air pressure.
While realizing the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, some patients often deal with uncomfortable and troublesome nasal dryness with CPAP. This is because the gas flow of CPAP therapy sometimes makes it difficult for the nasal airway to maintain sufficient humidity and warmth. As a result, the CPAP user can lose moisture in their airways and eventually exhibit symptoms of inflammation and upper airy dryness, such as:
- Dry nose
- Bleeding Nose
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Throat
- Dry Cracked Lips
Infections of the throat, sinuses, and nose might also occur.
Your nasal airway is extremely vascular which enables it to become dried out easily by dry, cold air. Luckily, we have some tips for you to help combat nasal and mouth dryness with CPAP therapy and stay compliant with your treatment.
About Nasal Dryness with CPAP
When you go to sleep using a CPAP machine, you could experience a mouth leak. Unidirectional airflow can occur since incoming air can travel through the mouth without going to the lungs first. The cold dry air flow increase through the nasal passages can lead to mucosal drying and rebound congestion.
Inflammation and swelling can happen in rebound congestion, resulting in a reduction in nasal airway diameter. Because of this, there’s increased nasal airway resistance (NAR). NAR cause an increase in mouth leak as you begin to mouth breathe and this continues the cycle.
If you reside in a humid environment, you likely have dehumidifiers and air conditioning running, therefore the air passing through your CPAP is dry and cold. This can cause increased nasal symptom occurrence and could lead to discomfort. Even if you live in a humid environment, your nasal airways can’t provide enough humidity to humidify the CPAP therapy’s increased airflow.
This can lead to the nasal mucosa lacking enough moisture needed to humidify the air.
Fortunately, CPAP humidification, CPAP and nasal dryness tips, and some products can help.
CPAP and Nasal Dryness Tips and Tricks
You can try one or more of the below CPAP nasal dryness tips and tricks.
1. Ensure your CPAP mask fits properly. Your nose can dry out with a leaky mask. If you need to tighten straps frequently to avoid air leakage, then the mask isn’t fitting properly. A CPAP machine featuring a heated humidifier that connects to the air pressure device can help. You can adjust the humidification level. You can also ease a stuffy, dry nose by using a nasal saline spray before you go to bed.
2. Apply a non-petroleum based moisturizer in your nose. Some doctors suggest this and say it works effectively.
3. Use a heated humidifier and full-face mask to prevent your mouth from drying out. Heated CPAP humidification can reduce NAR because it supplies the right amount of humidity to the air that your nose can’t supply. This is especially helpful if you’re using a nasal mask or nasal pillow and have a dry mouth when you wake up. In this case, it’s most likely you’re a mouth breather.
If you do use a heated humidifier and a full-face mask and you’re still waking up dry, it’s likely you’re not using it properly. Try to turn the heat up. You’ll receive more moisture the higher the heat level is.
4. Change your CPAP mask or machine setting. You could be using an incorrect mask for your machine’s setting. Talk with the sleep specialist or equipment provider to see what other options there are. You could have your CPAP setting too high. If so, try to adjust the setting until you begin noticing the drying going away or ceasing completely.
CPAP and Nasal Dryness Products
Below are some products you could find helpful with dry nasal passages.
Heated Humidifiers
As mentioned, CPAP air can be an irritant in some cases. The irritation can make your nasal passages dry out and in some cases, bleed. Or, your mucous membranes could produce excess mucus to try and protect your nasal passages, resulting in congestion. The irritation can develop over time and become cumulative. Not to mention, cracked, bleeding or dry nasal passages can be a breeding ground for infection.
Using a heated humidifier can help eliminate irritation and add moisture to the CPAP air. The heated humidifier integrates with most lines of CPAP devices perfectly to provide moisturized, heated air for therapy comfort.
It adjusts the humidifier’s temperature to reduce condensation in the tubing, keeping the level of humidification constant all night long. You can adjust the control knob on the humidifier’s side of the base to set the level of heat. There are different heat settings to help you find your desired humidity level.
The CPAP heated humidifier rests on a heater plate. The heater plate will heat the chamber water with increasing temperature, adding moisture to the air flowing through.
CPAP Moisture Therapy Cream
This moisture therapy cream contains Emu oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamins A and E. It doesn’t contain any petroleum-based products that could damage the CPAP equipment. CPAP moisture therapy cream intended help prevent skin problems, such as cracking, dryness, chafing or other irritation from using a CPAP mask or other delivery device.
You can apply it to the affected area as often as you need it. If you’re using a nasal pillow, you can apply the moisture cream to the outside and inside nasal passages or nares.
NasoGEL
NasoGEL soothes irritated nasal passages and keeps them hydrated and moisturized. It can help if you wake up with sore nostrils too. You can use a small amount of NasoGEL and apply it to each nostril every four to six hours. Apply the water-soluble saline gel with a clean Q-tip or cotton swab for prolonged moisture. NasoGEL is perfect for both CPAP and oxygen users.
NeilMed NasoGEL Drip Free Spray
Some patients find benefits when they use NasoGEL along with a nasal saline spray, like NeilMed NasoGEL Drip Free Spray.
Heated Tubing
These are regular standard hoses that come in various lengths or you can choose heated options to enhance your set up, reducing tube condensation.
For instance, a heating tube can provide you with optimal humidity by monitoring the levels of temperature to the mask which allows the device to compensate when there’s a change in ambient conditions. You also have an innovative swivel connection at the device helping with moving throughout the night.
The above tips, tricks, and products should really help with nasal dryness with CPAP, but if you continue experiencing nasal or mouth dryness even after you’ve made adjustments to your machine, mask and heated humidifier or purchased some nasal dryness with CPAP products, consult with the sleep specialist. They may have other CPAP and nasal dryness tips to help alleviate the problem and provide you with more quality sleep.
48 Responses
thankyou for this information on nasal dryness. I am using a new machine and donot suffer with nasal and mouth dryness as much, I still have some dryness. will be going to see my provider of the machine in another day and will tell them about the dryness and see what they will also advise. I have written out what all of your suggestions are . If I donot get help from them I will be trying out your suggestions.
Hey Evelyn, you are most welcome! I am glad you found the article to be helpful. If you would like any further assistance, please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221 and we will be more than happy to help you.
Have a great day!
I have been using CPap for almost 8 years now. I believe I am on my fourth or fifth machine and have the humidifier and have adjusted the setting until it feels most comfortable. Work needs to continue on the face mask. I got a res-med mask with this machine but have not been able to use it comfortably. Not sure why this is.
Hi Betty, I am sorry to hear that you seem to be having some issues with getting a comfortable fit with your ResMed mask. If you would like assistance, please do not hesitate to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.
Have a great day!
How do I raise the pressure on my cpap. The ramp starts at 4 but doesn’t raise. I need to get it to 13
Hi Linda, we recommend you speaking with your doctor, before adjusting any settings on your machine. If you’ve already spoken with your doctor, please feel free to contact our customer service department at: 1-800-356-5221, with your machine near you. If your machine is already set to a pressure of 13, your ramp may need to be adjusted, or turned off so that you can reach your 13 pressure.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
No mention of saline nasel spray. Curiious. Seems to work for me.
Hi Ed, there was a brief mentioning about the saline spray. Some patients find benefits when they use NasoGEL along with a nasal saline spray, like NeilMed NasoGEL Drip Free Spray.
Thank you for your feedback. Have a great day!
Thank you for all the information.
Hi Shirley, you are most welcome! We hope that you found the article helpful.
Enjoy your day
in the begging When I use the nasal mask I got a good sleep Now when I move around it leeks and wakes me up so i went back using my nasal billow mask I still get a fairly good sleep but not like the full nasal mask
Thank you
JIM
Hey Jim, sorry to hear that you are having a problem with your nasal mask leaking. Since the mask was working initially, you may want to try changing your cushion. We recommend that you change your mask cushion every 3 months to avoid leaks. Also, you may want to confirm that you are using the correct size cushion.
If you would like assistance, or other suggestions, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.
Have a great day!
Thank you for these tips will defiently be trying some of these out
Hi Susanne, you are most welcome.
We wish you the best!
Ayr also makes a great nasal product for dryness. The gel works longer than the.mist product.
I found a little olive oil in each nostril helps. I simply did my index finger in some oil and twist it in each nostril. Some experimentation to get correct amount. Thanks for the article so I have other approaches available .
Hi Ed, you are welcome and I am glad you find the article helpful.
Enjoy your day
I dont want to advertise any certain product, but from just about the beginning of my therapy 6 years ago, I have used a certain chest rub starting with a V. A little inside each nostril clears any sinus problem almost immediately and helps me to nod off right away. It hasn’t effected the silicone on my nasal pillow mask ever.
Thank you for this information, I was remiss in putting water into my humidifier for a couple of days and began having small nose bleeds; fixed that problem and won’t forget to do that again.
After reading your information, I think I might be a mouth breather most of the time. My mask always leaks, its the smallest one, and was professionally fitted. I change the mask when I am meant to and in fact have a new mask now and still having leaks. My mouth and throat are dry almost every morning. I might have to see if a full mask will work better for me.
Cheers
Hey Colleen, I am glad to hear that the V product is working well for you. From what you are describing, I agree that you are probably a mouth breather and will more than likely need to be fitted for a full face mask, or should consider wearing a chinstrap in conjunction with your nasal, or nasal pillow mask.
Please see the link below for a few of our more popular full face masks.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2e7t
If you would like further assistance please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.
Have a wonderful day!
I have a great answer that works for me. I find that the hose gets cold in the night air and the resulting cold air is intolerable. My solution: I wear an undershirt to bed, fill the water tank with boiled water which also sanitizes the tank. I stuff as much of the hose as possible into my nightshirt and pull the covers completely over my head. My body heat keeps the air entering my nose at body temperature and this makes the mask, air etc completely comfortable for me. Fred
where do i i get this gel?
Hi Mary Ellen, we sell the NasoGel. Please see the links below for the options available with our company.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasogel-tube AND https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasogel-drip-free-spray
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with. We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, or visit cpap.com.
Have a great day!
Problems with the CPAP world.
There is no way I know of to get a proper fitting for masks without going to my doctor
The humidifier of my machine runs dry in about 6 hours, resulting in a stink of heated plastic and dryness
There is no way to have the machine evaluated for my usage without going to my doctor
If CPAP machines work correctly I should not awaken with very dry mouth and nasal passages, and a brutal headache (as a result of too little air when using the CPAP machine)
Most of your suggestions will cost me money I don’t have. IF CPAP MACHINES WORK CORRECTLY WHY WOULD I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING MORE THAN USE ONE?
Hey Doug, I totally understand your frustrations. The fitting for a mask can be challenging to say the least. Even with going to your doctor, you can get home and not be happy with the mask the next day. CPAP.com have fitting guides on our website for most of our masks product pages which can be printed out so that you may measure yourself. We offer free 30 day returns on all of our masks also. If you purchase one of our masks, wear it for a couple of weeks and if you don’t like it, no problem, send it back to us. We will even cover the postage for you to return it to us! We do require a prescription for you to purchase a mask from us though.
To help with your machine running out of water you may try turning down the humidity, but not sure if that will be an option for you since it seems like you require a lot of moisture with your therapy. As far as having your usage evaluated unfortunately, that would require either an appointment with your doctor, or your sleep center.
As far as waking up with dry mouth, I am not sure what type of mask you are currently using, but if it isn’t full face, you may want to switch to a full face mask. If you feel like you are not receiving enough pressure and are currently using a CPAP machine, you may be able to avoid a new sleep study by switching to a an APAP machine which is a machine that is set to a high and low pressure and will auto-adjust to the pressure that you need on a breath-by-breath basis.
Even though some of the suggestions that I have made may include some out of pocket costs, you may be surprised at how inexpensive an APAP machine is, compared to the cost of a new sleep study. Please feel free to contact us for more information and, or troubleshooting. We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, or via e-mail: cpap.com
Have a great day!
Why does my CPAP emit a burning odor after about an hour of beginning my treatment. Does not always do it but when it does it I shut it down temporarily and after starting it back up and it seems to be fine. The humidifier is on and I dont notice much of the water used up. Very uncomfortable sensation in nasal passage and sinus after thus occurs. The CPAP is not relatively new and I had this prinlem with my old one
Hi Larry, I am sorry that you are having to deal with the burning odor from your machine. In order for me to accurately answer your question, I will need some additional information. As the odor could be the cause of a number of issues depending on the machine that you are using.
Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com for troubleshooting.
Have a great day!
I have the Philips Dreammachine a wear the nasal mask. I still get a dry throat but not so much my mouth even though I have increased humidity. Thought maybe mouth breathing but as you know this machine gives tons of data. My Doc said if I was mouth breathing it would show up as mask leak, is that true? I don’t want to go back to full face mask. My AHIs tend to stay under 5 occasional a 6 or 7.
Hi Belinda, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having problems with dry mouth/throat during your CPAP Therapy. I can certainly say that having dry mouth/throat is an indication that you are breathing through your mouth.
Since you have already increased the humidity on your humidifier, I would recommend that you try using a Chinstrap to help keep your mouth closed during your sleep. If you find that the Chinstrap isn’t working for you, unfortunately, you may have to explore the possibility of going back to a full face mask. Please see the link below to view a list of some of the Chinstraps that we have available.
Also, I have listed a link that will provide more information regarding dry mouth/throat.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Common-Side-Effects#how-can-i-prevent-dry-mouth-with-cpap
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-parts/cpap-chinstraps
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!
I have continuous congestion problem. I can’t breathe normally as a human being. I used every possible means nothing works out. The only thing can ease my congestion is to breathe cold wet air. That only way can kill my problem. I greatly appreciate if you could help me with that
Hi Farid, i’m sorry to hear that you are having congestion problems. Usually, using a heated humidifier will help decrease sinus issues. Since you have stated cold, wet air seems to work for you, you may try using a Saline rinse https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-sinus-rinse-regular-kit.
Also, please see the link below which will give some other options to assist with your congestion.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Common-Side-Effects#why-am-i-congested-from-cpap-use
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!
I am a CPap user since Dec. 2016. I have benefited greatly in more ways thsnbyou have time for. But I have one ongoing issue that no one seems to have an answer for. I hope you can help.
I have a Dreamstation, my airflow is set at 16. I wear a full mask since I am a mouth breather. I have tried working with my humidifier on my machine to find the settings that will not dry out my mouth extremely bad. So bad in fact that the skin inside my mouth sloths off everyday. If I get the humidity set so this does not happen then it runs out of water at around 5hours. Once I am awakened by the smell and get up to add water then I cannot get back to sleep. I have also tried a chin strap and all that did was cause my nasal passages to deal with the dryness.
I sure hope you can help! I have never missed a night using my Cpap but it is surely becoming a love hate relationship.
Hey Kim, i’m sorry to hear that you have been experiencing dryness in conjunction with your CPAP Therapy. Are you currently using a Heated Tube? If so, please check your settings to see if your humidity is set to Adaptive Mode. If so, your machine is using the rooms ambient humidity to self regulate.
If you are already set to Adaptive Mode, you may be able to get some relief from the dryness by adding a room humidifier to see if that helps.
If you continue to experience dryness, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221 and we will be happy to further assist you.
We wish you the best!
As soon as I connect the straps my nose clogs
Hey Brittany, congestion is a common side effect to using CPAP Therapy. Are you currently using a Heated Humidifier? If not, you should add one in conjunction with your therapy, if possible. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting.
With the increase in humidity, you may experience condensation in your hose, if so, you may try adding insulation to your hose, such as a Snuggle Hose Cover.
Also, you may try a Sinus Rinse, such as https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-sinus-rinse-regular-kit, or https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-SinuFlo-Ready-Rinse.
Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com with any additional questions, or concerns.
We wish you the best!
I’m new to this CPAP stuff. I didn’t even think I had a problem, I didn’t snore. I have periods of insomnia and figured my tiredness was from constantly waking up at night for no reason. Anyways, I’m just starting therapy and I’m having a real hard time. The straps cut into the top part of my ears no matter how I adjust, I have my own solution and thinking of adding a strap over the top of my head to keep the side straps from slipping. But my biggest issue, I can’t breath. As soon as I put the mask on, my nose gets stuffy. I have the humidifier and it adjusts itself, but I’m still stuffy. I’m not stuffy before the mask goes on, just when it goes on. I’m also not a mouth breather so even with a full mask (more like a half face full mask, it ends at the base of my nose vs going up the bridge).
This thing is supposed to help me sleep but I’m sleeping worse and I end up feeling smothered.
What can I do?
Hi Britt, i’m sorry to hear about the congestion you are having. Congestion, for new CPAP users, is actually quite common.
You may find some relief by increasing the setting on your heated humidifier. Instead of allowing the humidifier to adjust itself, you may change the setting to Auto, so that you can increase the setting on your own.
In some cases, increasing the humidification can cause Rainout, (water in the hose). if you experience this issue, please try insulating your hose with a Snugglehose cover. (please see link below)
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/snuggle-hose-tube-cover
If the congestion continues, please be sure to consult with your doctor, or you may try making a visit with an ENT. Also, some customers have reported that using a Saline Rinse, before and after going to bed, helped to improve their congestion.
Please see the links below for some of the products we offer that may assist with your sinus concerns.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/cpap-aromatherapy-vapor-clear-sinus-blaster#tips-tab
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasamist-all-in-one
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-sinus-rinse-regular-kit
We hope this information helps! Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with. We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, or e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.
Don’t give up on your CPAP Therapy!
Dear David,
I’ve been using a CPAP on and off for ten years. I’ve solved the mask problem with the Phillips DreamWare mask. The real problem is chronic nosebleeds. I have a weak capillary in my right nostril. There have been times when nothing would stop the nosebleed and I would have to get myself to the ER to have it cauterized with silver nitrate. One of my sleep doctors told me to stop using the CPAP and just live with sleep apnea. But maybe there’s a solution I don’t know about. Your help would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Burt
Hi David, i’m sorry for my very delayed response. It sounds like you’re having a tough time with your therapy and i’m sorry to hear that. Are you using a Humidifier with your therapy? If so, you may try increasing the humidity to see if this helps, if not, you may try adding one to help with dryness. Have you ever considered Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP)? This is an option available which can treat Sleep Apnea, without the use of a CPAP machine.
Please see the links below for a couple of options you have for EPAP Therapy. Also, keep in mind EPAP isn’t ideal for everyone, so please speak with your doctor to see if it is a good option for you.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/bongo-rx-epap-all-sizes-starter-kit-airavant-medical
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/provent-therapy-30-day-starter-kit
The link below is to our cpaptalk.com forum, where you may be able to find helpful information from other CPAP users, that are experiencing nosebleeds during therapy also.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t39429/Nosebleeds-and-CPAP.html
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 wonderful day!
Whether I use a full face mask or a WISP nose piece, every morning I wake up with huge, dry mucus boulders in my nose. I have a ResMed, heated tube machine, and it uses almost a tank of water every night. It is set at whatever my doc told the supplier to set it to. BTW, I am feeling NO different when using the CPAP than not. No energy. No dreams. Nada. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Holly,
It sounds like you’re having a pretty tough time with your therapy. You may receive some relief from dryness, by using one, or both of the products listed in the links below.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasogel-drip-free-spray
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasogel-tube
Also, if possible, please confirm what your leak rate is from your machine’s data. If your mask, or hose is leaking, it would explain the extreme dryness and most of the water leaving your chamber.
Are you new to CPAP therapy? If so, please keep in mind that it does take time to become acclimated with your CPAP therapy and it is common to feel worse, before feeling better.
I would highly, recommend you speaking with your doctor, so he/she can review your therapy data, to confirm if you would benefit from a setting adjustment.
If you have 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 terrific day!
I have started using DreamStstion Philips Respironics since Feb 3 2020.
Yesterday my nose started bleeding and stopped .
It happened again today.
It hé airflow selling is 6. I increased te water heater setting from 3 to 5 last night and I still bled today.
Please advise what to do.
It felt like posterior bleeding.
Hey Ram, i’m sorry to hear that your having problems with nose bleeds. What type of mask are you using (full face, nasal, or nasal pillow)? If you’re using nasal pillows, I would recommend you switch to a different type of mask (full face, nasal) right away.
Also, you may try using a mask liner, which can act as a barrier against your skin. Your machine has flex setting that can be adjusted from 1-3, you may try adjusting to 3, if it isn’t there already so that you are receiving pressure relief during exhalation.
Please see the link below for a nasal spray which can be used before and after your CPAP therapy.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/neilmed-nasamist-all-in-one
For further questions, or concerns please contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.
We wish you the best!
Good ideas, but insurance does not allow trying one mask over the other, adding chin strap usage or any other modification unless one is “due” per insurance guidelines. Out of pocket experimenting is a bit pricey so one is left with the option of paying repeatedly while trying to find appropriate and effective equipment or having less than adequate therapy. Does anyone have suggestions for dealing with insurance while striving to find equipment that works best?
Thank you
Hi Anne, when going through insurance, there are replacement guidelines that hinder you from trying other masks. Paying out of pocket, can be costly in some cases, but with CPAP.com, we sell all of our masks with free 30 day returns (prescription required).
This is a great option because you simply order a mask, try it out, if you decide to return the mask for any reason, you can opt for a refund, different mask, or store credit. We’ll even e-mail you a return label to cover the shipping cost!
If you would like more information please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.
Best Wishes!
I have been using a CPAP machine for the last 7 years. I have tried nasal masks as well as full face masks and I still have the worst time with Dry mouth, nose, and lips. I have tried adding water to the humidifier, dry mouth mouthwash, nasal sprays nothing seems to work. The dryness of my mouth is causing issues with my gums that the dentist has noticed. I also still snore quite a bit with my cpap on. My min pressure is 6.0 and my max pressure is 13.0 on average my sleep data shows my pressure around 7.5. The CPAP is effective with my AHI readings being around 3 but I am still tired during the day, have problems focusing, and just generally feel lethargic. I have discussed all this with my doctor and his solution is to say that the CPAP is working and I may just have to live with it. Any suggestions because I am at my wits end.
Hi Kelly, it sounds like you’re having a really tough time with your CPAP therap and I’m sorry to hear that. Have you checked your leak rate? If higher than 24L/m, please make adjustments to your mask as this could be the reason for continued dryness.
Also, have you increased your Heated Humidifier to the max setting? If not, try that to see if it helps relieve your dryness. If your machine has an option for a heated hose, you should try adding one to see if that helps.
In reference to you still feeling tired and lethargic, I’d recommend you get a second opinion from the doctor. With your AHI, being around 3, that’s great, but it definitely sounds like something is going wrong with the continued dryness and tiredness your experiencing which could be unrelated to your CPAP therapy.
Please feel free to reach us for further questions, or concerns at: 1-800-356-5221.
We wish you the best!
I have been using clap for 15 years I use the pillows with mouthpiece which made using the therapy much easier for about 10 years every morning I spit out a mucus blood . Rinse out my mouth a couple of times and it’s gone. Thought it was the mouth piece irritating my gums. Tried stamps with the nose pillows I still wake up with micas blood. I am about to quit. Suggestions?
Hi Linda,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having a tough time with your therapy. Are you using a humidifier? If not, please consider adding one since you could have irritated mucous glands, caused by the constant airflow directly to your nose.
Please consider switching to a different mask, over the last 10 years there have been a lot of new mask designs that may prove to be comfortable for you.
If you decide to try a different mask and purchase from CPAP.com, the mask is sold with free 30 day returns (prescription required).
Also, I would recommend you speaking with your doctor regarding your symptoms, for further guidance also.
For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at; 1-800-356-5221, or you may email us at: cpap@cpap.com.
Don’t give up on your therapy!