If you still have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have insomnia, which isn’t something that a CPAP machine can fix. Practice other healthy sleep habits like getting regular exercise and wind down before bed. If the airflow is distracting to you, look for a device that slowly increases air pressure over time so that it reaches its prescribed setting after you’ve fallen asleep. Wearing it for short periods of time during the day when you’re at home can help you get used to having the mask on your face. Masks also come in different shapes and sizes – some fit only over the nose or mouth while others can cover your entire face.
When you first start using a CPAP machine, it can take some trial and error to feel comfortable enough with it for a good night’s sleep. CPAP machines with built-in heated humidifiers can also help retain moisture throughout the night, reducing the symptoms of dryness. If you use a CPAP machine and sleep with your mouth open, try using a mask that has a chin strap to keep your mouth closed, as long as you’re not congested. The CPAP machine releases a flow of air through your breathing tract that can cause dryness in the mouth or nasal mucus membranes.
Keep reading to learn how to avoid these uncomfortable side effects. The most common CPAP machine side effects include dry nose or mouth, difficulty falling asleep, more frequent awakenings, blocked nose, irritated or dry skin, mask pressure, or mask leakage.
That’s why it’s crucial to get clear instructions on how to fit the mask and use and maintain the machine. However, many users find the machine uncomfortable or inconvenient to use. The effect of a CPAP machine on sleep is more profound if used every night. For people with obstructive sleep apnea related to obesity, increased insulin sensitivity and improved weight loss.Improved relationships with your partner or spouse.Significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms, so you feel more emotionally balanced.Increased cognitive functioning and decreased fatigue, helping you stay productive and focused during the day.Decreased blood pressure and protection from coronary disease.Using your CPAP machine consistently can give you some great health benefits: Poor sleep can negatively affect your mood, your ability to concentrate, and it can even have serious consequences on your long-term health. The most significant health benefit of using a CPAP machine is that it can give you better quality sleep.
A common symptom of sleep apnea is excessive, loud snoring or startling yourself awake by gasping for air. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when someone periodically stops breathing during sleep, which happens when your upper airways (mainly the oropharyngeal tract, located behind the soft palate and in front of the epiglottis) collapse partially or completely. What does a CPAP machine do? A CPAP machine provides Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, which is a common treatment protocol for people who experience obstructive sleep apnea. Other times, sleep disruption is caused by health conditions that need to be treated, such as sleep apnea. In these cases, we can often get our sleeping habits back on track with simple lifestyle changes.
Sometimes sleep is disrupted temporarily by stress, a change in environment, or a change in routine. In fact, it’s impossible to survive without sleep and having disordered sleep creates a risk of developing serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sleep is critical for living a healthy and balanced life.