Long-Term Support for CPAP Users

Getting through the initial CPAP adjustment period can be difficult, and support matters in the long term too. Living with sleep apnea and CPAP can be stressful, and people with sleep apnea may be at higher risk for anxiety and depression. Poor sleep when a machine isn’t functioning properly can add to that stress. Common side effects can also appear even if your CPAP use was going well previously.

Keeping a support system on hand to help you troubleshoot technical problems and deal with the physical and mental stress of using a CPAP can help you maintain your sleep quality and overall health.

Below are three types of support to consider, along with some do’s and don’ts of CPAP use.

Professional and Technical Support Systems

When it comes to technical support, your first line of support should be the manufacturer of your CPAP machine. While doctors and sleep technicians know a lot about CPAP machines, they won’t necessarily know all the fine technical details. Many CPAP manufacturers publish troubleshooting guides on their websites and offer customer support. So, if your machine is acting up or you suspect damage, contact the manufacturer.

If you suspect your CPAP is not adequately treating your sleep apnea or you’re still having symptoms of sleep deprivation, like daytime sleepiness and fatigue, it’s important to contact your sleep specialist or primary care physician. While inadequately treated sleep apnea can cause these issues, it’s important to investigate other reasons why you’re not getting quality sleep. This can range from issues like stress, secondary sleep disorders, or certain medical conditions.

If you’re experiencing bothersome side effects from using your CPAP, you may be advised to speak with a sleep technician or your sleep care team. They can guide patients through the adjustment period and suggest ways to reduce common side effects such as dry mouth and cracked lips. Technicians may be available by phone, email, or appointment.

If using a CPAP is increasing your stress or causing a decline in your mood, speaking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist, may help you learn techniques to reduce the effect CPAP has on your mental health. Mental health professionals may use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy to help you adjust.

Because sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety, it’s important to speak with your doctor about getting additional medical help if your mental health starts affecting your health, safety, and wellbeing.

Personal Support System

When using a CPAP, your personal support system will consist of a small group of individuals that you have a close relationship with and that understand your sleep disorder and treatment. These individuals could be a partner, family member, friend or coworker.

The people in your personal support system should have a good understanding of how having sleep apnea and using a CPAP can affect you, both positively and negatively, and can offer emotional support if things get difficult.

It’s important to note that the people in your personal support system shouldn’t be relied upon for troubleshooting technical issues and side effects. Leave those to the professionals.

Community Support

Community support from groups and forums dedicated to people with sleep apnea can be useful. This might include social media groups, online message boards, or Meetup groups. Members often share your experience and can offer tips to keep your CPAP use going smoothly. Keep in mind that advice from a group is not a substitute for guidance from your sleep care team.

The Do’s and Don’ts of CPAP Use

The Don’ts

1. Don’t use incompatible parts and supplies with your machine. Examples include using inappropriate tubing or filters.
2. Don’t use tap water in your humidifier unless your manufacturer says it is fine. Manufacturers typically call for distilled water, and minerals in tap water can build up in your machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for humidifier water.
3. Don’t change your mask without consulting with a professional first. Masks are not one-size-fits-all, and some may not be appropriate or effective for you.
4. Don’t give up on using your CPAP before consulting with a professional first. Sleep specialists have several techniques to help you get used to sleeping with your PAP. If you’re still struggling to fall asleep after one week of use, speak with a sleep specialist or technician.
5. Don’t attempt to fix your CPAP without speaking to the manufacturer or your sleep care team first. Making any alterations to your machine can cause additional damage and void your warranty. Always adjust or fix your machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Do’s

1. Do give yourself time to adjust to using your CPAP, which often takes several weeks. Using it every night, and for as much of the night as you can, gives the therapy a better chance of working for you.
2. Do clean your machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, on the schedule the manufacturer recommends. Regular cleaning helps keep your CPAP machine functioning normally and may reduce your chance of getting an infection.
3. Do change out your filters consistently and in accordance with the manufacturer. Changing the filters helps keep your machine free of debris and keeps debris from entering your airway.
4. Do wipe down your mask daily to prevent dirt and microorganism buildup. Most masks can be cleaned with dish soap and water, but make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Do speak to your doctor if you are still experiencing apneas or excessive daytime sleepiness. Your machine may need a pressure adjustment.
6. Do speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing any negative side effects like dry or sore throat, nose bleeds, cracked lips, or chest infection.

Your doctor or sleep provider may use home sleep testing to check how well your therapy is working over time. Wesper develops FDA-cleared home sleep testing medical devices used by clinicians. Healthcare professionals can learn more on the Wesper professional page.