Open communication with your doctor about your CPAP therapy experience is so important, especially when you first start out. Each individual is different, so be sure to let your doctor know how your experience is going and don’t hesitate to communicate any issues or concerns you have.
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BiPAP: Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines allow for different pressure settings for inhalation and exhalation. Users who find it uncomfortable to exhale against the constant pressure of a CPAP machine may prefer the lower expiratory pressure on a BiPAP machine.
Regarding the efficacy of surgical treatments for OSA, Dr. Cacho says the best results occur when tonsils that are too large are removed. Improvements may also occur in individuals with OSA who have a piece of their tongue removed to reduce its size, she adds.
Your daily habits and environment can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Take the Sleep Quiz to help inform your sleep improvement journey.
You may be asking yourself, “Is it normal to be tired after starting CPAP?” Yes, and many new users find that it takes months to start feeling the benefits of uninterrupted sleep.
A CPAP machine is a device that delivers constant air pressure into the airway through a motor that blows air into a tube-connected mask, allowing the airway to stay open during inhalation and exhalation. The mask is worn either in a user’s nostrils or over their nose and mouth during sleep.
One way to get the most out of your therapy is to set goals for yourself. To start, aim to wear your mask for a certain amount of hours, incrementally increasing the length of time it’s worn each night.
Some devices may work on the jaw and tongue at the same time. Oral appliances are considered a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate OSA and are recommended for people with severe OSA who have problems with higher pressure intolerance, are non-responders to a CPAP device (or prefer not to use a CPAP machine).
Using the built-in AutoSet algorithm, the machine adjusts pressure settings to help you comfortably breathe in and out throughout the night.
Some issues—including mask leaks, incorrect air pressure, and mask discomfort—can have relatively simple solutions. Open communication with your physician could be the difference between feeling better sooner rather than read more later.
It might be encouraging to know, though, that it’s common for people with sleep apnea to feel the same (or even worse) right after starting CPAP therapy.
Some people see a significant improvement in their OSA symptoms when they stop sleeping on their backs. Though getting used to a new sleep position can be a challenge, several wearable devices are available that alert the user when they move onto their back.
Medicare coverage depends on the treatment type. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME)ⓘ Medical equipment expected to last at least three years, prescribed for in-home use for a medical reason.