Should You Stop Using CPAP?

Here at Sleeplay, we often get patients who ask if they should stop using their CPAP machine after some time? Hear what our respiratory therapist thinks about this.
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[@CaneFu]

I've only been using my CPAP machine for just over 2 weeks now but I love it. Each night my sleep improves and I stayed totally out for 6 hours last night as opposed to hardly sleeping at all before starting therapy. Full face mask doesn't bother me at all and in fact I find it very relaxing when I feel the positive air pressure almost breathing for me. I swear, putting the mask on puts me to sleep quicker than without it.

[@Sleeplayground]

That is great to hear! So glad you have had success with the therapy in such a short period of time. Keep it up and let us know if we can help at all we will be happy to.

[@realKratos667]

It took me 2 months to get used to. I couldn't dohe face mask I switched to a nasal mask and I have been great. I wear it every single night now over 8 months and I have been popping off 100 sleep scores consistently. Three nights in a row this week my sleep score was 100 followed by couple 99s. A little pointer for better sleep, try and sleep 3/4 sitting up. I been sleeping like this for months now and it's the best sleep I have ever had. I just ordered a wedge pillow as well so I don't have to use so many pillows. Best sleep I have ever gotten.

[@CaneFu]

@@realKratos667 Yeah, I actually have GERD as well as OSA and I have been alternating between sleeping in my bed with a wedge pillow and in my reclining easy chair. I am thinking it would be much better if I get an adjustable bed but they cost a zillion dollars so I'm going to see if my doctor will help me to get my insurance to pay for it.

[@barran62]

That’s great to hear and I agree 100%. I am a respiratory therapist and I have sleep apnea. I’ve used my CPAP every single night since I received it 2 years ago. The full-face mask works best for me as well. I also use a heated circuit which maintains the humidity and makes it much more comfortable. I have one question for @Sleeplayground: at what point should I have my CPAP serviced or replaced with a new one. Great informational video!

[@vaos3712]

I never had sleep problems and was always full of energy and never sleepy during the day. But as soon as some doctor said I had sleep apnea and forced me to use a CPAP machine, I have had very little sleep, i wake up exhausted, irritable, and now it so bad that I have been shaking. The CPAP is killing me but I’m forced to use it because I have a CDL. I’ve tried all the masks, tried adjusting them all, tried adjusting the pressure and moisture. nothing works I just stay awake all night with the CPAP. its been a few months now . this machine will be the death of me.

[@Sleeplayground]

Sorry to hear that! It is a process, have you allowed yourself at least 2 or 3 weeks with one type of mask. Or have you bounced back and forth between them. A lot of patient's do that and never get used to any. Also do you feel when you lay down are you not getting enough air in the beginning. Sometimes the start pressure is so low some people find themselves starving for air pressure and need the start pressure raised. Please let me know and I am hoping to help you out a little bit if able.

[@vaos3712]

@@Sleeplayground Yes, i have tried everything that you mentioned. I am beginning to dread having to go to bed now. It’s becoming so stressful that I may have to find another job just to get off it. As I stated before, I had no symptoms of sleep apnea. None. I was out-working people half my age with the energy I “used to have” before the machine. I am 100% convinced that I have been misdiagnosed. I’m even having nightmares of being entangled and trapped by cords and hoses that look like the ones on my CPAP. It’s Really really bad. I am doing research to find a way to get off the machine.

[@Vee2020FL]

@@vaos3712get off that machine immediately!! It’s not suppose to make you feel worse. Doctors make mistakes ALL THE TIME

[@dmdm9198]

@@vaos3712go back to the doctor tell him it’s not for you, why are you not telling your doctor

[@ReggieSanchez23]

🧢

[@fredkornis793]

Great communicator… Easy to listen and understand… Thank you

[@Sleeplayground]

Wow, thank you!

[@amyhoop9651]

very informative and beneficial. Thank you!

[@Sleeplayground]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derekkrause9251]

I love how my machine starts at the low setting then I wake up and it’s full blast blowing air. Must mean it works. Nobody hears me snore anymore either and I used to rattle windows!

[@Sleeplayground]

Lol! I used to rattle the windows too. Yes if it is not adjusting it is not needed. So yes glad it is working for you! Let us know if anything else is needed.

[@guysolis5843]

I gained some weight due to foot surgery and now have sleep apnea. I waited 4 months for my machine and today is day 2. My experience last night was claustrophobic but in the beginning it was all about mind over matter but I woke in a panic and had to pull the mask off of my face. It's mostly about pressure and I'll be calling support. I looked forward to good results from this machine. The mask also makes me break out...

[@Sleeplayground]

Yeah, the hardest part is to get adjusted to the mask or find the right one. I recommend to all my patient's to try and give it at lease 2 to 3 weeks of using maybe when and if you take a nap, watch a movie and douse off then at night as well. The more you do it the easier it becomes if you stick with it. If not at least you will know the issue and what you could possibly switch to. Hope that helps!! Don't give up.

[@guysolis5843]

@@Sleeplayground I just made a call to support and they adjusted the pressure. Other than, I think I may be trading my mask in..I got a break out where the mask sat..thanks for responding!

[@D.Frasure]

I feel ya on that claustrophobia, I had to go up in pressure and it cured it. took a little time to get it right but you'll know when you do. I sleep really good now and to my surprise I don't want to sleep without it for fear of waking up in a panic state do to no oxygen. I have a airsense 10 which I really like.

[@hertechprep]

I sometimes give myself a break because I feel like I'm not getting enough oxygen. I will say when I had Covid for 2 1/2 months I couldn't use my bipap due to the coughing. When I got back on, I was registering about 6-7 events for about a week then it finally went back down to 1-3. I also got switched from ACPAP to ABIPAP and it makes a HUUUGE difference! Also I make sure the air in the room is drastically cool to cold and as long as it I'm good. It also took me to go through several mask until I got the right one.

[@natedeschambault6372]

I wish i had that. I was tested and have 50 something issues an hour. I did give up for awhile but trying again. Idk if these machines actually work. Im only 35 and i have no energy anymore. Csn barely work.

[@hertechprep]

@@natedeschambault6372 I am really sorry to hear that. I got diagnosed at 36. It took for me to find the correct mask and get put on bipap. But yes they do work! I’m also working on changing my diet.

[@Sleeplayground]

Absolutely!!

[@KeunshaMedlock]

Can you please explain the difference between the cpap and the bipap

[@YouTube4Rudy]

Grant it, I only used it for a couple weeks but every time I use it, I get no sleep. Maybe I might get in an hour. After 3 days, I have to not use it so I can catch up on my sleep. I just don't feel sleepy with it on. I could be really, really sleepy before I go to bed, but the CPAP will wake me up like coffee. I'm guessing it's the unnatural feeling. I still get about 1-2 events per hour while awake according to the device, I'll keep at it, maybe things will change.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Yes it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks if not the whole month to get used to the pressure and the mask mainly. 1 to 2 events per hour is great anything under 5 is the goal. Because in order to qualify for Sleep Apnea it needs to be over 5 initially. You may have to try a different mask if needed. It is annoying going through the initial phases but It will be worth it. Once you can sleep through the night and wake up amazed most times! Also there maybe different reasons you can not get through the night. Maybe the pressure becomes to high where you rip the mask off. Sometimes the initial pressure too low where in the beginning patient's feel starved for air even. There is resolutions to it all.

[@maryrenu2927]

Great video I’ve using the Resmed10 automatic for about 2 years the problem is the mask I had to buy a cushion and it made me a rash on my nose l tried to adjust the straps but no help I’ve stopped for a couple os days my events per hour Is always under 5 like 3.1 or 4.1 my question is is that ok and if my device is on auto should I have to change the pressure at the moment is on 5 Thank you

[@Sleeplayground]

Thanks for reaching out! That is absolutely fine it is on Auto. As long as you are comfortable and the events are under 5 you are good. Also try loosening the mask to allow yourself to be comfortable.

[@jamescarbonaro596]

Great job Lily...:)

[@Sleeplayground]

Thank you 🤗

[@catallergiccat]

I’ve been on CPAP for years. The biggest problem to me is the continuous pressure air goes into my stomach and causes lots of pain .. I’ve seen GI doctors and worked with PAP technicians for optimal usage, but so far none of them worked for me.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Thanks for reaching out! There is a device called the VCom it may resolve that issue. It is made to soften the Inhale pressure. Check it out the I provided the link below for you. Let us know how it works for you. sleeplay.com/products/sleepres-v-com

[@timg5411]

I have the same problem lots of pain and it caused constipation I stopped using the cpap back to normal...

[@catallergiccat]

@@Sleeplayground Thank you! I have been using V-Com for a month so far. It does work in regards to improve aerophagia, at least no more stomach pain that wakes me up. But, I still have bloating and puff cheeks (I’m mouth taping). As a result, I’m now on a higher pressure that I need.

[@AnotherCoyote]

Anyone know what's going on with me? I was having a good time with my BIPAP machine for half a year, no problems... then suddenly I've started waking up at night feeling bad and distressed, as if I've been poisoned and it feels like I'm having trouble breathing for 10 minutes+ after I take the mask off, but my pulse oximeter says I'm fine. Even after a 45 minute nap I have this problem with it now! It feels like I'm dying! I can't describe it better than that. Has anyone else had this issue?

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Just wondering are you having an issue with the pressures? How long has it been since your last sleep study?

[@AnotherCoyote]

@@Sleeplayground less than a year ago and will be getting a new kind of sleep study hopefully in a couple months but medicaid doctors take forever.

[@kathygwyn1210]

Yes sure didSame thing

[@paull7806]

I've been using PAP since 2011. Diagnosed in 2005 (AHI of 23) but refused to believe it and went without. Started getting some kind of chest discomfort or brief "flutter" that woke me up from a sound sleep, in 2005/2006. Still didn't connect my issues with sleep apnea. Started getting severe panic attacks with feelings of doom when I was forced awake and my sleep was fragmented. A kind locum prescribed 120 mg Propranolol for anxiety, and my symptoms disappeared. However, that locum did not know (I guess) about the sleep apnea. Survived and thrived until 2011, when I had weaned down a bit on the Propranalol. I started getting severe narcolepsy-like symptoms and went for a second sleep study. Again, I was told I had sleep apnea and needed a machine (PAT test this time); and AHI was 23. I finally bought a Respironics System One and used it for about nine years. Started getting some mild symptoms and see decided to switch machines as the Respironics was getting old. Went for my third sleep study (same place that said I had AHI of 23 in 2005) and was told "you don't have sleep apnea." What was meant but not communicated was that my sleep apnea was mild (AHI of 7). Unfortunately, the sleep doctor didn't say that and I bought a ReaMed. AutoSet for Her in 2020. The sleep doctor had given me a Rx for pressure of 13 even though she knew my AHI was 7. She allowed me to go on and use a machine (CPAP then APAP mode) for 3.5 years, even though I was overpressured. My pressure should have been 9-10 but it was 13-14. I started developing a "flutter" (similar to what I had had in 2006) due, I think, in part, to the use of Propranalol, the pressure setting of 13-14 (when it should have been 9), heavy physical work on my house, and severe anxiety. The "flutter" woke me every night last year and for all of January I only got about 90 minutes' sleep a night. I get more sleep now; but the "flutter" still makes an appearance, waking me up or preventing me from sleeping. I believe you might have something similar. I have had this investigated in four countries and by several Cardiologists and doctors; nobody can tell me whether i have mild MVP or something similar. If you are still using CPAP, maybe consider getting a BiPAP, with trigger settings and many options that can allow us who suffer to breathe smoothly. I also wear a neck brace to prevent chin tuck, and mouth tape to stop pressure leaks. You could also try a chinstrap. I found that many if not most of my therapy issues stem from mask or pressure leaks, or even using a machine that may be failed or broken.

[@guysolis5843]

Hi Lilly, I have a serious question and I hope you can help me. I've had my machine for 2 months and in spite of me dropping the humidity down on my Resmed 11 to 1, I have been experiencing a disturbing amount of chest congestion. Today I turned it off and hope that will alleviate my symptoms. Is this a common occurrence? Have a good weekend!

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi Guy, This is James at sleeplay.com. Yes, this is a common issue on the machine. Make sure you are keeping tubing and chamber clean and yes shut the humidity off, if it is not needed It is not required. Let me know how it works for you.

[@guysolis5843]

@@Sleeplayground I've been sleeping with it off now but I still add some distilled water, maybe I shouldn't as I still have a small amount of chest congestion. Can it run with no h20? Thanks for responding, James!

[@user-xi5rn8gi5h]

Great video, can you explain if continuous cpap usage contributes to tooth issues? Thanks.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hello, We should have a video on this topic soon!

[@jeromesbowellmovements100x2]

If CPAP is making it hard to fall asleep when first starting it, how long does it take for that to go away? It takes me 7-8 hours to fall asleep using CPAP vs 1-2 hours without it.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Thanks for reaching out! Wow, it may be that your start pressure is too low and you feel sufficated for air. Maybe that is the reason you can not fall asleep. Is there a reason you feel with the mask on you can not do so?

[@paull7806]

It took me six months to get fully comfortable with PAP therapy. You might adapt sooner. Because I slacked off and felt so we'll, I started avoiding the PAP and slept without it for months. I started getting "flutter-like" symptoms that erupted into full-blown panic attacks, that ruined my quality of life. Now I wear a neck brace, mouth tape, full face mask or nasal mask, and sometimes a chinstrap. I've also tried using an oral appliance but it started giving me Tinnitus.

[@pietleroux5169]

I think this is only a question that an uninformed person that is not monitoring their treatment would ask : if you know what your AHI is at present and monitor your blood oxygen levels while you sleep and they appear to have become normal, yes maybe but you would still have to monitor yourself form time to time to be sure. In my case my AHI were 36, my blood oxygen went as low as 67% when I slept and I hardly slept 4 hours a night......I never want to go back to that!

[@Sleeplayground]

.

[@peskybobcat]

I would continue to use CPAP but it seems to be a scam trying to get a new machine p!zz off

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Thanks for reaching out! Can I ask what seems to be the difficulty getting the new machine that you have had. Maybe I can help!

[@ally7103]

Hi there, any suggestions for my Husband who had to stop using his machine? He loved the machine and said it was the best sleep he ever got. But had to stop using it. He has Meniere's and the pressure from the machine just made his Meniere's even worse. He was constantly dizzy and passing out from time to time (at work a few times) because the dizziness got to be too much. He ended up on short term disability and can't use his machine anymore. His sleeping is terrible and he's always tired. Is there an alternative? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi Alice, This is James! Yeah that is tough to deal with. I actually have something similar with my equilibrium and the vertigo etc. it is horrible. Let me ask, what type of mask did your husband use?

[@ally7103]

@@Sleeplayground Dream Station, face mask.

[@marcus_ohreallyus]

My problem is I feel like I'm suffocating when using CPAP.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hey Marcus Which type of mask are you wearing?

[@brendaf3132]

The problem I have is I had more episodes with the cpap than off.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Thanks for reaching out! Did you have a sleep study in a facility? Do you have a set pressure? Do you have a lot of leakage. I will advise of all once I can understand a little more maybe.

[@BO-2016]

Why do I have excessive phlegm that builds up in my throat when using my cpap? It happens more times then none.. it disrupts my sleeping....Help!!!😢

[@Sleeplayground]

If the CPAP begins to dry your nose, your body will increase the production of mucus in the nose to add more moisture to the inhaled air. I would say to raise the humidity and see if that works.

[@BO-2016]

@@Sleeplayground thanks for the suggestion. I will try this tonight

[@paulbarnes9490]

What about have sometimes mucus should you leave it for the next day

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi Paul, How are you, can I ask leave what for the next day?

[@priscillaharlins1328]

Any suggestions regarding dry eyes from the air blowing in your face at night? I wear the CPAP mask and an eye mask. Any other tips or suggestions? I also have a mini machine for travel. I sometimes get real frustrated with the mini. If I forget my eye mask at home it’s not worth using the machine. No way to adjust the pressure. Any tips would be helpful. Thank you.

[@Sleeplayground]

Yes, do you wear the full face over the mouth and nose? If so I would try a hybrid full face that goes under the nose and mouth. If you are a nose breather and do not find yourself waking up with dry mouth often. I would try a nasal mask. You can still get benefit without so much opportunity for leakage.

[@priscillaharlins1328]

@@Sleeplayground thank you for your response. I wear a nasal pillow. It goes right over my nose. It’s my eyes that get dry. It took me a while to find the mask that works for me. I even quit using my CPAP for several years. I’ve been faithfully using the CPAP now for at least 2 years. I’m still waking up tired sometimes on the right side of my brain, but not like before. I can get through my days without feeling exhausted.

[@chucknobuko3828]

You can adjust the pressure and the exhale pressure by going to the clinician settings. Works great. Search for it. It is easy.

[@lindafoster8182]

The company that handles my CPAP machine is so aggravating, I feel like they treat me like I’m trying to steal something from them. I’m sorry you can’t get that for another month I’m sorry you can’t get that for another two weeks. What is the problem? I wear my headgear out quickly I don’t know why but I have to buy equipment off eBay in order to have something that is not too loose.

[@Sleeplayground]

Yeah, I worked that side of the DME supply industry. The problem is the insurance only pays every so often. So there not gonna give you anything for free. I would recommend if the headgear is wearing out quickly are you speaking of the Velcro straps perhaps.

[@starpop409]

I unknowingly and unwilling take my full face mask off in my sleep. It's the most frustrating feeling every when I wake up every morning when it's off

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Yeah that is an experience that pretty much we all have gone through! I am sure. Maybe try a Nasal type mask, you will pretty much do the same for a week or two. But once you get used to it, it is a more comfortable mask for sure. How long have you been using or trying?

[@Sleeplayground]

.

[@marionbutler264]

does C PAP causes me to have inflammation in my lungs and causes me to cough up fleme

[@Jeremy-xe9vs]

I just can't do it. I've been trying nightly to fall asleep with my cpap machine on, for multiple hours a night and no matter what I do, I just can't fall asleep. As soon as I take the mask off, I immediately fall asleep. I basically just wasted thousands of dollars on the sleep testing and this stupidly overpriced machine and now I'm just stuck with it. I wish I'd never even made the original appointment to get tested.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Yes, that is common not that it helps, I am just mentioning. Now just to advise I am sure you are aware. This therapy is not to make you fall asleep it is to correct the sleep apnea while your sleeping. A lot of times the start pressure is inadequate for patient's and they lay in bed uncomfortable starving for air. Not sure if that is the problem just a suggestion you may want to get your start pressure raised. It is a great form of therapy if not the best for sleep apnea it just takes finding the right mask and getting adjusted. What mask are you wearing as well. Due to the uncomfortableness of the mask people likewise have similar issue. Try to find another mask that fits you and your needs better.

[@Jeremy-xe9vs]

@@Sleeplayground Thanks for the response. I'll stick with it. I'm just grumpy from lack of sleep and felt like complaining, lol. :)

[@susanmoore6382]

It takes a week or more to get use to wearing mask and machine. Don’t give up.

[@Katsem]

@@susanmoore6382I’ve had two sleep specialists tell me it took them months. The woman at my sleep doctors office who has been changing my mask, changing the settings on my bipap, etc. told me it took her 6 months. The technician who conducted 2 sleep studies on me said it took him 2 months. I’m at one month and hate it. I will keep trying, but it isn’t working for me.

[@Katsem]

I doubt my doctor will change me to a nose mask from the full face mask since I’m a mouth breather while on my back. I think it’s worth looking into.

[@Jane-es9ez]

forcing yourself to breath is very dangerous and always causes heart problems , if you gradually train the heart to be able to accept the increase in oxygen then your heart can accept it , its like forcing yourself to jog , you can only increase gradually you cant do it all at once

[@Sleeplayground]

=)

[@paull7806]

Isn't a CPAP "forcing you to breathe"? I think PAP especially APAP can actually induce arrhythmias or worse. Can you provide evidence it does not?

[@susand]

Can CPAP cause ringing in the ears?

[@Sleeplayground]

Yes, CPAP can cause tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, in some cases.

[@susand]

@@Sleeplayground Thank you for your reply. I do have ringing in my ears and it seems to be getting worse. I guess there is nothing I can do until I get off CPAP.

[@AndrewHedlund100]

A real turnoff is how greedy ResMed is it makes me feel like a scam the way they don’t make the masks last long

[@Sleeplayground]

a

[@fair2middlin]

I want to marry Lily. Lily Was Here by Candy Dulfer

[@Sleeplayground]

=)

[@user-pj5nq5pv8c]

It’s like it’s a full-time job. I get very little sleep because I have to concentrate on my breathing.

[@Sleeplayground]

I apologize, it takes work to get used to yes. But you do not need to concentrate on your breathing you can breathe normally and let the machine do what it is supposed to.

[@user-pj5nq5pv8c]

@@Sleeplayground I need to rest at night I don’t need to work at night it’s just like I got another job to do

[@c50grand2]

I can’t and I won’t stop using my CPAP Machine ever, since I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea AND Atril Fibrillation.

[@Sleeplayground]

That is Great to hear! Keep it up.

[@mmm__we]

Well the Cpap doesn’t work for me and I don’t know what to do

[@anthonyg856]

Why is your name badge backwards 🤔😆

[@Sleeplayground]

=)

[@snupjohn]

CPAP, so UN-sexy, I hate it for that and a few other reasons. There’s GOT to be a better way!!

[@Sleeplayground]

LOL!!

[@michaelwilson9849]

Seems that it would be more beneficial for you to discuss what patients are supposed to do if not using my Cpap/biPaP because of the PR recall of 2 million Cpap devices. Are you just ignoring the elephant in the room? Please address the most critical issue facing hundreds of thousands of patients who still don’t have a replacement or solution have well over a year!

[@Sleeplayground]

We apologize greatly for any inconveniences. Unfortunately this recall caused a lot of confusion for every body. Respironics has been calling patient's to replace there machines trying to reach everyone I believe. We are not employees of Respironics, but I completely understand your frustration. If there is anything we can do to assist you in the meantime please let us know. As we would be happy to help in any way. Thank you for choosing Sleeplay!

[@poerava]

Your moving side to side was making me dizzy and sea sick Maybe watch this in 2 x speed and no volume. Are you able to stay still when you speak? 🤦‍♀️

[@Sleeplayground]

LOL!

[@lindayoung6388]

You move around too much you lose my interest

[@Sleeplayground]

Apologies!

[@lindayoung6388]

You look like you want to be an actress you drive me nuts I can’t even watch your video

[@Sleeplayground]

Apologies!