A lot of folks feel like they’re drowning in the air that their CPAP provides, which is the exact opposite effect of what a CPAP machine should do. So what causes this common problem, and more importantly: how do you fix it? There’s a few different reasons why folks feel this uncomfortable sensation. We’ve come up with a list of solutions so you won’t feel like you can’t breathe when you’re just trying to get a good night’s sleep.
Here’s why you may feel like you’re suffocating when you use your CPAP, and how to solve it.
1. You have the wrong pressure setting.
It may be hard to believe, but sometimes the pressure is actually too low if you’re experiencing that suffocating feeling. The best solution to this is upgrading to an Auto CPAP. An Auto CPAP is a machine that automatically titrates, or adjusts, the pressure it delivers on a breath-by-breath basis.
These machines are programmed with a sophisticated algorithm that monitors your breathing in order to determine the most comfortable and effective pressure level for you at any given moment. The constant adjustments of the auto CPAP are essential to ensure that you continue to get the most out of your CPAP therapy, both on a nightly basis and as your needs change over time.
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2. You can’t customize your comfort settings.
If you can’t adjust certain comfort settings on your CPAP, you won’t get the best sleep therapy you need. The ResMed AirSense 11 Auto CPAP has all of these advanced features to make breathing easy.
- EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces the pressure when you exhale, literally making it easier to breathe
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure, and then ramps the pressure up to the perfect level once you’re asleep
- Humidification: Auto Climate Control setting avoids moisture buildup in your mask exhaust port, which could block the air you exhale
- EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces the pressure when you exhale, literally making it easier to breathe
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure, and then ramps the pressure up to the perfect level once you’re asleep
- Humidification: Auto Climate Control setting avoids moisture buildup in your mask exhaust port, which could block the air you exhale
Upgrade to the AirSense today for just $399 down and 0% APR!
3. You are congested or have sinus irritation.
If you feel like your nose is clogged up but can’t figure out why, it may be that your CPAP is dirty. If you don’t clean it regularly, bacteria and mold can grow in it. That means you’re breathing in those harmful germs every night! The Lumin can sanitize all of your CPAP supplies to ensure a healthy and peaceful sleep.
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source targets harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: No adapter needed
- Simple and Quick: Lumin kills 99% of bacteria in a one-touch 5 minute cycle
- UV Technology: specialized UV-C light source is targeted to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus
- Complete compatibility: Lumin fits all major mask types and humidifier chambers
Save $70 when you buy the Lumin today!
4. You have the wrong mask.
Sometimes nasal pillow masks, which have inserts that go inside the nostrils, can make it feel difficult to breathe. If this is the case, we recommend switching to a mask with a cushion that sits outside the nose instead, like the AirFit N30. This mask features a nasal cradle cushion that conforms to the shape of your nose to provide an excellent seal.
- QuietAir™ technology: Diffused venting breaks up exhaled air so it’s spread out lightly
- QuickFit™ elastic headgear: Slip it on and off like a pair of swim goggles to fit right out of the package
- Single side-clip and split bands: Added adjustability, allowing you to loosen or tighten the headgear
- QuietAir™ technology: Diffused venting breaks up exhaled air so it’s spread out lightly
- QuickFit™ elastic headgear: Slip it on and off like a pair of swim goggles to fit right out of the package
- Single side-clip and split bands: Added adjustability, allowing you to loosen or tighten the headgear
Save $20 when you buy the AirFit N30 today!
