Problem |
Possible Cause
|
Correction
|
Mask leaks.
Skin irritation.
Pressure sores or blisters.
|
- Strap adjustment too loose or too tight.
- Incorrect mask size.
- Worn-out mask.
- Dirty mask.
|
- Readjust headgear straps. The mask should be as loose as possible while still creating a seal.
- Consult respiratory therapist for a mask fitting. Nasal pillows or full-face mask may provide a better fit.
- Inspect mask for stiffness, cracks or breaks. Replace mask if needed.
- Wash mask daily; wash face nightly.
|
Dry nose and/or throat.
Nasal congestion.
Epistaxis.
|
- Dry air.
|
- Try nasal saline spray before bedtime and upon awakening.
- Add heated humidification.
- Try topical nasal steroid preparation or antihistamines.
- May have some desensitization over time.
- Consult physician if symptoms persist.
|
Dry mouth.
|
- Sleeping with mouth open.
|
- Try a chin strap.
- If this is not helpful, a full-face mask may be considered.
- Add heated humidification.
|
Sore, dry, irritated or swollen eyes; conjunctivitis.
|
- Mask leaks.
- Mask too tight.
|
- Try reseating the mask on the face.
- Readjust headgear straps.
- Inspect mask for stiffness, cracks or breaks. Replace mask if needed.
- Use an eye patch.
|
Rhinorrhea.
|
- Dry air.
|
- Try saline nasal spray before bedtime.
- Try topical nasal steroid preparation or intranasal ipratropium bromide before bedtime.
- Add heated humidification.
|
Allergic rhinitis.
|
- Irritants drawn in with room air through machine.
|
- Place unit on bedside table to keep dust and/or animal hairs out of machine.
- Consult respiratory therapist: a fine particulate filter can be added to some units.
- Add heated humidification.
- Consult physician if symptoms persist (may require medication).
|
Chest discomfort.
Aerophagia.
Sinus discomfort.
Difficulty exhaling.
|
- Pressure requirement may be lower at beginning of sleep period.
- Initial adjustment period.
|
- Try pressure ramp at beginning of sleep period.
- Reduce pressure with bilevel positive airway pressure.
- Try to reduce pressure requirement by using oral appliance and CPAP (no data available).
|
CPAP unit too noisy.
|
- Blocked air intake.
- Too close to sleeping area.
|
- Check if air filter is clean and not blocked by outside items.
- Add a length of hose and place unit farther away.
|
Bed partner intolerance.
|
- Multiple factors (noise, anxiety).
|
- Promote education of the patient and bed partner.
- Recommend attending a patient support group (i.e., A.W.A.K.E. Network of the American Sleep Apnea Association).
|