Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) intolerance refers to the inability to withstand a CPAP mask as a treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep specialists consider CPAP as the most common treatment for this sleeping disorder because it keeps the patient’s upper airway open. However, some patients cannot handle using the machine in their sleep.
The following is the information that you need to know about CPAP intolerance.
It Occurs due to Various Reasons
Different patients have different reasons why they cannot tolerate wearing the CPAP mask in their sleep. For instance, some indicate that they cannot find a mask that fits them properly, while others say they are allergic to latex. Other reasons cited for this intolerance include:
Leaking Mask
CPAP leaks occur due to a lack of the right amount of air pressure in the hose and mask. These leaks are dangerous because they can cause poor sleep quality, irritated skin, and sore throat.
Claustrophobia
Some patients feel suffocated or “closed off” while wearing the mask.
Noisy CPAP Machines
The CPAP machine might be an effective sleep apnea treatment, but it can be noisy. The persistent sound disturbs the patient and their bed partners and disrupts their sleep. Even the new models have some disturbances.
Uncomfortable Headgear and Straps
The straps and headgear might not fit well. Sometimes they might tangle and cause discomfort. It also requires time to get used to sleeping with a mask.
Restricts Sleep Movements
Patients can be CPAP intolerant if the CPAP machine prevents them from comfortably moving across the bed or changing their sleeping positions. Sleeping while attached to a device is not fun at all. It requires you to be extra cautious or wake up to roll over.
It can worsen Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Symptoms
CPAP intolerance can cause ongoing issues related to this sleeping disorder. For example, when you take the CPAP machine home and discover that you cannot use it, you will likely give up on the treatment. However, most patients assume that this is their only treatment option and failure to tolerate it means that they have to live with the snoring issue for the rest of their lives.
Without proper treatment, OSA can cause various cardiovascular issues and affect your overall health and wellbeing. For example, if you are CPAP intolerant, you should consider other treatment options, such as surgery, nasal strips, and oral appliance therapy.
It is Resolvable
Besides choosing a different treatment method, there are several solutions to CPAP intolerance. These include:
Choosing the Right Mask
Wearing a mask that does not fit is uncomfortable and prevents the treatment from working well. CPAP masks are available in different types and sizes. For example,
- Nasal pillows fit in the patients’ nostrils
- Nasal masks fit under or over their noses
- Helmet masks cover the entire face
- Hybrid masks cover the mouth and sit under the nose
- Full-face masks cover the nose and the mouth.
- Ensure that you go for a mask fitting when starting the treatment to choose a fitting one.
Address Co-existing Conditions
One of the essential things that sleep apnea patients should understand is that CPAP treatment is not a substitute for poor or inadequate sleep. You could be experiencing CPAP intolerance because of other existing conditions.
For example, it is difficult to sleep with the mask on if you have anxiety, poor sleep habits, PTSD, and insomnia. Addressing these issues first might help you adhere to the CPAP treatment.
Adding a Chinstrap
Mask leaking is common among sleep apnea patients who sleep open their mouths. It occurs when the pressure from the CPAP machine leaks out of the mouth. This issue causes noise, dryness, and mask removal. It also prevents the machine from opening the upper airway. The best solution is to wear a chin strap that keeps the jaw closed as you sleep.
Medical or Behavioral Interventions
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can solve CPAP intolerance, and some patients adjust to CPAP after taking sleep medications.
In summary, CPAP intolerance is an issue among sleep apnea patients who find it challenging to wear CPAP masks in their sleep. It occurs if the machine is noisy, uncomfortable, or restricts sleep movements. If you are a victim, you should consider choosing an alternative treatment, finding the proper fitting, undergoing behavioral therapy, and wearing a chinstrap.
