CPAP Guide

Here For You

Trouble Shooting Questions

  • Ensure air intake section of the machine is not blocked
  • Clean/replace filter
  • Decrease humidifier temperature
  • Increase the hose temperature
  • Increase the humidifier temperature
  • Confirm CPAP is not directly under an open window
  • Increase room temperature
  • Adjust or loosen mask and headgear
  • If a sore occurs, consider using an alternate style of mask.  Make sure no pressure is placed on the sore
  • Use Moleskin bandage on the tender area
  • Use barrier pads or liners

According to The Canadian Thoracic Society’s Sleep Disordered Breathing Clinical Assembly:

  • 1 of every 5 adults has at least a mild form of sleep apnea (20%)
  • 1 of every 15 adults has at least moderate sleep apnea (6.6%)
  • 2 to 3% of children are likely to have sleep apnea
  • Over 1 in 4 (26%) Canadian adults have a high risk of having or developing obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Increase the level of humidity on your machine
  • Try a saline nasal spray or nasal lubricant
  • Try a chinstrap or a different mask as a mouth leak could be the cause
  • Consult your physician if you have chronic congestion or a runny nose prior to CPAP initiation
  • You may have an infection or blockage: contact your family physician
  • If you have a sinus or ear infection, CPAP may need to be stopped for a few days until the infection is resolved
  • Ensure humidity levels are adequate
  • Your mouth may be falling open while you sleep, causing the pressure to leak out of your mouth. Consider switching to a chinstrap or a full-face mask
  • Increase the humidity level on your CPAP
  • It may be caused by a mask or mouth leaks. Try a chinstrap or a different mask
  • Increase your sleep time on CPAP
  • Pressure may need to be adjusted as it may not be enough to correct your sleep apnea