CPAP has been very effective to stop snoring. CPAP is actually designed to treat a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea. But in treating sleep apnea, symptoms like snoring are fixed. If a person is using CPAP but still snoring, this could mean there is an issue with the settings on the CPAP, they might need to try a different mask, or there could be something else. A person that still snores while using CPAP should consult their doctor immediately.
How CPAP Stops Snoring?
CPAP stops snoring or reduces it effectively. The CPAP functions well in managing snoring because it delivers continuous positive airway pressure to your airways, thus holding them open while asleep. Keeping the airways open prevents them from rubbing against each other. The CPAP action also ensures the soft tissues do not block your throat at night. When these tissues and airways are under the control of CPAP keeps you safe from sleep apnea, hence no snoring at sleep.
If you find yourself still snoring even after using the CPAP machine, something must be wrong. The primary cause might be your CPAP settings, CPAP machine type or mask brand, the pressure of CPAP might not be strong enough, your sleeping style might be interfering with CPAP functioning, or the presence of air gaps in areas around the mouth, nose, and mask. In this situation, you cannot make adjustments to your CPAP machine unless a specialist advises you. It is highly advisable to see a specialist to report and check on your CPAP type. The specialist advises you on the mask brand and machine to use.
Ways of Enhancing the Effectiveness of CPAP to Stop Snoring
Enhance the proper sleeping position
The sleeping position usually influences the functioning of the CPAP machine. Therefore, your sleeping position might be the reason for the continued snoring despite the use of CPAP. When you are under a CPAP machine, you are supposed to avoid sleeping on your back. Sleeping with your back limits the air pressure in the CPAP machine from opening your airways. The best sleeping position when you are under CPAP is sleeping on your side.
Ensure continuous checking of the pressure
You are supposed to keep a continuous investigation on the pressure. Once you realize it’s too high or too low, contact your specialist for advice. It would help if you involved a specialist in matters to deal with the pressure. Sometimes you might require another titration study. You can also use ramp mode on the CPAP, making your device start on a low-pressure setting and ramp up to the prescribed pressure once you fall asleep.
Be aware of your breathing habits
Your breathing habit is a significant influence on the mask that you are going to use. If you are a mouth breather, then the nasal CPAP mask might not stop your snoring effectively. If you sleep while your mouth is open, the air you breathe might find its way through the mouth instead of the airway. The nasal CPAP will be effective for those who sleep while closing their mouth, but you should use a full face mask if you sleep with your mouth open.
Ensure you keep your CPAP mask clean
You must ensure that the CPAP mask is cleaned regularly. It helps in scaring away the germs and pathogens causing other infections. You can use Motif Clean-Z to clean your mask from 99% of these germs and pathogens.
Avoid air gaps between your mask and face.
Your mask should have a snug fit that is too tight so that you don’t cause pain to yourself. You should adjust your headgear straps for a comfortable seal. Using the snug fit and headgear will ensure air gaps are closed completely to ensure CPAP functions to full potential.
Ensure That CPAP is the Routine of Your Bedtime.
Ensure that you use CPAP anytime you want to sleep. The use of CPAP inconsistently reduces its efficiency in your body.
Types of CPAP Machines
While going for CPAP machine therapy, it is critical to know that all CPAP machines are not equally the same. They are designed differently to address mild, moderate, and high apnea causing snoring.
Standard CPAP Machines
Standard CPAP machines allow patients to access their sleeping reports and comfort settings. It offers therapy quietly, enhancing the comfort of rest. It also has options for adding a heated humidifier if you are in dry climates.
Automatic CPAP Machines
An automatic CPAP machine is usually simple to use and allows you to see the data and settings. It will enable you to set even lower pressure and ramp up to the prescribed pressure once you fall asleep. It provides comfort while sleeping.
BiPAP Machines
It offers TiControl feature, which gives greater control over pressure setting timing to make you comfortable if you have a complex condition.
Travel CPAP Machines
It offers almost similar features to a standard CPAP machine, but it is portable. Travel CPAP machine provides auto and fixed pressure settings suitable for you if you are on the go.
What is CPAP?
Continuous positive airway pressure is a positive airway pressure machine. A certain level of pressure more significant than that of the atmosphere is applied to the upper respiratory tract of a person. The CPAP is connected to masks and tubes, which facilitates the oxygenated air into the respiratory system.
The main goal of using CPAP is to ensure the upper airway does not collapse or reduce breathing in individuals suffering from acute decompensated heart failure. CPAP ensures the airway does not collapse by increasing air pressure in your throat. Continuous positive airway pressure works effectively in managing obstructive sleep apnea.
What is Snoring?
Snoring is a hoarse sound originating from the nose or mouth. Snoring occurs when the breathing is partially obstructed when you are at sleep. This results in the surrounding tissues vibrating, hence producing a harsh sound. If you have a lot of issues in your throat or nose, then you might find yourself snoring during sleep.
Most people snore, but for some, it tends to be a severe health condition. Chronic snoring may be accompanied by several symptoms, including excess daytime sleep, headaches in the morning, sore throats, disturbing sleep, hypertension, pain in the chest at night, and breathing problems.
Obstructive sleep apnea is attributed to thunderous snoring, which is characterized by breathing difficulty such that the breath stops at instances. The snoring creates disturbance while sleeping, hence resulting in discomfort while resting. Snoring also becomes disturbing to anyone sleeping next to you.
Causes of snoring
Snoring is a result of many factors. These factors include the structure of the mouth and sinuses, allergies, colds, obesity, and heavy alcohol consumption. If you have this disorder, once you have a deep sleep, some muscles around the mouth, tongue, and throat relax. The tissue vibration is accelerated by the level of the narrowness of your airway. The narrower your tissues are, the louder you become when snoring.
