Why Am I Still Snoring With A CPAP?

CPAP or “continuous positive airway pressure” is a familiar concept to many people who have medical conditions that involve breathing difficulties. That’s the reason that countless medical patients around the world use CPAP machines.

CPAP machines, in short, can be helpful to individuals who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea involves upper airway obstructions that take place when people are asleep. If an individual has obstructive sleep apnea, he may cease to breathe for short stretches of time. Airway blockages aren’t the only thing that can trigger the disorder. Airways that are particularly slender can do the same exact thing.

People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea often get treatment from CPAP machines. These devices involve masks that people place on top of their mouths and noses. CPAP machines lightly push air straight into airways. The aim behind this is to stop airways from closing in times of sleep. These machines are believed by many to essentially “cure” snoring. They don’t always work for that purpose, though.

The Ins and Outs of Snoring

Snoring is an action that takes place inside of the throat. If the throat’s components tremble or vibrate as air passes, they can trigger noise. Snoring noises often run the gamut as well. Some snores are rather light. There are other snores that are jarring and hard to ignore. CPAP therapy is often thought to be able to reduce snoring problems. The uvula and the soft palate are the two throat components that have a lot to do with snoring.

Snoring doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with sleep apnea. Many people who snore do not have the medical condition. There are all sorts of things beyond sleep apnea that can lead to snoring. People who have jaw shape irregularities may snore. People who have immoderate amounts of throat fat or tissue may snore as well. Individuals who are prone to snoring often are overweight or obese. They’re often elderly. They may even have habits that lead to snoring. People who consume alcoholic beverages right before turning in for the night often snore.

It isn’t uncommon for people to have concerns that involve snoring. That’s why many people are happy to hear that the use of CPAP machines may do away with it for good. Snoring can be problematic for various reasons.

It can interfere considerably with sleeping schedules. It can often even negatively impact other people nearby. It can be difficult to share a bed with someone who snores loudly and persistently.

Lack of sleep is never good news. It can bring on cranky behavior, daytime drowsiness, concentration woes and even libido drops. CPAP machine use may be able to keep these kinds of issues away. That’s because CPAP devices can typically put an end to snoring patterns.

CPAP Therapy and Saying Goodbye to Snoring Forever

CPAP machines eliminate snoring in the vast majority of their users. They doesn’t eliminate the action in all of them, though. That’s why people who use CPAP machines and who still snore have no reason to feel like they’re alone in their battles.

Despite that, snoring after starting use of CPAP devices isn’t the standard. Don’t panic if your snoring doesn’t go away within days after starting with your CPAP machine regimen. If it doesn’t go away, you may want to make an appointment with a doctor who focuses on all kinds of sleeping matters.

Make sure to tell the doctor about the manufacturer that produces your CPAP devices. Make sure to tell him or her about your exact machine. The more details your doctor has, the simple it will be for him or her to give you recommendations that involve changes. You should refrain from ever tweaking the settings that are part of your device all by yourself. Wait until you have recommendations from a healthcare professional.

How exactly do these devices do away with snoring? They send pressure without pause to the airways. The objective behind this is to stop them from closing when people aren’t awake. Managing closing can stop soft tissue obstruction from taking place.

It can be problematic for the soft tissues to obstruct the throat. CPAP devices also stop soft tissue massaging from taking place. This rubbing can pave the way for snoring sounds that are jarring and difficult to disregard.

What Leads to Snoring That Won’t Go Away After CPAP Machine Use?

It can be anxiety-inducing to realize that CPAP machine use isn’t able to do away with snoring troubles. If you’re frustrated by a persistent snoring “habit” that CPAP use cannot eliminate, then you should explore all of the possibilities that may be in front of you.

Think about the size of your mask, first of all. If it’s too big or too small, then your snoring problem may continue as normal. Think about the location of your body any time you’re asleep as well. That’s because your specific spot may influence the operations of the device.

Don’t forget about CPAP machine air pressure, either. If this pressure just isn’t high enough, then it may not be able to open the passageways effectively. There are various things that can affect pressure levels. If you’ve packed on excess pounds, it may influence the pressure. Faulty settings may influence it. The same thing goes for leakage of air. You should investigate any and all of these possibilities prior to taking action.

How Can I Tell If My CPAP Settings Aren’t Right?

How Can I Abandon Snoring After Starting CPAP Machine Use?

You don’t have to feel discouraged if your CPAP machine doesn’t put an end to all of your snoring troubles. That’s because you may be able to take further action. First assess the air pressure that’s associated with your device. Speak with a doctor who specializes in sleep matters. He or she can give you reliable details that relate to suitable air pressure levels for your specific machine.

Think about the location of your body when you sleep at night. It may be in your best interests to adjust your spot in your bed. People who sleep on their backs sometimes have concerns. That’s because it can often stop device air pressure from being able to open up the airways properly. Side sleeping is sometimes preferable for individuals who want to get rid of snoring habits.

Think about your breathing “style,” too. Are you prone to perhaps breathing via your mouth? Breathing in this way can be a major issue for individuals who rely on nasal masks. If you have a tendency to sleep with an open mouth, then the air may be able to leave it that way. This breathing will stop the air from traveling via the airway, and that’s the last thing that you want. It may be favorable for you to change to a mask that can conceal your face in full.

Consider fitting your mask once more if at all possible. It may be wise to tweak the fit. It’s a pretty simple and swift process as well. It typically involves merely a handful of basic changes.

Although CPAP masks ideally fit securely, they should never be painful. If yours gives you pain, then you should tweak its straps. You should steer clear of air openings in the middle of your face and your mask. It may help you to research options in CPAP masks that are made for female and male users. Masks that are made explicitly for female users are often considerably more compact.

You should also look into lifestyle tweaks that may help you keep your snoring problem in check. It may help you to shed spare pounds. It may help you to refrain from consuming any alcoholic drinks prior going to bed in the evening. Drinking significant amounts of water can help, too. That’s because it can often reduce instances of airway clogging.