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When putting on your mask, wait until you’re lying down to put it on your face and then slowly adjust the straps until your mask is snug, but not too tight. Straps that are too tight will prevent the cushion from properly inflating.

Check that your mask cushion has been properly washed or replaced if it has been used for longer than two weeks. You can also use mask liners to help achieve a good seal.

You can also try using the Ramp feature on your device. This gradual increase in air pressure will make it easier to maintain a seal when using your device.

For more information: How to achieve a perfect mask seal

If you’re waking up with dry eyes, the reason is usually that your mask is leaking. When you don’t have a proper seal on your mask, air will escape out of your mask and go up toward your eyes.

There are several reasons why your mask may be leaking. Your mask cushion could be worn out and needs to be replaced, your cushions need to be cleaned, you could have the wrong size of mask, or you could be positioning it incorrectly on your face.

When positioning your mask on your face, lie down first and then put it on. Once lying down, tighten the mask straps until it feels snug, but not too tight. You can also try using mask liners to get a good seal.

If you are still having mask leaks, contact your local Apria branch to speak with a Respiratory Therapist.

For more information: How to fix mask leaks

When a mask is too tight, too loose, needs to be cleaned or replaced, it will cause pressure and friction on your skin, leading to irritation.

Wash your mask thoroughly with mild soap or replace your mask cushion if you’ve been using it for longer than two weeks. Next, check to make sure your mask fits properly, it should be snug but not too tight, and not too loose otherwise your mask can move around on your face, causing more irritation.

For more information: CPAP skin irritation

If you're waking up feeling gassy or bloated after using your CPAP device, it's likely that you're swallowing more air than normal, leading to a buildup of air in your digestive tract. This is called aerophagia, or commonly, CPAP belly. There are several things you can do to help with this issue. 

If you are able, consider switching to a nasal mask. Nasal masks have been found to reduce the amount of air swallowed. If you are sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side. Finally, try using the Ramp feature to slowly build up the air flow as you fall asleep.

For more information: CPAP aerophagia

You may have a sinus or ear infection. Contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

This is called CPAP rainout and it occurs because the moisturized air from your humidifier blowing inside your tubing is warmer that the air outside of the tubing, leading to a buildup of condensation.

First try turning your humidifier down. If that causes you to experience dry mouth or throat, you can turn your humidifier back up and try heated tubing. Heated tubing will keep the air running from your humidifier to your mask the same temperature so that condensation doesn’t develop. You can also try running your tubing under your blanket to keep it warm.

Finally, place your device on a surface that’s lower than your face. With your device lower, gravity will prevent any potential condensation from traveling toward your mask.

For more information: CPAP rainout

This is often caused by low humidity levels or an issue with your mask, depending on the type that you use.

Start by increasing the humidity setting.

If you are using a nasal mask, dry mouth or throat is often caused by sleeping with an open mouth. Air will enter through your nasal passageway but abruptly exit out of your mouth, causing dryness. Try using a chin strap to keep your mouth closed while sleeping.

If you have a full face mask, a leak can cause dryness. When air escapes through the leak, your device will compensate by creating more pressure and air flow, potentially leaving you feeling dry. To create a good mask seal, wait until you’re lying down to put it on your face and then slowly adjust the straps until your mask is snug, but not too tight. Also make sure that your mask cushion is properly cleaned or replaced if you have used it for longer than two weeks.

For more information: Prevent CPAP dry mouth

Adjusting to CPAP therapy can take a little bit of patience and some time, but there are ways to help you adjust to your therapy.

Try using the Ramp feature on your device. This will slowly increase the air pressure as you fall asleep, making it more comfortable as you try and sleep.

You can also try switching your sleeping position so that you are on your side. Side sleeping helps reduce the severity of your apnea, which will allow your machine to use lower pressure settings, making it more comfortable.

Finally, go to bed when you’re actually tired. Many people try going to bed earlier when adjusting to their new therapy, however trying to fall asleep with your CPAP when you’re not tired can make it even more difficult to fall asleep.

For more information: Get a better night’s sleep while on CPAP therapy