The best way to get used to CPAP is to start slowly, fix the fit and ask your provider for help early. Most problems, such as leaks, a dry mouth or an airflow that feels too strong, have simple fixes. NHLBI says to wear the mask for short periods in the day, like while watching TV, so it feels familiar (NHLBI). Many people find CPAP hard at first, and studies show that support from a provider helps people keep using it. This guide covers practical tips, mask types, common problems and when to call for help. It is for education only and does not replace your care team.
Still waiting on a diagnosis? Read about the home sleep apnea test or what happens during a sleep study.
What Does CPAP Do?
A CPAP machine gives a steady flow of air pressure through your nose, your mouth or both. This keeps your airway open so you can breathe during sleep (NHLBI). It is a main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. For the full list of options, see sleep apnea treatment.
Why Is CPAP Hard To Get Used To?
You are asked to sleep with a mask on your face and air blowing in, which feels odd at first. A review of eHealth support studies notes that using CPAP fewer than 4 hours a night is commonly called nonadherence. It reports that the share of adults with sleep apnea who do not stick with CPAP ranges from roughly 30 to 80 percent, depending on the definition used (Meta-analysis, J Med Internet Res 2020). The takeaway is that struggling is common, and it is not a sign that you are doing it wrong.
CPAP Tips For Beginners
- Practice while awake. Wear the mask for short periods during the day, such as watching TV (NHLBI).
- Use the ramp. A ramp starts the air at a low pressure and builds it while you fall asleep. NHLBI and the Sleep Foundation both mention it (NHLBI, Sleep Foundation).
- Check the fit every night. NHLBI advises checking the fit while lying down with the machine on (NHLBI).
- Start with a clean face and mask. Clean the mask and wash your face before putting it on for a better seal (NHLBI).
- Use it for all sleep. That includes naps, and bring the machine when you travel (NHLBI).
- Keep the parts fresh. Know how to set up and clean every part, and replace tubes, masks and filters on time (NHLBI). Follow the maker’s cleaning directions (Sleep Foundation).
- Tell your provider early. Your provider may change the mask, machine or settings, and may check your usage data (NHLBI).
CPAP Mask Discomfort And Leaks
If a mask leaks or hurts, the fix is often a different mask. NHLBI says a poor fit or leaks may mean trying a different mask or nasal pillows (NHLBI). The Sleep Foundation lists these mask styles (Sleep Foundation):
| Mask Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Nasal mask | Only the nose |
| Nasal pillow | Sends air through two prongs that fit into the nostrils |
| Full face mask | Usually the nose and mouth |
| Oral mask | Only the mouth (uncommon) |
| Nasopharyngeal mask | Mainly used in hospitals |
The same page lists skin irritation and pressure marks as common problems. Ask your provider or equipment supplier which style may suit you. Continued snoring can also be a sign that the fit or pressure is off (Sleep Foundation).
CPAP Dry Mouth And Stuffy Nose: What Helps
NHLBI lists nasal congestion, dry eyes or mouth, nosebleeds and a runny nose as possible side effects (NHLBI). For a dry mouth or a stuffy or runny nose, NHLBI says your provider may recommend a humidifier (NHLBI). The Sleep Foundation adds that a heated humidifier may reduce dry mouth, nosebleeds and congestion (Sleep Foundation). If dryness or bleeding keeps coming back, tell your provider so they can adjust your setup.
Pressure, Noise And Claustrophobia
If air feels too forceful, the Sleep Foundation says to ask your sleep specialist about a pressure ramp that starts low and builds. Auto-adjusting pressure (APAP) may suit people who find a fixed pressure uncomfortable, and earplugs can block machine noise (Sleep Foundation). For claustrophobia or noise, NHLBI says your provider may suggest a different mask or machine, or a gradual pressure ramp (NHLBI). If you have trouble falling or staying asleep with the machine on, tell your provider, who may change the pressure or timing settings (NHLBI). General habits help too, so see sleep hygiene 101.
Stomach Bloating And Swallowed Air
Swallowing air, called aerophagia, can cause bloating or gas (Sleep Foundation). NHLBI says that if you have stomach discomfort or bloating, you should stop using the machine and contact your healthcare provider (NHLBI). Do not just push through it.
Does Support Help People Keep Using CPAP?
Yes, according to several reviews. A Cochrane review of 41 trials with about 9,000 people found that behavioral programs improved CPAP use, with high certainty. Supportive programs gave a modest increase with moderate certainty, and education alone was too weak to judge firmly. Most trials had a high risk of bias for the main outcome (Askland et al. 2020). A newer analysis of 50 trials found that supportive approaches worked best, followed by behavioral therapy (Sforza et al. 2024). Online and app-based support raised nightly use by about 32 minutes in 18 studies, mostly in the first months, and the long-term effect is unclear (Meta-analysis, J Med Internet Res 2020).
CPAP Not Working? When To Call Your Provider
Call your provider if a problem lasts more than a few nights, if you cannot sleep with the mask or if you still snore, wake gasping or feel very tired in the day. Your provider can change the mask, the machine or the pressure (NHLBI), and they or your insurer may check the machine’s data to see how often you use it and whether it works properly (NHLBI). If you cannot tolerate CPAP, NHLBI says your provider may prescribe an oral device instead (NHLBI). Do not change your treatment on your own. See sleep apnea health risks to see why treatment matters.
Why Keep Trying?
NHLBI says untreated sleep apnea can harm concentration, decision-making, memory and behavior control, and it raises the risk of stroke and heart attack (NHLBI). That is why providers prefer to fix comfort problems instead of dropping treatment. The main signs of apnea are snoring, gasping for air, breathing that stops and restarts, and heavy daytime sleepiness (NHLBI). If you still have these after weeks of use, tell your provider, because the mask or pressure may need a change. Keeping a note of what bothers you each night makes that visit more useful. Bring that note, plus any questions, to every follow-up. Also see sleep and dementia risk for another reason steady sleep matters.
Healthy Habits That Help CPAP Work
NHLBI says PAP treatment works best alongside healthy habits: being active, keeping good sleep habits, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and caffeine and not smoking (NHLBI). Read sleep apnea for the wider picture.
Quick Takeaways
- Struggling at first is common, and many people stop. Support helps.
- Practice awake, use the ramp and check the fit each night.
- Leaks, dryness, noise and strong air each have fixes to ask your provider about.
- Bloating means stop and call your provider.
- If CPAP fails, other options exist, such as an oral device.
FAQs About Getting Used To CPAP
Should I Use CPAP During Naps?
Yes. NHLBI says to use the machine for all sleep, including naps (NHLBI).
Can I Take My CPAP When I Travel?
Yes. NHLBI says to bring it with you when you travel (NHLBI).
Is It Normal To Swallow Air With CPAP?
It can happen. The Sleep Foundation lists swallowed air with bloating or gas as a common problem. NHLBI says to contact your provider if you have stomach discomfort or bloating (Sleep Foundation, NHLBI).
Can A Humidifier Help With Nosebleeds?
It may. A heated humidifier may reduce dry mouth, nosebleeds and congestion (Sleep Foundation).
Is There An Alternative If I Cannot Use CPAP?
Possibly. If you cannot tolerate CPAP, your provider may prescribe an oral device (NHLBI). Ask what fits your type of apnea.
Will Anyone See How Much I Use It?
Possibly. Your provider or insurer may review the machine’s data to check your use (NHLBI).