Healthcare providers recommend the use of CPAP machine as the best solution for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy helps to treat any kind of breathing disorder that prevent people from getting the quality sleep they deserve after a long stressful day.
If you abide by the manufacturers instruction and observe frequent maintenance routines and how to use a cpap machine in the optimum performance level for a long time without complaints. All things being normal, you must be experiencing a good night rest everyday using CPAP machine and its accessories.
However, it may occur at times that you are not getting the right result as expected with your machine. At that instance, you need to make thorough troubleshooting to know what actually caused the problem and provide the right solution. The problem may require simple adjustment or replacement of a certain component to get it working excellently.
But, how do you know your CPAP machine is underperforming? Here are simple ways to know. This blog post provides a detailed explanation on certain irregularities that make you get poor results from your CPAP machine. As an icing on the cake, I have also provided the pro tips on how to fix each problem. Learn more about sleep apnea sufferers frustrated over CPAP machine recall.
Common CPAP Problems and How to Solve Them
1. The machine stops to work immediately
At times, you would want to turn on your CPAP machine and discover it stays off. In that instance, it is clear something is wrong with your machine. Normally, your machine should turn on simply when you push the on/off button and start supplying pressurized air into your nostrils. in fact here’s a setting that enable your machine to start working automatically when you breathe into the mask connecting the hose to the machine. So, when you push the button and nothing happens, there’s need for urgent adjustment. Click here for Philips recalls ventilators.
Solution
When your machine refuse to turn on as at when needed or it turns on but refuses to deliver the pressurized airflow, try to seek help from your machine supplier. Of course, you can try to do simple troubleshooting like checking the power cord (if you are using electricity-powered machine).
It could also mean that one of the component of the CPAP machine is faulty and needs instant replacement. For instance, the water and heating system can be malfunctioning and cause the motor to stop working.
If the machine turns on but refuses to supply airflow, try the following:
- Refill the heated humidifier tank once every three days. If the case persist, you may need to adjust the temperature and humidity settings. If the water doesn’t go down, it could mean that the humidifier is faulty.
- if you discover that the hot plate beneath the water chamber is not warming up or you find out there is an evaporation as the air passes at much slower rate, this could be that the heating element has stopped and needs replacement.
2. You sleep apnea don’t stop
Your CPAP machine is supposed to solve your sleep problems. If it happens that you still experience difficulty in breathing while sleeping. Finds it difficult to fall asleep or your bed partners still complain of the loud snoring sound you make while sleeping then something is wrong with your machine.
If your machine is functioning properly, it should constantly supply a flow of pressurized air to keep your airways free from obstruction to make you sleep in peace without snoring. if you also experience pauses in your breath or you wake up gasping and choking even after you have slept with CPAP machine firmly fixed to your nose, something is not right with your machine.
If you are sure of the above symptoms, you need to check your pressure settings to make necessary changes. The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) feature on the machine counts the number of times your breathing gets disrupted per every hour of sleep. So, it is ideal to check the AHI information on your machine display screen or check your monitoring app. If the count is more than five, you can increase the pressure.
If you do the DIY troubleshooting above and still can’t see changes in your sleep, the next best thing is to contact your machine supplier for professional assistance. If the machine is still under warranty, you might not need to pay extra cost. But if the warranty has expired, that should still not stop you from seeking professional help.
3. Your condition gets worse
Normally, you are expected to start experiencing positive change within the first week you start using a CPAP machine. All things being okay, you should begin to have a sound night rest after two or three days. If your sleep apnea condition is not getting better or even getting worse, it is a clear sign that your machine is not working. Here are some of the signs that shows your CPAP machine is in good condition:
- improved memory or mood
- Better quality sleep
- Decreased daytime sleepiness
- Fewer night awakenings at intervals
- Better concentration
If you don’t experience the above improvement after three days using your CPAP machine, you need to check for malfunctioning parts. In most cases, a CPAP machine supplier would give you some troubleshooting tips to solve instant problems. But if not, it is advisable that you visit the supplier or call a nearby electrician who is an expert in fixing CPAP machines.
4. Your CPAP machine gets older
CPAP machines works excellently as long as it is in the very good condition. When it ages, you may have to bear with several inconveniences like making frustrating loud noise, generating poor air flow and the likes. In a nutshell, your machine may stop functioning properly if it get old. In that case, replacement of the entire machine will be your best bet. New machines don’t make loud noise and can serve you more efficiently without headaches.
Conclusion
Your CPAP machine can stop working excellently if one of its components gets faulty or become damaged. More so, it can stop functioning at top level if it gets old. Whichever the reason for your machine imperfect delivery, try some of the DIY troubleshooting guide mention above. However, if the problem persist, it is necessary to visit a CPAP machine dealer or an expert electrician that has vast experience in fixing the machine.
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