A. If the air from your machine feels too strong, do to change the pressure on your own. Your air pressure was set by your doctor to treat your condition. However, you can try using the ramp feature which will lower your pressure for a short time, enough to allow you to fall asleep. You can also check to make sure you are not having any leaks with the mask. Leaks will make the flow of the machine feel much higher, therefore making it feel like the pressure is too much.  If you are having leaks, you may want to change your mask or play around with your humidity setting. Talk to your local branch about getting a different mask if needed. 

A. If your mouth opens while using CPAP, air can leak out and make treatment less effective. To help keep your mouth closed, try making sure your nasal mask fits well and address any nasal congestion so you can breathe comfortably through your nose. You may also benefit from a soft chin strap which gently supports the jaw and helps keep the mouth closed during sleep. If mouth leaks continue, switching to a full-face-mask that covers both the nose and mouth is another option that may offer the most effective and comfortable solution. One other way is to also adjust the humidity level. If your air pressure is high enough, it will dry the back of your throat and cause your mouth to open. You can contact your local branch to help you choose which option is best.

A. During the winter months, the air tends to be much dryer and can make CPAP therapy feel uncomfortable. To help change the humidifier settings, contact your equipment provider to review how to make that change on your device. If your machine supports a heated tubing, this may also help to prevent dryness and irritation. You may have to put the humidity setting in the manual mode to adjust the humidity setting. If dryness continues, a saline nasal spray before bedtime may help or you contact your local branch about other ways to adjust your set up for better comfort. 

See more editions of Ask Apria.