ASK APRIA

Today's Clinician

Jason Huesgen

Jason, a United States Marine Corps veteran, has also been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for over 23 years. He has previously worked in acute care settings before joining Apria where he assists our patients in a home care setting. When not at work, Jason volunteers his time as a Cub Scout Den Leader and enjoys spending time with his wife & children, and watching the San Francisco 49ers.

Q. I used one CPAP machine for years and only had about 2 events per hour. Now my new machine says I have over 50! I’m using the same mask—what’s going on?

A. It's understandable to be concerned when you see a sudden change in your CPAP readings. Several factors could contribute to this difference:

Different Machines, Different Measurements: CPAP machines can vary in how they detect and report breathing events. Some are more sensitive or use different algorithms, which might result in higher reported events.
Sleep Patterns Change Over Time: Your sleep apnea can evolve due to factors like age, weight changes, or other health conditions, potentially leading to more events.
Night-to-Night Variations: It's normal to have fluctuations in your sleep quality. Stress, illness, or even sleeping position (like lying on your back vs side) can increase the number of events on a given night.

If these higher numbers persist or you're feeling more tired, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can review your CPAP data and ensure your therapy is optimized for your current needs.

Q. My CPAP won’t turn on automatically and says “high leak detected.” How do I fix this?

A. If your CPAP isn’t turning on by itself, the AUTOSTART feature might be turned off. Not all machines have this feature, and even if yours does, it may need to be enabled in the settings. To check, look in your user manual, search for a quick how-to on YouTube, or call your local Apria branch for help.

The message “high leak detected” usually means that air is escaping somewhere. Here are some quick things to check:

Make sure your mask is sealed well and not too loose.
Check all hose connections to be sure they’re snug.
Look at the water chamber to make sure it’s seated correctly and closed all the way.

These are easy fixes that often solve the problem fast. If you still see the message, don’t worry, reach out to your local Apria branch for help, and we’ll get you back to sleeping comfortably.

Q. I wake up in the middle of the night and my throat and nasal passages are freezing. What can I do to warm up the air?

A. That chilly air can definitely feel uncomfortable! Luckily, there are a few ways to make your CPAP air feel warmer:

If you have a ResMed machine, try using the “WarmUp” option in the More menu before bedtime. This gently warms the air ahead of time.
Heated tubing is another great option. It lets you control the air temperature for more comfort. Just keep in mind it does require a prescription because it changes some settings on your machine.
You can also check your machine’s humidifier settings or user manual to see if there’s a way to adjust warmth.

If you're not sure what your machine can do, you can look up one of our resource videos or call your local Apria branch.

Q. The straps on my mask are cutting into my skin on the back of my neck. I have to have my mask really tight or it leaks—any suggestions?

A. It’s never okay for your mask to hurt; comfort is just as important as getting a good seal.

Something most people don’t realize is that leaks often happen because of how we sleep, not just the mask. If a pillow, blanket, or even your hand touches the mask while you sleep, it can cause leaks. Also, a mask that’s too tight can leak just as much or even more than one that’s too loose!

Here’s what you can try:

Loosen the straps a little so it doesn’t dig into your skin.
Try a CPAP mask liner, which can help seal the mask without having to overtighten it.
Look into a different mask style or size that fits better and feels more comfortable.

You deserve a good night’s sleep and comfort. If you’re not sure which mask might work

better, your local Apria branch can help you find the right one.

For more information: Reasons Why Your Mask Leaks and How to Fix It

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