Also, when you first start using the machine, you may find that you are not seeing improvements because you may need to try a different mask, or your settings may need to be adjusted to your comfort level.

If a person is eligible for an oral appliance, it’s important to consult a qualified sleep dentist for a professional fitting and to help source an appliance customized for one’s individual needs, adds Dr. Postol.

Whether you’re a current employee or looking to refer a patient, we have the tools and resources you need to help you care for patients effectively and efficiently.

You may be wondering, “How long does CPAP take to work?” The short answer is that you are more likely to see results (such as feeling less fatigued) when you prioritize consistency and patience, but it’s different for everyone.

People who lose weight and change their sleeping positions see better results than those who only lose weight. 

“This approach can involve using special pillows designed to support the head and neck for side-sleeping, wearable devices that detect and alert you when you roll onto your back during sleep, or even shirts or vests with built-in mechanisms that make sleeping on your back uncomfortable,” she added.

Treatment should be based on individual circumstance and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Side effects of CPAP treatment may include congestion, runny nose, dry mouth, or nosebleeds; humidification can often help with these symptoms. Masks may cause irritation or redness of the skin, and use of the right size mask and padding can minimize pressure sores from tight contact with skin.

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Although both weight loss and CPAP treatment are considered effective ways of reducing OSA symptoms, research is conflicting.

It might be encouraging to know, though, that it’s common for people with sleep apnea to feel the same (or even worse) right after starting CPAP therapy.

There are a number of problems that can occur, usually during the first weeks of treatment with CPAP. They are mostly mild and it is normally possible to overcome all of them.

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