CPAP still not helping me

[Dalle36]

I have been using CPAP machine for over a yr. now and I have seen no improvement in my sleep. I use the nose pillow mask because of me being a side sleeper but I find me waking up with my mouth open and sometimes there is drool. Should I try a full mask to see if that would be any better for me?

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Do you have data capabilities with your machine? If so, take it to your sleep doctor and try to trouble shoot what the problem may be. Most machines can tell if you have a leak, or if you still have significant apneas and hypopneas. Troubleshooting also involves looking at other masks, headgear, or type of CPAP machines.

[hava]

Do this as well, and you will get better sleep and improved breathing.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two middle fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed. Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
While doing anulom vilom, keep your eyes closed, concentrate on the third eye (point in between the eyebrows).