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Problems With Bipap

BiPAP, or bilevel positive airway pressure, is a treatment for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. A BiPAP machine delivers air pressure to a mask placed over the nose during sleep. This pressure is higher during inhalation and lower during exhalation. The machine can also automatically deliver a breath if breathing stops for a number of seconds. Although wearing a BiPAP mask can be uncomfortable, it comes with a number of benefits, such as greater energy during the day and better sleep at night.

  1. Discomfort

    • Many people find the BiPAP mask and apparatus uncomfortable and have difficulty sleeping while wearing it. There are several different types of masks, so for some it may be a matter of finding the most comfortable choice. Consult with a physician to find the best option. Most masks come with adjustable straps that can be lengthened or shortened to a comfortable position.

    Congestion

    • It is possible to develop congestion or a runny nose after using a positive airway pressure machine. Many BiPAP machines come with humidifiers which can help with these conditions. In cold climates, an insulated tube may be necessary to keep the humid air from getting too cold.

    Claustrophobia

    • Some people develop claustrophobia as a result of having a mask cover part of their face. This can make it difficult to sleep while wearing a BiPAP apparatus. Desensitization training, where a person begins to wear the mask for a short period of time and slowly adjusts to longer periods of use, can help. A trusted friend or physician can help a person get through the desensitization training more comfortably.

    Cost

    • BiPAP machines can be very expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. Most medical insurance companies will cover a BiPAP machine if it is prescribed by a physician. Another option is a rent-to-ownership machine, in which you pay a monthly fee for a certain amount of time and then gain ownership of the machine once the time is up. Medicare and other insurance companies will pay a certain amount of the monthly rental fee--typically 80 percent of the cost for 13 months.

    Headache

    • Some people who regularly use a positive airway pressure machine such as BiPAP develop mild headaches. These headaches are easily treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers. As people get used to the mask and the breathing apparatus, headaches can become less frequent. Trying different types of masks in order to find the most comfortable option can also help with headaches.

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