The Healthy Living Segment

Host (Adam):
We know how important a good night’s sleep is for your health, wellbeing, relationships and how you feel day to day. That’s why it’s so important that if something like sleep apnea is interrupting your sleep, you get it sorted properly.

You often hear that CPAP is still the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and can be life-changing. But you also hear some people say they tried CPAP and hated it — they just couldn’t get it to work. So is CPAP genuinely not suitable for some people, or are there other levers you can still pull?

To answer that, we’re joined by Bryce Perron, founder and CEO of CPAP Direct. Bryce, welcome back. Is it the case that CPAP just isn’t for everyone?

Bryce Perron:
To be honest, what most people really struggle with is that they didn’t have the right support when they first started. Some people take to it like a duck to water, but when someone says “I couldn’t tolerate it, it just doesn’t work for me,” I like to dig into what’s actually going wrong.

Is the mask too tight? Is it too hot? Is air leaking into your eyes? Do you feel like you can’t breathe in or out comfortably? Have you got a blocked nose? Do you feel claustrophobic? There are so many things people can struggle with initially. Without support, they don’t have the tools to get over those hurdles and realise the success that comes with effective therapy.

Host:
Like with anything, it’s important to keep asking questions and dig into the actual problem. I thought there wasn’t much you could adjust with CPAP machines — you put them on and that’s it. Is that not the case?

Bryce:
That’s a huge misconception. There are auto CPAP machines, and people think you can just buy one out of the box and it will work. The “auto” part means the device has a minimum and maximum pressure and automatically adjusts throughout the night based on your breathing to keep the airway open.

Older traditional CPAP machines ran on a fixed pressure. Auto machines are much better because they constantly move up and down. However, the minimum pressure settings that come straight out of the box are often very low. For me, if I jump on those default settings I can’t breathe properly — I almost get more air without the machine.

People who buy online and try to self-treat often struggle because no one has set the machine up properly for them as an individual. There are many settings that can make therapy comfortable or uncomfortable depending on the person.

Host:
How important is it to get the right mask?

Bryce:
Critical. The mask is the most important part of the system to get right. Two masks that look almost identical can feel completely different on the same person because of the way they sit, how they’re adjusted, or the style of mask.

A full-face mask isn’t automatically the best choice just because someone thinks they breathe through their mouth. The aim is to get the smallest, most comfortable mask that gives a reliable seal and effective therapy. Mask fitting is very individual — you can’t simply pick one off the shelf. You really need a consultation to find what’s right for your face.

Host:
There’s a lot that needs to be fine-tuned and individualised. What are the most common problems people experience when they first start CPAP?

Bryce:
Common issues include mask leak, strap marks on the face, pressure feeling too strong or strange, dry mouth, nasal congestion, and claustrophobia (especially with a full-face mask).

Many people start with the mask too tight because they think tightness equals a good seal. In reality, if it’s too tight it can leak, and if it’s too loose it can leak — you need the right balance. Some people also take the mask off during the night without realising.

That said, some people take to it straight away. Our brand ambassador Merv Hughes had severe sleep apnea and found CPAP much easier than he expected on the first night. For others it takes a longer-term mindset.

Host:
How long does it usually take for the body to get used to CPAP?

Bryce:
With the right help, I would expect someone to be comfortable and reaping the benefits within the first 60 days — and that’s a conservative estimate. Most people get there much sooner. The key is having a long-term mindset: this is for my health, my relationships, and how I feel every day.

If a sleep physician has recommended CPAP on your sleep study, it’s important to follow that advice and be prepared that the beginning may feel inconvenient. Once you get it right, you really get it.

Host:
What are the alternatives to CPAP?

Bryce:
Depending on what the sleep specialist recommends, there are alternatives. One is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) — essentially a mouthguard that holds the jaw forward to create more space in the upper airway. These are often suitable for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Some people only obstruct when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy (a vibrating necklace or collar) can encourage side-sleeping. Weight loss, including with physician-guided GLP-1 medications, can also reduce severity for some people, although it doesn’t treat the core issue of the airway collapsing.

For many of us, including me, anatomy means we’ll always need something like CPAP to keep the airway open, no matter how much weight we lose.

Host:
Finally, what advice would you give someone who’s just been diagnosed, started treatment, and is struggling to tolerate CPAP?

Bryce:
Find a supportive CPAP provider with experienced clinicians who actually use the equipment they supply. Make sure you have the right mask — at CPAP Direct all masks come with a 30-day comfort guarantee so you can exchange them if needed.

Our devices also have inbuilt modems so they can be remotely monitored and adjusted. You can call the support line and get help without needing to come back into the store.

If you’ve struggled before or think CPAP isn’t for you, find someone who really knows what they’re doing and give it another go with proper support. People who quit often return to the same health and relationship issues, and those problems tend to worsen over time.

If you’d like a free consultation with an experienced clinician, search “new patient program” on cpap.com.au and register there.

Host:
Bryce Perron, thank you so much for the valuable information. We’ll talk again soon on Healthy Living.

Bryce: Great. Thanks, Adam.