If you have started wearing CPAP mask then in the beginning you may feel very inconvenient, especially when you start feeling the pressure from your sleep apnea machine during the first occasion. You will get the sensation as if pressurized air is hitting your face, which may suffocate you.
Your mask itself may feel too tight and very uncomfortable while you wear it. In this article, we will provide you few tips so that it will help you to get fully used to this CPAP mask:
- Wrong size/style of CPAP mask
You need to work very closely with the doctor as well as supplier of CPAP machines to ensure that you are wearing certain CPAP mask which fits properly. Since all of us have different face shape, you need to wear right size and style of mask.
Following few actions may help you.
- Use a different mask
- Pay attention to the size.
- Trouble to getting used to using CPAP device
Initially, try wearing CPAP mask while you are awake for some time as you watch TV. Also, wear the mask with hose with your device turned on while you are awake during the day.
After you get accustomed to it then start using the device while sleeping.
- CPAP mask is making you to feel claustrophobic
Better to avoid wearing full face mask, particularly any mask that may block your vision. Try to wear nasal pillow mask.
Also, you can try using ramp feature available on your machine.
- How to get comfortable sleep with CPAP?
Following are few ideas that can help you to get proper sleep while wearing CPAP mask:
- Stay positive
- Make sure that your mask is not too tight.
- Ensure that you have got right accessories for maximizing your comfort while you are using your CPAP like CPAP pillows, mask Liners, hose covers and aromatherapy.
- Difficulty in tolerating forced air
Try to use a machine having “ramp” feature. With this setting it will allow you to begin with lower air pressure. Then slowly and automatically it will increase air pressure as per desired setting while you fall asleep.
- Dry, stuffy nose
Make sure that your mask is fitting you well. Any leaky mask may make your nose dry. A CPAP device which has heated humidifier attaches to air pressure machine, may help. You may adjust your level of humidification. By using nasal saline spray during bedtime can also help.
- Dry mouth
Those people respire through their mouth during night or try to sleep with their mouth open, and then few CPAP devices can worsen the dryness in their mouth. Using a chin strap can help to keep their mouth closed and also reduce air leak if they wear nasal mask.
Sometimes, full-face-mask-style device may also work well for them. A CPAP-heated humidifier that attaches with air pressure machine may also help.
- Bothersome noise
Usually, most of the new CPAP devices are very silent. However, if your device is making noise then check to ensure air filter is not blocked. You may ask your doctor or your CPAP supplier to properly clean the mask and the hose.