CPAP Mask and Machine are an excellent therapeutic choice for those with sleep apnea who want to alleviate the disorder’s most distressing symptoms. We detailed how CPAP treatment works in a recent blog article. But what are some of the most typical side effects of this type of therapy?
According to current studies, the CPAP compliance rate (the percentage of persons who use CPAP for more than a few months) is around 60%. One reason for this might be because many people find it difficult to sleep with a CPAP mask on their face. However, there are simple solutions to these issues that might enhance your patients’ compliance rates.
The top 10 approaches to handle typical CPAP patient problems, as well as the most successful treatments, are listed below.
1. How do I get used to wearing a CPAP mask?
To get accustomed to using your CPAP Mask, take tiny steps.
When you’re watching TV or reading a book, try wearing the mask during the day. Wearing the mask while cooking or surfing the Internet might sometimes help you become acclimated to wearing it at night.
Start using the CPAP mask every time you sleep at night, and even during naps, if you’ve become used to how it feels on your face.
The truth is that the less you wear the mask, the more difficult it will be to adjust to it. So, give it a few weeks or longer to evaluate if the mask and pressure settings you were given still work for you.
2. My CPAP mask is uncomfortable to put on at night!
When it comes to purchasing a new CPAP mask, it’s critical to consult with your doctor and CPAP provider to ensure that the mask and device meet your needs and are correctly fitted.
Ask your sleep technologist or CPAP supplier to demonstrates how to adjust your mask for the optimal fit, and read the manufacturer’s product instructions for more information.
The good thing is that there are a variety of cpap mask designs to choose from. Examine the many varieties of CPAP masks, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure that you select the mask that best meets your requirements.
3. Is my CPAP mask causing an allergic reaction in me?
Is your CPAP mask causing you to have an allergic response, or does it not fit you properly?
Here are several ways to see whether you’re allergic to your CPAP mask:
- To begin, remove the CPAP mask and notify your physician right away. An allergic reaction to a CPAP mask usually happens the first night you use it.
- Think about how often you wipe your mask. What seems to be an allergic reaction to a CPAP mask (such as a bruise on the face or a skin infection) is almost always caused by infrequent mask cleaning.
- Check to see whether your mask is a latex variant from the past. The majority of CPAP masks on the market today are composed of silicone, with a handful composed of a gel-like substance. Almost all of them are devoid of latex.
4. The CPAP Mask’s pressurized air is too much for me.
You might be able to get around this problem by using the CPAP machine’s “ramp” mode.
The “ramp” function allows you to start with low air pressure and gradually raise it until it reaches the pressure your doctor suggested. Your doctor can also change the rate of this “ramp” function.
If this doesn’t work, talk to your doctor about switching to a BPAP machine. However, read our side-by-side comparison of BPAP and CPAP devices to see whether this is something that might work better for your treatment needs.
5. My nose is congested or runny after using the CPAP Mask!
To begin, see if your CPAP machine includes a heated humidifier. The use of a humidifier can usually ease these symptoms. Consider purchasing a CPAP machine that allows you to modify the degree of humidification if yours doesn’t.
To keep your nose from drying out too much at night, use a nasal saline spray. Finally, ensure sure your mask is well fitted; a leaking mask might cause your nose to dry up.
6. When I wear the CPAP Mask, I become claustrophobic.
Begin by adopting a positive attitude toward your CPAP therapy.
You may not realize it, but the CPAP machine and mask are designed to improve the quality of your life over time.
Follow these tips for getting acclimated to using your CPAP mask, and remember that successful CPAP therapy sometimes necessitates patience throughout the adjustment period. If you need extra support adjusting to therapy, talk to your doctor or a sleep technologist.
- While you’re awake, practice wearing your CPAP Mask. To begin, simply hold the mask up to your face without any of the other components attached. Try wearing the mask with the straps once you’ve become used to it.
- To become acclimated to the CPAP Mask, take modest steps. Without using the straps, try wearing the mask with the hose connected to your face. Set the CPAP machine to a low-pressure setting with the hose connected (with ramp feature turned on). Finally, while awake, wear the mask with the straps and the air pressure machine switched on. Once you’ve gotten used to it, try sleeping with it on.
- Try some relaxing techniques. Certain activities, like as progressive muscle relaxation, might also help you feel more comfortable with your CPAP mask. Changing the size of the mask or trying a new type, such as one with nasal cushions, may assist.
Talk to your doctor, sleep technologist, or CPAP supplier if you still feel claustrophobic.
7. With the mask on, I find it difficult to fall asleep.
This is a common, transient issue that affects individuals who are new to CPAP therapy. Try out your CPAP machine’s “ramp” feature after following our recommendations on getting acclimated to it.
Also, make sure you’re following proper sleep hygiene, which includes regular exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before night.
8. When I wear my CPAP mask, why do I get a dry mouth?
CPAP may exacerbate dry mouth if you breathe through your mouth at night or sleep with your mouth open. If you wear a nasal mask, a chin strap might assist keep your mouth tight and decrease air leakage.
But, once again, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate mask and try changing the heated humidifier on your CPAP machine to see if it helps.
9. I keep removing my mask when sleeping at night.
It’s common to wake up and discover that you’ve taken off your mask while sleeping. A full face mask may stay on your face better if you move around a lot while sleeping.
It’s possible that you’re removing the mask because your nose is clogged. If that’s the case, a proper mask fit and a heated humidifier for your CPAP machine might assist. A chin strap might also aid in keeping the gadget on your face.
If this is a recurring issue, consider setting an alarm for late at night to verify if the gadget is still turned on. If you find yourself leaving the gadget on longer, you might gradually adjust the alarm for later in the night.
10. What causes the CPAP machine to be so loud?
Although the CPAP machine is likely to be quieter than your snoring, you do have a few choices if noise is an issue.
The majority of modern CPAP machines are practically quiet. If the noise from a gadget bothers you, first ensure sure the equipment’s air filter is clean and unobstructed. It’s possible that anything in its path is causing the noise.
If this doesn’t work, have your doctor, sleep technologist, or CPAP provider inspect the equipment to ensure it’s in good working order. If the equipment is operating properly but the noise bothers you, consider wearing earplugs or turning on a fan at night to create “white noise,” which can assist to mask the CPAP machine’s sounds.