Many people have problems with their CPAP machine, especially at first. Don’t give up. Often, the problems go away when you get used to wearing your mask.
Most Important – Comfort
Because pressurized air requires a closed seal for it to be effective, CPAP machine users are required to wear specialized masks when sleeping. The comfort level of the masks that are required for CPAP therapy is usually what causes patients to stop using their machine or avoid purchasing one altogether. If your mask feels uncomfortable you may need to try different masks to find one that fits you well.
CPAP Machine with Heat and a humidifier
If your nose and sinuses feel dry and stuff, make sure you get a machine with a heated humidifier option. If this is your first machine and insurance is pay, get the heated humidifier option!!!
If you can’t breath at night because of sinus problems on top of your sleep apnea there are still solutions available. If you have chronic sinus problems and medications don’t help there are masks available that fit over your nose and mouth. Usually if you can clear your sinus’ before you go to bed, the forced air from your CPAP machine will help keep your sinus’ clear.
Does your mask irritate your skin?
If your mask irritates your skin, try a different mask that uses a different material to seal the area. Plus, there are also special skin moisturizers made for CPAP device users. Some petroleum-based products can damage the mask, so ask your doctor for more information.
If the mask leaks air. Some people can’t keep their jaw closed while wearing the mask. A chin strap can help hold up your jaw to keep the air in.
If you don’t like the pressure. You may find that breathing out against the air pressure keeps you from sleeping deeply. Your doctor may ask you to use a bi-level machine that lowers the air pressure when you breathe out.
The same mask may be used with CPAP and bi-level machines.
If you take the mask off during your sleep or don’t wear it every night. Most people can’t wear the mask all night long, every night, right from the start. Keep trying, even if you can only use the mask for an hour a night at first. Once you solve your comfort problems, you should be able to increase the time you wear the mask.
If you just can’t get used to the mask
Some people also benefit from using nasal pillows that fit into the nostrils and relieve pressure on the bridge of the nose. Using a regular CPAP mask one night and nasal pillows the next night may help you feel more comfortable.
Some people find that wearing a dental device that pushes their tongue forward helps. You may want to talk with your doctor about whether throat or jaw surgery could help.
Surgery for Sleep Apnea is an option
Surgery is an option, but usually as a last resort. Most sinus and sleep apnea surgeries have extremely long and painful recoveries because of all the damage done to soft tissue. The odds for successful surgery are NOT 100%. You may go through the pain and expense for nothing and since most surgeries are only partially successful you may still have to use a sleep apena machine. A CPAP machine is still the best treatment.
Spend some time fitting the most important part of the system – your mask.
by husband has sleep apnea and tried 7 mask he is nHELPot able to wear.his test stoped breaing over 60 times. PLEase help