Get The Restorative Sleep You Need
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are prescribed for patients with sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air into your lungs through a tube and mask, preventing your airway from collapsing.
Oftentimes drifting off into a relaxing sleep is a challenge and the CPAP machine can make it feel even more stressful. With all of the pieces and instructions, it can be difficult to manage without the help of a professional.
That’s why we put together a list of the most common issues and solutions that can help you on your way to a quality night’s rest with your CPAP machine.
My Mask is Uncomfortable
It can be difficult to adjust to the CPAP machine. We suggest wearing it during the day to get used to the sensation. If your mask is too tight, it can lead to skin irritation, headaches, or painful teeth. You can loosen the mask or try a different size. To ease skin irritation, you can use a mask liner or CPAP moisture cream.
I Have a Leaky Mask
If you can’t get a good seal on your CPAP mask, there are a few things you can do:
- Tighten the mask.
- Try a mask liner to seal the areas that aren’t getting proper contact between your skin and the mask.
- If laying on your pillow is affecting your seal, try a different position or consider investing in a CPAP pillow.
If these tips aren’t successful, you may want to try a different mask size or different brand altogether.
I Feel Claustrophobic
The CPAP mask and tubes can feel restricting at first. We suggest utilizing the ramp feature on your machine which will slowly increase the pressure over 45 minutes so that you have time to fall asleep. You may also want to consider a combination of treatment methods. If you utilize an oral appliance in addition to a CPAP machine, you can downsize your mask to a nasal mask instead of a full face mask.
In addition to downsizing your mask, with combined therapy you can set the CPAP machine to a lower setting. This will decrease the air pressure and the noise to help you sleep more comfortably. For patients with severe sleep apnea, combination therapy is a great way to lessen the effects that accompany CPAP.
I’m Getting Headaches
If your CPAP is causing headaches, there are a few different things you’ll want to consider. If you’re prone to sinus headaches, you’ll want to avoid a nasal pillow mask because they clog the sinuses and cause headaches. Instead, a nasal mask or a full face mask will be a better option for you.
If the mask is too tight, you may experience headaches. Try loosening it without breaking the seal. If you continue to experience headaches, you’ll want to consult with your physician. They may need to adjust the pressure settings on your CPAP.
CPAP Isn’t Your Only Option
If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, you may want to consider an oral appliance. You can leave the CPAP behind and enjoy nights free of masks, tubes, and pressurized air. Instead, the oral appliance is noiseless, convenient, and customized to fit you precisely. It’s an effective way to treat sleep apnea without the hassles of a CPAP machine..
Contact our office to learn more about the benefits of an oral appliance by calling (817) 431-6764. A quality night’s rest can be as simple as an oral appliance.