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Common Sleep Apnea Mask Mistakes
CPAP machine for Sleep Apnea
Finding the right CPAP mask is crucial when it comes to treating sleep apnea.
If you’re affected by sleep apnea, a condition in which your breathing halts for multiple short periods during sleep, your doctor may have prescribed you to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Wearing a mask over your nose, or over your nose and mouth, a CPAP machine gives pressurized air to help keep your airway broad and stop pauses in your breathing. But you require to find the right sleep apnea mask and use it right for treatment to be effective. Look out for these common mistakes to get the most out of your CPAP.
Mistake 1: Selecting the wrong size sleep apnea mask.
A sleep apnea mask has to form an excellent seal to work properly, but if the mask is too large or too small, it can be challenging to achieve the necessary seal. The inappropriate size mask can also be uncomfortable. When choosing a mask, it’s a good idea to try on several to find what fits best. Bear in mind, mask sizing can change based on manufacturer. Being a particular size in an old mask doesn’t mean you’ll be the exact size in a mask produced by a different company.
Mistake 2: Selecting the wrong style mask.
There are many styles of masks used for treating sleep apnea, including nasal masks that cover your nose, full-face masks that cover your nose and mouth, and nasal pillows with inputs that slide into your nostrils. Think about how you sleep when regarding selecting a mask. Are you a mouth breather? A full-face mask may be more appropriate. Do you toss a lot during your sleep? A nasal mask may remain in place better for you.
Mistake 3: Not setting aside the time to adjust the mask properly.
In addition to selecting the appropriate size and style of mask, ensure you adjust the straps to position it on your face correctly. The mask should be snug, but not extra tight. It should not be too high or too low. Confirm to make sure there are no leaks in the mask when you are lying down or moving from side to side. It may take a bit of time to figure out the correct positioning of your mask and headgear the initial time you use it, but it’s a needed step.
Mistake 4: Denying yourself time to get used to your CPAP mask.
Get accustomed to you Sleep Apnea mask
Keeping sleep apnea mask on is something you may require to grow used to, so don’t give up on it too quickly. The sleep apnea mask may be uncomfortable. To remedy this, begin by using the mask while awake and preoccupied with other activities like watching TV or working on the computer.
This will help you get accustomed to the feeling of having it on your face. Use it regularly at night and during naps, too. It should begin to feel more natural after continuous use and exposure.
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