I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about sleep apnea over the years since being diagnosed with it. Dealing with their CPAP masks is one of the primary issues that individuals have. Here are some suggestions to help you put on your mask and accept your situation better.
Choose the Proper Mask
Make sure you are wearing the appropriate mask for you. Pick the modern cpap mask that your CPAP provider offers you. To get the right mask for your requirements, try out a few different ones. You may pick from a variety of masks today. The nasal nose mask is the greatest option for me, therefore I wear it. A full face mask or another kind of mask could end up working best for you.
Speak with your healthcare practitioner, and don’t be hesitant to switch out your mask for one that performs better. You could decide to switch up your mask or try something new as time goes on. Avoid choosing a mask that makes you uncomfortable since you won’t wear it as often as you would a mask that fits properly.
The good news is that CPAP masks have advanced significantly from the bulky, outdated noisy machine with the enormous face mask. Modern versions are quite silent, and there are many different mask designs to pick from. Modern CPAP masks have a variety of mask options so you may choose the one that works best for you.
Put on your mask Each Night
If you don’t use your CPAP masks every night, you’ll never become acclimated to it. Even when you don’t feel like wearing it, make it a practice to always wear your mask. Wearing the mask, which is half the fight won, might be challenging at first since it is something new and rather unfamiliar to your face.
Your habit of wearing CPAP masks will develop with continued usage. The mask should eventually become a natural part of your life, which is the goal. It must become a regular component of your bedtime routine. When you get there, everything else gets much simpler.
Relaxation
A significant factor is your concern with your mask. I am aware that this is accurate since I had severe mask anxiety. I repeatedly flung it off since I didn’t want it on my face. To wear the mask effectively, take some time to unwind before night.
To unwind as much as you can before bed, try reading, watching TV, having a bath, and other relaxing activities. Before you put on your mask, give yourself permission to feel a bit worn out. Wearing the mask won’t be as tough if you can lower your tension and anxiety levels.
Joining a community support group is one of the finest things you can do if you’re having trouble with your mask. Sometimes all we need to do is express our annoyance or ask a question. There are several excellent support forums online where you may obtain the help you need from individuals who understand your struggles.
When I have trouble with my mask or feel like giving up totally, I find that these communities are a huge support. I don’t know what I would have done without these incredible locations in the early stages of using my CPAP. If you wish to continue using your CPAP machine successfully, support is essential. These organizations may help you get over your bad days—we all have them.
Attempt again
The most important thing is to persevere and utilize your CPAP mask, no matter how challenging it may appear. I first believed I would never be able to wear the mask, but through persevering, I quickly learned that I could, and now it is a part of my routine.
Allow yourself some time to experiment with the mask. If you still have issues with your existing provider, you may always speak to them. The market currently offers a wide variety of mask solutions.
Major Points
Get the correct mask, wear it every night, relax before putting it on, and look for community support.
Try using your mask again and again.
It’s normal to be frustrated with your mask. When I initially put a mask on, I constantly fought with it. Give yourself time, and get help if you need it. There is a mask available that is appropriate for you. If you persevere, using your CPAP mask will eventually become a habit, and you’ll start to feel much better.
Common types of CPAP masks:
• Full-face coverings: People want for this kind of coverage from their CPAP devices. It covers your nose and mouth. It’s a wonderful solution for individuals who suffer from nasal congestion or mouth breathing at night.
• Nasal CPAP masks A mask that merely covers your nose is a nasal mask. It works effectively for those who move about when they sleep.
• Nasal pillow mask: This mask covers your top lip and nostrils and has the smallest face coverage. People who use glasses or feel claustrophobic in full covering alternatives would love this selection.
• Oral mask: If you breathe through your mouth at night, this is the mask for you. It just covers your mouth.
When selecting the kind of mask, keep in mind what posture you sleep in. The bigger masks with varied straps may press against your pillow if you sleep on your stomach or side.
Ensure that your mask fits comfortably.
Once you’ve determined which mask design best suits your requirements, make sure it fits. An unpleasant mask may cause a dry, congested nose and is painful. It’s too tight if you have red markings on your face. On the other side, if the mask is too loose, you won’t profit from what CPAP masks have to give.
Till you discover the ideal fit, experiment every night. You should adjust your CPAP masks while resting on your back and wearing it over your face. Your doctor will be able to assist you in making the necessary adjustments to the CPAP masks if you are having difficulties getting it to fit correctly.
More to read: How do CPAP masks work