To aid with breathing while sleeping, CPAP masks and machines are a lifesaver. These masks are useful because they apply a constant positive airway pressure that helps to normalise breathing.
When your doctor reviews the results of your sleep study, he or she will determine the optimal air pressure range for you. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is effectively treated, so you can get a good night’s rest.
Wearing a CPAP mask or switching to a different mask can be challenging and inconvenient for many patients. They face unique obstacles because of things like the bulkiness of the mask or headgear, the nature of the material, the way they work, skin sensitivities, and so on.
We must consider the possibility that improper CPAP mask use is to blame. In this piece, we’ll talk about some of the most typical CPAP mask blunders, as well as their potential consequences and how to avoid them.
Issues That Can Arise from Certain CPAP Mask Mistakes
Misusing a CPAP mask can lead to a host of complications, including difficulty breathing and even skin allergies. As a result, if you don’t know what you’re doing, CPAP masks might turn into a real problem.
Issues that may arise from wearing a CPAP mask include:
Claustrophobia
Wearing a CPAP mask might make some people feel trapped. In order to lessen the claustrophobic feeling and sleep more soundly, understanding its origin is essential.
Congested or Parched Nose
A dry, stuffy nose is another issue for many who use CPAP machines. Since breathing becomes less efficient as a result, it can disrupt sleep. A heated humidifier or humidifier can be attached to your CPAP machine to prevent dry, cold air from entering your sinuses.
Those who are plagued by any of the aforementioned issues are likely committing at least one of the most widespread CPAP mask faux pas. No need to worry, though; these issues are easily solvable, perhaps by adding a humidification chamber to your CPAP machine.
A Skin Irritation
When worn incorrectly, a mask has the potential to irritate the skin. Possible morning symptoms include a rash or allergic reactions. The CPAP mask’s fabric may also cause skin irritation.
Leakage
Air leaking is another issue that can occur with a CPAP mask. The effectiveness of your CPAP therapy at night can be diminished if the mask is not worn correctly.
The need to get up in the middle of the night to adjust your mask might have negative consequences, including making you drowsy during the day and reducing the efficacy of your sleep apnea treatment.
A chinstrap might help you keep your mouth closed and prevent air leakage if you tend to breathe through your mouth.
A Dry Mouth
Wearing a CPAP mask causes significant discomfort due to dry mouth. It can cause your lips to dry out and crack, as well as give you poor breath.
Some Typical Errors While Using a CPAP Mask
You have found the proper site if you’re having trouble with your CPAP mask, whether you’re a new user or a long-time user of the device.
You could be doing one of several typical blunders with your CPAP mask. Let’s quickly go over each of these blunders and the solutions to them.
Mistakenly Purchasing an Inadequate Size
Inappropriately sizing their CPAP mask is the number one rookie mistake made by CPAP users. The efficiency of the CPAP mask is diminished, and this can cause a host of other issues.
What Can You Do to Fix This?
As a beginner CPAP user, you should take the time to learn about the different mask sizes and types available to you before making a purchase.
The sizes of CPAP masks vary between manufacturers, so it’s important to know this if you’ve been using one for a while. It is equally important for you to carefully examine each mask before selecting one.
Purchasing the Wrong Type
To what extent are you aware that CPAP masks come in a wide range of styles? Nasal masks aren’t for everyone, but full-face masks, nasal pillows, and hybrid masks provide alternatives.
What Should You Do to Fix This?
An alternative mask that better suits your breathing and sleeping habits exists, as was previously described. People who sleep on their side, on their stomach, or on their back, as well as those who toss and turn throughout the night can all find a mask that works for them.
Consider the mask’s material carefully before making a purchase. Do not purchase a CPAP mask with a silicone cushion if you are allergic to the material.
This means you should look for a mask that does more than just fit you well; rather, it should include all the features you need.
Maintaining a Spotless Mask
Patients using CPAP devices frequently report unpleasant odours and deposits from their masks. Infections have also been caused by this. The primary reason for this is stale air in the mask, which may be avoided by regular cleaning.
Consequences of Not Cleaning Your Face Mask
- The mask doesn’t work very well.
- The mask emits a strong, unpleasant odour.
- Collection of germs
- Potential allergen and infection source
- Can lead to bronchitis and other respiratory infections
What Should You Do to Fix This?
You may prevent this problem from occuring by cleaning your CPAP mask daily. Many CPAP cleaners and sanitizers can do this task in as little as five to ten minutes, so don’t let the time commitment put you off. It can also be cleaned with hot water and a mild, ammonia-free dish detergent.
Staying for Years Without Changing Your Mask
When the time comes, it’s best to swap out your CPAP mask even though they often last quite a while. If you don’t want to throw out the whole mask, just the components that come into direct contact with your skin (such as the cushion around the frame) can be swapped out.
What Should You Do to Fix This?
After three to four months of use, you should replace your CPAP mask. In addition, it is recommended that you swap out your mask’s cushion once a month to ensure a tight seal. Select long-lasting CPAP masks if you do not wish to make recurrent purchases.
Failure to Seek Medical Advice
The Internet unquestionably provides access to a wealth of information. Still, if you want to solve a problem, you should talk to someone who knows what they’re doing.
Talk to your sleep doctor if you’ve been having issues with your CPAP mask for a while.
The question is, how can you get past this obstacle?
If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues for an extended period of time, or if you’ve tried everything else and still can’t get to sleep, you should see a sleep doctor to see if they can assist.
Conclusion
As a result, rather than ignoring them, the aforementioned errors should be acknowledged. You can rest assured that your CPAP experience will be as positive and successful as possible, with fewer complaints and improved nighttime rest. That being said, why delay any longer? If you are using a CPAP mask, we hope you will find our advice useful.
Related: How To Setup and Use a CPAP Device
