Obstacle 1: LEAKS
Do you find yourself waking up in the morning/middle of the night to find something has been leaking? That means it is probably coming from your CPAP mask. This leak could be the result of the wrong sized mask or that you are not getting the full air pressure your body needs!
Solution: (Always try the first two options before the third one listed below!)
- First, adjust your pads and straps to tighten your mask.
- Replace the liner or add cushions to your particular mask. **Not all masks are made the same, so make sure you aren’t using your husband/wife’s different masks or cushions!
- Call your provider. If you tried both options above, it probably means you have the wrong size mask or a leaky one. Call us at (877) 307-2727 to talk to our clinical care team to get the comfort you deserve ASAP.
What happens if you ignore this:
Not getting your necessary air pressure means you’re not getting the most out of your CPAP therapy, in which case you are not helping to treat your sleep apnea. Besides that, having your mask leak means you could also irritate your skin. The skin irritation could cause skin chaffing or rashes because the moisture is forcing your mask to rub against your skin.
Obstacle 2: SINUS INFECTION
Whether you’re a CPAP user or not, sinus infections are a hassle to deal with. If you feel as though you’ve been getting sinus infections more often or recently, ask yourself when was the last time you cleaned your CPAP machine? It is very important to clean because your machine unfortunately doesn’t clean itself. If you have not cleaned out your tubes, machines or masks then you are putting yourself at risk for ingesting bacteria you never knew existed! These unwanted germs can cause you to be sick more often or worsen your sickness. Fortunately, there are nice solutions!
Solution:
- The Lumin Cleaner and Bullet kill 99% of germs and bacteria, making your life 100% easier. The Lumin uses a powerful UV light to kill bacteria in just 5 minutes! It is approved for sanitizing any CPAP supplies AND any non-living item that can fit in the tray. Click here to learn more.
- The SoClean 2 Cleaner is an automated CPAP equipment cleaner and sanitizer that kills bacteria, germs, and other pathogens. The SoClean 2 cleans your CPAP mask, tubing, and reservoir without the use of chemicals or water. Click here to learn more.
- Want to clean the old-fashioned way? That’s just fine too! Click here to read our cleaning supplies blog for further instructions.
- To learn more about our cleaners, Click Here for the link to our Cleaner blog comparison chart to find the right cleaner for you!
Obstacle 3: CLAUSTROPHOBIA- FEELING DISCOMFORT IN A MASK
It happens, and it’s common! If you are already claustrophobic, you may know how to cope with the feeling, but if this is new to you don’t worry. There are millions of people with claustrophobia and we have helpful tips for you. Feel your best and sleep even better!
Solution:
- Hold the mask to your face and breathe through it.
- Wear the mask with all accessories and do the same as step #1.
- Do steps #1 and #2, but attach the hose to your CPAP machine and set at a low setting. **Make sure ramp feature is turned on**
If you’re still experiencing discomfort while using the CPAP therapy, we are here to help. Call us to see what other masks we have to offer you at (877) 307-CPAP.
Obstacle 4: MASK FALLING OFF IN SLEEP
We have these conversations ALL the time! There are ways to become a pro at CPAP therapy, which are listed as follows.
Do you move a lot in your sleep? If the answer is yes, you’ve probably knocked your mask off your face before. It is then quite normal to wake up with it off. Consistent falling could also be a sign of using too big a mask. If you aren’t sure how it should feel, know that your mask should fit snugly. Not too tight and not too loose. What happens sometimes is when your respiratory therapist came to your house it wasn’t tightened to your head size. Other times your mask becomes loose over prolonged periods.
Solutions:
- If you’re a crazy sleeper (like a lot of us), it’s helpful to try a full-face mask or use a chinstrap. The extra support allows you to be in control for moments during the therapy.
- Set an alarm for the first couple of weeks to check and see that your device is still on.
- Adjust your headgear! This seems obvious, but it’s a task that is often overlooked because of how carefree it is.
- As always, feel free to give us a call to see if you are up for a replacement mask!
Obstacle 5: DRY MOUTH
You aren't the first to admit to sleeping with your mouth wide open. It's common to do so when you are in a deep sleep, and sometimes you may not even realize you do it at night. But a dry mouth after a night's rest typically means you are among thousands who sleep with their mouth's open.
Solution:
- Chinstraps are the best friend you never imagined needing, but they can really do the trick! In the case of CPAP therapy, you learn to love them.
- Another option is trying out a full-face mask if you aren’t already using one. The full-face mask covers your mouth and nose, which helps to resolve dry mouths.
Although these solutions may take time to adjust, practice makes perfect. Don’t waste time struggling to cope with your sleep therapy obstacles. The time to sleep better and more comfortably is now!
Disclaimer: The information provided on CPAPnation.com is solely for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. CPAPnation.com is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this site. Reliance on any information provided by CPAPnation.com is solely at your own risk.
