If you are one of this people, I want to encourage you to educate yourself about these problems and to continue to use CPAP treatment.
By reducing
CPAP side effects
and other difficulties, you can remove the barriers to use CPAP regularly.
Ok, let's speak about this difficulties and their solutions.
The most common CPAP problems are:
irritation of the bridge of the nose
air leakage around the mask
mask discomfort
The most problems with CPAP appear when you choose a mask size or type that does not match your face, or because the headgear is too tight.
The mask is the most important thing in this therapy. You must try different masks until you find one that makes you feel most happy and comfortable.
Getting the mask to fit properly is maybe the biggest challenge for a CPAP buyer. You must try the mask with your CPAP running to find if it has a leak, not only to believe what the vendor is saying.
If your mask fits properly, you don't need to tighten the straps every night to irritate the bridge of the nose and look like an raccoon.
If you still have a leak, you might try putting a soft material between your skin and your mask, or you can use a special tape that can be taped on the mask. Ask your sleep technician or your vendor what type of tape you can use for your mask.
If you have a silicone mask, don't forget to change it every time you will feel the mask fits poorly or leaking. With an old mask, your skin's health may be in danger. Skin abrasions from an old mask are difficult to heal.
So, remember to keep your mask and your skin very clean when you sleep, to prevent skin irritation and to extend the life of your mask.
You can clean your mask with an oil-free soap, as soon as you take it off in the morning. Then let your mask air-dry, and not by running with CPAP with the mask on. This can shorten the life of your mask.
But what if you have a skin irritation and you need to continue the treatment with CPAP? How can you put your mask on your face if you hurt yourself?
Well, you can use a CPAP pillow instead of a CPAP mask for a period of time. In this way, you can prevent irritation in the same places every night, and it gives you some variety.
The first nights with your CPAP are very important.
If you encounter these CPAP problems and other side effects, and you don't know how to avoid them...you may be very disappointed. You will think that this treatment is not for you, and you'll feel doomed.
Don't let yourself be backed down, and prevent this difficulties by education and finding help from your doctor. Your partner must encourage you and be by your side when you feel you want to quit.
Keep on going, and don't give up! I can't stress this point enough... If you have sleep apnea, CPAP is your ticket to a better life.
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Many people with CPAP problems quit their treatment for sleep apnea and try to find something else.
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