If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the risk of choking is much higher if you sleep without a mask.
After all, it is the CPAP machine that helps the airways stay open throughout the night.
The design of the breathing mask is carefully thought out and has a system for removing carbon dioxide through the ventilation holes.
Even if for some reason the device stops the air supply (for example, when the power goes out), you can still breathe in and out.
If you have a nasal mask, then you will simply begin to breathe through your mouth in this case.
If you are afraid of suffocation, be sure to find ventilation holes.
It is also helpful to put on a mask without being connected to a machine and make sure you can breathe even if CPAP is not working.
How CPAP Machine and Mask work is understandable but what are the main rules of sleeping with CPAP Mask?
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What to Know About CPAP Masks
As a rule, for new patients, nasal masks are recommended, this is due to the fact that inexperienced patients do not have decompression due to mouth breathing.
If the size of the mask is chosen correctly, but the leaks still remain, then this particular model or even the type of mask in general does not suit you.
In such a situation, it is worth analyzing the offers of other brands or even taking a closer look at other types of masks.
Only after a year after the start of therapy, you can try using different types of masks.
Use your СPAP Mask every time you sleep.
Pull the adjustment straps so that the contour of a mask fits snugly on the face and does not move.
The most common traces (prints) from the mask on the skin of the face, runny nose, dry mouth and / or nose, conjunctivitis caused by air currents, a feeling of pressure in the lateral sinuses and air entering the stomach.
The use of a humidifier and an optimal fit of the breathing mask will usually eliminate these side effects.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it is sometimes advisable to switch to auto-CPAP treatment, as with its use, the average therapeutic pressure is lower.
Can I Sleep on My Side with a CPAP Mask?
Yes. You can sleep with a CPAP Mask on your side.
But if you sleep on your side or on your stomach, the mask may move due to contact with the pillow.
Try to train yourself to sleep on your back or consider buying a special pillow for CPAP therapy.
There are few manufacturers that produce masks for side sleepers. These masks do not cause discomfort due to the CPAP treatment.
But if you have a blocked nose then using a CPAP mask is not recommended.
In this case, the use of nasal drops is recommended to free the upper respiratory tract. Try also to sleep on your side or with the head end of the bed raised.
If these measures fail and the swelling and increased mucus production does not subside, you will have to refrain from using a breathing apparatus until you have recovered.
What is The Best Position to Sleep With a CPAP?
Sleeping on the back is the most correct body position when you use a CPAP Mask.
With this position of the body, the face does not come into contact with the surface of the pillow, which means it does not provoke the movement of the mask.
First, the spine and neck maintain a neutral position, allowing the muscles and joints to relax as much as possible.
This pose is also suitable for people suffering from heartburn, respiratory diseases, scoliosis, hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system.
How to Clean a CPAP Mask?
Masks, exhalation device and air humidifier must be cleaned daily.
Hoses are recommended to be washed at least once a month.
The manufacturer of the device will provide additional instructions, which are also contained in the operating instructions.
Cleanse the mask every morning. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Disconnect the mask from the tube.
- Unfasten the headband and straps from the mask. Set them aside.
- If there are removable mask elements (such as a pad), remove them from the mask.
- Wash all parts of the mask with warm water and a mild ammonia-free dish detergent in a clean basin or container. You can use tap water.
- Rinse all parts of the mask thoroughly with warm running water. Be sure to rinse off all soap. If you use a mask with dried soap residue, your skin may become irritated.
- Let all parts of the mask dry.
FAQ
At Night, I Involuntarily Remove the Mask and Wake Up Without it. How to deal with it?
It will be possible to eliminate the problem through regular use of the CPAP machine and the correct settings for the treatment regimen.
Your attempts to remove the mask from your face indicate that you have not yet fully adapted to the treatment, or the hardware settings are not ideal for you.
There is no point in tightening the straps so that the mask fits more tightly to the face.
So you will only increase the discomfort, and in addition increase the risk of air leaks.
So just try again and again to go to bed with a mask until you develop a habit.
After Sleeping in a Mask, My Eyes Turn Red and Inflamed.
What Is It Connected With?
If the mask does not fit tightly, a stream of air seeps out from under it, which can be directed directly at the eyes.
Sometimes it causes severe irritation, swelling of the eyelids and conjunctivitis.
The problem can be solved by selecting the correct mask size and adjusting the tension straps.
Sometimes tightness problems are due to wear on the circuit.
In this case, it is worth buying a new product.
What If Your Nose Hurts Because of The CPAP mask?
The most common reason why patients complain of pain in the bridge of the nose during CPAP therapy is the choice of the wrong type or size of the mask, or its incorrect adjustment.
