CPAP: Dealing with the First Weeks of Treatment
You’ve consulted the sleep specialist and you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea. CPAP treatment is the way to go. You’ve gone through the list of machines that best fit your needs and now it’s time to strap on the mask that’ll keep your airway open while you sleep at night.
Before you hit the hay for the first time using your CPAP mask, it’s important to bear in mind the adjustment period that follows. Going from what you think is a restful slumber to dealing with continuous air pressure and a strapped mask that fits over your nose and mouth is no easy feat. Air leaks, strap marks and nightly mask readjustments are some of the things you’ll have to contend with going forward.
Everyone’s CPAP treatment adjustment period is different. On average, it can last anywhere between two days and a couple of weeks. In rarer cases, it can last a few months. If adjustment problems persist, your sleep or respiratory therapist can provide you with some assistance to help you ease into the treatment.
Here’s a few tips and tricks to make it easier on yourself during your first sleeps with a CPAP machine and mask.
It’s not that big of a deal, ok?
Look, this is your best chance at improving your general health. Think of CPAP treatment as the gift that keeps on giving. Before you strap on the mask, say to yourself, “I’m going to boost my energy levels thanks to this!”
You’re not the only one dealing with this. Talking about your sleep apnea and CPAP treatment with your circles allows people to share their experiences. It reveals who also deals with the same diagnosis and issues you’re going through. You also get the support and understanding you need to make your adjustment period a little easier on yourself.
Make it easier for yourself
During your adjustment period, you’ll want to try out as many different masks and machine models you can to figure out which one fits your needs. Think of it as a trial period, rather than an adjustment period. Find the best accessories that make it easier to wear your mask while you’re sleeping, like a hose holder, for example.
You’ll also want to move things around in the bedroom to make it more comfortable, that includes placing the nightstand at an ideal angle and getting a pillow that can adjust to your mask and hose.
Dealing with discomforts
Yes, taking care of your health is important, but don’t forget your wellbeing during your adjustment period. It’s important to be comfortable throughout this process. Look out for signs of discomforts related to the CPAP mask. Those may include dry eyes, strap marks on your face and skin irritations.
Thankfully, there’s a solution to help you with deal with discomforts related to your CPAP mask; it’s called Facembrace. It’s the ultimate comfort accessory designed for all types of faces and popular CPAP masks. It isolates your face from the plastic mask and allows you to experience a comfortable sleep…with the feeling of not wearing a mask.
To date, it’s the best antidote for irritations that come with wearing a CPAP mask on a nightly basis.
Facembrace provides many benefits for your wellbeing, your comfort and your general health.