Why You Dislike Your CPAP Mask (And How a Respiratory Therapist Would Fix It)
Although CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, it can take a bit of time to adjust. It's common for someone to dislike CPAP therapy, especially when they first start. However, sticking with therapy will improve sleep quality, decrease daytime fatigue, headaches, and irritability.
The key to sticking with your CPAP therapy is finding ways to fix the most common reasons why people give up on their treatment.
The Top 5 Reasons People Quit CPAP Therapy
The majority of people don't quit CPAP because they don't have discipline or care about their health. Instead, most people give up on therapy due to common side effects that can be overcome. The top five reasons people quit CPAP therapy are listed below.
Discomfort
When you first start CPAP therapy, you may wonder how you're supposed to sleep with a mask on your face. Wearing a CPAP mask creates a new sensory experience that may feel uncomfortable at first.
Also, your brain may sense the incoming pressurized air that CPAP delivers and interpret it as air being forced into your lungs. This sensation may be uncomfortable at first.
Claustrophobia
Feeling claustrophobic from the mask is also a common reason for new users to quit their therapy. Wearing a CPAP mask may trigger feelings such as a sense of confinement, restlessness, or anxiety. These feelings are especially common during the first few weeks of starting CPAP therapy.
Air Leaks
Air leaks may not seem like a big deal. But for CPAP users, it can be one of the biggest reasons that they quit therapy. You may develop a leak if your mask fits poorly or is not adjusted properly. When your mask leaks, it may create a hissing sound and disrupt sleep. It can also blow air towards the eyes, leading to dry, irritated eyes.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is one of the most frustrating CPAP side effects for users. No one wants to wake up with cotton mouth. Both air leaks and low humidity can contribute to dry mouth. It can be physically uncomfortable, causing cracked lips, a sticky tongue, and even a sore throat.
The Hose Gets in the Way
The hose connecting the CPAP mask to the machine can sometimes get in the way and be disruptive. If the hose gets in the way, it can pull on the mask, moving it out of position and causing an air leak. The hose can also become cumbersome when you change position and can get trapped under a pillow.
CPAP Hacks from a CRT
As a respiratory therapist who spent years helping people get set up on CPAP, one thing is true. Most CPAP side effects and obstacles have easy solutions. Below are CPAP hacks from a respiratory therapist.
Adjust your mask lying down: You sleep lying down, so it makes sense to adjust your mask once you're in that position. Gravity changes your facial structure when lying down. When you're lying down, your jaw may drop back, and your soft tissue may shift slightly from its upright position. Even small shifts can change how the mask fits.
Use the ramp feature from the start: The auto-ramp gradually increases pressure as you fall asleep. It will also reduce pressure as you exhale making it more comfortable.
Tighter is not always best: Tightening your CPAP mask too much can create pressure sores and may even lead to skin breakdown. Place your mask on lightly, lie down, turn the machine on, and tighten the straps. Tighten your mask just enough so it sits evenly on your face without digging into your skin.
Don't wait too long for a follow-up: CPAP failures usually happen within the first month of treatment. However, with proper follow-up, most side effects are fixable. You should schedule a follow-up appointment with your sleep specialist if you:
- Take your CPAP off after a few hours
- Cannot tolerate the mask
- Feel tired in the morning
The CPAP Shop Partnered With MaskFit AR to Help You Find the Perfect Mask
The Maskfit AR available at The CPAP Shop can help you find the mask that may work best for you. MaskFit AR uses advanced technology to create a 3D model of your face. It analyzes thousands of measurement points to determine the best mask fit. After answering a few questions, you'll receive a personalized list of CPAP masks.
Conclusion
CPAP therapy doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in sticking with therapy. Consistency with your treatment can improve your overall sleep quality. Finding the right support can make it easier to stick with CPAP.
Please visit The CPAP Shop to find masks, heated tubing, and accessories. For assistance, give our team a call at 866-414-9700.
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