9 Tips for Using a CPAP Machine
Nov.26, 2009 in
CPAP, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Devices, Sleep Apnea Treatments
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or other breathing device takes some time to get used to. Some people stop using the machine because of pressure sores, nasal congestion, air leakage, and a feeling of claustrophobia. Coaching from a sleep expert may help. 
Here are some tips on making the device easier to use:
- Obtain the device from a sleep specialist, who can provide detailed instruction at the outset and follow- up coaching.
- Expect an overnight stay at the doctor’s office or at a sleep lab, so that air pressure can be adjusted to ensure best results.
- If the mask irritates the skin, ask about special moisturizers for CPAP users. (Petroleum-based products may damage the mask.)
- If the mask irritates the nose, ask about nasal pillows, which fit into the nostrils. These take pressure off the bridge of the nose.
- If nasal congestion develops, ask whether nasal sprays or surgery might correct it.
- Some people breathe through their mouths at night; they will do better with a full-face mask to cover both nose and mouth.
- A chin strap can help keep the jaw closed, so that the mask does not leak air.
- If breathing against the force of the air pressure is too difficult, look into a bilevel device, which lowers the air pressure during exhalation.
- Build up slowly. Most people can’t wear the mask all night long at first. Wearing it for a few hours first, then gradually increasing the time with it, may help.
Courtesy & Source : health.harvard.edu
November 26th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
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November 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
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November 27th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
I’ve been a snorer for a long time. As I got older, my snoring has gotten more frequent and louder. I also noticed I was tired a lot and liked to take naps during the day. I was overweight. People complained about my snoring and I did not want to sleep in the same room with other people for fear of keeping them awake.
Finally, I asked my doctor about the problem. He sent me home with a machine to check my breathing and pulse while I slept. The results really shocked me! The doc said my airway was closing off up to 70 times each hour, and that I stopped breathing for as long as one full minute at a time! I had severe apnea. He strongly recommended I start using the CPAP machine, since I was risking damage to my heart due to lack of oxygen.
I had read about CPAP machines before and always thought I would never be able to sleep with one, since I am a little claustrophobic. Surprisingly, it only took me a few minutes to get used to, and I was able to start sleeping comfortably right away.
The mask part is just a small nose manifold that covers the nostrils to blow in air. That keeps the throat inflated like a balloon, preventing throat closures and snoring. One problem is the straps over the head that keep the nose piece in place. They can be a little annoying at first, and if you change sleeping positions at night, it is possible for these straps to move, causing the nose piece to slip off.
I have been using a Dreamhelmet (a combination sleep mask sound-muffling pillow) for years now, to sleep at night and for napping during the day. I always find it hard to sleep without the Dreamhelmet, and was afraid I would not be able to use it with the CPAP mask, but I was wrong about that too.
After using the CPAP machine and mask for a short while, I tried wearing the Dreamhelmet over the CPAP mask, covering up the straps – voila, it worked like a charm! I found that the Dreamhelmet actually helps keep the straps in place when I change positions, so now I can sleep all night in comfort, not being bothered by sound, light, or changing positions. The CPAP combined with the Dreamhelmet are the perfect sleeping combo for me.
Now I don’t snore, I wake up rested, and I have energy that lasts all day long. I’m still overweight, but I don’t feel so run down all the time or feel like I need an afternoon nap, but I still carry an extra Dreamhelmet in the car with me just in case I do need a nap.
I would not use the CPAP, while awake, as the graphic shows here; I would put the mask and the Dreamhelmet on, turn out the lights, and go directly to sleep. I have no snoring or breathing problem when I’m awake.