There are an estimated 18 million Americans who have sleep apnea and many have taken the plunge and obtained a CPAP machine, opting to go the Darth Vadar route when unconscious.
Well, as this reporter has found out, its not so easy.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly, and you feel tired even after a full nights sleep.
Getting the device for continuous positive airway pressure therapy often requires jumping through numerous hoops with your medical insurance company, including an office visit, an at-home test, a sleep-lab test and then finally a hefty co-pay in this case $1,000.
And then you get it home and feel, finally I can sleep through the night. But you quickly find out that the tubes fall out, or you lay in bed thinking that someone maybe Dennis Hopper from Blue Velvet is trying to smother you with latex or the mask doesnt fit right, leaving you sometimes with flaring dried-out nostrils in the morning.
Well, the Mayo Clinic staff hearsyou. Here are some common CPAP problems and their solutions.
The most common problems include a leaky mask, trouble falling asleep, and a dry mouth or nose.
1. Not all masks are equal
The Mayo Clinic reminds the sleep-deprived there are many mask styles available. Some are full face masks that cover mouth and nose, others feature nasal pillows, which is good if you wear glasses.
2. Size does matter
Most masks come in different sizes. Just because youre a certain size in one mask doesnt mean youll be the same size in another. CPAP masks are usually adjustable.
3. What is this thing attacking my face?
Best to start wearing the CPAP mask for short periods of time while youre awake. Try it on while you are watching TV. Then try wearing it with the air pressure on. This allows you to become accustomed to how it feels. The Mayo Clinic suggests to stick with it. Delay only will make it harder for you to get used to it.
4. Where did this tornado come from?
The CPAP machine ramps up the air. So you may find yourself falling asleep only to be hit by the storm of the century. The rate of this ramp feature can be adjusted by your doctor. There are also different types of devices that automatically adjust the pressure while you are sleeping.
5. Dry stuffy nose?
There is a heated humidifier in the CPAP device. This level of humidification is adjustable. Using nasal saline spray at bedtime can also help.
6. Feelingclaustrophobic?
A common problem. Again, while you are awake, practice by holding the mask up to your face without the tubing. Then practice holding mask and hose to your face without the straps. Then add the straps, and so on. Relaxation exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation, also may help reduce your anxiety.
The Mayo Clinic has other tips. If you want to read about other CPAP problems and their solutions then click here.
(All photos courtesy of creative commons)
http://palmbeachhealthbeat.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/10/29/have-a-cpap-heres-how-to-avoid-commom-problems/
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