Are you feeling uncomfortable with your new CPAP machine? It’s not uncommon to experience discomfort when you first start CPAP therapy. Here are some of the common complaints about CPAP masks and what you can do about them.

 

I feel claustrophobic.

It is understandable that those with mild claustrophobia would feel uncomfortable with the mask. After all, you have never had to sleep with anything on your face before and it is a new sensation.

 

We suggest taking baby steps so you can become so comfortable you hardly notice you are wearing the mask. This is all done by practice. During the day, hold the mask to your face. When you are comfortable with that, add the straps. Keep doing this until wearing the mask becomes second nature to you.

 

I think I might be allergic to my mask.

Many who experience a reaction think the cause is an allergy to the mask. However, this is not typically the case. Often, this is due to not cleaning the mask. Just as you wash your face every day, you should also wash the mask. Not doing so may cause a rash or breakout on your face.

 

I just don’t feel comfortable with the forced air.

Experiencing forced air is definitely a new sensation. A solution to this would be to make sure you have a machine that has a “ramp” feature. Turning this feature on will cause the air pressure to slowly increase. This way, when you have fallen asleep it will be at the maximum pressure, instead of a high intensity when you first lay down.

 

I think it is causing me to have a stuffy nose.

This time of year especially, it is easy to catch a cold or have a stuffy nose. Often, a great solution is a humidifier. The same is true for your machine. Your machine may have a heated humidifier built into it. If it does, be sure to turn this feature on. It should help immensely.

 

If CPAP mask comfort is an issue for you, CPAPCentral.com is here to help. We have a wide variety to choose from, and our live chat is available from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST.

 

Using a CPAP can be difficult at times. So is it worth it? Here are the signs that it’s working for you and improving your overall health, as well as the signs that it isn’t working. These can be due to anything from user error to incorrect equipment. Either way, we can help!

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Signs You Are on the Right Track

 

Mental Health

Are you feeling more emotionally stable? By that, we want to know if you’re feeling less irritable, anxious or down. Are you less closed off to others? Untreated sleep apnea can lead to depression, so if you are feeling an overall improvement in your emotional well being, this is a sign therapy is working for you!

 

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

You’ve probably heard the saying, but haven’t experienced it yourself before CPAP therapy. If your therapy is working well for you, you are going to feel more alert during the day. This is because you are getting the proper sleep your body requires and you now feel ready to take on the day.

 

Sharp as a Tac

Are you being more successful at work? Do you feel like your memory is sharper? Without therapy, Sleep Apnea can cause damage to the brain tissue. When your therapy is working correctly, it will help your concentration and overall “brain power.”

 

Signs You Should Ask for Help

 

You’re Tired All Day

If your CPAP machine is not working how it should, you may be starting to feel more tired during the day. Even if you feel you are getting an appropriate amount of bedtime hours, it still may not be the quality sleep that your body requires. As you likely know, untreated sleep apnea causes pauses in your breathing. This is what is keeping you from getting through every necessary sleep cycle.

 

You’re Snoring Again

The primary goal of CPAP is to keep your airway open and if you are still snoring, this is a clear cut sign that the treatment is not working as it should. Snoring is not a symptom to ignore and can have serious consequences. This is because snoring implies your airway is still partially collapsing. Your partner should be able to tell if you are snoring, but if you don’t have a partner, consider inviting a close friend over for a sleepover!

 

You’ve Gained Weight

Treating sleep apnea won’t cause you to gain weight. However, if you have gained weight, your therapy may not be working as well as it should. The fitting may not be correct for your body, as the muscles that you use to help you breathe are more likely to weaken in the night. If this is the case, you may want to have a doctor determine if an adjustment is required to the machine.

 

If you need help with your equipment, or need to swap it out for something that works better, CPAPCentral.com is here for you. We stock everything you need to combat this condition, and our experts are available via live chat from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST.

 

Essential oils are becoming a very popular way to alleviate many health issues. But did you know they can also help with your adjustment to CPAP therapy? Getting used to a CPAP isn’t easy. If you need that extra boost to fall asleep and don’t want to reach for a sleeping pill, try these essential oils as an alternative!

 

Our Sense of Smell

 

The sense of smell is the fastest road to the emotional region of the brain. Instead of focusing on all that is going on with your machine, imagine being able to only focus on a scent that takes you to a far away, calming place. By simply incorporating scents that encourage relaxation to your CPAP machine, you can fall asleep faster and even look forward to therapy.

 

Chamomile Oil

 

This lovely aroma is used frequently by tea enthusiasts. Many people enjoy chamomile tea, because of its soothing benefits. The oil can not only help relieve anxiety, but one study has even shown that it can reduce nightmares.

 

Rose Oil

 

When you think of roses, although a pleasant smell, you might not conjure up images of relaxation and sleep. However, rose oil can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. There’s a reason why this scent is used in night creams. It can help decrease your blood pressure and breathing rate as you lie down.

 

Lavender Oil

 

We would be remiss to not mention this tried and true favorite. It is the most studied essential oil with hundreds of findings in favor of its use as a relaxation herb. This flowery scent has been proven as an effective treatment for insomnia. Before these studies, it has been used for centuries.

 

Cedar Wood Oil

 

If you want to be transported to a cozy cabin in the woods, this is for you! It comes from tree bark which has an earthy and sweet scent. This oil reportedly benefits sleep quality and can help many decompress negative emotions.

 

Frankincense

 

This famous scent has been used for centuries. It smells woody, sweet and spicy. Studies have shown it to be effective in its treatment for pain, which can lead to an easier transition to sleep.

 

If you are looking to improve your therapy experience, try one of these oils. You can use aromatherapy with your CPAP with the Pur-Sleep Aromatherapy Basic Starter kit!

 

Christmas is just around the corner, which means you’re planning what presents to buy for your loved ones. But have you thought about giving your time? Now that using the CPAP has given you more energy, here are the top ways you can volunteer this season.

 

Visit a Nursing Home

 

This is a fantastic way to make new friends with stories to tell. As you can imagine, transferring from independent living to a skilled nursing facility can be a challenge. Many have difficulty with the transition and become lonely. It’s a great opportunity for you to truly make someone’s day that they will be talking about for weeks. You can play a card game with them, read a book or just sit and chat!

 

Cook a Meal

 

Do you have exceptional culinary skills? This one’s for you! And even if your cooking is subpar, your efforts are sure to be appreciated. There are many people who work over the holidays, including firefighters, nurses and police officers. Bringing them a tasty meal or treat will brighten their day and remind them that they are appreciated.

 

Adopt a Family

 

Your whole family can really get in on the fun by adopting an entire family to purchase needed items this season. There are likely many community places that you can go through that identify families of need. You are assigned to a family and get a short description about them. Your family can then have fun buying items for them and delivering it to their home. It is very rewarding to see faces light up as a result of your care.

 

Donate Items

 

Shelters are always taking in canned goods, but you likely have many items around your home that you do not use anymore. Maybe it’s a spare winter jacket that has been sitting in the back of your closet. Do you have other clothes or shoes you aren’t using? If they are in good condition, donate them to a local shelter.

 

Did you know that you can even donate your used CPAP machine? The American Sleep Apnea Association CPAP Assistance Program is an excellent way to do this. They accept factory-sealed CPAP supplies or used CPAP machines and distribute them to people who can’t afford them. They can be found here.

 

Donate Your Skills

 

Are you handy with a hammer or a brilliant photographer? Whatever your strengths, donate them to those less fortunate. You have a specific skill set that someone might need or like, but cannot afford. This is a great opportunity to help others with something you are passionate about.

 

We want to make sure you continue having that energy to volunteer. That’s why we’re here to supply you with all the CPAP equipment you need! If it’s time for you to resupply, browse our online catalog for everything you need for sleep apnea therapy.