Saturday, October 17, 2009

Living With the CPAP Mask

Living With the CPAP Mask
By Dhaxel Barqs

When you have sleep apnea, your doctor will prescribe a
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at some point
to relieve the symptoms of the disorder. You have to use it all
night, every night! Doing otherwise will only serve to make the
symptoms come back, thus, worsening your condition.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done especially with the
initially unwieldy CPAP mask.Respironics-Optilife Pictures, Images and Photos Fortunately, there are some things
that you can do to live, maybe even love, it. After all, a good
night's sleep for everybody after months of the worst of sleep
apnea symptoms is good!

Use it Outside the Bedroom

You have to gradually adapt to the feeling of having a CPAP
mask on. Thus, wear it around the house as much as you possibly
can - while watching television, reading books and newspapers,
even writing your letters. This way, you accustom yourself to
the feeling of the mask hugging your face albeit without the
forced air pressure.

Don't worry if it makes you look like an alien from the far
reaches of the universe. It will only ad to your worries if you
worry too much about your vanity. The important thing is that
you will be relieved of your sleep apnea, which will also bring
relief to your family and friends. Yes, it's not just you who is
suffering - the people who care about you do, too.

Use it During Naps

Slowly but surely, you must wear the mask with air pressure
blowing through it especially during your naps. This way, you
get accustomed to the whole setup of the CPAP machine. Of
course, the machine itself is relatively quiet so you won't have
much difficulty living with it. The CPAP mask is harder to live
with because it is plastered unto your face!

When you have gotten used to the mask during short naps, it
will be easier to translate it into longer sleep periods at
night. Soon, you might even sleep with the mask on as if there's
almost nothing there! Emphasis is, of course, on almost.

Use the Right Size and the Right Mask

Some sufferers complain that their masks are either too tight
or too loose. This is a minor problem considering that there are
many types and sizes of masks available in the market today. The
trick is in finding the CPAP that you can live with. Or at
least, sleep comfortably with.

Mask styles range from full-face masks to masks with nasal
pillows. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages so it's
advisable to experiment with the different styles under the
guidance of your doctor.

Mask size is very important, too. Often, problems arise not so
much from the style of the CPAP mask but from the size of it. As
much as possible, fit the mask before purchasing it just to be
sure. Or better yet, opt for one with adjustable straps in a
size that you know will fit you.

Indeed, living with a CPAP mask can be easy with the right
style and size, not to mention the right attitude and approach
to its use. Besides, it's better to be alive and breathing with
a CPAP machine than being alive but breathing through a
respirator, right?

CPAP Clinic - healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

About the Author: At CPAPClinic.ca, you can find the best sleep
apnea mask in Toronto
(http://www.cpapclinic.ca/sleep-apnea-at-home-screening.php) and
Respironics CPAP machines in
Toronto(http://www.cpapclinic.ca/Respironics-products.php). With
a CPAP mask in Toronto (http://www.cpapclinic.ca), you can find
relief from sleep apnea. Visit them now!

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=404531&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

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