When you first get a CPAP machine, you might struggle to get used to it. Although you might be tempted to remove it while sleeping, it is important that you do not. Here are some tips for dealing with common problems faced by CPAP wearers.
Problems Tolerating Increased Air Pressure
One of the most common issue CPAP wearers face is getting used to the forced air that the machine pushes to you while sleeping. If you have trouble with this, talk to your doctor about changing the ramp feature of the machine.
As you sleep, the CPAP machine is designed to gradually increase the air that is being pushed to you. The doctor can adjust the ramp feature to a lower setting of change the time it takes to ramp up the amount of air that is pushed to you.
Feelings of Claustrophobia
For some CPAP machine users, wearing the mask can cause feelings of claustrophobia. As a result, instead of feeling relaxed enough to sleep, you can start to panic.
You can overcome those feelings by taking time throughout the day to practice wearing the mask. Remove all of the connecting parts from the mask and hold it to your face for a few minutes. Add on the straps to the mask at that point.
Turn the machine on at its lowest setting after you wear the mask and straps for a few minutes. You might have to do this for several days before you become accustomed to wearing it. The daytime exercises will help you adjust to wearing it at night.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can occur if you are used to sleeping with your mouth open. The forced air can worsen it, which can leave you feeling extremely uncomfortable when you wake up.
You have a couple of options for dealing with this problem. You can wear a chin strap to keep your mouth from opening while sleeping. You can also get a humidifier attached to your CPAP machine.
Until the dry mouth is gone, try chewing gum that contains xylitol. The natural sweetener will not only keep your breath fresh, but it will help increase the production of saliva in your mouth.
Wearing your CPAP machine is important. If you do not, you could be putting your health at risk. Instead of not wearing it because you feel uncomfortable, you can take measures to overcome those discomforts. Talk to your doctor about other ways to get used to your machine.
For more information, visit websites like http://www.cornermedical.com.
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