CPAP Mask Effectiveness Still Limited by Non Compliance

Anyone who suffers from sleep apnea knows that this condition can really impinge upon daily life. Although it’s a condition characterized by problems with breathing during sleep, it’s a condition that really affects how you feel when you are awake. Fatigue, depression, mood swings, problems with memory and morning headaches is just a few of the things that you may suffer as a result of sleep apnea. The good news is that the use of a CPAP mask can greatly improve the condition. The bad news is that a significant number of people who are supposed to use a sleep apnea mask refuse to do so. This non-compliance is the leading reason that many people are still suffering from sleep apnea symptoms.

Admittedly, it does take an adjustment period to get used to using a CPAP mask when you sleep. It feels a little bit awkward to place equipment on your body each night as you prepare to go to bed. It’s not something that you’ve done throughout your life so it feels uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that the feeling is one of discomfort and not one of pain. This mild discomfort can be easily overcome by regularly using the sleep apnea mask until you’ve gotten used to this new way of sleeping. Sure, it takes a little bit of getting used to but the benefits outweigh this period of adjustment.

During the period of adjustment, it may be necessary to try out several different styles of sleep apnea masks to find the one that is right for you. For example, some people find that they prefer the use of full size face masks because they provides the best seal around the face and therefore delivers the best results for some people. (These are especially good for people who breathe through their mouths rather than their noses.) On the other hand, some people prefer nasal pillow masks that just fit around the nose because these cover less of the face and are lighter in weight so they may be more comfortable.

There are even minor design differences between sleep apnea masks that can make a difference in how comfortable they are for the wearer. A great example is the placement of the tube that connects to the mask. The tube may connect to the side of the mask, which is not going to be comfortable for someone who tends to sleep on his or her side and therefore has the tube pressing up against the face during sleep.

The point here is that it does take some time to find the CPAP mask that is going to be most comfortable for you during your sleep. You should work with your doctor and your CPAP equipment supplier to find the right mask. Make sure that you give each mask a fair chance as you test it out. Try it for a solid few weeks (assuming that it’s working properly and the only problem with it is discomfort). You will most likely find that you can adjust to sleeping in this new way and therefore reap the medical benefits of wearing the mask.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects many people. Its side effects and symptoms can limit your ability to easily handle your daily life and get done what you need to be done. The sad thing is that so many of the people who are suffering from this condition do not need to suffer anymore and yet choose to do so because they don’t want to wear the CPAP mask that will repair their condition. Don’t cheat yourself of the opportunity to live a full life!