CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure) is a long-term treatment which with the use of Cpap machines help prevent obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and improve breathing pattern during sleep. A CPAP machine provides a constant air flow to the lungs by increasing air pressure and preventing the tissue in the throat from collapsing and blocking the air passage. CPAP machines must be used every night and include: full face mask, NCPAP (nasal continuous positive airway) – a mask that covers only the nose or prongs that fit into the nose. Here’s what to expect from your Cpap therapy.
Consult With A Doctor When Choosing CPAP Devices
If you do not treat your sleep apnea problem in time, it will increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack and can also cause high blood pressure. Other unwanted effects of sleep apnea are waking up during the night often, memory problems, fatigue, depression, being irritated, etc. Once you begin your CPAP therapy, follow the instruction given from your physician and inform him/her of any problems. If your full face mask CPAP device does not ease the symptoms, your doctor needs to change the therapy or the CPAP device. Maybe a half face respirator CPAP device will suit you better and ease OSA symptoms. It all depends on a individual. Some people do not mind the fact that full face mask and full face respirator cover almost the whole face, while others feel great discomfort.
Discomfort From The CPAP Machine
Getting comfortable with your new CPAP full face mask or half face respirator can be very difficult. This is why you need to take your time when trying to adjust. Everyone feels some type of discomfort when sleeping with a full face mask for the first time. Some OSA patients even feel claustrophobic, while some get itchy and irritated skin. Regardless of whether you are trying to adjust to a full face mask, full face respirator or a half face respirator, try to wear a CPAP device during the day for some time. Start with the straps first, and then include the hose as well. Since breathing with any CPAP device does not feel as natural, slowly increase the air pressure. Start with the lowest and gradually increase to desired level.
Change Of Lifestyle
Since sleep apnea is very closely linked to your lifestyle, once diagnosed with OSA, you will have to change some of your daily habits, otherwise your full face respirator will not be as effective. Some of the habits you will have to change are: loosing weight, stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking sleeping pills. Also, if you want your full face respirator or a half face respirator to show results and provide best treatment, start to exercise regularly.
Better And Qualitative Sleep
After several weeks of using your CPAP full face mask, you can except to notice first result – better and qualitative sleep. You will have more energy, be more alert, feel less sleepy during the day, etc. Also, you will be more used to your CPAP full face mask. So, if you have any problems at the beginning wearing your mask, please be patient and give it some time as it will help you with your OSA problem.
Regular Control
Your doctor will most likely ask you to come for a followup visit to ensure everything is as it should be (usually one month after you’ve started using full face mask, full face respirator or a half face respirator CPAP device). This control is simple and is to see how well you are adjusting to the treatment.
