Tips

The following are my own tips in helping with my own treatment, and are not meant as a substitute for medical advice. However, I hope they prove useful. 

You will also find other people's tips over on the Sleep Apnoea Forum where you can discuss all things regarding Sleep Apnoea, CPAP + Snoring etc., and share advice/information with others.  Please Join us at the Hope2SleepGuide Forum.

CPAP/APAP/BIPAP Tolerance Problems

A lot of people find it hard to tolerate their equipment at first, so it's a good idea to set it up during the day whilst relaxing, such as watching tv, to practise using it, rather than waiting for bedtime when you have no other distractions. If you need daytime naps, use it during these too for shorter periods. Practise wearing the mask only, without attaching it to the CPAP, to get used to it. Remember most people take at least 2 weeks to get accustomed to using their masks and machines (some a lot longer), so this is very 'normal' and you are not alone in this!

Mask Leaks

A good mask seal is imperative for successful treatment and there are several reasons why your mask may be losing it's seal so here's some causes and fixes:-

• Ensure it is correctly fitted, especially if you are using an APAP (where the pressure raises automatically when apnoeas are detected).  When fitting the mask, lay down and have the mask loosely attached to your face.  Set the CPAP/APAP on the highest setting it has been set for you, and whilst the air is blowing, fasten the straps, just enough to create a seal, making sure it's not too tight.
• Daily cleaning the mask seal is so important, as facial oils left on it will cause mask leaks.  Contrary to even manufacturers advice, cleaning the masks in detergents such as Fairy Liquid is not adequate, as the extra conditioners that 'leave hands soft' etc., eventually build up a film on the mask seal.  This is why I use the CPAP Mask Wipes and Sprays, and why most people after having tried them continue to use them.  Vinegar diluted in water is also good, but the after-smell isn't!
• Have you got the correct size of mask?  Ordering a mask online without having tried it on is risky, but thankfully a lot of sleep clinics now carry a wide range of masks for you to try.
• Another problem which causes mask leaks is the hose dragging on the mask.  Try to get the hose elevated about your head (which is also very necessary if using a humidifier to prevent 'rainout').  The best invention ever, in my opinion, for CPAP is the Hose Lift for this purpose, and often this alone stops mask leaks for numerous people.

Nasal and Facial Itching

Keep a straw or something similar by the side of your bed for those annoying itches caused through the air blowing. Use the straw to scratch the itch rather than risk losing the seal on the mask and having to start all over again.

Dry Mouth

A CPAP Humidifier normally helps with this, but if you still have a dry mouth, keep a bottle of water by your bed (saves spilling a glass of water near your machine) and take just enough water to wet your mouth, as drinking can cause you to inhale any liquid (or food) if taken too close to your sleep time.

Mask Marks

Assuming you have tried everything to avoid getting marks in the first place (like not over-tightening your straps and using the CPAP Strap Covers in the shop), and you still have marks on your face do not panic! At first sight after removing your mask the marks will be worse, but the majority of them will diminish fairly quickly, depending on your age and skin's elasticity. For any remaining marks, rub your skin with your fingers in circular movements to increase the blood flow and stretch the marked skin. Splash your face with cool water and pat dry with a towel. For further help it's now a good idea to moisturise your skin - perhaps even with the night cream you don't use now due to wearing the mask. You can even try skin plumping creams that are now widely available. Finally, you can use skin concealers and foundation, but choose powder based ones, as liquid ones can get into the creases and make the marks look worse!

Problems reading with CPAP mask on

If you're like me, and read to wind down in bed, then you may come against problems if you need to use glasses to read. I tried many times to read before I put the mask on, but found myself often falling asleep with the book in my hand and no mask on - not a good idea! I bought a magnifying glass, which helped, but made my arm ache holding it, as you need a fairly large one. I then discovered E-Book Readers. They're not cheap, but worth their weight in gold, but then you may have trouble choosing the right one for you. Well, I've now owned 3 different ones and my absolute favourite is the Amazon Kindle, and here's why:-

Amazon Kindle Review

I love everything about this one, and the most important feature for people who have to wear a CPAP mask with no glasses is the fact that the font sizes go unbelievably large, and there are so many different font sizes to choose from. 

Another great feature is the fact that the Kindle can read to you either via headphones or audibly (although my husband doesn't appreciate hearing my romance books when he's trying to get to sleep!!!).  In other words it's an Ebook and Audio Book all in one - fantastic!

Buying books is really easy, unlike some of the others I'd tried where I had to download them to my computer first.  You can choose your book on the Kindle, purchase it, yes again on the Kindle, and Voila...... your new book arrives directly onto the Kindle via the wireless connection.  I bought the 3G version, which is definitely worth the extra money, as that way, no matter where you are, you can purchase your next book and don't have to plan ahead.  I have bought books whilst travelling on a train and also in Spain on a beach!

Can you tell I'm a total convert?  Apart from helping me read with the CPAP mask on, my Kindle can hold thousands of books, so no more packing loads of paperbacks in my suitcase for holidays. After all, we need as much space in our cases for our CPAP Accessories. I would never dream of not taking my CPAP with me, as I aim to enjoy every minute of my holidays and not struggle with exhaustion on them!

I hope this helps, and you can use this link below to go directly to Amazon to buy or review the Kindle:-