This may be a solution for some people
with sleep apnea, but I can honestly say it does not work for me. I
have to have my own limits and I prefer not to be coached or bothered
by someone that does not understand sleep apnea. I will listen to my
doctor and consider what he says, but beyond that, leave me alone and
let me use my VPAP (variable positive airway pressure) when I sleep.
I did listen to my wife when she
complained about the air blowing at her from my first machine – the
air exit from the masks was to blame. It took me some time to adjust
the hose and the direction of the air exhaust to prevent this from
happening, but now with the new machine and different masks it is
much easier to prevent air blowing on her. I also listened to her
when she complained about the noise from my full-face mask.
This study is published in the current
issue of Sleep Medicine Reviews. The opening statement leaves
much to be desired. They claim that people with obstructive sleep
apnea are more likely to use the equipment and prescribed treatment
when a partner or parent is involved in their treatment.
In conversations (not scientific at
all) with people with sleep apnea, I have found more people do not
want to use the CPAP because it leaves red marks on their face and back
of the neck. Most people do not realize that shortly after waking,
and preparing for the day, these will disappear. The other problem
is their lack of adjustment of the mask straps and having them too
tight, which will cause strap marks on their skin. When straps are
too tight, the marks can last for an hour and usually longer.
The most legitimate complaint is the
problem of air leaks around the masks. Then add the problem of the
mask creating nose bridge irritations and even sores and this does
present problems for wanting to use the mask. Again, this is a
problem because either the mask does not fit your face properly, or
the straps have been over tightened. This is even a concern for me
and I solved this by obtaining nasal mask liners from this company.
Take time to watch the video under “how it works”. The mask
liners do dramatically reduce the air leaks and allows the mask to be
worn properly without over tightening the straps.
I have written a blog about the nasal
mask liners and I enjoy using them. I do get more than one use out
of each liner by following the steps I outlined in the blog. It does
take some time to process them, but I will continue to make use of
them as it has allowed me to loosen the straps. I can still have
some marks on my face, but they do not last long after I take the
mask off.
“One of the studies that the
researchers reviewed showed that about half of newly diagnosed sleep
apnea patients would not use CPAP if it made them feel
claustrophobic.” This is one of the better statements to come
out of this study and is accurate. I have talked to people that feel
this way about wearing a mask and it terrifies them whether it is a
full-face mask or a nasal mask.
Even though I say the study is of
little value, the proposals they set forth may work for some people.
If something does work for you, make use of it. I know my way works
for me and I generally wear my nasal mask for more than eight hours
average per 24 hour period.
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