Hi Frustratedmom, As mentioned in a previous post by DanM perhaps you can try CPAP aromatherapy to help mask the plastic smell? Previous post: Manufacturers generally do not recommend adding oils directly to the water chamber of your CPAP machine. The oils can cause buildup in your water chamber, and some oils may actually damage the material the chamber is made from. There are other ways to add aromatherapy to your treatment. If you Google CPAP aromatherapy, you should find some results. Several of the systems involve placing a small disc or wafer (usually cotton or some other absorbent material) with a few drops of the aromatherapy product near the intake on the CPAP machine.
Good point for Full Face Mask Users Wiredgeorge. Most full face masks do make it difficult to wear glasses. The Amara View from Respironics, glasses are able to be worn with it.
Hello ConsiderateRoseChicken6721, you should try to breath normally, not shallow, not deep. Probaly easier said then done. I would suggest trying to wear your mask while reading or perhaps watching TV in the evening, something where you will become more accustomed to the air while not solely focusing on it. If you have trouble falling asleep, getting up out of the bed and waiting until you feel tired to return to it can help.
Hi CalmAmethystAardvark, Are you using a nasal mask? Also do you used heated humidity? If you are not using heated humidity, I would suggest that as it should help with the cold nose. Or the heated humidity level may need to be adjusted if you are currently using it. As for the air hitting your eyes. Is your mask leaking? If you are not sure, perhaps you can have the dme company that supplied your equipment check your equipment to tell you if your mask has been leaking. Is it the air coming from the exhalation port that is hitting your eyes? Perhaps repositioning the hose that attaches to the mask downward so the exhalation air does not point into your eyes?
Hi Wiredgeorge, I know that if I slept in one position all night, I as well would have a stiff sore muscles. Have you tried lying on your side during the day and turning the machine on? That way you can try to become better acclimated to the mask/straps and what it takes to resolve leaks. Perhaps it will make you able to adjust the mask more efficiently at night then and it won't keep you up as much?
Hi SleepyMorgan,
Are you using heated humidity? Many people find that this can help with the dryness. If not I would recommend trying this or if you are already using it, you may need to adjust the settings to help with the dryness.
Hi Kaixin,
Thanks for the tips. I also feel that having a good therapist can make a world of difference when trying to become adjusted to a new treatment/mask.
Hello Myron,
The company that supplies your masks and supplies should be able to download data from your CPAP machine to indicate how things are doing. Or perhaps downloading SleepHead software which is a sleep tracking software that focuses on CPAP treatment?
Hi Diana, Welcome to MyApnea. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Hi Ruby, Maintaining good sleep hygiene I find can help one to fall asleep. Going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time even on weekends or days off can help one's body get accustomed to a schedule.
