Sleep apnea can make life difficult, however, by combining full face CPAP masks with proper usage, it can mean the difference between a good night sleep and a good night sleep. But the real problem of many people is not that they have to wear the mask- it is to make it fit comfortably throughout the night. In case your mask is overly loose, you could get some air leakage. It can be too tight to leave marks or even leave a sore. It may take a bit of time to learn how to get that just right fit but it is worth it to get better sleep and a healthier life.
Why Fit Matters for Full Face CPAP Masks
The bridge between your breathing machine and airway is your CPAP mask. When it does not fit properly, it will not be capable of providing the appropriate air pressure on a regular basis. Poor fit may also cause irritation on the skin, headaches or claustrophobia. The focus is to ensure your mask is tight enough so that it does not leak but soft enough such that you can sleep without any pressure points.
Start with the Right Size and Cushion Type
One thing you want to do before even adjusting the straps is to ensure you get the right size according to your face shape. Full face CPAP masks are to be found in various sizes, and the inappropriate size will never feel quite right despite how you adjust it. Cushions may be also of various materials-some lighter, some harder. Choosing the perfect match of your face would be a great deal.
Adjusting Your Mask Before Bed
Many individuals commit the sin of lying down in bed and half-asleep and put their mask on. The more effective one is to place it on when sitting up straight, and then turn on your CPAP machine to allow the airflow to help the mask settle down. Begin by loosening the straps then tighten them by just enough to feel a light seal on you. It is important not to pull the straps too much as this may also lead to leakage since tightening it makes the cushion shape deformed.
Give It a Few Nights to Get Used To
It is not always that comfort comes immediately. When you are using a new full face CPAP mask, your skin and your breathing need to adjust to it in several nights. Watch for soreness and redness in the morning. And when it lasts more than a week, you may be forced to re-adjust or switch to another type of cushion.
Dealing with Leaks Without Over-Tightening
When you wake up in the morning and you feel some air coming out around your mask, you would like to simply tighten the straps. Rather than that, readjusting the mask position may help. A small variation (change) upwards or downwards can make the seal better. Also, before donning the mask, ensure your skin is clean and dry, oils or moisturizers may make the cushion less likely to grip.
Final Thoughts
Learning to become familiar with full face CPAP masks is a combination of proper equipment, proper adjustments and time. When you finally get that right fit, you will realize improvement in your sleep, reduction in the number of wakes and a lot of energy during the day. It might take some time at first, but there is more than enough to gain out of it. The comfort of a properly adjusted mask is more than just comfort, it is about ensuring that your sleep therapy does the job.