CPAP mask desensitization Techniques

It is normal for patients to need a period of time up to 3 months to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP mask on their face. Patients can become accustomed to it by wearing just the mask without the tubing and the CPAP while they relax, listen to music or read. Wearing the mask while awake for a while may let them determine the best fit to make it comfortable. Using the CPAP for short naps may also be beneficial and help in acclimating to CPAP.

• Understand the mask, CPAP machine and how it helps you with sleep apnea.
• Hold the mask on your face with the CPAP machine on and at a very low pressure while you sit up.
• Wear the mask head gear with a comfortable fit and let the pressure ramp up to the prescribed pressure.
• Once you are comfortable with the mask and the prescribed pressure, try lying down.
• Getting yourself acclimated to the mask only, outside of the sleep period and away from the bedroom, is another desensitization technique.
• Use a saline nasal spray to ease mild nasal congestion or a nasal decongestant to relieve more severe nasal or sinus congestion.
• If pain or soreness on the bridge of the nose persists, you may try nasal pillows (a special mask that fits in the nostrils). You may need to have 2 masks, one traditional mask over the nose and another nasal pillow type. Both masks are used alternatively.