How to Use a CPAP Full Face Mask
If you suffer from sleep apnea, your doctor may have prescribed continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) sleep therapy. This device consists of a pump connected to a mask by a long flexible tube. There are a few different kinds of masks for the CPAP device, and one variety is the full face mask. Once you are fitted for a full face mask, it usually takes some time to become accustomed to wearing it while you sleep.
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Instructions
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1
Put on the CPAP full face mask just before you go to sleep as instructed by your CPAP technician when you were fitted for the mask and picked up the machine.
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2
Slowly breathe in and out as you normally would and be prepared for the air to come through the mask. A full face mask is usually prescribed if you tend to breathe through your mouth. If that is the way you normally breathe, continue to do so while wearing the mask.
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3
Stop the machine if you feel that the pressure is too much or makes it too difficult to breathe, and remove the mask.
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4
If not, press the "on" button on the CPAP machine to help start the air at a lower pressure and eventually build it up to the pressure prescribed by your doctor.
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Put the mask back on and begin to breathe normally again. This time the air flowing through the mask should be easier to adjust to and you should be able to fall asleep without difficulty.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have a humidifier on your CPAP machine, have a bottle of water near your bed for when you wake up. Full face masks tend to make your mouth drier than nose-only CPAP masks when there is no humidifier element.
If you experience problems breathing with the full face mask, remove it and contact your doctor to discuss adjusting your therapy. A full face mask seals itself to your skin and restricts air flow in and out. Because the mask covers both your nose and mouth, you need to feel comfortable using it for it to work safely and effectively.
