If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you have probably heard that there are multiple treatment options available. One of the most common treatment options is a CPAP machine. Also known as a sleep apnea machine, this is a device that you can use to keep your airway open. This could make it easier for you to breathe at night, alleviating a lot of the symptoms that you feel as a result of sleep apnea. At the same time, you need to think carefully about which sleep apnea machine you use, as you may have heard about a sleep apnea machine lawsuit. What are a few of the most important tips you should follow if you want to get the most out of your sleep apnea machine?
Clean the CPAP Machine
One of the most important tips you have to follow is that you must clean your CPAP machine regularly. Think about how dirty your mask is going to get with you breathing into it constantly during the night. If you do not clean your CPAP machine regularly, particularly the mask, you may notice that mold and mildew starts to grow in the mask. Then, when you put it on when you go to sleep, you could make yourself sick. If you want to avoid serious respiratory illnesses, you must make sure that you clean your CPAP mask regularly. If you feel like you are having a hard time keeping it clean, you may want to reach out to your doctor for more information.
Avoid Skin Irritation and Sores
You should also play around with the straps to make sure the mask is comfortable when you go to sleep. You may have found the best CPAP machine out there, but if you do not want to keep the mask on your face, it is not going to do you a lot of good. If the mask is uncomfortable, consider adjusting the straps to see if you can make it more comfortable. You may also want to see if there are pads you can place underneath the straps to make them more comfortable on your face. That way, you can avoid skin irritation and pressure sores.
Adjust the Pressure
You might also want to play with the pressure of the mask itself. You need to have enough pressure coming from the mask to keep your airway open. On the other hand, having forced air entering your nose and mouth can be a bit uncomfortable. It may take a while for you to get used to it. You may want to start by putting the pressure at a relatively low level. Then, as you get more used to the CPAP mask, you can increase the pressure gradually, which will make it easier for you to keep your airway open. There are even machines that can do this automatically for you while you are asleep.
Use Your CPAP Properly
There are plenty of tips you should follow if you want to maximize the benefits of your sleep apnea machine, but keep in mind that every machine is different. Furthermore, every patient is different. You should talk to a doctor who can help you figure out how to get the most out of your CPAP machine. Your doctor can help you evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each option, allowing you to choose the right device for your condition. If you believe you are developing serious issues related to your sleep apnea machine, you may want to reach out to an attorney who can review your case, but only do so after you have sought appropriate medical care.
