Mask Fright?
Are you Scared to Go to Sleep with Your CPAP?
This mask might be pretty spooky, but compared to this - your CPAP mask is really not so scary at all, right?
But if you’re still feeling a bit of mask fright when it comes to your CPAP, I’ve got 3 tips to help you overcome those fears and make your therapy a little less intimidating. Let’s dive in!
Tip #1: Wear Your CPAP During the Day
If your CPAP mask feels strange or uncomfortable, try wearing it during the day while watching TV or reading. This helps you get used to the feeling of something on your face, making it less of a big deal when it’s time to get ready for bed. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, a little practice can go a long way! Oh, and normalizing CPAP around the house tends to make it less alarming for family members and bedpartners.
Tip #2: Relax Before You Mask Up
Create a calming bedtime routine before putting on your CPAP mask. Try using a meditation app like Insight Timer or Calm, and do some deep breathing to unwind. I like to do 10 deep breaths into my belly first thing after getting into bed. If this becomes your new habit, you’ll start to look forward to getting into bed - it’s genuinely relaxing! Once you’re nice and relaxed, putting on your mask will feel like a natural part of the process, not something to be anxious about.
Tip #3: Try Aromatherapy with Pur-Sleep
If you’re still struggling, consider adding a little aromatherapy to your bedtime routine. Pur-Sleep is an essential oil system that sits on your bedside table. It uses natural scents to help ease anxiety and frustration with CPAP therapy. It’s simple, soothing, and less than $20. You can find out more at pur-sleep.com. Remember, don’t add essential oils directly to your CPAP machine, filter, or humidifier - they can be harmful to your machine and to you.
So, this Halloween, let’s make sure your CPAP is the least scary mask you see all night. I hope these tips help you get more comfortable, relaxed, and ready to sleep peacefully!
Thanks for being here, I’ll see you next week.
