Mask Desensitizing Techniques

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:14 pm

CPAP MASK DESENSITIZATION TECHNIQUES

Gradual initiation of CPAP therapy is one accepted desensitization technique. Rather than having the patient lie down and immediately begin CPAP therapy at the prescribed pressure, first let the patient become acquainted with the mask and machine. Then, with the patient seated upright and the machine on but at a low pressure setting, let the patient hold the unstrapped mask loosely against his/her face for brief periods until he/she can breathe while holding the mask in place for a minute or more. After the patient is comfortable with the mask in place, strap the mask on and make sure it is comfortable (not so tight that it hurts and not so loose that leaks irritate the eyes). Once the patient can breathe with the mask strapped on and while still sitting up, let the patient breathe while the CPAP is "ramping" gradually to the prescribed setting. Once the patient is comfortable with that stage, let the patient lie down. This short investment of time with the initial titration study or mask fitting can be extremely beneficial to patients--and pay off in the long run.

Getting the patient acclimated to the mask only, outside of the sleep period and away from the bedroom, is another desensitization technique. It is natural for patients to need a period of time to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP mask on their face; no one is used to sleeping with such a mask. Patients who state that they cannot sleep with the mask on their face can become accustomed to it by wearing just the mask--with the exhalation port open--away from the bedroom while they do something relaxing, such as listening to music, for a while each day, preferably not just before bedtime, until they can wear the mask. (Patients who take the mask off during the night without knowing specifically why do well to try this method as wearing the mask while awake for a while may let them determine the site where the mask may become uncomfortable. Once the site is discovered, the better fit or style may be found.)

Patients can also practice using the machine with it turned on at a very low pressure, while they are awake and engaged in something relaxing and sedentary, for an hour or two each day or evening until they can breathe with the machine. Using it for short naps may also be beneficial and gives patients a measure of progress in acclimating to CPAP.

Encouragement at all stages of CPAP desensitization is helpful to patients.

Link

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:40 am

"CPAP MASK DESENSITIZATION TECHNIQUES"

I thought this was called Botox®?

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:21 am

When I first saw it I thought it was going to be a "make the mask your friend" type thing... But it does have a few good ideas...

MartiniLover · Post by **MartiniLover** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:26 am

I agree.

I started sleeping with mask when I purchased a second mask out of my own pocket, and was able to be comfortable. I still trade masks in the middle of the night often.

I think getting used to it, being comfortable is the biggest obstacle to overcome.

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:24 pm

I agree w/ Mikesus... I remember last summer when I started CPAP I was fortunate to be on a business trip so when I was alone in my hotel room I strapped my mask on and started the machine while I was sitting and watching TV for a while. It was a great way to get acclimated to both the different pressure and having the mask on my face.

Tampa Tom · Post by **Tampa Tom** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:23 am

Dang, you guys have the best suggestions!

Only one more week until my ENT appoitnment!

busman317 · Post by **busman317** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:41 am

Sounds like the same techniques I used when first dating my wife!!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:16 am

LOL!! Good one, busman.

Seriously, I seem to remember the poster nicknamed Spiritus talking about how he was given a mask to take home and get used to for maybe a couple of weeks before he went in for his first sleep study.

I guess that could be a good thing - getting the prospective patient well used to it, so the patient could perhaps sleep better during the titration phase.

Or, could be a bad thing - patient might cancel the study altogether, thinking, "NO WAY will I be able to do this kind of treatment, even if something did turn up on the study!"