Therapy Tips:
Dealing with ClaustrophobiaWe see a lot of people who struggle with claustrophobia when starting CPAP therapy. It is very common for people with sleep apnea to have this problem, and in most cases it goes away once CPAP therapy is started. However, there are also many people who struggle to adjust to using CPAP because of the claustrophobia. Just putting a mask on their face triggers panic and fear. Others can put the mask on but feel panic when they feel the pressure change. For these people we recommend starting the acclimation process slowly: - Practice using the CPAP during the day or during your normal wake time.
- If the mask is the trigger, start by just holding the mask up to your face without attaching it, then once comfortable with that try wearing the mask with the straps.
- If the pressure is the trigger, start by holding the mask up to your face while the machine is running. Add the straps once you are comfortable with the pressure. Make sure that the ramp feature is on so that the pressure starts at a low setting and gradually works up to your maximum pressure.
- Once you are able to wear the mask with the pressure on, try wearing it for short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes at a time. If you can, read or watch TV while wearing it so that you are not thinking about it.
The best advice we can give is don't give up! Instead, get help! Some people take longer than others to acclimate. If you have tried the above suggestions and are still struggling, contact your physician or equipment provider. Your pressure setting may be too high or too low. One night at the sleep lab is not always enough to properly evaluate your pressure needs, and sleep study quality varies greatly from lab to lab. Also, there are CPAP machines available now that have added comfort features such as C-Flex (Respironics) and EPR(ResMed) which allow for a slight drop in pressure when exhaling. Or you may just need a different style of mask. If you are not getting a great seal, the pressure can feel much more overwhelming. There are also styles available that feel less invasive or allow for you to have a clear line of vision while wearing them, reducing the intensity of your claustrophobia. |
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Articles of Interest
Is It Possible to Sleep Too Much?
If you have sleep apnea chances are you feel like you never get enough sleep. However, research shows that oversleeping can be just a detrimental to your health!
According to an article posted by WebMD, oversleeping has been linked to other medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease and an increased risk of death. However, the extent to which this correlation is also related to depression and low socioeconomic status is still unclear.
Other medical problems which have been linked with sleeping too much are headaches and back pain. To read the entire article click here.
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Featured Product
Pad A Cheek
Have you finally found the mask that works best for you but could use some extra comfort? Perhaps you are still struggling to find the right mask--effective and comfortable.
Pad A Cheek may be the solution to your problem! Pad A Cheek has designed a variety of extremely soft attachments for the headgear straps, forehead supports, and even the mask seals themselves that eliminate the marks and pressure sores left behind on your face!
The newest additions to our line of Pad A Cheek products are the Full Face Mask Liners with Forehead Cushion and Forehead Cushion with Nose Bridge Protector. The Mask Liner provides a thin barrier between your skin and the seal, eliminating pressure sores and improving the seal when oily skin is a problem. The Nose Bridge Protector adds a thin, soft cushion between the bridge of the nose and the mask seal--the most common area for pressure sores to develop. Both are attached to the mask via a very soft piece of fleece which covers the forehead support.
 | | Mask Liner with Forehead Cushion |
 | | Mask Liner with Forehead Cushion |
 | | Nose Bridge Protector |
 | | Nose Bridge Protector |
All Pad A Cheek products are hand washable and therefore reusable! For more information or recommendations, call 877-392-7270, or visit our website and click on Accessories to see the other Pad A Cheek solutions available.
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Did you know?
In addition to quality sleep apnea equipment, EZ CPAP offers many services to support you:
- CPAP and bilevel pressure assessments and appropriate adjustments
- Personalized treatment education and follow-up
- Mask fittings-try before you buy!
You can even try the mask lying down on a real bed! - Evaluation of current equipment fit and function
- Sleep physician recommendations
- Sleep health education
Call for an appointment, or just walk-in! Our hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30-5:00, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-4:00. We are open during lunch hours!
 | | Over 30 Masks to Try! |
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For more online information on Provent you can visit the Ventus website at