Your ears, nose, and throat are three of the most intricate body parts. When something goes wrong with any of these body parts, you're not only uncomfortable, but you'll likely have trouble breathing, and you may even lose your balance. These parts are so intricate that there are doctors who specialize in treating just ear, nose, and throat ailments.
Whether you suffer from asthma, sinus infections, recurring ear infections, or something else entirely, a visit to the ear, nose, and throat doctor is in order. We designed this website to give you a better idea of what to expect, and also to share information about the various disorders and diseases these doctors treat. Happy reading.
Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder that causes a person's breathing to stop and start while asleep. Someone who has sleep apnea typically sleeps poorly, and in some cases, endures serious complications. The majority of people with sleep apnea are diagnosed after seeing a doctor and completing a sleep study.
If a person has moderate to severe sleep apnea, a doctor may recommend treating it by using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night while sleeping to keep the airway open and prevent breathing from stopping. Continue reading for information on using your CPAP machine for the first time:
Plan on Going to Bed Early
While a CPAP machine is typically very effective in treating sleep apnea, that doesn't mean that using one doesn't come with an adjustment period. The first few days that you use your CPAP machine, it may take you longer than normal to fall asleep as you get used to breathing with your face mask on. Thus, if you want to ensure that you get enough sleep and wake up refreshed, it is in your best interest to get in bed earlier than normal to give you time to fall asleep by your normal bedtime.
Ensure That Your Mask Fits Comfortably
When you set up your CPAP machine in your bedroom, you will need to take the time to adjust the face mask that you will wear while sleeping. You may need to adjust the mask several times before you find the right fit. It is important to ensure that the mask fits securely on your face so there are no leaks, but you don't want it to be so tight that it is uncomfortable. If wearing your mask in bed feels strange, you may want to spend some time wearing it while watching TV or reading to get used to how it feels.
Practice Breathing
Most people need to take some time to practice breathing with their face mask on and the CPAP machine operating. Since a CPAP machine provides continuous air and pressure, it can feel a bit odd at first. This is one reason to try to get in bed a little bit earlier for the first several nights you use your new CPAP machine—this will give you the time that you need to practice your breathing so you can fall asleep while using your CPAP machine.
For more information on getting better sleep, contact sleep apnea treatment services.