Sleep Apnea Treatment: What They Don’t Tell You
Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-in-shadow-on-bed-8261185/
Turns out, a lot of people give up on their sleep apnea treatment. Why? They just can’t get used to the mask that’s supposed to help them breathe through the night. That was almost my experience too.
The first sleep mask I had gave me night terrors. I’m serious. Waking up yelling isn’t normal for me, but it happened twice last week. My husband’s been very worried. However, I learned about the many different types of masks, each fitting and functioning very differently.
I got a new model on Monday, and two days in, I’m 100% happier. Wearing it reminds me of when I had a surgery and needed anesthesia. They placed that clear cup with the cushioned edges over my nose, and I drifted into a pillow of heaven. All was well.
Wearing the new mask, I just feel all cared for. I’m not panicking about whether the air has stopped because I can feel the airflow outside the nose piece (versus sitting up and checking the machine). The sounds don’t change while I’m trying to sleep leaving me wondering if the mask got dislodged. My tongue hasn’t dried out and felt like paper in my mouth. I no longer have two stubby “pillows” crammed into my nostrils, blasting air while I try to exhale. (Whose idea was that?!)
Instead, I have one soft, grey, cup-like covering that gently rests over my nose, with fitted straps under my chin that hold it in place—keeping my mouth in the right position and ensuring a steady flow of air into my lungs while I rest. Honestly, the tech-gear makes me feel a little like a sci-fi superhero re-charging my powers during the night. Comforting. Dignified
And the best part? I’m waking up much more rejuvenated. I’m beyond grateful for the kind medical rep who listened to my list of struggles and solved each, one by one.
Highly Recommend: If you're being treated for sleep apnea and your mask feels impossible, reach out and ask for another type. Finding the right mask can be life-changing—don't settle for discomfort.
Fun fact: I had some AI assistance refining this post. Turns out, even robots appreciate a good night’s sleep! 😆 Also, the sci-fi sleep apnea image was AI-generated using DALL·E.
Sleep well and recharge!
Dove
Dove (Diane) Wilson, LCPC, BCN, CBT-I Insomnia www.grimardwilson.com
