Many people feel claustrophobic when they try to use their CPAP. The mask touches too much of their face, the air changes their breathing, and they just can’t fall asleep with the worry it causes. So what causes this common problem, and more importantly: how do you fix it? There’s a few different reasons why folks feel this uncomfortable sensation. We’ve come up with a list of solutions so you won’t feel like you can’t breathe when you’re just trying to get a good night’s sleep.
Here’s why you may feel claustrophobic with your CPAP, and how to solve it:
1. Your mask pushes on you too much.
If your supplies are old, then your mask might weigh down on your face too heavily. Old worn out supplies require you to overtighten the mask to get a good seal. This causes you to end up feeling boxed in before you’ve even started your CPAP therapy.
Also, older designs of masks tend to be more bulky and invasive, covering up a lot of the face and causing that claustrophobic feeling. Upgrading to a new mask when you are due for a replacement is a good idea.
Make sure you have up-to-date supplies (and up-to-date designed masks!) to get a more comfortable sleep.
Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0! Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Are your supplies due for a replacement? Check out our standard insurance replacement schedule below:
2. Your pressure isn’t matching your breathing.
Incorrect pressure settings make the air you breathe feel out of your control, resulting in panic and feeling trapped. The best solution is upgrading to an auto CPAP, which automatically titrates, or adjusts, the pressure it delivers on a breath-by-breath basis. ResMed’s AirSense 11 AutoSet also has all of these advanced features to make breathing easy:
- Expiratory Pressure Relief: Reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding breathy build-up in your mask
- AutoRamp: Starts your therapy at a low pressure, and then ramps it up once you’re asleep
- Humidification: Auto Climate Control setting avoids moisture buildup in your mask exhaust port, which could block the air you exhale
- Expiratory Pressure Relief: Reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding breathy build-up in your mask
- AutoRamp: Starts your therapy at a low pressure, and then ramps it up once you’re asleep
- Humidification: Auto Climate Control setting avoids moisture buildup in your mask exhaust port, which could block the air you exhale
Upgrade to the AirSense 11 today for just $399 down and 0% APR!
Just authorize your payment info via the link sent to your email after ordering.
3. Your mask covers too much of your face.
Older masks can be bulky and overbearing trying to keep a good seal on your face. When they block your field of vision, they can make your claustrophobia spike. If this is the case, we recommend switching to a mask like the AirFit N30. It sits under your nose with very minimal face touching, to keep any extra pressure off your face. It also provides:
- QuietAir™ technology: Diffused venting breaks up exhaled air so it’s spread out lightly
- QuickFit™ elastic headgear: Slip it on and off like a pair of swim goggles to fit right out of the package
- Single side-clip and split bands: Provide added adjustability to the headgear
- QuietAir™ technology: Diffused venting breaks up exhaled air so it’s spread out lightly
- QuickFit™ elastic headgear: Slip it on and off like a pair of swim goggles to fit right out of the package
- Single side-clip and split bands: Provide added adjustability to the headgear
Save $20 on the AirFit N30! Just add your size to cart below and code N30SALE applies automatically.
4. You need a full face mask with a smaller design.
For folks who breathe through their mouths, the full face design is their only choice (unless they want a chinstrap pulling on them all night). However, there are full face masks that aren’t so overwhelming as older designs. For example, the AirFit F30 features a minimal style and secure seal will let you sleep easier, and you can even read or watch TV while you wear it. It also provides:
- Minimal design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
- Universal headgear size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
- Quick release elbow: Allows users to plug/unplug from therapy easily
- Minimal design: Fits under your nose and over your mouth, leaving the bridge of your nose untouched
- Universal headgear size: Contours to every unique face for an accurate, first-time fit
- Quick release elbow: Allows users to plug/unplug from therapy easily
Save $20 on the AirFit F30! Just add your size to cart below and code F30SAVE applies automatically.
Don’t miss out on your insurance coverage! Find out if the AirFit F30 is covered today:
