Why Is It so Important to Replace CPAP Masks Regularly?

Why Is It so Important to Replace CPAP Masks Regularly?

In order to get the best results from sleep apnea therapy it’s important to replace CPAP masks on a regular basis. If you aren’t cleaning and replacing them regularly you may not get the results you are expecting from your CPAP therapy. Here are some of the most important reasons why it’s so important to replace your mask according to the recommended schedule:

1. The Sleep Mask Toronto Becomes Uncomfortable

The sleep mask Toronto you are currently wearing may be worn and may have become uncomfortable. When CPAP masks experience wear and tear they become loose and weak as a result. You may find that you need to tighten your mask every night before sleep before you can use it. This is a strong indication that the mask is not providing a strong seal any longer, which will have a negative effect on your CPAP therapy.

When you have to continually tighten your mask, it’s a strong indication that your mask must be replaced. Overtightening a mask can leave red marks and grooves on the skin from the high amount of pressure. When your mask becomes too uncomfortable you will also have a hard time sleeping and you will be less prone to continue with your sleep apnea therapy.

 
2. You Are Experiencing Different Results

If you notice that you’re getting different results from your therapy and aren’t feeling as good as you used to, it may be time to replace your CPAP mask. Perhaps you aren’t feeling as refreshed as you used to be after a good night’s sleep or have a lot less energy the next day. Replacing your mask may be all that’s required when you notice that the results just aren’t as good as they once were.

It’s important to keep track of how you have been feeling since you started with the CPAP treatment. The best way to do this is to keep a notebook beside your bed and keep a running diary of your overall health. You can quickly jot a note in the pad every morning recording your level of sleep and write down a quick note in the evening before bedtime describing how you felt during the day. It can be easy to lose track of how good you were once feeling if you haven’t recorded the results.

 
3. You Have a Dry Mouth When You Wake Up
If you are experiencing a dry mouth when you first wake up in the morning, this is also another sign that it’s time to replace your mask. If there is any type of air leak this will cause the air pressure of the mask to fluctuate. As a result, your mouth must open in order to compensate for this fluctuation and it will end up drying out your mouth during the night.

This dry mouth may not come on suddenly but may gradually increase over time. If you find yourself needing to have a glass of water first thing in the morning to handle a dry mouth, there is a very good chance that it is due to a poor seal of the mask. At this point it’s time to take a look at how long it’s been since the mask was replaced and order a new one quickly. You can get fast relief from this uncomfortable symptom by ordering new CPAP masks as quickly as possible.


4. Discoloured CPAP Mask

If you notice that seal around the mask you are currently using has become discoloured, this shows that the mask is past its prime. With regular use the seal of CPAP masks become worn and discoloured. This will cause air leaks and have a detrimental effect on your therapy. When there is an air leak you won’t get the right amount of pressure going into your lungs so it’s important to replace your mask as soon as possible if you notice any discolouration on it.

It’s important to examine your mask on a regular basis to see if you can see any signs of wear and tear on it. While a mask that has been subjected to wear doesn’t always show signs of deterioration, you should still be inspecting your mask and other CPAP accessories and supplies regularly. Discolouration is one of the things that you should be looking for during the examination of CPAP masks.


5. Changes in Mental Health
When a person doesn’t get the proper amount of sleep it can affect his mental health. You may have noticed that your energy is down and that other areas of your life are suffering as well. Take notice of any changes in your overall attitude towards life since something as simple as a worn down CPAP mask may be causing the problem.

People that replace their mask and other CPAP supplies report that they experience a quality-of-life that is much higher than before. Some of the changes experienced include:

  • Better relationships with family
  • More satisfaction with their appearance
  • Overall better quality of life
  • Easier time dealing with job-related issues

CPAP Accessories and Supplies

If you haven’t replaced your mask in a while it may be causing a change in your overall attitude towards life. The regular replacement of CPAP masks and CPAP accessories and supplies is crucial to a successful sleep apnea treatment. It is recommended that a CPAP mask be replaced every month so it’s a good idea to order more than one at a time. This way you will always have a replacement available.

You won’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are not getting the full results of your therapy because you don’t have an extra mask at hand. You should also take a look at the other parts that need to be replaced regularly to make sure that you always have some of these extra supplies available in your home when you need them the most.

If it’s time for you to order more CPAP replacement parts please visit our website now at cpapdepot.ca.

Back to blog