How to Get Used to Wearing a CPAP Mask at Night

Yes, I understand even the title itself makes you feel claustrophobic. But it’s okay. If you haven’t yet read my post about my first one-year struggle with CPAP therapy, please go ahead and do so. I can tell you that I’ve faced the exact same problem, and therefore, I feel somewhat responsible to open up about it.

So let’s get down to it: why do you feel claustrophobic? Maybe you’re new to sleep apnea CPAP therapy, or maybe you’ve already had one difficult year behind you, like I did.

Recommendations:

• Mask Fit & Mask Type
• Humidifier Temperature
• Room Temperature
• Use it All the Time
• Solving Unexpected Issues (like nose hair!)

Why CPAP Masks Can Feel Uncomfortable

Mask fit and type – This is maybe the most important part of your sleep apnea therapy. You’ll find a lot of people saying you should either use a full face mask or a nasal (nostril) mask. But we are all individuals, and it’s not that easy to know before testing it.

I had the privilege of trying a few at my local MD center. I started with a full face mask because people recommended it, and I also thought it would be the best option for me. I had this idea that a nasal mask wouldn’t work well due to internal alignment problems in my nostrils.

The first mornings felt amazing. I hoped that would continue, but it didn’t.

If you’re still looking for the right mask, you can check out some of the best CPAP masks here

So why didn’t it work for me? I gave it almost a full year. I even tested a few other masks. I got past the claustrophobia phase when going to sleep, but it still wasn’t enough. I would sweat, feel uncomfortable, and roll side to side because the mask didn’t work well with my pillows. The last turning point? I couldn’t take it anymore. Maybe you guessed it, yes, I removed my mask every night in my sleep.

I learned that it’s not just about what works in theory. If something doesn’t work for you, try something else. I’m grateful to say that after all the struggle, the next mask type I tried a nasal pillow mask actually worked. Although there were still problems, which I’ll get to next.

Temperature and Humidity Control

The next obstacle is temperature management. As mentioned before, living in sweat is not nice 😅. Practically speaking, make sure your AC is working or at least crack open a window to get some airflow into the room.

Especially with a full face mask, pay attention to hose and airflow temperature especially if your machine has a humidifier, or even if it doesn’t but you plan to add one. Why do I keep talking about full face masks? Because heat and moisture can intensify claustrophobia during sleep.

Looking to upgrade your CPAP humidifier? Here are some top-rated options

When you sweat, breathe, and drool inside the mask, it gets foggy. Suddenly you wake up in the middle of the night coughing, without the mask on.

So here’s my recommendation again:

1. Manage your room temperature first keep it from getting too hot.
2. If you use a humidifier, monitor your sleep data over a week or two.
3. Try different airflow temperatures manually if the auto setting doesn’t help.
4. Take notes, look at your best sleep sessions, and lock in that sweet spot.

Stay Consistent: Don’t Give Up

Before I get to the surprise issue I promised earlier, let me just remind you of this:
It doesn’t matter which mask you use, what matters is that you don’t give up.

My tip? Get used to wearing the mask when awake. I used to wear it at home for at least 2 hours per day while unplugged. This helped me get used to the sensation, and eventually I started sleeping more peacefully without removing it.

The Unexpected Problem: Nose Hair

Now here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. Once I had solved the major issues such as the mask type, sleeping position, claustrophobia, temperature, there was still something bothering me.

I started noticing tingling around my nose, which would make me unconsciously take off the mask at night. I investigated carefully, adjusted air pressure, and tried everything.

Eventually, I discovered the real issue: nose hair.

Yes, I tried even putting wax around my nostrils to stop the tingling (huge mistake!).
Important disclaimer:
DON’T DO THIS. When the tube heats up and nostril plugs are close to your skin, the hot air can react with the wax, making it toxic. It’s not safe to inhale.

So what finally helped?

I bought a nose hair trimmer, used it once a week, and voilà no more tingling. My mask stayed on. My sleep improved. Everything clicked:

• Found the correct mask type
• Fixed room and hose temperature
• Got the right air pressure
• Removed the last irritation (nose hair)

Final Thoughts

This journey took me a full year, and it was filled with trial and error. But in the end, the right combination of equipment, environment, and mindset helped me make real progress.

I hope my story helps you move forward with your own therapy. You don’t have to suffer in silence or quit too early. You just need to stay curious, test things out, and refuse to give up.

👉 Have any questions or tips of your own? Share them below or check out my previous post about how my CPAP machine didn’t work during my first year, and what I learned. More real stories coming soon.

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