Physical discomfort . There were both large and small
problems with discomfort using the CPAP mask.
Leakage was a big problem – participants expressed
similar concerns with a variety of expressions. Words
like blowing, oozing, spraying and leaking were used.
It ’ s a bit of a nuisance that it has been leaking a lot
of air on the side. [P3]
There were also smaller disturbances with comfort –
like feeling the straps.
Dry nose, sore membranes of the nose and bleeding
of the mucous membrane was a cause of irritation
with the participants. Experiences with nose
bleeding had to do with using a nose mask that made
the membranes dry. Comments were also made on
how diffi cult it was to use the CPAP during a cold.
With colds and stuff like that it can be a bit tricky to
inhale through a mask so to speak, thus I have consciously
refrained from using it occasionally. [P11]
Handling . The CPAP machine was regarded as
diffi cult to handle. It was considered heavy and the
problems of applying the mask was a cause of annoyance.
In situations like a blackout, that it required
electricity was a problem. One woman stayed at her
parents ’ house longer than she was supposed to in
order not to go through the trouble of packing and
unpacking the CPAP.