Scuba diving makes it easier to adapt to CPAP mask?

[SleepyTexasGirl]

Hmm. I tried to learn SCUBA diving in thailand and freaked out when trying to learn to snorkel with mask in a pool. So dropped out of the class. Maybe that explains part of why I’m having problems adjusting to the cpap mask/nasal pillows.

[Sleeprider]

Snorkeling is completely different from SCUBA. When diving with compressed air, a pressure regulator compensates for depth and provides for more pressure support with depth. Humans simply cannot inhale when more than a few feet underwater because the chest expansion cannot overcome the pressure of the surrounding water. Most snorkeling is at the surface and depth is not much of a factor, however for some individuals with weak inspiration strength, snorkeling is a non-starter. Perhaps this is just a sign you would do better with bilevel (BiPAP) pressure, which actually assists inspiration with a bit more pressure support.

[Osiris357]

Apparently I’d love scuba diving lol

[sheepless]

although I don't dive much anymore, I've been certified since 1974. before treatment, deep in the throes of apnea, I often dreamt of being underwater for unnaturally long periods of time, occasionally 'sipping' air to survive.

[LeonardoDR]

I'm not a scuba diver, but I'll bald and very sensitive to noise and have been sleeping with a hat and earplugs for years. I suspect that's partly why the nasal pillows mask and Knightsbridge Dual Band chin strap (which covers a lot of the head) don't feel like a big deal to me.

[MarineCorpsNerd1]

Can definitely vouch for that, lots of divers here. Thought about getting into it myself to help, I never can get used to the things.

[farnsy]

I don't think it's particularly the practice of scuba diving that made the difference, but rather that there are some people that find scuba and CPAP to be pretty easy.

I recall that I had no problem at all getting comfortable scuba diving the very first time I tried it. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. The air pressure of the CPAP has also never given me problems at all. My problems have always been face irritation or air leakage waking me up (puffs of air in my eye will wake me every time).