Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an important and effective form of sleep therapy for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. However, many new CPAP users experience difficulties and frustrations adjusting to the therapy. Here are some tips to aid your adjustment to CPAP therapy.
Your CPAP Mask, tubing and humidifier must be changed every 6 months to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
When fitting the mask for the first time, several things need to be considered:
When the machine is running, practice breathing through the mask while sitting up in order to grow accustomed to the feeling. Once you are comfortable with the pressure, lie down, relax and try falling asleep with the knowledge that the first and the biggest step in treating your sleep disorder has been completed!
You are in control of many aspects of your treatment, so ensure that you are informed of all the various options available to you. There are variations of PAP machines (such as AutoPAP, BiPAP, and VPAP) that may be more suited for you than a simple CPAP, depending on your personal needs. There are also many different styles of CPAP masks available and choosing the right mask is critical for successful therapy. Work closely with your CPAP specialists and Sleep physician to determine which options are best for your personal needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the treatment of Sleep Apnea with CPAP affects not only you, but also the person you share your bed with.
Involve your spouse in the process early on, so that both of you are aware of the different options available for treating Sleep Apnea, how CPAP treatment works, and the difficulties you both may experience with CPAP treatment. You may feel insecure about wearing a CPAP mask to bed, but most partners are supportive of their spouses’ use of CPAP to treat Sleep Apnea, especially when they are aware of its benefits.
To ensure that you are sleeping well with the CPAP mask, make sure you are doing everything for healthy sleep in general:
It is critical to get into a good routine of using the CPAP machine every time you go to bed from the very beginning of your therapy. Establishing this habit will ensure the success of your sleep therapy. Remember, you are in control of how effectively you treat your Sleep Apnea with CPAP, so be determined to succeed from the very beginning!
Persistence and determination are key to making CPAP therapy comfortable. Initially, you might find wearing the CPAP mask in bed simply unbearable. However, with practice, this feeling will fade and you will come to find it tolerable. Eventually, with enough time and usage, CPAP therapy will become not only tolerable but comfortable as well. In addition, once the sleep therapy heals your body and mind from the destructive effects of Sleep Apnea, you will be glad that you made all that effort. Don’t give up if you don’t feel comfortable with CPAP right away, it takes time, but the benefits are worth it!
Poor sleep negatively affects health, brain function and overall quality of life. Assistive sleeping devices help to provide a positive outlook and allow the body to naturally heal during sleep.
If you are suffering with poor sleep or your CPAP therapy is inadequate, we are here to help.