When people discover they live with sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is one of the most common therapies prescribed because of its effectivity and ease to the person doing it. It may be overwhelming for those who have just started or are just about to start their CPAP therapy. Worry not, here are 6 tips to get the best out of your CPAP machine for beginners:
- Pay Attention to Mask Size and Style: A good mask fit will be one of the most important things to have for CPAP therapy. The size will determine the chances of mask leaks and comfortability, while style, whether you choose nasal masks, nasal pillows, or full-face masks, go hand-in-hand in providing therapy that suits you. All these factors need to be taken into account to start your therapy in the right direction. Investing in a mask that’s right for you after some research will benefit you in the long term. You can take a look at the collection of CPAP masks here.
- Get a machine with a ramp feature: When you’re new to CPAP therapy, high levels of air pressure may make it uncomfortable for you, especially when asleep. The best remedy to this is getting a machine that has a “ramp” feature, which gradually increases the level of air pressure as you sleep. This can help make it easier to sleep and to get used to your CPAP machine.
- Wear for short periods of time first: If you’re just about to start, it may seem cumbersome and uncomfortable having something attached to your face the whole night. Starting with 15 minutes or half an hour of use can help you gradually feel more comfortable with the machine as you sleep. It won’t be a walk in the park for the first few days but give it some time, and it will get easier.
- Get a machine with a humidifier: Some people suffer from nasal congestion because of a variety of reasons and that can be a cause of disruption to CPAP therapy. Considering a machine with a built-in humidifier will ease those woes as humid air can help unclog the nose. Pair it with some saline spray before sleeping, and say goodbye to worrying about clogged noses.
- Use it while awake. As a beginner, making CPAP therapy as comfortable as possible and getting used to a routine of using it are the first two things that need to be taken into account. Using the CPAP machine while still awake will help you get the hang of having something attached to you. Use it while reading a book or watching TV in bed just before sleeping. As time passes by, it’ll seem natural using your CPAP machine when you hit the hay.
- Consider how you sleep: Lastly, consider what position you sleep in and if it changes overnight. It’s normal that some people wake up and find their masks already off their face or haphazardly taken off. If this is the case for you, try masks that cover most of the mouth and nose or consider a chinstrap for the security. Ask a partner or your child what your sleep position is and adjust your mask if needed.
CPAP Therapy may be challenging to work up into a routine, but with these tips to guide you, you’ll be sleeping soundly (pun intended) every night.
