Treating your sleep apnea can be a life changer, improving your energy level and enabling you to be your best self. Some people get used to therapy very easily - but don't worry if it takes you a little longer. That's normal.
Learning to use your CPAP therapy equipment is about forming good habits, staying positive and practicing. It's also about getting comfortable. Here are some tips to help ease you gently into therapy – and a better night’s sleep.
Getting used to the feeling of CPAP therapy can take a little bit of time at first. Here are some simple steps to follow to help you get used to your machine and before you know it you will be feeling the benefits.
Try these tips for falling asleep and having success with your CPAP machine and mask:
Try using your CPAP therapy equipment for a few short periods during the day. Wearing it when you’re not tired like when you’re reading, is a great way to work out if there are any adjustments needed.
Your therapy specialist will have set up all of your equipment's settings to suit your sleep apnea needs, but you may have to make some subtle adjustments to your mask or your humidifier's settings.
The most common problems with treatment occur when your CPAP mask doesn’t fit properly. If it’s not fitting properly when you hit the sack‚ you may not be able to go to sleep as easily as you should.
Put on your mask during the day. Make subtle adjustments to it to get a good seal and to make it comfortable. Stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you’re doing.
Once you’ve made some adjustments to how it feels, try lying down and turning on your machine. Your face contour will change slightly when you’re lying down. So this is an important step not to miss! Your sleep apnea machine may have a ‘Mask fit’ which is a Mask fitting mode that you can use to test the CPAP mask.
If the mask is too big, the headgear straps holding it to your face will need to be pulled tightly. This may irritate you. Likewise, if the mask is too small, it may not seal properly and the air may blow into your eyes. If you’re having either of these problems, visit a CPAP clinic to see if your mask's fitting is right.
If you’re worried about how the mask or head straps feel against your skin, you don’t have to put up with this. You can buy mask accessories like soft nasal pads to sit on your nose to reduce any rubbing against your skin.