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Steps to Get Started with CPAP Therapy

CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a type of therapy that applies gentle air pressure to keep the airway open, so your airway doesn’t collapse when you breathe while asleep. By minimizing the blockages of the airway, CPAP is used to treat breathing problems such as sleep apnea and chronic snoring and ensure quality night sleep.

CPAP is an Australian invention created by Colin Sullivan at the University of Sydney. The device applies mild pressure to the airway via a mask. The mask can either cover your nose and mouth, cover your nose only, or go into your nostrils. A tube connects the mask to the CPAP machine’s motor, which blows air into the tube.

Machines can be either Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) or fixed CPAP machines. The first ones have an in-built algorithm that delivers a variable air pressure according to the person’s needs, while the fixed ones deliver constant air pressure through the night. Generally, they are small bedside units, which you can use at home, and some are designed for convenience when travelling.

Modern devices come with humidifiers and heated tubes that add to the comfort of the therapy and better results. Also, they’re quiet, light and comfortable and with the help of a variety of CPAP accessories, you can improve the quality of your sleep and maximise the effects of your CPAP therapy.

How to Get Started With CPAP

CPAP therapy works for the majority of patients with sleep apnea, but only if they use the machines consistently. Most likely, you will feel the effects of CPAP therapy as soon as you start it, and here are the steps you should take to improve your therapy’s effects and make it comfortable.

Be Proactive About Your Treatment and Get a CPAP Mask that Fits

mask_for_sleep_apnea

Source: Snugell™

Make sure you get thoroughly informed about your condition and how the equipment works. You can always ask your doctor or equipment provider if you need any help with understanding your part in the process and finding the perfect mask.

Choose a mask with a correct size that fits comfortably over your face when you’re awake. If the mask isn’t comfortable, it may be difficult to fall asleep. Consider your sleep needs and preferences to find the ideal mask for you, and keep in mind that sometimes it may take a few trials to find the right one.

Practice

Getting used to CPAP therapy is not always easy. To make it a habit, start wearing the mask as often as you can before going to sleep. Wear it whenever you’re relaxing, just sitting around the house, or at least try wearing it for an hour or so before you go to bed. This will help you get used to it so it won’t feel awkward when you’re asleep.

Use It Every Time You Sleep

Once you’ve grown used to how the mask feels on your face, make sure you’re using it every time you go to sleep, even if it’s just an afternoon nap. This is the most important step in adjusting to your new therapy. Make it part of your sleeping routine, and the more you sleep with your CPAP machine, the more familiar it will become.

However, try to avoid naps as they reduce your sleep debt, which is very important especially when you’re adjusting to your CPAP treatment. That way you’ll feel more tired at night and you can fall asleep faster and easier.

Make Small Adjustments When Needed

Your mask may need adjustments, and whenever you make some, do so laying down and with the device on. It can help ensure you’re getting an accurate fit whether you need to loosen up the mask a little, so it won’t leave red marks on your face or tighten it up in case it falls off while you sleep.

If you feel like the air pressure is too high, you can try using the ramp mode on your CPAP machine. It will gradually increase the air pressure as you fall asleep and you’ll get the full treatment while sleeping.

Get the Help of CPAP Accessories to Improve Your Experience

Foam Pillows

If you struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of a night because your pillow is uncomfortable, the effectiveness of your CPAP device will decrease. The easiest way to optimise your comfort and ensure a good night sleep is to get a quality foam pillow. Using a foam pillow is always a good idea, and highly recommended when undergoing CPAP therapy. However, it can lose its shape over time and stop providing the needed support, so make sure to replace it once you notice the first signs of deterioration.

Cleaning Accessories

Make the cleaning of your CPAP mask, tubing and headgear become part of your daily routine. It will help you prevent stuffy nose, colds and bacteria, issues that can harm your CPAP therapy. Mask wipes and cleaners are a very useful and easy way to remove any residue from the previous night.

CPAP Filters

Clean CPAP filters provide optimal treatment for your condition. Dust and particles can collect in the filter and restrict airflow, which can make the machine work harder. Replacing a filter is a simple procedure and can help you get the most of your CPAP experience.

Nasal Pads

A nasal pad is set across the bridge of your nose and helps to reduce the skin discomfort while wearing your CPAP mask.

Chin Restraints

chin_Strap_snoring

Source: Nicesleepo

A chin restraint is used to prevent your mouth from opening while you sleep, so air doesn’t escape through your mouth. If you struggle with this problem, make sure to include a chin restraint to your CPAP kit.

Portable Power Supplies

A portable power supply is an essential CPAP accessory that can help you use your CPAP machine when you’re off the grid. This way, you won’t need to stop your therapy when going camping.

The key to adjusting to CPAP therapy is to remain positive and track your progress daily. If you’re continuously facing problems with your CPAP gear, contact your doctor or sleep technologist for a piece of expert advice.