If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may have prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The machine has a hose and nosepiece that delivers air to you while you are sleeping. While the CPAP machine is a great way to help treat your obstructive sleep apnea, it can take some time to get used to it initially. Below you will find the most common mistakes to avoid with a CPAP machine.
Mistakes to Avoid with a CPAP Machine
If you have just gotten your CPAP for sleep apnea and feel like it’s a little foreign, you are in the right spot. The following tips should help you avoid the common mistakes people make when they first start using their sleep apnea machine.
Getting Acclimated:
Patients often report that the machine feels foreign. This is completely common at first, and it may take some time to get used to. Try and wear your CPAP mask for short periods while watching tv or reading a book at night. Then, add the hose and air while you are doing these activities. Once you feel more comfortable, use the CPAP machine every time you sleep. It’s important to stay consistent as this helps with you fully getting used to sleeping with it.
Improper Fit:
If you are doing the exercises above to get used to your mask and it just doesn’t feel right after a few tries, it could be the wrong size or style mask for you. There is a wide range of CPAP masks that you can choose from. Your sleep specialist should help find what’s right for you, so you don’t have to delay the treatment. You should also pay attention to the size when it comes to your mask, as this can impact the effectiveness and your comfort levels with the machine.
Air Pressure Issues:
If you are having difficulty tolerating the amount of force in the air, talk with your sleep specialists. Certain machines will have features that can address this issue. Some machines have a ramp feature that allows you to start with low air pressure and increase as you fall asleep. It’s important to stay in communication with your doctor, so you are getting all of the benefits of the machine.
Air Pressure:
Patients sometimes report difficulty managing the forced air in the beginning. This shouldn’t take long to get used to, but if you find that your difficulty persists, talk with your sleep specialist. Some CPAP machines have a ramp feature that gradually transitions from low air pressure to high as you are falling asleep. This can help get you acclimated to the machine.
Sleep Issues:
The CPAP machine is meant to help with any sleep issues. So it’s important to address any sleep-related issues from the CPAP as soon as possible. If the mask is the issue, try wearing it during the day as advised above. That way, you get used to the feeling. If your sleep-related issues are unrelated to your machine, practice healthy sleep hygiene habits. Wind down a couple of hours before bed by reading, taking a bath, stretching, or doing yoga. Be sure and exercise during the day to ensure your body is ready for sleep by the time you go to bed. Talk with your sleep specialist about any of your sleep-related issues. This way, you ensure you are regularly getting a good night’s sleep.
New York Sleep Doctor
If you are experiencing issues with your sleep and think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Sleep MD for support. Dr. Mayan Shukla is a sleep doctor with over fifteen years of experience working with patients who have struggled with the condition. He is focused on getting his patients back to their full potential and getting a good night’s rest. If you are experiencing issues with your sleep, schedule an appointment with the top New York sleep doctor.
