Get used to your CPAP machine for sleep apnea with these tips

Everybody adjusts to CPAP in a different way. While some individuals quickly adjust to their treatment, others require more time to feel at ease.

Here are some crucial pointers for using a CPAP machine and mask when attempting to fall asleep:

1. Begin your sleep treatment slowly.

Keep in mind that the objective is to make treatment a vital component of your health that you utilize every night. The best course of therapy for sleep apnea cure right now is to get a cpap machine, but you’ll only profit from it if you really utilize it.

It’s important to become comfortable wearing your CPAP machine and get acquainted with it. If you can, try utilizing your sleep treatment tools a few times throughout the day while you are awake. 

Wearing your CPAP machine while you read or watch TV is a wonderful place to start.

2. Check the comfort of your CPAP machine.

The majority of therapeutic issues arise when your mask does not fit correctly. You could find it difficult to fall asleep as quickly as you should if your mask does not fit correctly.

All of your equipment’s settings will have been customized by our CPAP machine to meet your sleep apnea requirements, but you may need to make a few minor changes to your mask.

You may make changes to your mask during the day to enhance comfort and the seal. First, put your mask on and stand or sit in front of a mirror. Then, make any required modifications to increase comfort. Connect your mask to the CPAP machine tube after making any necessary adjustments for comfort. Then, lay down and switch on the machine. This is a crucial step in making sure the seal and comfort are there since your facial shape changes while you are laying down. You may verify seal and comfort using the “Mask Testing” option on certain sleep apnea equipment. If not, testing the seal and comfort at a CPAP pressure of 10cmH2O is a good idea.

You may need to contact us to check on the fitting of your mask if, after making minor modifications to it, you are still having difficulties getting a comfortable seal.

3. Practice sound sleeping habits

For your sleep treatment to be as effective as possible, you must first improve your sleep hygiene. Therefore, make sure you are practicing proper sleep hygiene before beginning sleep treatment. Why does this matter? This entails ensuring that your way of life, routines, and practices are all supportive of giving you frequent access to restful sleep.

By implementing a few modest lifestyle and mental changes, you may enhance your sleep hygiene.

4. Your sleep hygiene may be improved by the following advice:

• Observe your body.
• The internal clock in your body can accurately tell when you are ready for sleep. Make sure to pay attention to it!
• For instance, don’t go to bed till you are physically weary; instead, go to bed when your body tells you that it is tired. (For further information, see the following section.)
• Improve your sleeping conditions by getting a nice mattress and pillow, and if you like to sleep on your side, you may get pillows with particular designs that will make it easier for you to use your CPAP machine.
• Your bedroom should be dark, calm, and the appropriate temperature, which is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.
• Invest in some earplugs and eye masks if you can’t manage the noise or light in your room.
• Prior to going to bed, stay away from social vices like alcohol, coffee, and phones. All of these things may hinder your capacity to get a restful night’s sleep.

5. Don’t go to bed until you’re exhausted

It’s crucial to just go to bed when you’re weary, as was said in the preceding section. This is also accurate when beginning sleep treatment.

You may not be able to unwind if you go to bed when you don’t feel weary. You could find it exceptionally difficult to fall asleep when something new and unsettling, like a CPAP machine, is added. You can have trouble sleeping if you worry about your mask and machine too often.

6. Unwind before going to sleep.

It will be difficult to fall asleep right away if your mind is active, racing, or concerned. When you add your therapeutic equipment and mask, you could start to doubt your ability to fall asleep.

Do a few calming tasks an hour or so before going to bed. Because we are all unique, do what feels right to you!

For instance, take a bath (the rise, then fall in body temperature promotes drowsiness)

7. Read a book, watch television, and engage in some relaxing techniques.

Avoid doing things that are exciting or stressful, such as working or talking about your emotions. The stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to boosting alertness, may be released by the body as a result of these sorts of activities. Try writing your issues down and setting them away if you often bring your worries to bed. Additionally, avoid working out just before night.

8. Use your CPAP machine’s Ramp setting.

Our machines feature a setting called “Ramp.” Start your machine after you’ve gotten into bed and put on your mask. Use the “ramp” setting if you are having trouble falling asleep because the air pressure from your machine seems too high.

Your device will start in ramp mode with a low air pressure and progressively build up to a higher air pressure over time. You should be able to doze off before the air pressure reaches the desired amount as a result.

Therefore, confirm the model of your device, and if you have problems nodding off before the air pressure rises, ask your ResMed Authorized Dealer about extending the ramp time. Find a Dealer near you here.

7. Inhale to fall asleep

Hopefully by the time you go into bed, you are calm and exhausted. The final thing to attempt right now is some breathing exercises. You can unwind and fall asleep with the aid of a quick breathing exercise provided by the Sleep Foundation.

8. Turn it off just before bed

You could stay up later at night if you use technology like texting, emailing, or looking through social media just before bed. Even watching television may increase mental stimulation and attentiveness, the exact opposite of what is required to fall asleep.

One hour before going to bed, all electronics should be turned off. This will aid in preparing your body and mind for a sound night’s sleep.

Keep in mind that most individuals require some time to become used to sleeping with a CPAP machine and mask. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You will have a decent chance of succeeding with sleep treatment if you follow all of the aforementioned recommendations.