Top 8 tips for Getting Used to CPAP Therapy
For those of you who are new to the journey or who may still be having difficulty getting used to CPAP therapy, we have some tips to share to make your experience a more positive one.
CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. However, some people may find it a challenge to persist with treatment because of various challenges they face such as discomfort, difficulty getting used to it or even having difficulty falling asleep with their mask on. Those who have persisted and found success are converts who find they no longer want to go without CPAP therapy because they are getting quality sleep and getting their life back.
For those of you who are new to the journey or who may still be having difficulty getting used to CPAP therapy, we have some tips to share to make your experience a more positive one.
1. Use a well-fitted mask
This is the most important part of getting your CPAP therapy started. A well-fitted mask should feel comfortable when you put it on, without feeling like it’s so tight you will get marks on your face when you take it off. It should also give you a sense of security that you will not need to keep adjusting it throughout the night when you toss in your sleep. A well-fitted mask will also prevent mask leaks, which is not only noisy but also uncomfortable if the air is leaking into your eyes. Having a well-fitted mask will ensure you stay comfortable when you are asleep, allow for your treatment to be optimised, and give you peace of mind so you will have a better sleep through the night.
2. Relax before bedtime
CPAP therapy may be effective, but it only works when you are actually asleep. Some people have trouble falling asleep, especially with their mask on. One way to coax your body into ‘sleep mode’ is to relax before bedtime. Have a warm bath, a cup of herbal tea such as chamomile, and avoid anything overly stimulating if you’re watching television. Dim your lights, or do some light reading; you can even do some meditation or breathing exercises to relax. Get into bed when you feel sleepy, put on your mask and drift off to sleep.
3. Get used to your mask before you sleep
Another tip is to get used to wearing your mask and breathing with it before your bedtime. Whilst relaxing over a book or watching television, put on your mask and practise breathing with it. This helps you feel more comfortable with your mask on your face, so when it comes to bedtime, you will not feel like you’re wearing something foreign to bed.
4. Make use of your device’s ‘ramp’ feature
Most devices have a ‘ramp’ mode which is very handy especially for those starting out on the CPAP journey. A ‘ramp’ mode is a feature designed to ease you into sleep by starting off with a lower pressure setting that is likely to be more comfortable for you. Once it senses you have fallen asleep, it will then ramp up the pressure to the setting that you have determined to be optimal for your therapy so your treatment will not be compromised. Different devices may work differently in their ‘ramp’ settings, so please make sure you check your device’s specific instructions on how to operate the ‘ramp’ settings.
5. Use a heated humidifier to minimise dry nasal passages
Some people may find using CPAP uncomfortable because it causes dryness in the throat or in the nostrils, especially during the dryer seasons. However, this is easily rectified by using a heated humidifier. A heated humidifier basically uses heat to warm up water in a water chamber, which produces moisture that is then carried by the air you are breathing in through your mask. The heat level is adjustable so you can determine the amount of moisture most comfortable for you depending on the season. This makes using CPAP more comfortable, which is vital to your success with CPAP therapy.
6. Clean your CPAP equipment and replace consumables regularly
It goes without saying something you use every night is bound to experience wear and tear. In addition, consumables like your device’s filters need to be replaced regularly as well in order to ensure you are breathing in the cleanest air possible. Mask parts such as headgears and straps that are worn out need to be replaced as well to ensure your mask fit remains optimum. This ensures your therapy continues effectively and comfortably. Keeping your CPAP equipment clean on a regular basis is also vital to prolonging the lifespan and making sure they keep working without a hitch.
7. Track your therapy to stay motivated
It can be easy to lose sight of why you are on CPAP therapy, especially if you’re not getting used to CPAP therapy yet and haven’t quite seen the benefits it can bring you. One easy way to stay motivated and on track with therapy is to make use of the apps available to you with your device. ResMed devices can link up to the myAir™ app, and Fisher & Paykel devices can link up to the SleepStyle app. These apps track your therapy so you can see how well you are doing, and you can gain insight into your therapy in order to improve it. Some of the apps offer guidance and basic troubleshooting if you encounter issues with your device and your therapy too. Use the apps to keep yourself motivated in improving your therapy experience.
8. Know that persistence is the key to success
First and foremost, remember that CPAP therapy always works. Those who have not had results with CPAP therapy may not have given it a fair shot due to issues such as a wrong mask fit, being unable to resolve certain issues that have come up during your therapy or being unable to get used to therapy. However, many issues might just require a minor fix. The most important thing is to know that as long as you persist with treatment, you will definitely find success with CPAP therapy.