CPAP Clinic Sleep Blog

Understanding your sleep health, sleep apnea and CPAP therapy

You have to use a CPAP? Here’s how to handle that…Part One

 

You have to use a CPAP? Here’s how to handle that…Part One

 

CPAP

If you have been prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, you might be slightly hesitant before beginning therapy. Questions might come up, such as: how can I get myself to do this?

The good news is that it may take a bit of effort to adapt to the CPAP machine. And by following a couple of simple recommendations, you may discover that it is easier than you expect.

First, have a positive approach in mind. The prospect of using a CPAP will be easier to take with the right attitude.

If you lead with the thought that this horrid device is going to destroy your sleep, you will find that your experience might go that direction. And soon, any setback will become additional evidence to dismiss CPAP treatment.

Instead, start with the attitude that there might be a few initial hurdles and you will be able to make adjustments, and ultimately make this device work for you. Soon, better sleep leads to improved concentration, mood and energy, thereby aiding your overall health.

One of the most important decisions when embarking on treatment with a CPAP is the choice of a supply company. You might be handed a short list of companies by your sleep doctor.

Even though most people get treated with CPAP, you may alternatively be prescribed machines that deliver bilevel (or BiPAP or VPAP) or more advanced settings. Remember, these suppliers are businesses, so be certain that you get good customer service.

A key responsibility of the equipment provider is to fit you with a good CPAP mask.

 

 

CPAP masks

Selecting a CPAP mask is a very important step in beginning CPAP treatment, and complete success or failure can hinge on this decision. So it is best to select a mask that fits your specific needs. You will want to place attention to the anatomy of your face, including the particular shape of your nose and how easily you can breathe through it. The presence of facial hair on men might influence the mask choice. Additionally, you might want to consider if you are likely to breathe through your mouth, especially during sleep because this may lead to mask leaks. Conditions like a deviated septum, a broken nose and claustrophobia (to name a few) may also factor into your mask choice.

 

 

Conclusion

When everything has been accounted for as best you can, it is best to select the smallest mask that you can tolerate (such as nasal pillows or a small triangle-shaped nasal mask).

This practice will reduce the overall surface area on your face. Therefore, it will decrease air leaks and visibility of pressure marks. Masks are like a pair of shoes: once size cannot fit all, plus you should choose one based on your individual requirements.

If possible, try the mask on in the store or take it home on a trial basis. If it doesn’t work out, ask to return it in the first month for a replacement option, as most manufacturers do have one-time 30-day mask satisfaction policy.

In the next segment, we will explore getting used to the CPAP itself.

If this post was helpful, please leave a comment!

Questions?

Call 1.877.430.2727 for help.

Written and Edited by Bill Bistak B Sc.,SEO/SEM Spc, CRT

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1 thought on “You have to use a CPAP? Here’s how to handle that…Part One”

  1. This was the most informative post found online regarding cpap how to get started.. Thank you for putting the work into making this, It helps a lot!!!

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