Adjustment: Coping With Your New Cpap Mask And Cpap Machine

The needs of patients suffering from OSA vary on a case by case basis. Some patients are fine with, and adjust quickly to using their CPAP machines on a nightly basis. Others new to CPAP therapy may need to adjust slowly and deliberately in order to accept the new nightly regiment and remain compliant. One method to get accustomed to a CPAP mask which is recommended by some CPAP users is to wear your CPAP mask around the house for a period of time. By wearing your CPAP mask while doing housework, reading, or watching your favorite TV show is an easy way to get used to the feel of your CPAP mask. Moreover, lay on your back and side to get used to how the mask reacts to position changes. Using these suggestions should help to make the CPAP mask feel more natural, and become second nature when you begin to wear it each night.

Not using your CPAP machine for just a few nights will result in a return to the tired, irritable feeling prior to beginning CPAP therapy. So, it is important to recognize that using your CPAP machine on a nightly basis is required to get the maximum benefit out of your CPAP therapy. Some people adjust to this nightly routine relatively quickly. Others, however, will need some assistance, and a longer adjustment period. Nevertheless, as your body reaps the healthy benefits of a full night’s undisturbed sleep that the CPAP therapy is providing, adjusting to both the CPAP machine and CPAP mask will be much easier.

It’s been quite a while, and I just can’t get used to the CPAP machine.

If you’re having difficulty adjusting to the use of a standard CPAP machine which provides a constant, fixed pressure, switching to an automatic CPAP machine (APAP) might be advisable. The primary difference between an automatic CPAP machine and a standard CPAP machine is that an APAP machine automatically adjusts on a breath by breath basis to provide the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep. Obviously, a CPAP mask is still required. However, the constant pressure which is the most difficult part of CPAP therapy to adjust to is greatly reduced. An APAP machine can be switched into CPAP machine mode, but not vice - versa. In addition, APAP machines tend to be a bit more technologically advanced than standard CPAP machines, with various comfort features and more high-end functionality. As always, discuss your options with your doctor, and CPAP machine expert to come to a consensus on what exactly are your best options.