Top Tips for Sleep Apnea Treatment Success
Whether it was the endless snoring, the feeling of constant daytime fatigue, or sleep apnea’s serious comorbidities that drove you to get tested, you made the right decision to get control of this chronic sleep disorder that affects over 25 million people in the US. Now that you have your diagnosis, the good news is that effective treatment is available. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy, better known as CPAP, uses pressurized air to keep your airways open, preventing the repeated sleep interruptions that occur throughout the night. While sleeping with CPAP equipment may seem daunting at first, here are some tips from the experts to get the most from your treatment.
Kiersten Beach, Clinical Operations Manager at sleep telehealth leader Betternight, suggests taking the anxiety out of first-time use by practicing for a few days during your regular routine. Whether you are watching TV or practicing meditation, getting used to CPAP equipment while awake allows you to focus on something else and removes the stress of using the equipment for the first time. Knowing what to expect also helps alleviate stress that could prevent you from falling asleep.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends ensuring you have the right equipment for your sleep pattern. There are different masks available that work with your personal sleep style. For example, if you move around a lot while you sleep, your doctor may recommend a nasal pillow, which only covers the nose. If you are a mouth breather, a full mask that covers the nose and mouth may be the best option. In addition to getting the right type of equipment, it is imperative to make sure the equipment fits properly. All CPAP equipment comes with a “fit kit” with sizing guidelines that assure a good fit.
A recent article in the NIH National Library of Medicine discusses an advanced feature on many CPAP machines that allows you to start with low air pressure which automatically ramps up once you are asleep. This “auto ramp” feature is quieter, allowing ample time to fall asleep before the higher and likely more uncomfortable prescribed pressure kicks in.
Once you have made the financial investment in your CPAP equipment and acclimated to its nightly use, the last tip is to protect your investment through regular cleaning and replacement. Daily cleaning of your supplies is critical. The seal between your face and the mask must be tight, and oils from your skin can interfere with this seal if your mask is not washed with soap and water regularly. You should refresh the humidifier chamber with clean water, as bacteria love a warm wet environment. And when it is time, CPAP equipment needs to be replaced. Luckily there is a schedule for when this needs to occur, and most insurance covers replacement parts for your CPAP.
With time, using CPAP equipment will become a natural part of your sleep routine. The investment will pay off with a better night’s sleep and better overall health.
To learn more about how BetterNight can help you provide more effective and efficient care to at-risk sleep apnea patients, contact us.