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Glossary
A
AirView
ResMed AirView is a cloud-based patient management system designed to help CPAP patients and healthcare providers monitor and manage their sleep apnea.
Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)
AHI, or apnea-hypopnea index, is the number of apneas or hypopneas you experience per hour while you sleep. This is a metric used so you can keep track of your therapy data. Learn more about your AHI score here.
Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP)
Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy automatically changes a user's pressure throughout the night based on the user's needs. It will deliver only the lowest pressure needed as a person moves in and out of different sleep stages. Learn more about APAP machines here.
Apnea
Apnea is a temporary pause of breathing for at least 10 seconds in adults or 15 seconds in newborns.
AutoSet™
AutoSet is ResMed's technology that adjusts the air pressure of a CPAP machine based on the user's breathing needs. It's designed to increase comfort and compliance.
AirSense
AirSense is the name of some ResMed CPAP and BiPAP machines.
AirCurve
AirCurve is the name of some ResMed BiPAP machines.
B
BiPAP Therapy
While CPAP therapy delivers one constant air at one fixed pressure, BiPAP therapy delivers two different levels of pressure: one for inhalation and one for exhalation. BiPAP therapy helps those who have more severe cases of sleep apnea or do not find success with CPAP therapy.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body weight relative to the person's height.
Breas
Breas Medical is a leading manufacturer of effective CPAP machines and other products. Breas CPAP products include faster accuracy, compact designs, and advanced results. Shop Breas products here.
C
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, caused by a failure of the brain to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Circadian Rhythm
Often referred to as the body's clock, the circadian rhythm is the body's natural 24-hour cycle that regulates various physiological and behavioral processes.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP therapy or continuous positive airway pressure is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a CPAP machine to deliver a constant flow of pressurized air through a mask worn while asleep, designed to keep the airway open to prevent pauses in breathing during sleep. Learn more about the benefits of CPAP therapy.
CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine is a medical device that delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth to keep the airway open while sleeping, preventing the airway from collapsing at night. Learn more about CPAP Machines here.
Climate Control
Climate control is a comfort feature on select CPAP machines that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air delivered to the mask to help patients sleep more comfortably.
Comorbidities
Often seen in sleep apnea patients, comorbidities are the presence of one or more additional medical conditions that occur with/because of a primary condition.
Compliance
Compliance describes how well a sleep apnea patient is following the recommended usage of their CPAP therapy. When someone is compliant, it means they are most likely gaining the benefits of treatment.
Medicare guidelines state that compliance is defined as using your machine at least 4 hours each night for 70% of the nights. So, if you use your machine 22 days out of 30 for at least 4 hours a night you are compliant.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea Complex sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that combins obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).
D
DME
DME, Durable Medical Equipment, refers to medical supplies or devices, including wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen products, and more.
E
Easy-Breathe Technology
Easy Breathe Technology is a patented system by ResMed that enhances CPAP comfort by delivering a more natural breathing experience. It uses a unique motor design and software that closely mimics a user's breathing pattern, resulting in quieter operation and smoother pressure delivery.
Event
When an apnea or hypopnea occurs during sleep, it is called an "event."
Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR™)
EPR is a comfort feature on some CPAP machines that reduces air pressure when a user exhales to make CPAP treatment more comfortable
Exessive Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a common symptom of sleep apnea where a person feels extremely tried during the day.
F
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel is a popular manufacturer of CPAP masks that are comfortable, compact, and easy to use for CPAP treatment. It continues to evolve its strategy of high-quality, effective, and user-friendly CPAP equipment. Shop F&P products here.
Flow
Flow refers to the stream of air entering a person's lungs when they breathe (without or without using a CPAP machine.
Flow Limitation
Flow limitation refers to any event that limits the flow of air into a person's body, typically due to an obstruction in the airway.
Full face masks
Full face masks can be used when treating sleep apnea, and are masks designed to cover both the mouth and nose, accommodating high pressure settings.
G
Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition where a person's stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, causing irritation, heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and more. GERD often occurs in those who have sleep apnea.
H
Hose
A CPAP Hose connects a CPAP machine to a CPAP mask. It allows pressurized air to flow continuously to keep the airways open while asleep.
Humidifier
During CPAP therapy, a humidifier is often used to increase comfort. It adds vapor to the air a patient exhales, preventing dry and sore airways.
HumidX/HumidX Plus
HumidX and HumidX Plus are waterless humidification solutions compatible with the ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP machine. As a patient inhales, heat and moisture are captured and stored within the tiny ridges of the HumidX filter. The exhaled heat and moisture are then released when the user inhales, providing more comfortable therapy while traveling or on the go.
Hypertension
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is often associated with sleep apnea. CPAP therapy reduces the risk of high blood pressure, but when left untreated, the risk of hypotension is highly increased.
Hypopnea
Hypopnea is a condition where breathing slows down or becomes shallow during sleep. It is typically caused by the multiple forms of sleep apnea.
L
Lower airway
The respiratory system is made up of all the organs in the person's body that help breathing. The windpipe and lungs are also known as the lower airway. It is protected by the chest cavity, which also contains the heart.
M
Mask Leak
CPAP masks can "leak", which refers to when air escapes from a CPAP mask during therapy. This prevents the full intended air pressure from reaching the airway, hindering CPAP success. Mask leaks can occur when a patient has an ill-fitting mask or if they need to replace certain mask parts.
Mixed Apnea
Mixed apnea is a type of sleep disorder where a person experiences both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
MyAir
myAir is an online support program and app that connects to a user's ResMed machine and stores data that patients and their healthcare provider can view. Learn more about myAir in this blog article.
N
Nasal Masks
Nasal masks are used for CPAP therapy and cover or cradle the nose to receive pressurized air through the nasal passageways. These masks typically are lightweight and comfortable to use. Shop nasal masks here.
Nasal Pillow Masks
Nasal pillow masks are a type of mask used for CPAP therapy. This type of mask rests at the entrance of the nose, gently sealing the nostrils to deliver pressurized air. This style is the most compact type of CPAP mask. Shop nasal pillow masks here.
Non-REM Sleep (NREM)
The sleep cycle is made up of two recurring sleep stages: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). While both phases perform different functions in the body, NRM focuses on rest and repair, hormone regulation, immune system function, and cognitive function.
O
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). OSA happens when the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, which causes a person to repeatedly start and stop breathing throughout the night.
Oximeter
An oximeter is a small, non-invasive medical device that clips onto a fingertip to measure a person's pulse rate and their blood's oxygen saturation levels.
Oxygen Desaturation
Oxygen desaturation is a decrease in the amount of oxygen in a person's blood. It can be caused by illness or sleep apnea.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy delivers oxygen to a person's airway to help them breathe better. It is often used in tandem with CPAP therapy as supplemental oxygen can improve sleep apnea symptoms.
P
Periodic Breathing
Typically a sign of central sleep apnea, periodic breathing is an unstable breathing pattern that happens during sleep. It combines periods of deep breaths and shallow or absent breathing.
Philips Respironics
Philips Respironics is the largest manufacturer of CPAP equipment in the world, offering innovative and successful CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, comfortable CPAP masks in a range of styles, and other CPAP therapy equipment and parts. Shop Philips Respironics products here.
Pressure
CPAP/BiPAP machines measure the air delivered to a sleep apnea patient as units of pressure. Pressure can vary among patients depending on each user's needs and the severity of their sleep apnea.
Pressure Port
A pressure port is a part, small opening, or connector that allows for the addition of supplemental oxygen to the airflow delivered by the mask.
Prescribed Pressure Settings
To receive CPAP therapy, a healthcare provider will have to prescribe it, providing pressure settings that their CPAP machine will be set to. These settings are based on each patient's unique breathing needs.
R
Rainout
Most common as a side effect in the winter, rainout is when water droplets build up in a patient's CPAP tubing and mask, potentially causing a damp face and discomfort.
Ramp Settings
Ramp Settings are a common feature included in CPAP/BiPAP machines. It starts therapy at a lower air pressure than prescribed and stays there until the machine detects the user is asleep. The machine will then "ramp up" to the user's prescribed pressure settings, allowing patients to fall asleep more easily. Learn more about Ramp here.
React Health
React Health Medical is a trusted distributor and manufacturer of CPAP therapy products. It includes a popular product line of Luna machines that are available in both CPAP and BiPAP models.
REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement also referred to as REM, is one of the main stages in the sleep cycle. It is when users experience the deepest stage and dreams. The name ame refers to the fast back-and-forth eye movements that can be observed when a person is asleep. Learn more about the sleep stages here.
ResMed
ResMed is the No.1 manufacturer of CPAP masks and produces advanced evolved CPAP products. ResMed provides effective therapy to sleep apnea patients by introducing the AirSense CPAP/BiPAP machines, AirFit CPAP masks, and more. Shop ResMed products here.
Respiratory Systsm
The respiratory system is a group of organs in the body responsible for taking in oxygen from the air and delivering it to the bloodstream. It removes carbon dioxide and waste gas while breathing, with the lungs as the primary organ involved. Other organs of the respiratory system include the nose, throat, trachea (windpipe), and diaphragm muscles that facilitate breathing.
S
Seal
A CPAP seal is the airtight connection between a CPAP mask and a user's face. Having a strong and secure seal that remains intact all night is vital for effective and compliant CPAP therapy.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person repeatedly starts and stops breathing throughout the night. There are multiple forms of sleep apnea and is most commonly treated by using CPAP therapy.
Sleep Apnea Test
A sleep apnea test is used to diagnose sleep apnea.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)
Often interchangeable with “sleep apnea,” SDB is a general term used to describe conditions that prevent a person from breathing properly while sleeping. Symptoms include snoring, pauses in breathing, reduced airflow, and more.
Snore Index
When a person snores, it creates waves of pressure. The strength of these waves is measured and calculated into an index during a sleep study, helping the healthcare provider better understand their patient's potential problems to recommend the proper treatment.
T
Titration
CPAP Titration is the process of checking and adjusting the air pressure for a sleep apnea patient to ensure that it is optimized to eliminate the apnea events while they are asleep. Learn more about CPAP titration here.
Tidal Volume
Tidal Volume is the amount of air that moves into and out of the lungs in an ordinary, normal breath.
Travel CPAP Machine
A travel CPAP machine is made to use while traveling or on the go. They are made more compact in size for easier packing and usage while away from home. Shop travel CPAP machines here.
U
Upper Airway
The upper airway is the passageway for air at the beginning of the respiratory system, including the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, throat, and voice box. It refers to the structures in the face and neck that allow air to enter the body before reaching the lower airway.
Usage
Usage is the length of time recorded on a CPAP machine that shows the duration of CPAP therapy.
Why Would Someone Need a CPAP Sanitizer?
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you will most likely be prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy uses a CPAP machine and mask to deliver a constant flow of air to the user while they sleep at night to keep their airways open. For optimal performance and longevity of products, keeping CPAP equipment clean is imperative.
CPAP Sanitizing Machines can be used to clean CPAP machines and equipment, made to remove up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria that can accumulate on CPAP parts. Sleep apnea patients who can benefit from using a CPAP Sanitizer for maintenance of their CPAP parts include those looking for:
Extreme Hygiene
Since CPAP therapy is designed for use every night, its numerous parts can collect bacteria, moisture, and other germy buildup. Regular cleaning of CPAP equipment can prevent the growth of harmful contaminants, reducing the risk of infections, respiratory illness, poor product performance, and more.
An Improved Night’s Sleep
Clean CPAP equipment will ensure that a user is breathing contaminant-free air, improving their overall sleep quality and sleep apnea symptoms.
Product Longevity
Regular maintenance of CPAP equipment helps maintain the integrity of the CPAP parts. By properly removing the buildup of unwanted materials, the lifespan of CPAP parts will be prolonged, reducing the effort, frequency, and cost of buying replacement parts.
Hassle-free Cleaning Sessions
Cleaning a CPAP machine and its parts can be time-consuming because of the manual process it takes to properly sanitize them. A CPAP Sanitizer automates this process, making it easier and quicker to clean CPAP equipment, and just as effective.
Compliant Cleaning Methods
Many healthcare providers recommend cleaning CPAP equipment with sanitizing machines to ensure hygiene standards are met, increasing overall compliance.
Extreme Hygiene
Since CPAP therapy is designed for use every night, its numerous parts can collect bacteria, moisture, and other germy buildup. Regular cleaning of CPAP equipment can prevent the growth of harmful contaminants, reducing the risk of infections, respiratory illness, poor product performance, and more.
An Improved Night’s Sleep
Clean CPAP equipment will ensure that a user is breathing contaminant-free air, improving their overall sleep quality and sleep apnea symptoms.
Product Longevity
Regular maintenance of CPAP equipment helps maintain the integrity of the CPAP parts. By properly removing the buildup of unwanted materials, the lifespan of CPAP parts will be prolonged, reducing the effort, frequency, and cost of buying replacement parts.
Hassle-free Cleaning Sessions
Cleaning a CPAP machine and its parts can be time-consuming because of the manual process it takes to properly sanitize them. A CPAP Sanitizer automates this process, making it easier and quicker to clean CPAP equipment, and just as effective.
Compliant Cleaning Methods
Many healthcare providers recommend cleaning CPAP equipment with sanitizing machines to ensure hygiene standards are met, increasing overall compliance.
Want to Know What CPAP Machine is Best For You?
MaskFit AR is our 3D face scanning capability, able to be done all from home! The CPAP Shop has partnered with MaskFit AR to offer hassle-free, personalized shopping recommendations. Simply answer some questions, scan your face, and we’ll help you find the best mask that fits your needs.
Know Your CPAP Machine Parts
Air Filters
Air filters have a very important role in protecting a sleep apnea patient’s health and well- being. Although small and fitting discreetly inside of the machine, filters collect dust, dander, and other particles from the ambient air, allowing CPAP users to inhale clean air through the machine. This helps prevent lung irritation and other side effects.
Humidifer
Some CPAP users find that therapy can cause dryness and irritation in their airways. A humidifier, typically located on the side of the machine, adds moisture to the therapy air delivered by a CPAP machine to help users tolerate it better. The added moisture prevents airway dryness and enhances therapy comfort.
Tubing
CPAP tubing is what delivers therapy air from the machine to the mask, connecting them together. Tubing is available in different sizes, made long and flexible so that CPAP users can have some space to move around in their sleep and change sleeping positions.
Tubing Elbow
A "tubing elbow" is a small connector piece that attaches to the tubing at a 90-degree angle, helping to move the tubing out of the user’s way. It minimizes pull and allows for easy placement between the user and their nightstand.
Power Supply
A CPAP machine power supply connects to the back of the CPAP machine and to a wall outlet to provide continuous CPAP treatment throughout the night. It gives the machine the necessary electrical current for it to function.
Benefits of a CPAP Sanitizer
CPAP Machines vary in features, so it’s important to know which ones matter to you.
| Benefit | Function |
|---|---|
| Fast Operation | CPAP Sanitizers operate quickly while still efficiently cleaning CPAP products. Its operating time ranges between 3-5 minutes to make the cleaning experience quick and simple. |
| Time-Saving | With a CPAP cleaning machine, the equipment can be cleaned in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually (typically with warm water and mild detergent), saving the user both time and effort. |
| Reduces Wear and Tear | Regular cleaning of CPAP machine components assists in preventing the buildup of oils, dust, and other contaminants that can damage the parts. This can reduce wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the CPAP equipment. |
| Removes Odor | Bacteria, mold, and dirt that build up on CPAP parts can cause unpleasant odors. A CPAP cleaning machine helps eliminate these smells, leaving the equipment smelling fresh and clean. |
| Automates Cleaning | Cleaning CPAP equipment manually can be time-consuming and difficult, especially when cleaning hard-to-reach areas. A CPAP sanitizing machine automates the process, making maintaining parts faster and more convenient. |
| Cleans Household Items | Not only do sanitizing machines clean CPAP parts like tubing, water chambers, cushions, and more, but it also can clean regular household items like hearing aids, dentures, keys, and more. |
| Improved Breathing | Clean CPAP equipment ensures that the air you breathe while sleeping is free from harmful contaminants. This helps improve breathing and also prevents respiratory issues such as sinus infections, allergies, or irritation caused by dirty equipment. |
| Meets Health Guidelines | Many doctors recommend cleaning CPAP equipment regularly to ensure it works properly. A CPAP cleaning machine makes following these guidelines easier and maintains your equipment in optimal condition. |
Things to Consider When Choosing a CPAP Machine So You Know it’s Good for You
- What type of machine do I need?
- Which features (noise level, size, etc.) are important to me?
- Do I travel and need a portable machine, or should I buy one more geared toward home use?
- How do I get a CPAP prescription for therapy?
Skeptical of buying a CPAP machine Online? Don’t worry, The CPAP Shop has been a trusted medical supply retailer for over 20 years. Learn more about buying a CPAP machine online here.
CPAP Sanitizers Offered at The CPAP Shop
LiVilti PAPTIZER
- Eliminates approximately 99.9% of bacteria that can grow on CPAP equipment
- Made with 40 high-power LED lights for effective cleaning
- Cleans CPAP equipment and other household items in as little as 3 minutes
- Has 3 Smart Modes for effective cleaning
- Made in a compact design that is easy to transport
- Features a one-button operation for an extremely user-friendly experience
- Safe and easy to use
React Health Lumin
- Equipped with UV-C light that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria that accumulate on CPAP parts
- Made in a simple, one-touch operation
- Disinfects CPAP masks and accessories in 5 minutes
- Built with a reflective drawer that ensures 360-degree of cleaning
- Cleans CPAP equipment and other household items
- Safe and simple to use
LiVilti PAPTIZER
- Eliminates approximately 99.9% of bacteria that can grow on CPAP equipment
- Made with 40 high-power LED lights for effective cleaning
- Cleans CPAP equipment and other household items in as little as 3 minutes
- Has 3 Smart Modes for effective cleaning
- Made in a compact design that is easy to transport
- Features a one-button operation for an extremely user-friendly experience
- Safe and easy to use
React Health Lumin
- Equipped with UV-C light that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria that accumulate on CPAP parts
- Made in a simple, one-touch operation
- Disinfects CPAP masks and accessories in 5 minutes
- Built with a reflective drawer that ensures 360-degree of cleaning
- Cleans CPAP equipment and other household items
- Safe and simple to use
Popular CPAP Masks for Every Lifestyle
Parts CPAP Sanitizers Can Clean
The CPAP Shop proudly offers CPAP machines from top-selling brands that excel in performance and comfort.
ResMed is a leading manufacturer in the CPAP industry, offering a range of cloud-connected devices that help patients manage their sleep apnea. They offer a range of CPAPs, BiPAPs, and travel machines to accommodate a range of CPAP users.
Resvent is a world leader in respiratory equipment, offering a CPAP machine product line, iBreeze, that is designed to help patients compliance with therapy.
React Health Medical is a trusted distributor and manufacturer of sleep therapy and oxygen therapy products. Its popular product line of Luna machines are available in both CPAP and BiPAPs. React Health is committed to empowering all sleep apnea patients to thrive in health and wellness.
Breas Medical is a leading manufacturer of medical equipment for sleep apnea treatment. Breas created and sells high-quality CPAP products that improve a person’s quality of life. They are committed to innovation and quality in all of their product offerings.
Although Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s CPAP device is no longer sold in the US, its parts are still offfered at The CPAP Shop for those who continue to use this device. F&P’s expertly- designed parts help users have effective and comfortable CPAP therapy.
Trascend’s mission is to deliver effective sleep apnea treatment in devices that are suitable for all CPAP users, including those who live active lifestyles with frquent travel plans and varying sleep locations.
Replacement Schedule of CPAP Machine Parts
- Cushions: every 3 months
- Headgear: every 6 months
- Filters: look at your
machine manufacturer’s
instructions - Humidifiers: every 6 months
- Tubing: every 90 days
- Machine: every 5 years
Cleaning and Maintenance of CPAP Equipment - The CPAP Shop
Daily cleaning and maintaining CPAP equipment is very important. This article by The CPAP Shop details how and
Latest CPAP Machine Videos
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Guided instructions to connecting this best-selling travel CPAP machine to Bluetooth.
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Looking for more articles to help you with your CPAP therapy? The CPAP Shop’s blog is your go-to place for all CPAP news, tips and tricks, product reviews, and more to help you feel supported every step of your CPAP journey. Check out our blog today!
Looking for More Articles to Help You With Your CPAP Therapy
The CPAP Shop’s blog is your go-to place for all CPAP news, tips and tricks, product reviews, and more to help you feel supported every step of your CPAP journey.
CPAP Sanitizer FAQs
Proper maintenance and cleaning of CPAP equipment will ensure you are getting the most compliant and effective therapy. Additionally, keeping your products cleaned will prolong the lifespan of each product. Thanks to recent technology, users are able to clean and sanitize their products more quickly and easily than ever before using sanitizing machines.
CPAP cleaning machines typically don’t remove soap and water residues left from hand cleaning. It’s important to wash your CPAP components with mild soap and water before using a cleaning machine to avoid chemical residue buildup.
The best way to clean and sanitize CPAP equipment is by washing them gently using mild soap and distilled water. Avoid using any strong cleaning products like dishwashing soap because that will damage the mask and leave harmful remnants. Next, rinse them in running water and let them airdry completely before using again. Even after cleaning your CPAP equipment, there are still a lot of bacteria and germs that remain. Use your CPAP cleaner to sterilize and sanitize your products even further for effective product performance.
Most CPAP manufacturers recommend cleaning your CPAP equipment once a week with a sanitizer. However, The CPAP Shop recommends following the specific instructions provided by your CPAP machine's manufacturer and the cleaning machine's manual.
Many CPAP cleaning machines are compact in size, making them suitable for travel. However, it's important to check the size, weight, and travel regulations for your specific model to see if they are easy to pack and FAA-approved.
Most CPAP sanitizers are designed to be quiet while in use. However, some may produce mild sounds, especially those using ozone or air-purification technology.
Most cleaning machines are designed to work with all CPAP devices, but it’s essential to check the compatibility, especially if the machine uses ozone, which can degrade certain CPAP materials.
5 Common Concerns About Starting CPAP Therapy
Don’t sweat it! Starting CPAP therapy can be a big adjustment, so having questions and concerns is completely normal.
The CPAP Shop is here to help ease that transition. Here are 5 common concerns new CPAP users often have:
This is one of the most common questions we hear. New users often worry about claustrophobia and discomfort and whether they will be able to move around while sleeping. To combat these feelings, make sure the mask you choose fits properly to you, as that is crucial to successful CPAP therapy. If you can’t tolerate your mask, you won’t use the machine.
It’s very normal to want to know how long it’ll take to start seeing symptom and overall health improvements to make sure the time and effort of CPAP therapy is paying off. The good news is CPAP therapy can start working almost immediately, with some patients noticing improvements after only one night of treatment. However, it may also take up to 1-2 weeks to fully adjust and see the benefits of treatment. Managing those expectations and understanding the benefits of therapy (increased energy, mood, health, and much more!) can motivate you to stick with therapy. As with many things, consistency is key!
Dry mouth, nasal congestion, skin irritation, and swallowing air are all potential side effects that can worry new users. Addressing these concerns upfront allows you to learn about solutions and preventative measures, like using a humidifier (used to add moisture to the air for more comfortable therapy) and adjusting your CPAP mask to fit correctly on your face.
CPAP machines and masks require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of germs an bacteria (that can cause infections) and ensure proper function. This can feel overwhelming at first having to stick to a new routine, but patients will quickly learn that proper cleaning is essential for your health and the longevity of your equipment. A clear understanding of the process will make it less daunting.
CPAP therapy is a long-term commitment, and you will need to figure out how to integrate it into your daily life and social situations to see optimal results. Thankfully, CPAP products vary in size, noise level, and design to accommodate users whether they are traveling, sharing a bed with their partner, and more. Addressing your specific lifestyle habits and concerns can help you develop strategies for managing CPAP use in various situations, leading to greater adherence and overall success.