LiViliti Paptizer 360 UV‑C LED Smart Sanitizer
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Home > Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Therapy
What is CPAP Therapy?
- CPAP therapy stands for "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
- It is a treatment option commonly prescribed by healthcare providers to treat obstructive sleep apnea, often referred to as the “gold standard of sleep apnea treatment”
- CPAP therapy works by using a CPAP machine to deliver a continuous flow of pressurized air via a CPAP mask worn while asleep at night
- It keeps the airway open, preventing it from collapsing to stop breathing pauses during the night
Benefits of CPAP Therapy
Reduces snoring
Improves blood pressure
Improves quality of sleep
Improves focus and productivity
Lessens daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Reduces risk of stroke and heart attack
Improves memory and cognitive function
Reduces risk of depression and anxiety
What to Expect When First Starting CPAP Therapy
It is very common that the first 2 weeks of starting CPAP therapy are the most challenging, especially the first few days, because of the new routine implemented on top of your normal lifestyle.
New CPAP patients, since they are not yet familiar and comfortable with CPAP therapy and wearing equipment, may experience discomfort like the feeling of wearing a mask, the pressurized air being sent through the mask, the feeling of being more restricted than usual, and more.
However, we want you to know that those things are completely normal! And we do not want you to give up on your therapy as that will only make your sleep apnea and its symptoms worse.
After about 2 weeks of consistent CPAP therapy, patients should see symptoms like snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, blood pressure, and more improved.
Tips for New CPAP Patients
Try Using a CPAP Humidifier
- If you wake up with a dry nose or throat or irritation in the airways, it is recommended to use a CPAP humidifier.
- A humidifier adds moisture to therapy air to provide a more comfortable experience.
Use Your Machine’s Comfort Settings
- Most CPAP machines have several features that add comfort to therapy.
- They include pre-heat, AutioRamp , Expiratory Pressure Relief, and more.
- Try out these features to see what you like and don’t like to get the best CPAP treatment!
Practice Wearing Your Mask
- Try wearing your mask around the house before trying to wear it when going to sleep.
- You could wear it while doing daily chores, cooking dinner, or even watching TV.
- This will help you get comfortable with the feeling of a mask on your face.
Make Adjustments as Needed
- Over time, you may need to make adjustments to your CPAP therapy to fine-tune what works best for you.
- This could be fixing your CPAP mask fit by tightening or loosening the straps.
- Pro tip! Make changes to your mask fit while lying down to find the most accurate fit.
Want to Know What CPAP Mask 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.
Additional Things You Can Do to Help Your Sleep Apnea
In addition to CPAP therapy, there are other ways to help treat your sleep apnea to lessen its symptoms and improve your quality of life. They include:
- Losing weight to reduce the fat deposited around the neck and throat that can otherwise narrow the airway
- Exercising often to improve symptoms and maintain a healthy weight
- Sleeping on your side to keep the airway open as opposed to sleeping on your back and your tongue potentially blocking your airway
- Eating a nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains
- Limiting the use of alcohol and caffeine, especially during the hours that lead to bedtime
- Quitting smoking to lessen the inflammation in the airways
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FAQs When Beginning CPAP Therapy
How Do I Know if My CPAP Therapy is Working?
The main indicator that CPAP is working is improved sleep quality. You may feel more rested during the day, have more energy, and notice fewer symptoms of sleep apnea (like snoring or waking up gasping for air). Your doctor may also review data from your CPAP machine to evaluate your progress.
I’m Having Trouble Sleeping with my CPAP Mask. What Should I Do?
It’s very common to feel discomfort at first. Try adjusting the straps of the mask to find a better fit, use a different type of mask (full face, nasal, or nasal pillow), or use a humidifier to reduce dryness and irritation in the airways. If problems persist, talk to your doctor or call The CPAP Shop for additional tips.
How Long Do I Need to Use My CPAP Machine?
CPAP therapy is typically a long-term treatment. Some people may need to use it for life, while others may be able to reduce or stop therapy after weight loss, surgery, or other treatments. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice and monitor your progress.
What If I Can’t Tolerate CPAP Therapy?
If after a few weeks, you still are not comfortable with your treatment, your healthcare provider may suggest adjustments to your treatment like changing your pressure settings, recommending a different style mask, or using a different type of machine (BiPAP).
Does CPAP Therapy Cure Sleep Apnea?
CPAP therapy doesn’t cure sleep apnea, but it helps manage the condition by preventing the airway from collapsing while asleep. With consistent use, it can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
Can I Stop Using CPAP If I Feel Better?
It’s important to continue using CPAP therapy even if you feel better. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition, and stopping treatment can lead to a return of symptoms. If you're feeling significantly better, talk to your doctor about whether any adjustments to your therapy are appropriate.
