Start using a CPAP machine: tips

Posted on 11 September 2024
By The Oxigo team
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Tips and advice for using your CPAP machine and mask!

Sleep apnea is a common but serious problem that can significantly affect your quality of life. Many people with sleep apnea wake up frequently at night and struggle with fatigue and concentration problems during the day. One of the most effective apnea solutions is treatment with CPAP therapy, where a CPAP device helps to keep the airway open during sleep. In this blog post, we discuss how the device works, what the benefits are and give you useful tips on how to successfully get started for better sleep.

What is sleep apnea?

There are different forms of sleep apnea, including OSAS and CSAS. In people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), the back part of the tongue obstructs the airway during sleep. This causes breathing stops (apneas) that last longer than 10 seconds. Snoring is often present as well. Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS) is another form of apnea. It occurs when the brain isn’t able to provide enough stimuli for breathing, causing breathing stops. Some people have a combination of OSAS and CSAS.

If you have sleep apnea disorder, you often wake up several times at night and sleep less deeply. During the day, you often feel tired. In the long term, sleep apnea can lead to severe fatigue, heart failure and other health problems. That’s why it’s important to treat the syndrome effectively. CPAP therapy with a CPAP machine is a commonly chosen sleep apnea treatment.

What is a CPAP machine?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Through a hose and a mask, air is blown into your airways. As a result, the airways remain open and you’ll experience less breathing stops. The pressure can be fixed (with a CPAP) or automatic (with an APAP/Auto CPAP). APAP stands for Automatic Positive Airway Pressure. If you opt for an automatic pressure, you’ll have an interval with a minimum pressure and a maximum pressure. The device will be able to detect the right pressure for you. Optionally, an Auto CPAP can also be used on a fixed pressure. Most CPAP devices in our range are of the ‘Auto CPAP’ type.

The benefits of a CPAP device

A CPAP machine delivers a certain pressure to ensure that the upper airways remain open during sleep. The aim of treatment is to significantly reduce the breathing stops and snoring, thus increasing quality of life. Effective treatment offers a lot of benefits, including:

- Treatment is done at home, in your own comfortable environment

- Improved sleep quality thanks to deeper and more restful sleep

- Less snoring

- Less sleepiness and more energy during the day

- Less chance of heart problems

- A lower blood pressure

- A more positive mood

- A better concentration

Tips for starting CPAP therapy

It’s normal that you’ll need to get used to your CPAP machine, hose and mask. Take your time. Try switching on your CPAP during the day or in the evening while watching TV, listening to music or reading a book. The following tips will help you out:

1. Be consistent

Basically, you should use your CPAP every night. Even if the results are good. Remember that it’s a treatment, not a medicine. Using a CPAP reduces the symptoms of sleep apnea, but it doesn’t cure sleep apnea. If you stop using the device, the symptoms (breathing stops, desaturation) will return.

2. Don't force it

Are you unable to sleep with your apnea device? Or do you notice after a few hours that you can’t continue sleeping? Then take off the mask and try again the next night.

3. Keep the long-term goal in mind

Usually, you won’t notice the results of the treatment right away. Be patient: it may take some time before you benefit from the positive effects. Eventually, the CPAP will become part of your life!

4. Place the CPAP on your bedside table

5. Download the app associated with your device

Many manufacturers have developed an app that you can download on your smartphone for free. Handy to track your therapy progress! This motivates you to continue with your treatment.

6. Use the ‘ramp function’

With the ramp function, the device starts at a lower pressure and slowly builds up to the therapy pressure. This helps you fall asleep more easily. You can set the ramp time in advance.

7. Opt for pressure relief during exhalation

Some people like to have some pressure relief when exhaling. Thanks to pressure relief during exhalation, the therapy may feel more natural. Pressure relief can be activated on the device.

8. Try a humidifier

Do you suffer from a dry nose or mouth when using your CPAP? Humidification can provide a solution. By using a CPAP humidifier, you breathe in humidified air and your symptoms will decrease. The humidifier has different settings. If you suffer from condensation (rainout) in the hose, a “heated hose” may be an option for you. Condensation mainly occurs in the winter months when the bedroom is colder.

9. Keep your machine and accessories clean

It’s important to keep the mask, the hose, the humidifier and the machine clean. Moreover, it’s recommended to replace the filter on a regular basis. More tips can be found in our blog post on this topic.

Tips for wearing your CPAP mask

There are 3 CPAP mask types: nasal masks, nasal pillows masks and full face masks. For each mask type, there are many different models. Most CPAP users have to get used to their mask at first and it can be a quest to find a mask that completely suits your needs. We hope that these tips will be helpful:

1. Choose the right size

For a proper fit, it’s important to use the mask in the right size. Most cushions come in a specific size and sometimes the headgear and the frame come in a specific size as well. For most masks, you can download a sizing guide on our website so that you can measure the size you need in advance. For some masks, fit packs are available that include several cushion sizes.

2. Make sure the cushion is positioned correctly

To prevent mask leaks, it’s important to position the cushion correctly on the face. Don’t slide the cushion over your face when you're wearing your mask, but pull it forward a little and then put it back on your face. Repeat these steps until the cushion fits correctly.

3. Use mask liners

Some people suffer from skin irritation or red marks on the nasal bridge due to using a CPAP mask. A ‘mask liner’ may be the solution. This is a fabric cover that you can wrap around your mask cushion. In this way, the cushion doesn’t press directly on the skin.

4. Adjust the headgear straps properly

To adjust the headgear of your mask, pull both straps simultaneously (not too tight!). If the headgear is too tight, you may experience red marks on the skin and other discomfort.

5. Use your mask during the day to get used it

Try wearing your mask during the day while you’re relaxing (watching TV, reading a book...). This can help you get used to your mask more easily.

CPAP therapy is a proven and effective treatment for sleep apnea that can significantly improve your quality of life. By keeping your airways open, it reduces breathing stops and snoring, helping you sleep better and have more energy during the day. With the right adjustments, the therapy will become a valuable part of your life.