What to Expect – Using CPAP

Once you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, settling into bed to spend the first night using your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)can be a little intimidating. What should you expect when you first use CPAP? How do you set it up? What initial hurdles may there be to overcome? Learn about the initial experience of being treated with CPAP, and how to get started on the right path.

Obtaining Your CPAP Equipment

Most people who use CPAP will first be evaluated by a physician in a sleep clinicand undergo a sleep studyto diagnose the severity of their sleep apnea. After reviewing the results and various treatment options, many will elect to use CPAP, as it is the gold standard treatment. In order to obtain the equipment, several decisions must be made.

One of the first important considerations is how to determine the proper pressure setting for the machine. This setting may be determined empirically (your physician selects a pressure or range of pressures based on your estimated needs), or with a second night titration study. With a titration study, a sleep tech can adjust the pressures upward to ensure that your apnea is resolved, and that you no longer snore. This study may be recommended for people who have more complicated health problems, especially those withcentral apnea that may require bilevel therapy.

Your physician will then generate a written prescription for the CPAP equipment. You may be prescribed a fixed pressure CPAP, AutoCPAP, bilevel (sometimes called BiPAP or VPAP), or even a more sophisticated therapy such as adaptive servoventilation (ASV). The prescription may specify a brand, or it may be kept generic — good for any of the manufacturers such as Devilbiss, Human Design Medical, ResMed, or Respironics. The sleep doctor can also prescribe heated tubing, chinstraps, and CPAP masks.

Once you have your prescription, you will take it to a durable medical equipment (DME) provider such as Arrow Respiratory Care. Much like a medication prescription that you can take to any pharmacy you choose, you’re also free to take your CPAP prescription to any DME provider that you select. These providers are not typically associated with sleep clinics, as this may represent a conflict of interest. However, it’s advisable to select a DME company with knowledge about sleep equipment, and your doctor may be able to give you recommendations about preferred companies in your area.

You will schedule a visit with your DME provider to obtain the CPAP. During this encounter, which may take up to an hour, you will be introduced to the machine. Expect some education on the basic use and cleaning of the device. You will also be fitted with a CPAP mask, and will use it briefly. You should choose a mask that is comfortable, and if you’re not happy, ask to see and try other options. You will be given the supplies and support to get started, but then you’ll take your CPAP home.

Bringing Your CPAP Home

It can be exciting to bring your CPAP home: it may represent an opportunity to sleep better and wake feeling refreshed, an experience that you may have been missing out on for months, or even years. To get started, you will need to take a few minutes to put things in place.

Select a spot in your bedroom for your CPAP to reside. You will want to ensure that it is close enough to your bed so that the tubing can reach from the device to wherever you may move in bed. Most people put it on a nightstand, or just under the edge of the bed. Keep in mind that you will need to plug it in to a power source. Once you have picked a place for it, you should fill the humidifier tank with water. (The manufacturers recommend using distilled water, but many people with safe water sources use tap water.) You will then be ready to use your CPAP for the first time.

Using CPAP for the First Time

Since you already had your mask fitted at the office, you should be able to put it on with relative ease. Tighten the straps of your headgear, and make certain that it fits snugly — but not too tight! You will be able to assess the fit to know for sure when you turn on your CPAP. Press the power button, and the machine should turn on. It may start at a low pressure, and newer models often have a leak check function. You can also set the temperature and humidity settings on some machines.

Once you have the mask situated, climb under the covers and make yourself comfortable. Some people are intimidated by the potential for leaks and lie on their backs, often still like a statue. You will find that as you get used to it, you will move more freely, without undue concern.

You will then begin to focus on your breathing pattern. You may find it initially uncomfortable to breathe out against the pressure of the CPAP. Keep your mouth closed, or the air will escape from it. As you breathe out through your nose, there will be some resistance. As you breathe in, you’ll feel like the machine is giving your breath an extra boost. Getting accustomed to this breathing pattern may take several minutes. If you struggle, you may want to practice breathing slowly with your CPAP while watching television or listening to music. This will distract you, and you will adapt to it more easily.

When you first use CPAP, you may find that it takes you a little longer to fall asleep; this will improve with time. You also may encounter a few other difficulties. You may need to adjust your mask to prevent pressure sores on your face or ears. If your mouth falls open during your sleep, this may result in a dry mouth and require a chinstrap. Addressing these initial problems withcompliance solutions can make a huge difference.

By overcoming any early hurdles, you will set about on the right path that will lead you to resting and feeling better. If you do struggle, be in close contact with Arrow Respiratory Care and your sleep doctor to address your concerns. Most people can succeed with CPAP, and there are other options available to treat your sleep apnea if you do not.

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