As a new CPAP user, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety or apprehension about using your new CPAP machine in 2023. As a longtime user of CPAP, I wanted to share some of my top tips to make using your machine as smooth as possible in the new year.
Read the Manuals
A lot of people feel stuck with a CPAP because they don’t understand its operation. Make sure you read all the documentation that comes with your machine, so you get a clear picture of how it operates.
Call your sleep provider or doctor if you don’t understand something and clear up any problems you may have. You need to understand your equipment and all the functioning parts if you want to get the most out of the machine.
Protect Your Furniture
Your CPAP will sit on your nightstand, as this needs protection. CPAP machines use water, and the water tanks can sometimes leak or even fail. The plastic part or the rubber seal can go, and this leaks water all over your furniture.
I had a recent water tank failure, and this left a huge mess. To combat this problem in the future, I placed a sheet of plastic over my tabletop, so it will catch any drips, and if the seal fails completely, it will mitigate any real damage from occurring. A plastic tray for your machine may be another option.
Take the Good with the Bad
You’re going to have great days with your CPAP machine and days that you hate it. There are days I have when I can’t stand the long CPAP hose or wearing the mask. In summer, the mask is very hot. Take the good days with the bad. The key point is consistent use of your mask to get the most out of your CPAP therapy.
After a bad day, I get right back to wearing my mask because it’s the key piece of equipment that I need to feel better each morning. I still curse my mask, but I continue to wear it as much as possible.
Healthy Habits Matter
Make healthy changes in your life such as diet and exercise. You want to take better care of yourself because this will have a positive impact on your sleep.
I try to eat a balanced diet and lift weights as well as walk when I can. I find that exercise helps me sleep better and makes falling asleep easier when I’m wearing my CPAP.
Join the Community
Another great way to get comfortable with CPAP therapy is to join one of the many communities online. These are great – not for information, but for personal support.
I love these communities because they give me a place to connect with others who share the same health condition that I have. I can go and seek out support through one of these sites whenever I need it the most.
Make 2023 the year that you improve your sleep with CPAP and better lifestyle choices. You can live a full and happy life with sleep apnea, but you need to use the machine as much as possible. Get involved with the community and connect with others, as this helps tremendously.
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