If you have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea*, you may be feeling a little bit anxious about your treatment, that’s natural. Some people find the treatment easy to get used to, however many can take time to get comfortable with their treatment - so you are not alone if you are struggling a little bit. The good news is that even after just a few weeks of sleep therapy, you could start feeling less sleepy, more energetic and more motivated.
It's normal to feel anxious about your sleep therapy as it can take a little getting used to, but it will be worth it when you see the positive impact on your life. It could make you more energetic, alert, and motivated.
Whilst the equipment may look intimidating and take some getting used to, our technology aims to make it as comfortable as possible by allowing you to breath naturally.
Some people breathe through their nose when they sleep, whilst others breathe through their mouth. Our choice of masks are created to support your style of breathing. Masks are designed to ensure that the air from the PAP device is channelled through your nose or mouth to keep the airway open, making the treatment effective. A poor mask fitting can lead to poor treatment.
The cushion part of the mask is in contact with your face. The cushion makes the mask comfortable to wear and creates a seal to stop the mask leaking, so that the air from the PAP device is focused on keeping your airway open.
The headgear keeps the mask in the correct position on your head whilst you sleep. It should never be too tight as this can damage your equipment and lessen the effectiveness of your treatment.
Please click here for our fitting guides.
There are several types of sleep therapy machines, but a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common. It sends a constant flow of air pressure to your throat so that your airway stays open while you sleep. Choose a therapy machine
Display settings
CPAP machines have different settings that allow your sleep consultant to adjust the air pressure depending on the severity of your condition. Your Sleep Specialist will always try and find the most effective but comfortable setting for you, and so you should always use the setting your Sleep Specialist has specified for you.
Tubing
Tubing passes air from the CPAP machine to the mask. It's important that you position the tube in a way so that you won't compress it whilst sleeping. Some masks have a slot in the headgear to keep the tube out of your way.
Filters
Filters make sure that you're only breathing in clean air. Some machines have one filter and some have an additional ultra-fine filter.
Airflow
The CPAP machine pushes air into the tube and through the mask into your airway. This prevents your airway from collapsing and prevents apneas from occurring.
Learn about sleep apnea and sleep therapy so you can take a more active role in your treatment.
Aim for eight hours of sleep and never settle for less than six.
Sleep apnea is a long term condition, so you need to continuously use your device for better sleep and an overall healthier lifestyle. Sleep Specialists recommend that you should use your machine for a minimum of four hours every night. Source: OSA the experts’ viewpoints –British Lung Foundation, Feb 2014
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with poor sleep quality and quantity, resulting in a sleep debt. With CPAP therapy, you can repay this sleep debt, gradually making up for lost sleep and in turn realising the benefits that a good night’s sleep brings.
Your sleep specialist is a great source of information and support. Talk to them about overcoming obstacles.
Instead of loosening your headgear, just unhook your mask from your tubing when you get out of bed. Then you don't have to readjust it when you go to bed at night.
