How to Adjust to Sleeping with a CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) does more help those with sleep apnea breathe easier. CPAP can also help reduce the risk of several serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In addition, CPAP can also make someone suffering from sleep apnea feel more alert, concentrate better, suffer from less depression and snore less. One of the biggest complaints among first-time CPAP users is difficulty adjusting to wearing the mask during sleep. Though adjusting to CPAP may at first be difficult, it is worth your health.

• 1

  Put the mask in place while you are upright. Keep the straps off. Get used to breathing with the mask in place.

• 2

  Put straps on once you become used to breathing with the mask. Make sure the mask fits comfortably. The air should not leak out of the mask.

• 3

  Keep the mask on a low setting while you are doing something relaxing, such as watching television. You will start to become used to the mask.

• 4

  Take a short nap with the mask on once you are comfortable keeping the mask on for longer periods.

• 5

  Start sleeping with the mask on. If you wake up and the mask is off, simply put it back on. You will slowly start to feel comfortable sleeping with the mask on for longer periods.