A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is an effective treatment for managing sleep apnea, a disorder that affects breathing during sleep.
If you’re starting your CPAP journey, it’s helpful to understand how to care for the device so it stays in good working order and supports your sleep.
Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. We conduct at-home and in-lab sleep studies to uncover what’s disrupting your sleep, so you get the appropriate treatment.
Our sleep specialists, Ashok Tyagi, DO, CPE, and Himanshu Chandarana, MD, offer customized treatment plans that include CPAP therapy. They also provide resources to ensure your device stays in good working order.
Obstructive sleep apnea interrupts breathing and reduces sleep quality. The condition triggers loud snoring and episodes of waking up, gasping for breath. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase risk factors for chronic health issues such as:
A CPAP device keeps your airways open while you sleep and delivers a consistent flow of supplemental oxygen into your body through a face mask. The machine filters room air and pressurizes it to prevent the shifting of your soft palate and tongue.
The adjustable mask fits over your nose or your nose and mouth. A tube connects the face mask to a generator producing supplemental oxygen.
To ensure your CPAP machine provides consistent, long-lasting results, maintain it regularly and learn how to troubleshoot issues that may arise.
A CPAP machine requires an adjustment period to feel comfortable and confident in using it. Here are six tips to make your transition to CPAP therapy a smooth one:
Wearing a face mask while you sleep can feel strange at first. Ensure a good fit by adjusting the straps on the mask so it fits snugly but not too tightly. We can recommend a mask that fits your face well to keep you comfortable and maximize effectiveness.
When the airflow through the mask feels too strong or too weak, you can adjust the pressure settings. Some CPAP machines auto-adjust, making it easier to maintain consistent airflow.
If you feel claustrophobic about wearing a face mask while sleeping, put it on during the day when you’re reading or watching TV. A few practice rounds can help your body adapt to the mask and supplemental oxygen.
A face mask can irritate your skin, causing redness and breakouts. Invest in fabric mask liners to protect your skin from the silicone of the mask.
For CPAP therapy to work well, you must use the machine every time you sleep, including when you spend nights away from home.
Preventing bacteria growth in the face mask and the tube requires routine cleaning. Our team shows you how to care for your machine to ensure it continues to operate, and we also prescribe tube and mask replacements as needed.
Call Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep in St. Petersburg, Florida, today to schedule a CPAP consultation for sleep apnea.
