Top Tips for Using a CPAP in 2023

If you’re new to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, you may have some anxiety or apprehension about using the device. I’ve used CPAP for over 5 years now and wanted to share some tips that you can use in 2023 to get the most out of your machine and therapy.

Consistency

The most important thing to remember is consistency in using your mask. You won’t benefit from CPAP therapy if you’re not using the mask most of the time. There may be a few bad days where you don’t wear it, and that’s fine.

I made the effort to put on my mask every night, even when I didn’t want to. Now when I go to bed, wearing my mask is second nature. I fill up my water tank, get settled in, and put the mask on. By being consistent with the mask you’ll get used to wearing it and get the rest you need.

Dealing with anxiety

Dealing with a new health condition is scary. We all need sleep and sleep apnea interferes with that sleep. You probably have some anxiety about using a CPAP machine, but you shouldn’t, and here’s why:

• The mask and machine is the thing that will give you your life back
• It’s going to make you feel better in the morning
• It’s going to give you that sleep routine that you have lacked in the past

I had initial anxiety about my CPAP, but I turned it around by recognizing that the mask was the best thing I could do to get the rest I need. You need to see your mask as a good thing because it is.

Research

Take the time to research and learn all you can about sleep apnea. Your doctor or sleep therapist will probably only give you the basics.
I try to consume as much information about sleep apnea and CPAP therapy as possible because it helps me understand and deal with my condition. Read over your CPAP manuals and ask your therapist or doctor questions if you have any.

Community

Sleep apnea is a condition you don’t have to suffer with in silence. Join online communities and get involved. A community can connect you with others that suffer through the same anxieties and emotions that you have about sleep apnea and CPAP use.

Ask questions in the community as you’re sure to find someone that sympathizes with your problem and is able to give you some tips or pointers that helped them out.

I find online communities to be 1 of the best things for managing my condition and getting through the bad days. I also manage my condition by writing about it as it’s good therapy to share my thoughts with others that suffer from this condition. Maybe you could start a blog or share videos about sleep apnea as a way of coping.

Write it down

Start a journal and write down your emotions and feelings each time you use your machine. Make note of any bad days you have and ask yourself questions such as:

• Is there something I could do differently?
• Why do I feel this way?
• Should I call my therapist or doctor?

Sometimes when we write things down, we are better able to deal with the situation. Instead of brushing it off, try to document it.

Conclusion

I wish you an amazing 2023. I hope your CPAP therapy goes well. Just remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Do your best and seek guidance when necessary as there’s a lot of help out there.

What are your top tips for using CPAP machine in 2023? Are you newly diagnosed? Tell us your sleep apnea story and share a comment below.