At one end of the well-being scale, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may cause you to experience poor concentration, moodiness, and fatigue. These symptoms, the result of the condition waking you up repeatedly throughout your sleep cycle, don’t take long to develop and can occur daily.^1,2

However, there are also serious long-term health costs associated with the disorder, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and depression, which is why it is beneficial to get OSA diagnosed early.^1,2

Although there is no cure, OSA can be treated. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP*) therapy is popular among OSA patients to not only treat the condition but improve their overall quality of life.^1,2 

In this article, we have listed several ways to help you be consistent over time with your therapy so you can better achieve the health benefits and enjoy better sleep. 

Be positive! 

Attitude is everything. Adopting a positive mindset is crucial as it’s likely there will be some minor setbacks as you get used to breathing with the CPAP machine. 

Rather than look at this adjustment period negatively and giving up on the therapy before it’s had a chance to work, it’s important to remember the overall health benefits you can eventually enjoy, both in the short and long term. 

So, give yourself time to adapt and above all think positively. Remember it gets easier, especially when you start to see improvements in your mood, concentration, and energy.

Select the right equipment provider   

CPAP may be the go-to treatment for OSA, but keep in mind that not all CPAP therapy machines are created equal. The equipment you choose can sometimes mean the difference between the treatment being a success or failure.  

For this reason, deciding what supplier to use is one of the most important parts of the process. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a recommendation or list of durable medical equipment providers to choose from.  

Choose the right CPAP mask  

Take your time when choosing a mask as this can also determine whether your therapy is a success or not – you will be wearing this every night while you sleep, so you need to make sure the mask is a comfortable fit and that it has a secure seal.   

There are many things to consider when selecting a mask, including your face shape, the size of your head and nose, and whether you have any facial hair. Another factor to consider is whether you tend to feel claustrophobic. So too is whether you prefer to breathe through your mouth while sleeping.   

 Do not worry if you choose a mask and later discover it is the wrong fit as many suppliers will exchange it up to a month after purchase.  

Practice with the mask 

The first few times you wear the mask it may be a bit uncomfortable which is why we recommend you test out the mask before using it while you sleep. With CPAP, practice makes perfect.  

Set the machine up in a relaxed space in your home and familiarize yourself with how it feels breathing through the mask.  

Many people find it takes a few days to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP mask, but if you’re finding it difficult or feel claustrophobic, keep practicing by wearing the mask during the day until you feel ready to try it again at night.   

Get help if you’re struggling  

 It is not uncommon for people to struggle early on, so if you need help do not hesitate to reach out to your GP or supplier.  

With the right support most of the issues you may be experiencing with your mask or machine can be addressed so that in the long term your CPAP therapy can be a success. 

The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.