Creating a Daily Routine

How to create a daily routine.

Getting used to your CPAP mask and treatment can take some time. Try to focus on the positive differences CPAP therapy will make to your overall health and sleep quality. 

Like any new treatment, it can take some time to see the benefit but keep working on it and ask those around you if they have noticed any change in your sleep.

CPAP treatment can be a massive adjustment for the person using therapy as well as your family or bed partner.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Please find some useful information that may help you on your way. We are happy to help you organise a follow up visit or virtual call to help.

Tips for getting started on therapy.

Getting used to CPAP is different for everyone. Some people take to their therapy right away while others need a little more time to get comfortable.

Here are some important tips for getting used to a CPAP treatment when you’re trying to get to sleep.

1. Ease yourself into your sleep therapy

Remember the goal is to make your therapy a key part of your health routine that you use every night. Your CPAP treatment will only be of benefit to you if it’s being used.

Try using your equipment for a few short periods during the day while you’re awake. A good place to start is to wear your mask while you are watching TV, reading, relaxing or listening to music. This also helps you get used to the feeling of the air while awake.

2. Make sure your CPAP mask is clean and comfortable

When you get your CPAP machine, it should already be set up to suit your needs, but you may need to make some subtle adjustments to your mask for your comfort. We would advise you to thoroughly clean your mask as doing some can help soften the materials, which makes the mask adapt more comfortably to the face and features. Most problems with therapy occur when your mask doesn’t fit properly. A poor mask fit means you may not be able to go to sleep as easily as you should. It can be useful to re-visit your mask fitting video to ensure you are applying your mask properly. Depending on which position you sleep in bed (side, back, tummy), you may need to adjust your headgear strapping and velcro to eliminate leaks into the eyes or down onto the chest. We are happy to organise a follow up visit or virtual call to best advise you on this. It can be useful to turn off the air from your device and re-fit your mask or re-position your mask on your face during therapy. Cleaning your mask cushion every day will help towards a good mask fit.

3. Maintain good sleep hygiene

Improving your sleep hygiene is an important step in making your sleep therapy as successful as possible. Before starting out on CPAP therapy, make sure you’re doing your best to maintain good sleep hygiene. What does this mean? It means making sure your lifestyle and sleep habits are helping you to sleep well on a regular basis. Re-visit useful information on Sleep Hygiene.

4. Be patient with yourself

It takes a while for most people to get comfortable using a machine and a mask every night. Be patient with yourself. Trying the above tips will help you be successful with your sleep therapy. We are here to help if you are struggling so please feel free to contact us on 1800 24 0202 or (NI) 0800 328 5875

Why I should use my CPAP every night?

Your CPAP machine makes you less susceptible to micro-awakenings which can cause symptoms such as:

• daytime drowsiness
• difficulties in concentration
• memory problems
• fatigue
• non-restorative sleep

Doctors and scientists suggest that patients will begin to see the benefits of their CPAP treatment after 4 consecutive hours of use. These benefits will, however, increase if you use your CPAP machine on a regular basis and for a longer period than four hours. It is recommended that you use your CPAP machine for as much or your sleep as possible and ideally all night if you truly wish to reap the full benefits of treatment.

This is why medical recommendations/guidelines suggest using CPAP:

• every night (weekends included)
• for a minimum of 4 consecutive hours
• with the ultimate aim of using the CPAP machine throughout the entire duration of sleep
• and, above all, according to the duration prescribed by your doctor

At the beginning, an adaptation/settling in phase will likely be necessary to reach and exceed this goal of 4 consecutive hours. It is therefore wise to use your machine:

• while napping
• when spending nights away from home

This will help you establish a routine and your CPAP device will become part of your night time routine.

Ultimately, you will see clear improvements in your quality of life.

These recommendations are provided for general information purposes only. If you have any doubts or questions regarding your treatment, it is best to contact your Sleep Department or Prescribing Physician.