1. Go Beyond Resolutions
We all make New Year’s resolutions that we abandon three weeks into the first month. If your resolution is to use CPAP regularly, think about why you’re wearing this contraption every night. Is it so you can stay healthy and get fit or, maybe, to watch your grandchildren graduate from college? Whatever the reason, think about it when you put your CPAP mask on.
2. Track Your Progress
If you have Sleep Apnea, CPAPs are essential to your fitness and now CPAPs are smarter than ever. You can track your CPAP use on your computer or phone – just like you would track your steps on a fitness tracker. Challenge yourself to use your CPAP a little more each night and track your progress online. The apps for the different CPAP machines will even help you set goals and provide words of encouragement.
3. Enlist A Partner
You might not think your sleep apnea is a big deal, but your bed partner probably thinks differently. Oftentimes, sleep apnea keeps your partner awake. Some partners are fearful because they have to watch their loved one struggle for breath in their sleep. However, if you’re the one sleeping, it’s hard to see matters from their point of view. Tell your partner it’s time for some cold hard proof. Have them record you while you sleep, then you can see for yourself. Once you’re convinced you need to treat your sleep apnea symptoms, check out our easy and cost effective home sleep test.
The effects of the video extends beyond getting tested. A recent study conducted by Mark Aloia, PhD at the Nation Jewish Health in Denver indicated that patients who were shown a video of themselves struggling to breathe during sleep were much more likely to stick to their CPAP therapy.
4. Perfect Your Routine
There are thousands of possible equipment combinations and set ups: find one that works for you. Seasoned CPAP users install tube hooks or make cabinets for their machine. Perfect your CPAP routine and stick to it. Test different options until you find what you like. Do you like your CPAP air warm or cold? Do you want the tube stretched above your bed or do you like wearing mask liners or comfort pads? Still stuck on what mask works for you? Try the Easy Mask Finder. (Maybe the DreamWear mask pictured above will work for you)
5. Take It Slow
As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Start by wearing your CPAP mask for just a half hour while your awake, maybe while watching TV or washing dishes. It doesn’t need to be hooked to the machine-just get used to the feeling on your face. Wear it for a little longer and a little more the next time. Eventually, you’ll plug it into the CPAP and go from there. For a full description of all the steps, click here.
6. Make New Friends
You’re more likely to stick to CPAP therapy if you know other CPAP users that you can share your likes and gripes with. Join a message board like HonestCPAP and meet other CPAP users who can give advice or answer questions you may have.
7. Block Out the Bad Thoughts
If your CPAP makes you anxious, try some relaxation techniques to calm yourself down before bedtime. Progressive muscle relaxation can be especially helpful. Start by relaxing your toes and then work your way up your body. Before you know it you’ll be asleep. Some CPAP users even practice meditation to calm their mind and push thoughts of their CPAP from their heads. Here are 8 more tips that will help you adapt to CPAP.
8. Scare Tactics
If nothing else works, maybe it’s time to get scared straight. Check our articles about the damage untreated sleep apnea can cause to your heart and your brain. Alzheimer’s and dementia can even be linked to sleep apnea. Not to mention the deleterious effect sleep apnea has on your kidneys.
