1. Stop the Snoring
If there is one thing for certain, it is that snoring is not attractive – not in the least bit. Snoring, gurgling and making other strange noises in your sleep is a surefire way to interrupt a romantic Valentine’s Day sleep over. This is why you want to make sure that your CPAP is on the right pressure setting. If you aren’t sure what your ideal pressure setting is, you may want to invest in an APAP or automatic adjusting CPAP, like the AirSense 10 from ResMed, which offers the ideal pressure setting exactly when you need it.
Basically, these auto-adjusting machines use unique algorithms to measure your breathing patterns, sleeping position and other factors to provide the best pressure setting at any given moment. When you have the right pressure setting, you are getting the best possible therapy and that will reduce your snoring so you and your partner can get a good night’s sleep. And hey, an uninterrupted night’s sleep is a powerful thing – it might save your Valentine’s Day or even your marriage.
2. Give the Gift of Health
We get it. CPAP equipment doesn’t seem like the most romantic gift, but hear me out. When you give someone CPAP supplies, you are saying “I want you to be healthy and happy so we can spend more Valentine’s days together”. After all, CPAP does increase your lifespan. A lot of loved ones are great at taking care of others, but not so good at taking care of themselves. That’s what makes them so lovable.
Turn the tables this Valentine’s day and help your loved ones with their health. Tell them to get tested for sleep apnea or buy them a mask that promises more comfort and better sleep. Why not embrace the Valentine’s theme and think pink with a CPAP mask for her?
3. Look Your Best – No More Mask Marks
Mask marks are not attractive. The last thing you want on Valentine’s Day is to look like you fell asleep on a hot seatbelt. One of the most common mistakes CPAP users make is over-tightening their CPAP mask, which leads to marks. Try loosening the straps a bit and let the mask form a seal when the air starts to flow.
Alternatively, you can also try mask liners. These thin cotton liners protect your face from the plastic. Or, if your headgear/straps are the culprit, try comfort pads. These fabric pads attach to your headgear with velcro, protecting your skin and increasing your comfort. For some CPAP users, the hair is the biggest issue. Their mask messes up their hairdo by leaving impressions that won’t go away or cause bald spots. If that sounds familiar, try the Swift Fx Bella nasal pillow mask that simply loops around the ears. Little tweaks to your CPAP therapy can mean big improvements.
4. Invest In A Travel CPAP
If you are taking the missus or mister out of town, you want to have a CPAP that can travel with you. You see, sleep apnea sufferers aren’t only taking their significant other on a date – they are also taking their CPAP on a date too. You will need to keep this factor in mind if you are leaving town. Fortunately, there is a CPAP machine available called the DreamStation Auto by Philips Respironics that offers full comfort at home but can be split into half the size for travel. Simply detach the humidifier from the DreamStation and you have a compact and high quality unit that you can easily hide in your weekend bag.
Sure, you may be taking your better half out of town, but you also want to think about your worse half (your sleep apnea) when you do. Don’t let sleepless nights ruin your weekend getaway. Click here to read more travel tips.
5. Keep it Clean
Where ever you are on Valentine’s Day, you will want to make sure that you take care of business before bed. This means brushing your teeth, washing your face, and of course, cleaning your CPAP equipment. The SoClean 2 can completely disinfect your humidifier tub, tube, and mask in under 10 minutes without using any cleaning liquid or water. The faster you can get through your nightly hygiene routine, the more time you will have to cuddle with your special someone.
You may also want to stock up on some sanitizing wipes, like these, which will not only sanitize and deodorize; they will also make your CPAP smell so fresh and so clean!
6. Remind Yourself to Stick to CPAP
When it comes down to it, there is no better time of the year to stick to CPAP treatment than around Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it – you are probably hoping that Valentine’s Day will turn into Valentine’s Night in the bedroom. Well, sticking to CPAP may mean the difference between a bunch of lame excuses and being a champion in the bedroom.
According to one study, CPAP will actually improve sexual performance. So, if you don’t want to be a big let down on Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to remind yourself – anyway that you can – that you have to wholeheartedly commit to CPAP and not just go half way. If you are trying to impress someone special in your life, you will need to have your CPAP to back you up – just think of it like your little wingman.
