Waking up every few minutes can result in some very uneven and unrestful sleep. Learning how to sleep with a CPAP machine, where you depend on it for assistance with breathing, can help you get a deeper sleep, but it can be challenging to learn how to sleep when you are hooked up to a machine. If you are struggling to adjust to using your CPAP, here are some tips to assist you with falling asleep.
Tip #1: Use It for Short Periods of Time
If you are getting used to using a CPAP to treat your sleep apnea, you will want to give yourself an adjustment period. Try wearing it when you are at home but not sleeping yet. For example, when you are reading a book in the evening or when you are watching your favorite television show. This is a great way to figure out how to adjust your mask, get a comfortable fit, and adjust to using the machine. This will allow you to set things up in a way that works right for you.
Tip #2: Wait to Sleep Until You Are Tired
When you are just getting used to using your CPAP machine, you should only go to sleep when you feel super tired. This will make it easier for you to fall asleep when you have your mask and machine on. If you are not that tired and you are still adjusting to using the device, you may find it a little harder to fall asleep.
As you get used to using the machine, you can go to bed whenever you want. Going to sleep when you are super tired when you first start using it will ensure that your mind doesn't fixate on the machine and will just allow you to go to sleep.
Tip #3: Relax Before Going to Sleep
Next, it is essential to be in the right mindset before you go to sleep. Do something before going to bed that will help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or watching your favorite show. Then, after your relaxing activity, go to bed. This will help put your mind at ease and make it easier to fall asleep.
Tip #4: Make Your Mask More Comfortable
Finally, you can change how your mask and machine are set up, making you feel more comfortable. You can put on a mask skin to make the material more comfortable against your skin. Or you can use equipment hooks that will hold up your hoses so that they are not resting on the bed with you. Or you can sleep with a special CPAP pillow that will cradle your equipment and mask.
When it comes to adjusting to using a CPAP mask, you will want to try on the mask when awake to adjust the machine. Go to sleep after doing something relaxing, and when you are really tired. Use accessories to make your CPAP machine more comfortable. Once you adjust to the machine, you will enjoy higher-quality sleep.
For more information about CPAP accessories, contact a local supplier.
