How to set up your CPAP machine for sleeping better?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become a widespread disorder that causes pauses in breathing. It results from a blockage in the airway, due to which the inhalation process gets hindered. As a result, people with sleep apnea find themselves waking up from their slumber gasping for air. For treating such patients, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is one of the best options. It operates by delivering a constant stream of pressurized air into your system with the help of a hose and mask. The device improves respiration, which in turn enhances your rest quality. Those interested in knowing how they can set up a CPAP machine for sleeping well through the night should read further!

Step-by-step procedure to set up CPAP machine?

If you have been advised to use a CPAP machine by your sleep expert, it is normal to have a few doubts. You may need clarification on how to use and set up the CPAP machine the right way. So, to help you out, we have provided a few tips. Have a look!

• Find a good space:

When setting up the CPAP machine, the first step is to find a suitable corner where you can keep the device. A good space will meet the following requirements:

• An ideal corner should only be so far to allow the hose to reach the head of the bed.
• The space should have stable support to place the CPAP machine. 
• It should be near the outlet to allow you to plug in the machine easily.
• A suitable space will offer the unobstructed ability to turn on the device, add water to the humidifier, and open up the filtered compartment.

• Check the filter:

Once you have found a suitable corner to place the machine, your next focus should be to check the filter. Typically, a CPAP device comes with a replaceable filter that you can change after a span of a few months. However, your machine’s exact type of filter depends upon your device. For knowing which kind of filter your CPAP has, you should look for a small compartment where the filter is placed snugly. Instructions written on the device can provide you with more details about the filter in your device.

• Attach the hose:

A CPAP machine comes with a special connector for the hose. It ensures that it stays attached and in place without making an extra effort.

• Install the Humidifier:

Many patients complain of nasal congestion upon using the CPAP machine. It happens because the device delivers dry air into your system, resulting in dehumidification. This can be rather irritating. To solve this problem, sleep apnea patients are recommended to use a humidifier. It moisturizes the air, making it less likely to dry your mouth and throat.

If your CPAP machine has a humidifier, fill it with distilled water. It will prevent the buildup of minerals and solve impurity issues that may arise from using tap water. Also, a humidifier reservoir comes with a max fill line that you should be careful about while filling.

• Plug in the machine:

In the next step, you should plug in the CPAP device. When doing so, make sure that the power cord is attached correctly. Then, plug the device into an electrical outlet.

• Adjust the mask:

One of the most vital things you should consider while setting up the CPAP machine is adjusting the mask. CPAP masks are of several types, like the full-face mask that goes over the mouth and nose and those designed to merely cover your mouth. When searching for one that fits you well, you should talk to your specialist and consider several factors like how you breathe, the required pressure, and sleep position. Then, when trying the mask, you should position it on your face and pull the straps. It should fit in a manner such that it seals itself to your face but does not pierce your skin.

• Turn on the device:

Once you have adjusted the mask, the next step is to turn on the device. You can ask your health care team to set up the pressure so that you can plug in the machine. When it is on, pressurized air will flow from the mask. If you notice air escaping from the device, you can adjust the mask to get a tighter seal. Also, it would help if you decided whether to use the ramp function at this step. It will depend on if you like to be eased into pressure with the ramp function or like having full pressure at the start.

• Find a comfortable sleep position:

After the CPAP machine has been set up and is working, you should put on the mask and try to sleep with the machine on. You would need to try a few sleeping positions to find one comfortable for your body. Remember, the position you choose shouldn’t interfere with your ability to wear the mask or pinch/block your nose.

A CPAP machine is one of the most recommended treatments for sleep apnea patients. To set up the device so that you can begin with the treatment, you should follow the above-mentioned steps.