These 5 Tips Make Sleeping With a CPAP Machine Easy

These 5 Tips Make Sleeping With a CPAP Machine Easy

Sleeping with a CPAP machine can be annoying -- the mask covering your face, the hose tethering you to a machine that grumbles beside your bed. We get it. Undeniably, they can be a hassle, and that's a big reason why people opt to sleep without them. Up to 35% of people don't use their prescribed CPAP machine as intended. Some people only use it for a few hours each night, while others disregard it entirely.

We don't recommend doing that. Ignoring sleep apnea is serious as heart disease and high blood pressure. Instead of compromising your sleep quality and health, use these quick tips to make sleeping with a CPAP mask part of your routine.

1. Pick the right mask style

The good news is that CPAP machines have come a long way from the clunky old noise machine with a huge face mask. Newer models are very quiet, and there are various mask styles you can choose from. Modern CPAP machines offer mask variations that allow you to choose what works best for you.

Common CPAP mask styles:

Full-face masks: This coverage option is what people expect from CPAP machines. It covers both your mouth and nose. It's a good option for people with nasal congestion or those who breathe through their mouths at night.
Nasal mask: This mask only covers your nose. It's well suited for people who move around in their sleep.
Nasal pillow mask: This mask has the smallest face covering -- it sits across your upper lip and nostrils. This option is great for people who feel claustrophobic in full coverage options or wear glasses.
Oral mask: This mask covers only your mouth and is best suited for people who breathe out of their mouth at night.

Keep in mind what position you sleep in when choosing the style of mask. If you sleep on your stomach or side, the larger masks with various straps may push against your pillow.

2. Make sure your mask fits properly

Once you know which mask style best fits your needs, you must ensure it fits. An ill-fitting mask is uncomfortable and can leave you with a dry, stuffy nose. If you notice red marks on your face, it's too tight. On the other hand, you won't get the benefits CPAP machines offer if the mask is too loose.

Make adjustments each night until you find the perfect fit. When you adjust your mask, you should do so while lying down with the mask on your face. If you are having trouble getting your mask to fit properly, your doctor will be able to help you adjust the mask accordingly.

Woman adjusting her CPAP mask before going to sleep. — Getty Images/cherrybeans

3. Practice wearing it during the day

When you first put on a CPAP mask, it can feel a bit like having a facehugger from Alien clamped to your face. It takes time to get used to. The last thing you want to do is save the adjustment period for when you are trying to fall asleep. Instead, start wearing it during the day so you get used to the sensation of being on your face. Wear it while you're watching TV or reading a book. Soon enough, you won't notice it at all.

If you find that you can't tolerate wearing it during the day, try breaking it down into steps. Start with just the mask -- no hose or straps. Then slowly attach the hose and straps to the process.

4. Use the 'ramp' feature

CPAP machines are designed to push air into your airways to keep them from collapsing from sleep apnea. For some people, the feeling of forced air is hard to tolerate, especially in the beginning. Many CPAP machines have a "ramp" feature that starts with lower air pressure as you fall asleep and increases through the night. Work with your doctor to find your prescribed optimal pressure for your sleep apnea.

5. Be patient

Getting used to sleeping with a CPAP machine is an ongoing process that you should measure in terms of small steps. No one brings home their brand-new CPAP machine and immediately sleeps eight uninterrupted hours with it on. CPAP machines can help you sleep better and ultimately improve your health in the long run. Despite the sometimes annoying CPAP struggles, you'll feel more rested if you sleep with it.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Does your child have sleep apnea? How to tell and what to do

Does your child have sleep apnea? How to tell and what to do

Pediatric sleep apnea is relatively common, affecting from 1 to 4% of kids. Like adults, children with obstructive sleep apnea experience breathing interruptions while sleeping because the muscles in their airways collapse, leading to daytime sleepiness or potential behavioral issues. In the long term, if left untreated, sleep apnea in kids can cause serious health complications like stunted growth or heart issues.

The good news is that symptoms are pretty mild for most children, and they often outgrow it. Here's what you need to know if you suspect your child might have sleep apnea.

What causes sleep apnea in children?

There are two main types of sleep apnea in kids -- obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the airway collapse in on themselves, blocking your child's ability to breathe. Central sleep apnea is when the brain isn't sending the correct signals to the airway muscles.

We will talk primarily about obstructive sleep apnea, as it is more common than central sleep apnea. There are several causes of sleep apnea in children, like narrow facial bone structures, cleft palate or a high or low muscle tone.

However, two main factors largely contribute to OSA in children.

Obesity

According to a cross-sectional study of children aged seven to 18, obesity is a significant contributor to sleep apnea. About 44% of children categorized as overweight had OSA compared to 9.1% prevalence in the "normal-weight group."

Like in adults, obesity is one of the leading risk factors for sleep apnea. It happens because fat deposits collect in the upper respiratory tract, limiting muscle activity.

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids

Sleep apnea can arise in children because of enlarged tonsils or adenoids. The tonsils are found in the back of the throat and the adenoids in the nasal cavity. If either is enlarged, it can narrow the child's airways, making it difficult for them to breathe while sleeping. The severity of the breathing interruption will depend on the side of the tonsils or adenoids. This doesn't happen to all children, and it's not exactly clear why it happens to some and not others. Exposure to viruses, bacteria or other infections can enlarge tonsils or adenoids.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in kids

Your child likely won't be able to tell you what's happening. Generally speaking, they'll fall asleep after any breathing interruptions without knowing they woke up. If your child complains of being tired during the day or their behavior has changed, it's worth noting what happens when they sleep.

Snoring isn't always necessary to diagnose a child with sleep apnea, though it is the most common indicator. However, there are several other signs.

The signs of sleep apnea in kids include:

Snoring and gasping for breath at night
Mouth breathing or heavy breathing
Nighttime sweating
Wetting the bed
Sleepwalking or night terrors
Restless sleep
Trouble waking or staying awake
Behavioral issues

What happens if pediatric sleep apnea isn't treated?

Just because your child snores it doesn't mean they have sleep apnea. If you suspect they could have it, it's worth looking into. The effects of untreated sleep apnea can be severe -- high blood pressure, the risk of a stroke and heart issues all increase with sleep apnea.

There are differences between sleep apnea in adults and children -- most of which are highlighted in the side effects of the disorder. Children with sleep apnea will likely exhibit behavioral problems due to their fractured sleep patterns. They may have trouble waking up in the morning, paying attention in school or being hyperactive. If the sleep apnea is left untreated, your child may experience behavioral and learning difficulties.

Treatments for pediatric sleep apnea

After a physical exam and detailed sleep history, a sleep study is best to diagnose pediatric sleep apnea. In a pediatric sleep study, your child's sleep will be monitored in a lab setting where a doctor can note any abnormalities of sleep apnea symptoms.

Once diagnosed, your child's sleep apnea treatment will typically fall within these three categories. However, special cases may require unique treatment options.

Surgery

One of the most significant contributing factors to childhood sleep apnea is the enlargement of the tonsils or the adenoids. Your ears, nose and throat doctor may recommend removing one or both to effectively cure obstructive sleep apnea -- surgery results in the elimination of sleep apnea symptoms 70 to 90% of the time.

After surgery, you should expect a sore throat. Children with sleep apnea who get their tonsils and adenoids out have a higher chance of lower oxygen levels for the first two to three nights after surgery.

Continuous positive airway pressure machine

Your child's doctor may also recommend using a CPAP machine to treat their sleep apnea. CPAP machines constantly blow air into your child's airway, ensuring it doesn't close during the night. While they effectively treat sleep apnea, they do require that your child wear the mask when they sleep.

Sleeping with a CPAP machine will be an adjustment. We recommend that you slowly introduce the machine. Try it at nap time at first and then for more extended periods each night. This will help them ease into the change and better adapt.

If your child cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, your doctor may recommend an oral appliance to treat their sleep apnea, which pushes the tongue and jaw forward, expanding their airway through the night. Oral appliances are less effective but are easier for most children to adapt to. This option is generally limited to those who had surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids, and the sleep apnea persists.

Diet change

In addition to other treatment options for sleep apnea, lifestyle changes will be recommended for children who are considered overweight. Research has shown that weight loss successfully treats sleep apnea among children. Talk to your doctor about a nutritional and exercise plan that promotes a healthy way to lose weight.

Remember that adequate sleep is a crucial part of weight management. Kids who aren't getting enough sleep have a higher likelihood of gaining weight. A CPAP machine can help give them more restorative sleep to help with weight loss.

When should your child see a doctor?

The big, lingering question you have is probably: what should I do first if I think my child has sleep apnea?

In general, you shouldn't try to self-diagnose your child's sleep apnea. If your child consistently presents any of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea -- snoring, gasping for air or restless sleeping -- you should consult a doctor. It's never too soon to start the conversation.

Tips to prepare for your appointment:

Make sure you bring all the questions you want to be answered. Don't shy away from talking through everything on your mind.
Be ready to explore treatment options you're comfortable with. Express your concerns and hesitations.
If you're seeking additional support, you can connect with your local A.W.A.K.E group, an education and support group run by the American Sleep Apnea Association.

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Tips For Using Cpap