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What’s inside?:
- What is it?...
- What do I get in the bag?
- Preparing for your first night…
- Getting used to it…
Been diagnosed with sleep apnea and expecting your CPAP kit soon?
Unsure of what to expect or what to do next?
Hopefully, this will help…
What is it?... Just so we’re on the same page…
CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a steady stream of air, keeping your airway open during sleep. This can significantly reduce or eliminate your apnea and hypopnea (partial blockages) episodes, which will hopefully lead to you achieving better sleep and overall health improvements.
What do I get in the bag?
Well… firstly, you get a bag. This may not seem like a big deal but when you need to take your machine on holiday, it will save you a lot of hassle.
CPAP bags are well designed to keep all your kit separate, so they don’t get bashed and broken when thrown around on planes, trains and taxis.
They are also easy to spot, which is a good thing when travelling through airport security.
CPAP kit is generally accepted by most airlines as medical kit… so they allow you to take it onboard as an extra bag without charge. However, I recently discovered one budget airline based in Europe who now state on their website ‘… if the device will be carried in addition to your baggage allowance you must obtain a medical baggage waiver letter by contacting our Special Assistance team.’.
So, running a sense-check with your airline before travelling may be a good idea.
When you actually open the bag, there’s only a few things to get your head around:
- The CPAP Machine: Bit of a given this one, but this will be the box that takes room air and pumps-up the pressure you need to keep your airway open.
Some countries have individual preferences, F&P’s SleepStyle in Australia and New Zealand for example, but globally – Resmed is the main player.
- Mask: The bit you connect to your face. What you get will depend on your sleep doctor’s recommendations. If you can get away with it, the least impact comes from nasal pillows, which are simply 2 small cushions you fit into your nostrils. The bonus here is the smaller mask means less straps to hold it in place.
Unfortunately, most new CPAP users are issued with a full-face mask – the most common being another Resmed product… the AirFit F20. This fits over both nose & mouth.
There are a few other options in a full-face/under nose style and a nasal cushion that goes over the nose (as opposed to under it, like the pillows) but still leaves your mouth clear. The right mask for you is your decision, but taking advice from your sleep specialist could help you short-cut the journey.
- Hose or Tubing: Although this part, connecting the machine to the mask, is a reasonably simple bit of kit – you may need a heated one if you are also issued with a…
- Humidifier: This is a small water tank that fits neatly into your CPAP machine. It works by heating water, allowing vapour to be carried along with the pressurised air. The aim here is to reduce the amount of dryness experienced in the mouth and throat. If you consider strapping-on a CPAP mask is similar to wearing a wind-tunnel overnight, the reason for the extra lubrication becomes clear.
Preparing for your first night…
Almost everyone has difficulty getting used to having air forced into them. The ‘getting used to it’ curve can take anything from a few days to a few months. The average seems to sit around the 2 to 3 weeks mark.
A few things may help you though…
Understanding the Benefits: Knowing how CPAP therapy can improve your health can be a great motivator. Benefits include reduced daytime sleepiness, lower blood pressure, and decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Setting Realistic Expectations: It’s normal to feel apprehensive about using CPAP. Many patients experience a period of adjustment. Be patient and give yourself time to get used to the new routine.
Support System: Engaging with support groups, either in person or online, can be a huge help. Sharing experiences with others who have been through the same journey can be incredibly comforting and informative. We have a growing community in the Cracking Sleep Facebook Group. Feel free to join us and ask any questions you may have… or even just vent about any difficulties you may have getting used to it.
Getting used to it…
Although it may seem strange, wearing the mask on Day One while you go about your daily household norms is a great way to get used to it.
I’m not suggesting you nip down to the local supermarket with a hose hanging from your face but around the privacy of your own home... why not?
You could try just wearing the mask and headgear first. This would also mean there’s no hose to get in your way.
If you are sitting watching TV, you could set-up the whole CPAP kit and get it up and running. Having your first forced-air experience while you are still awake could make it a whole lot easier to get used to when the time comes for getting some sleep.
Just remember, you are not alone. Around 20% of the planet’s population have sleep apnea to the point where treatment would benefit them. A large chunk of these people are also on CPAP, or similar, therapy treatments.
Sometimes speaking with others can help. Even if it is only for moral support.
There are plenty of community support groups around, including our own Cracking Sleep FB Group, so – if you want it – there’s always someone out there who can at least give you a supporting word or two.
Cheers,
Alan
P.S. I have taken to creating various bits on sleep and sleep apnea. If you would enjoy hearing more and find out where else you can find stuff like this, you can get my weekly Triple Whammy email, which has 3 short topics each week. Some written or recorded by me and others I’ve found out there in the strange world we live in.
If this is you, sign up here and you will get the very next one.