There are three different types of sleep apnea, but they all result in a temporary pause in your breathing while you’re asleep, which causes you to wake up throughout the night. Those repeated pauses and awakenings mean that you don’t get adequate or refreshing sleep and you probably feel fatigued during the day.
In fact, sleep apnea is a serious issue that has been linked to the following potentially life-threatening conditions:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
In some cases, surgery is required to treat sleep apnea, but it can usually be treated with an oral appliance. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Here are a few tips that may let you breathe a little easier when you use your CPAP machine.
Get comfortable with your CPAP
Wearing the mask can feel weird, sometimes even awkward enough to make falling asleep difficult. One way to get more comfortable with the CPAP mask is to wear it while you’re relaxing. Try wearing it while you read or watch TV so that you’re used to it when it’s time to sleep with it on.
Make sure the fit is just right
Many people struggle with their CPAP without realizing their discomfort is simply due to a poor fit. Adjust the straps and mask until it fits comfortably, and if you can’t get it to feel right, talk to your doctor. You may need a different type of mask or headgear.
Having a routine helps
Creating a bedtime routine is helpful for several reasons, and making your CPAP part of that routine can help you fall asleep and sleep comfortably through the night. When you do the same things every night before you go to sleep, you create a set of signals that tell your body it’s time to rest.
Your routine might include turning off any screens and dimming the lights an hour or so before you go to bed, then brushing your teeth and washing your face. Put on your mask, adjust your machine, and lie down. Once you’ve followed the same routine for a while, your body will begin to recognize it.
Consider using a humidifier
If you find that your throat, nose, or mouth gets dry when you use your CPAP, check to see if your machine includes a heated humidifier. Many models do, and using it helps make sure that you breathe warm, moist air, which keeps you comfortable.
Combination Therapy – means lower pressure and better results
If you find it difficult to tolerate the forced air, an oral appliance made by a dentist to treat sleep apnea can really help. Even without a CPAP, oral appliances alone have an 80% success rate for patient with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Patients with severe sleep can expect success in 50% of cases. This is when combination therapy can make a difference. By using your oral appliance together with your CPAP you can expect better results with much lower pressure. This works because the oral appliance opens up the airway – this allows your CPAP to be effective with a lower pressure.
Dr. Doueck is a specialist in dental sleep medicine. If you have questions about sleep apnea or how to get the maximum benefit from CPAP therapy, book an appointment online or by phone today.