"How to Make CPAP Easier" Presentation

[stephanie13724]

I am putting together a presentation for our AWAKE CPAP
Support Group called "How to Make CPAP Easier." As a CPAP user, what are some
of the "ticks & tips" you've tried and/or used to make your CPAP experience easier?

[jbn3boys]

Excellent Question!!

As a newbie, I'm looking forward to hear what kind of responses you get!

[lktnky]

I think the thing that helped me the most (besides knowing about this forum) was to make a list of all the problems I was having, rank them in order of importance and then begin addressing each and every one until I could sleep with the fix(es). There are SO many different problems that come with your equipment on an individual basis. What works for one may not work for another, but this is the best place to find out what has worked for many.
And then, stick with the therapy.

"Make the bond", as Neytiri says!

Zeheylu,
LKTNKY

[LinkC]

In 25 words or less???

Pretty much this entire site is about making CPAP easier and more effective.

Good luck distilling that down to a reasonable presentation...

[LSAT]

FInd a good/qualified DME
Get a data capable CPAP
Join CPAPTALK.COM

[Hawthorne]

A search of the posts on this forum will give enough informatiom for many, many, many presentations!

They are too numerous to mention.

[echo]

Good hose management - how to hang your hose so you don't get tangled up in it or have it drag on your mask.

Identifying leaks: is the mask? (remzzz's, mask fitting and proper sizing, trying out different masks at a dme). or is it the mouth? (dry mouth in the mornings, still feeling tired, waking up at night), and fixes (see LINKS TO DIY mouth breathing post from restedgal, including mouth taping, ace bandage, chinstrap, papcap, training to not mouth breath, and full face masks).

Practice during the day (mask fitting, breathing against pressure).

Getting the software to track your progress! (especially leaks and AHI)

Join this forum. Knowledge = power = success!

Ask questions and do not be satisfied if you are not doing better - seek and find answers by any means necessary!

[snuginarug]

In my opinion, the mask is the most important factor in successful therapy. If the mask is intolerable, therapy will be intolerable. Make sure your folks know about the 30 day return policy most mask makers provide. With that information, they can then try as many masks as needed to find the right one. There is so much other stuff, we've got a whole forum devoted to making cpap easier, more do-able, more comfortable, more effective.

[rested gal]

In my opinion, the mask is the most important factor in successful therapy. If the mask is intolerable, therapy will be intolerable. Make sure your folks know about the 30 day return policy most mask makers provide. With that information, they can then try as many masks as needed to find the right one.

Excellent suggestion, snug! The mask really is practically everything as to whether people can actually "do CPAP" or not.

I like the other suggestions everyone in this topic has made so far.

I'd check this old topic by Moogy for additional ideas:

Oct 30, 2006 subject: Please Share Misc Helpful Hints
viewtopic.php?t=14746

Glad you're planning what should be a very interesting, helpful AWAKE meeting, Stephanie. It's great you're doing that and are preparing so thoroughly.

[Pad A Cheek]

I was asked to give a talk on that subject as well at an AWAKE group in Fairfax VA and these are the notes I wrote to do the talk
I hope they help you in some small way
Karen

TIPS:
1. Get Support- AWAKE meetings, Online sites, friends, or therapist if needed
2. Do Research: Typical Adjustments and timeframe, Risks of not treating sleep apnea
3. Patience: One little step at a time, gradual improvement , great positive attitude
4. Sense of Humor: Name your new bed buddy, Hose heads Unite
5. Use Heated Humidification: replaces moisture loss in mucous membranes
6. Family onboard: Introduce children to machine and mask, Reduce fears
7. Try several masks, very individual taste for each person
TRICKS: Discoveries by CPAP users to make your treatment more comfortable
Problems (P) and Solutions(S) to common situations with CPAP
1. P: Tangled hose S: Hang hose over head on support
2. P: Excess Humidity (rainout) S: Cover hose, increase room temperature, reduce humidifier setting
3. P: Bloating S: Sleep position –chin out, Bi-level machine
4. P: Nasal Congestion S: Increase Humidity, nasal rinse, aromatherapy
5. P: Mask Off at night S: Time, more comfortable mask
6. P: Sore Nares S: KY Jelly, Ayr Gel, Lanolin, Proper size pillows
7. P: Mask Leaks S: Loosen Straps, Clean seal and face, hang mask off edge, Anti Leak Strap PAC
8. P: Bridge of nose sore S: Adjust forehead piece, Moleskin on mask, Rotate masks, Nose Bridge Protector PAC
9. P: Sinus Cold S: Full Face mask, Increase humidity, treat symptoms
10. P: Getting to sleep S: Lay on back till real sleepy, Good sleep Hygiene, ramp
11. P: Staying asleep S: Patience, Aromatherapy, Meditation
12. P: Air in Eyes S: Adjust mask seal, reseat mask, clean mask
13. P: Mouth breathing S: Full Face Mask, Tape, Train tongue
14. P: Mask Marks S: Loosen straps, Original PAC
15. P: Neck Chaffing S: Different mask and headgear, Neck PAC
16. P: Forehead bruising S: Adjust Forehead pad, Forehead PAC
17. P: Claustrophobia S: Different mask, Acclimation over time
18. P: Mask unstable S: Panty hose fix, fishing line, Anti Leak Strap PAC

Websites and links to online help:
http://www.padacheek.com website for PAD A CHEEK products
http://www.cpaptalk.com online support forum
http://www.sleepapnea.org American Sleep Apnea Association and support
http://www.sleepeducation.com American Academy of Sleep Medicine information on Sleep Apnea
smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com Great informative site for many common CPAP questions
http://www.pur-sleep.com aromatherapy for CPAP
http://www.sleepzone.com Heated hose from Australia to prevent rain out