If your CPAP machine functions well and you’re getting quality, restful sleep, then you are using your CPAP correctly. You should also expect improved overall health.
In this post, we’ll go over how you can tell if you’re using your CPAP machine correctly. We’ll cover three categories: CPAP operation, sleep quality and overall health. For each category, we’ll list the telltale signs of effective CPAP therapy. Let’s look at them one by one.
CPAP Operation
Most people know that in order to reap the benefits of CPAP therapy, their machine needs to be set properly. However, there’s more to effective therapy than proper settings. Regular maintenance and cleaning is just as important. If you set up your machine properly and clean and maintain it well, it will reciprocate and take care of you for a long time.
Here are some telltale signs of a well maintained and properly set CPAP machine:
- No unusual or louder-than-usual motor noises
- No foul smell – either in the machine or the mask
- No mineral residue in the humidifier chamber (Water that contains minerals eg. tap water and bottled water, will leave a residue. We have a handy guide on what water to use in your CPAP humidifier.)
- You don’t have trouble inhaling or exhaling
- Your mask does not leak excessively (If your mask leak is driving you mad, we have a handy guide on fixing CPAP mask leaks.)
Please note that CPAP therapy takes some getting used to, so for the first 2-3 weeks, it is normal to experience some discomfort when inhaling and exhaling.
It may also take some time to find the perfect CPAP mask and learn how to adjust your mask to achieve your best fit. It’s not uncommon for CPAP users to spend weeks and even months trying out different masks before finding their perfect mask. To help make the process easier, we’ve compiled a guide to help you find your perfect mask and a guide to help you with mask sizing.
We also have a CPAP Equipment Cleaning Guide to help you keep your CPAP machines and accessories in tip-top shape.
Sleep Quality
When used correctly, your CPAP machine should help you sleep better by:
- Dramatically reducing or eliminating snoring
- Eliminating any apneic episodes (times when you waking up snorting/gasping for air)
- Giving you a more restful sleep
- Reducing daytime sleepiness
- Reducing morning headaches
- Increasing daytime energy
Overall Health
Being compliant with your CPAP therapy improves your health over time. Here are some of the health benefits you should expect when using CPAP regularly and correctly:
- CPAP therapy reverses brain damage caused by severe OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) (see this article)
- Improved mood
- Lower daytime and nighttime blood pressure
- Improved blood sugar management
- Improved weight management
- Reduced risk of motor vehicle accidents
- Some of the cognitive benefits you can easily perceive are:
- Improved memory
- Better alertness, focus, and concentration
- Improved constructional abilities (drawing figures, lines, shapes)
- Improved psychomotor functioning (speed, coordination, strength)
- Some of the less easily perceptible benefits include:
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes
It takes time for your body to adjust to CPAP therapy so it may take a few weeks or months before you notice any changes. If you’ve been on CPAP therapy for a while but haven’t noticed any changes in your health, sleep quality or mood, we recommend speaking to your doctor for a reevaluation.
If you have questions about CPAP equipment or any information in our guides, feel free to call us at 1-866-936-3754. You can also send us an email at sales@respshop.com. We’re here to help you sleep better!
References
CPAP treatment for adults with obstructive sleep apnea: Review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness and guidelines. (2013). Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK195810/
Pamidi, S., Chapotot, F., Wroblewski, K., Whitmore, H., Polonsky, T., & Tasali, E. (2020). Optimal continuous positive airway pressure treatment of obstructive sleep apnea reduces daytime resting heart rate in prediabetes: a randomized controlled study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(19). Retrieved from: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.016871
Tomfohr, L. M., Ancoli-Israel, S., Loredo, J. S., & Dimsdale, J. E. (2011). Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on fatigue and sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Data from a randomized controlled trial. Sleep, 34(1), 121-126. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21203367/