You might get used to your therapy very easily - some people do. But don't worry if it takes you a little longer. That's normal.
Learning to use and live with your therapy equipment is about forming good habits, staying positive and practicing. It's also about getting comfortable. We'll show you a few techniques to help you make the most of your therapy.
At first, you might be very aware of the feeling of air in your throat. But this is something that you can get used to: try to relax your breathing and breathe like you do normally when you're awake.
Practice breathing with your sleep apnea machine in the daytime while you're relaxing or watching television, for instance. You don't need to worry about breathing out when you're sleeping; you will automatically breathe out against the flow of air.
If you continue to find it difficult, talk to your doctor or ResMed accredited outlet.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your therapy:
- A ResMed device with the Ramp feature: this is where the machine pressure can be set to start at a lower pressure and 'ramp up' to your full therapy pressure over a maximum of 45 minutes, easing you into therapy.
- A ResMed device with the SmartStart™ setting: this allows you to start therapy by breathing in, instead of pressing the 'Start' button. This lets you ease in to therapy so that you can get used to breathing with your mask on.
- A ResMed device with an EPR™ setting: this slightly lowers the pressure as you're breathing out, so breathing feels smoother and more natural.
- A ResMed AutoSet™ device: this machine automatically adjusts the pressure delivered to you throughout the night, so pressure increases only as you need it.