Top 10 Best Practices for Ensuring CPAP Machine Compliance

guy sleeping

Roughly 22 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). According to Mayo Clinic, men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women.

A CPAP machine is an effective way to treat OSAS, but CPAP compliance may determine whether your insurance pays for your machine.

Follow these tips to make sure you follow CPAP guidelines.

1. Educate Yourself

Your doctor will provide you with materials and information as soon as you suspect OSAS. This includes information about using a CPAP machine.

Knowledge is your greatest weapon when it comes to sticking with treatment. For example, what is CPAP compliance? It means using your machine for at least four hours a night for 70 percent of nights.

2. Learn What to Expect

Educate yourself to learn what to expect when undertaking treatment. Make sure to talk to your sleeping partner about their concerns and expectations as well.

One concern is how CPAP compliance affects your insurance rates. Do your research to learn what financial and lifestyle changes to expect.

3. Ask Your Doctor Questions

Your doctor is there to answer questions and concerns you have. For example, you might be wondering if you have to change your sleeping position or if the device is noisy.

Write these questions down and ask your doctor. The more you understand, the more likely you are to stick with treatment.

4. Make Sure the Mask Fits

Getting more sleep is one of the best ways for men over fifty to improve their health. An ill-fitting mask can mean the difference between restful sleep and waking up groggy.

Mask issues are one reason patients stop using their machines. It may take time to find the right fit, but try different mask types to find what works.

5. Keep Follow-Up Appointments

During the first week of treatment, your sleep center may call you to check in. Be honest with them and mention any concerns or questions you have. Keep your follow-up appointments to address these problems as soon as possible.

6. CPAP Cleaning

Keeping your CPAP machine and tubing clean should be part of your everyday routine. Taking the time to clean your machine prevents bacteria buildup, which can make you sick.

If you keep your CPAP machine clean, your therapy is more effective.

7. Replace CPAP Filters

You also need to keep your CPAP filters running well by replacing them as needed. Follow your doctor’s guidelines for filter replacement. This prevents dust and particles from clogging the filter and getting into your lungs.

8. Manage Nasal Congestion

Not being able to breathe due to congestion is one reason patients don’t meet compliance guidelines. Suffering from a cold or allergies impacts how you sleep at night. Doctors can prescribe nasal sprays and antihistamines to help.

9. Make Annual Appointments

Similar to follow-up appointments, annual appointments make sure you’re sticking with your treatment. This is a good time to mention problems with your machine or talk about your expectations so far.

10. Set Reasonable Expectations

As a new CPAP user, you’ll experience many lifestyle changes. You have to keep your machine clean every day and you might be visiting your doctor more often. But the benefits of better sleep outweigh the initial struggles.

Support groups and your doctor can help you set reasonable expectations.

Meet Compliance Guidelines to Keep Your CPAP Machine

Sticking with compliance guidelines early is important to identify problems and correct them. Your insurance may only pay for your CPAP machine if you meet these guidelines, so stick with them.

If you have any questions about how issues like sleep apnea impact men’s health, feel free to contact us.

Author: IzzyWeb