Spending the First Night Using CPAP Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea

Settling into bed to spend the first night using yourcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)device can be a little intimidating.What should you expect when you first use CPAP therapy? How do you set it up? What initial hurdles may there be to overcome? Learn about how to start your CPAP treatment on the right path.

Your CPAP Equipment

One of the first important considerations is how to determine the proper pressure setting for the machine.

This setting may be determined in one of two ways:

How to Determine Your CPAP Settings

Once your pressure settings are established, your healthcare provider will then give you a prescription for the CPAP equipment. You may be prescribed a fixed pressure CPAP, AutoCPAP (APAP), bilevel (sometimes called BiPAP or VPAP), or adaptive servoventilation (ASV).The prescription may specify a brand, or it may allow you to get a machine from any of the manufacturers, such as ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, or others.

The sleep healthcare provider can also prescribeheated tubing,chinstraps, and specificCPAP masks.

Where to Get Your Equipment

Once you have your prescription, you will take it to a durable medical equipment (DME) provider.You can take your CPAP prescription to any DME provider that you select.

These providers are not typically associated with sleep clinics, as this may represent a conflict of interest for certain insurances like Medicare. It’s advisable to select a DME company with knowledge about sleep equipment, and your healthcare provider may be able to give you recommendations about preferred companies in your area.

You will schedule a visit with your DME provider to obtain your CPAP device. During this appointment, which may take up to an hour, you will be introduced to the machine. You will also be fitted with a CPAP mask and will use it briefly. You should choose a mask that is comfortable, and if you’re not happy, ask to see and try other options.

Expect some education on the basic use,cleaning, and maintenance of the device. You will be given the supplies and support to get started, and then you’ll take your CPAP home.

Make sure you ask any questions you have before you leave with your CPAP machine, and find out who you should call if any questions arise later.

Bringing Your CPAP Home

It can be exciting to bring your CPAP home: it may represent an opportunity to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed—an experience that you may have been missing out on for months, or even years. To get started, you will need to take a few minutes to put things in place.

Select a spot in your bedroom for your CPAP to reside. You will want to ensure that it is close enough to your bed so that the tubing can reach from the device to wherever you may move in bed. Most people put it on a nightstand, or just at or under the edge of the bed on the floor. Keep in mind that you will need to plug it into a power source.

Once you have picked a place for it, you should fill the humidifier tank with water. Manufacturers recommend using distilled water because tap water can cause mineral build-up that can make the machine wear out sooner.

You will then be ready to use your CPAP for the first time.

Using CPAP for the First Time

Since you already had your mask fitted at the DME office, you should be able to put it on with relative ease. Tighten the straps of your headgear, and make certain that it fits snugly—but not too tight! You will be able to assess the fit to know for sure when you turn on your CPAP.

Press the power button, and the machine should turn on. It may start at low pressure, and newer models often have a leak check function. You can also set the temperature and humidity settings on most machines.

You will then begin to focus on your breathing pattern. You may find it initially uncomfortable to breathe out against the pressure of the CPAP. Keep your mouth closed with a nasal mask, or the air will escape from it. If you use a full-face mask, you can breathe through your nose or mouth.

Getting accustomed to this breathing pattern may take several minutes. If you struggle, you may want to practice breathing slowly with your CPAP while watching television or listening to music. This will distract you, and you will adapt to it more easily.

Troubleshooting Common Minor Problems

When you first use CPAP, you may find that it takes you a little longer to fall asleep; this will improve with time. It can be helpful to go to bed 1 hour later than usual so that you fall asleep more easily.

You also may encounter a few other difficulties. You may need to adjust your mask to prevent pain or pressure sores on your face or ears.

If your mouth falls open during your sleep, this may result in a dry mouth. Using a chinstrap can help prevent this problem. Addressing these initial problems can make a huge difference.

Solve Your CPAP Problems With These Tips

A Word From Verywell

Most people can succeed with CPAP. By overcoming any early hurdles, you will set about on the right path that will lead you to rest and feel better. If you do struggle, be in close contact with your DME provider and sleep healthcare provider to address your concerns. Keep in mind that there areother optionsavailable to treat your sleep apnea if CPAP isn’t the right solution for you.

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Batool-Anwar S, Goodwin JL, Kushida CA, et al.Impact of continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) on quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (Osa).J Sleep Res. 2016;25(6):731-738. doi: 10.1111/jsr.12430Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, et al.Clinical practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult obstructive sleep apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(3):479–504. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6506Sleep Foundation.CPAP Pressure Settings.UpToDate.Mode selection for positive airway pressure titration in adult patients with central sleep apnea disorder.Donovan LM, Boeder S, Malhotra A, Patel SR.New developments in the use of positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2015;7(8). doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.30Galetke W, Nothofer E, Priegnitz C, Anduleit N, Randerath W.Effect of a heated breathing tube on efficacy, adherence and side effects during continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.Respiration. 2016;91(1):18-25. doi: 10.1159/000442052Bhat Sushanth, Gushway-Henry Neola, Polos Peter G., et al.The efficacy of a chinstrap in treating sleep disordered breathing and snoring.Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 10(08):887-892. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3962U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Durable Medical Equipment Coverage.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Batool-Anwar S, Goodwin JL, Kushida CA, et al.Impact of continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) on quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (Osa).J Sleep Res. 2016;25(6):731-738. doi: 10.1111/jsr.12430Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, et al.Clinical practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult obstructive sleep apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(3):479–504. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6506Sleep Foundation.CPAP Pressure Settings.UpToDate.Mode selection for positive airway pressure titration in adult patients with central sleep apnea disorder.Donovan LM, Boeder S, Malhotra A, Patel SR.New developments in the use of positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2015;7(8). doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.30Galetke W, Nothofer E, Priegnitz C, Anduleit N, Randerath W.Effect of a heated breathing tube on efficacy, adherence and side effects during continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.Respiration. 2016;91(1):18-25. doi: 10.1159/000442052Bhat Sushanth, Gushway-Henry Neola, Polos Peter G., et al.The efficacy of a chinstrap in treating sleep disordered breathing and snoring.Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 10(08):887-892. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3962U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Durable Medical Equipment Coverage.

Batool-Anwar S, Goodwin JL, Kushida CA, et al.Impact of continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) on quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (Osa).J Sleep Res. 2016;25(6):731-738. doi: 10.1111/jsr.12430Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, et al.Clinical practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult obstructive sleep apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(3):479–504. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6506Sleep Foundation.CPAP Pressure Settings.UpToDate.Mode selection for positive airway pressure titration in adult patients with central sleep apnea disorder.Donovan LM, Boeder S, Malhotra A, Patel SR.New developments in the use of positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2015;7(8). doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.30Galetke W, Nothofer E, Priegnitz C, Anduleit N, Randerath W.Effect of a heated breathing tube on efficacy, adherence and side effects during continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.Respiration. 2016;91(1):18-25. doi: 10.1159/000442052Bhat Sushanth, Gushway-Henry Neola, Polos Peter G., et al.The efficacy of a chinstrap in treating sleep disordered breathing and snoring.Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 10(08):887-892. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3962U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Durable Medical Equipment Coverage.

Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, et al.Clinical practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult obstructive sleep apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(3):479–504. doi:10.5664/jcsm.6506

Sleep Foundation.CPAP Pressure Settings.

UpToDate.Mode selection for positive airway pressure titration in adult patients with central sleep apnea disorder.

Donovan LM, Boeder S, Malhotra A, Patel SR.New developments in the use of positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea.Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2015;7(8). doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.30

Galetke W, Nothofer E, Priegnitz C, Anduleit N, Randerath W.Effect of a heated breathing tube on efficacy, adherence and side effects during continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea.Respiration. 2016;91(1):18-25. doi: 10.1159/000442052

Bhat Sushanth, Gushway-Henry Neola, Polos Peter G., et al.The efficacy of a chinstrap in treating sleep disordered breathing and snoring.Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 10(08):887-892. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3962

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Durable Medical Equipment Coverage.

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Your CPAP Equipment#

Where to Get Your Equipment#

Bringing Your CPAP Home#

Using CPAP for the First Time#

Troubleshooting Common Minor Problems#

A Word From Verywell#