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Monday - Thursday 8AM - 5PMFriday 8AM - 3PM | Lunch Daily 12PM - 1PM919-462-8081info@parkwaysleep.com130 Preston Executive Dr Suite 103Cary, NC 27513
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THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF CPAP
New to CPAP?
WHAT TO EXPECT
If you have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be a little bit anxious about CPAP. Or maybe you have just picked up your CPAP and are wondering what you got yourself into. Have no fear! We are going to offer you some tips and tricks so you can adapt to your new routine and start reaping the benefits of CPAP therapy.
TIP 1: IT TAKES TIME
Some patients experience better sleep from the moment they start using their CPAP machine. However, we want you to know that it’s also common for it to take some time to get used to CPAP therapy. You have been sleeping many years without using it, so you may experience a bit of a learning curve to get started. At Parkway, we recommend giving yourself 30 days to get acclimated. If at 30 days you are still having trouble, please call us!
TIP 2: DAYTIME PRACTICE HELPS
Patients sometimes find themselves feeling like the air is blowing too hard on their face or feeling claustrophobic when wearing their CPAP masks. With this in mind, we advise our patients to wear it around the house, while watching tv, or reading a book. This can help to normalize wearing a CPAP mask. Ultimately, you’ll ease into therapy if you can find a way to make it a normal part of your routine, and wearing the mask when you’re awake is a good way to start.
TIP 3: DON’T SKIP NIGHTS
The only way CPAP is going to work is if you keep up with your therapy every night. While we understand you may need to miss a night or two along the way, we strongly recommend you do not miss a night for at least the first 90 days of treatment. This helps you get acclimated more quickly and easily.
TIP 4: KEEP IT CLEAN
You are breathing into your CPAP machine and equipment every night, so make sure you keep it clean. If you don’t, bacteria may grow in your CPAP and supplies.
TIP 5: YOU MIGHT FEEL DIFFERENT
You will likely feel much more rested and full of energy because you are actually beginning to get quality sleep. However, your sleep patterns might change, causing you to feel worse initially as your body adjusts to getting more REM sleep. You may find yourself dreaming more and you could potentially have dry mouth. These side effects are all a normal part of the adjustment period. Don’t give up!
We know you’ll find that as you continue CPAP therapy, it will make a huge difference in your life and how you feel. Remember, you are treating a medical condition and have more than likely suffered through a lot of really bad nights to get to this point. That’s why you found us in the first place—and exactly what will motivate you to get through the initial adjustment period. Stick with it, and don’t forget we are just a phone call away.
REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE
How often should I replace my equipment?
Parkway’s goal is to keep you healthy and infection free by replacing your supplies on a regular schedule. We can keep you up to date on all of your supplies and even ship them directly to you with our Continued Care VIP program.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
How do I keep my CPAP clean?
Maintaining the equipment that you use nightly is important and often overlooked procedure. Proper cleaning and replacement of supplies will ensure the equipment will run efficiently and last and appropriate amount of time.
For more information about adjusting to the first few weeks of CPAP
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