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Getting used to treatment

How long does it take to get used to using therapy equipment? Some people adapt quickly. For others, it can take a little longer. Either way, please don’t worry and please do read on for suggestions that could make the process easier. 

When you’re learning to use your therapy equipment, it’s important to build good habits, stay positive and practice. It’s also worth taking the time to focus on comfort. Here are a few techniques that could help you get off to a good start.

Breathing against the air flow

PAP therapy uses pressurised air to keep your airways open. This will probably be a new feeling for you but it’s something that you can get used to with practice. Start by trying to relax your breathing: breathe like you do normally when you’re awake. Then practice breathing by using your device in the daytime, for example while you’re relaxing or watching television. Please remember that your body will automatically breathe out against the flow of air when you’re sleeping.

If you’ve practiced and you still find it difficult to breathe against the air flow, talk to your care provider. They might suggest using a: 

  • ResMed device with AutoRamp feature: gently eases you into therapy by gradually increasing from a low starting pressure to your full therapy pressure. AutoRamp can be set to stay low until you fall asleep, which could be useful if you’re struggling to get to sleep during therapy. 
  • ResMed device with SmartStart™ feature: with SmartStart, you don’t need to press the start button. Instead, therapy starts when you put on your mask and breathe in, which could help you to ease into therapy and get used to breathing with your mask on.
  • ResMed device with EPR™ (expiratory pressure relief) feature: EPR slightly reduces the pressure when you breathe out, helping to make breathing feel smoother and more natural. 
  • ResMed AutoSet™ device: the AutoSet algorithm automatically adjusts the pressure that you receive throughout the night, so the pressure only increases if and when you need it.

Understanding equipment noise

If your equipment is noisy, it’s possible that some parts aren’t connected properly. That can result in air leaking out and causing a noise. You can usually work out where the noise/leak is coming from: the device, humidifier, tube or mask. 

Check that everything is connected properly and listen for a change in the noise. You should refer to your mask and/or device User Guide for fitting and setup instructions.

When to ask for help

therapy-equipement-check-up-with-care-provider-mobile

f you have a good mask seal and use your PAP therapy equipment consistently, you should start to feel benefits in your day-to-day life. Please contact your care provider for a check-up if: 

  • your sleep apnoea symptoms persist 
  • you feel worse than you did when you started therapy 
  • you’re finding it hard to breathe out against the air flow  
  • you feel like treatment just isn’t working