Your snoring should disappear completely as soon as you start therapy. If at some point your bed partner notices that you are snoring again, please let us know. You may need additional adjustments on the device.   

You may find that you have the feeling of  "claustrophobia" or "air-hunger" when you first start using the device or when you have nasal congestion from a "cold" or allergies. It is not uncommon to have this sensation. It is believed that this is your body's response to the increased airway pressure and the extra work-of-breathing that it causes. If you have this sensation, we
suggest that you take a few slow deep breaths. This maneuver seems to "reset" the receptors in your body that are causing the unpleasant sensations. As your body begins to adapt to the PAP therapy these sensations should disappear.  If this problem persists or if it becomes too uncomfortable please contact us so that we can help correct the problem.

After a few weeks of using PAP therapy, you should not feel excessively sleepy during the day.   If this is not the case, please give us a call. We will probably need to check your device. This will be done free-of-charge.

Desensitization Procedure: We recommend that you gradually get used to your CPAP.
Different doctors recommend different techniques to get used to CPAP. Many methods are correct as long as the key objectives of your comfort and compliance are being met. Key objectives of this therapy include introduction of therapeutic modalities, identification of possible obstacles to acclimation and compliance, development of solutions to reduce or eliminate those problems, establishment of a trusting relationship, provision of reassurance when needed, and attaining the highest possible comfort level for you.

We suggest the following method to meet these objectives:

Step 1 - Position yourself comfortably, perhaps in a semi-recumbent position.

Step 2 - Check for signs of nasal airway congestion or obstruction by listening as you breathe deeply through your nose. First breathe through both nostrils, then each side separately. If there is too much congestion, ask your doctor to prescribe a nasal spray or other treatment.

Step 3 - Turn the machine on with the ramp activated.

Step 4 - Hold the mask up to his nose, applying a seal intermittently until you become accustomed to the feel of breathing through the device. Reactivate the ramp as needed.

Step 5 - Judging by the response that you get from the above set, determine when to apply the entire set-up on your nose. You may be instantly ready, or it may take longer, especially if you feel claustrophobic or feel like it's too much pressure.

Step 6 - Place the device on your face. If you feel reluctant, try this without the tubing attached. Make sure that you know a quick removal process, and make certain that the ramp button is within your reach.

Step 7 - Allow the pressure to increase while you practice breathing slowly and evenly. You may want to reactivate the ramp, or use a longer interval, if needed.

Step 8 – Make sure that you get your questions answered, reassure, and discuss any additional desensitization techniques with the person installing your equipment.

Step 9 - Once you achieve your highest initial comfort level make sure that you can remove the mask and to turn off the device.

NEXT>: Ongoing Desensitization Program