CPAP and Success
The first line of therapy and a positive solution in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea is with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. The decision to use CPAP can be overwhelming but it is a positive step forward in improving your quality of life. The successful use of CPAP will help you breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier. The following are a few points to keep in mind when using CPAP therapy.

Obligation
CPAP is a long term commitment and not an overnight fix to a serious health condition. Being consistant with your CPAP therapy is part of the key to a healthier lifestlye.

Communication
Maintain regular visits with your CPAP Specialist and Referring Physician. If unable to make appointments, phone to ask questions and seek help when needed.

Routine
In order for your health to benefit from CPAP you must use it every night , all night and during naps. By using consistantly the body will adjust easier to the treatment.

Improvement
Maintaining follow up appointments with your CPAP Specialist will insure further education and awareness of on going changes in the technology of CPAP therapy. The CPAP Specialist can help you with the continuing successfull usage of your machine and suggest any new information or product that will improve your CPAP experience.

Connection
Your adjustment to CPAP will be easier if you are able to connect with others who use the same treatment. Ask your CPAP Specialist if there are support groups held in your area for people who have sleep apnea.

CPAP Support Group
Every other month we hold a support group. At these sessions, we discuss snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. We have guest speakers, usually physicians, who discuss and answer questions regarding these issues. All those with questions about snoring, OSA and CPAP are welcome. It is a casual affair with snacks and refreshments.

Comfort
CPAP can cause irritation to the nose , mouth and throat. If you experience any of these you can try improving your level of comfort with the use of a heated humidifier, saline spray and decongestant. If you all ready use a heated humidifier try increasing the temperature to alleviate the irritation.

Maintanence
Clean your mask, tubing, humidifier and headgear on a regular basis. Check, clean and replace the filters for your CPAP unit monthly.

Achievement
Although CPAP therapy will continue for life, you should reward yourself for completing the first month.
Having to use and sleep with a CPAP machine is a difficult adjusment period and it involves some trial and error in regards to mask style/fit and becoming comfortable to the pressure settings of the machine.

Conclusion
Despite the completion of the first month of treatment, continue to use your CPAP all night, every night and for each nap. CPAP is a long-term commitment, one that could make a dramatic improvement in your quality of life.

Nutrition
There is no special diet to help relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you want to eat healthier, or lose weight, choosing foods from Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating is a great way to start! Variety and moderation are key, so watch your portion sizes and try to include many different foods in your diet.