--- title: Top 10 CPAP Compliance Tips for Successful Sleep Apnea Treatment in 2019 description: The hardest part about treating your sleep apnea is staying compliant with CPAP therapy. We get it, it's tough to get used to wearing a mask on your face every night that blows air into your mouth and nose. It's not easy to overcome at first, but with a few tips and tricks, it becomes manageable. image: https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/respironics%20cpap%20therapy%20compliance.jpg --- ![logo.png](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2016_Redesign/logo.jpg?width=600&name=logo.jpg "logo.png") - [Home](https://www.sleepresolutions.com) - [About Us](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/about-sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Meet Our Staff](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-staff-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Meet Our Medical Director](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-medicine-medical-director-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Testimonials](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/testimonials) - [Sleep Resolutions Locations](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-center-locations) - [Night Time Medical Location](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/knight-time-medical-location) - [Sleep Services](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-disorders-testing-sleep-medicine-dodge-city-garden-city-kansas) - [Sleep Studies](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-studies-type-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [CPAP Therapy](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [CPAP Equipment](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [CPAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines) - [APAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/automatic-positive-airway-pressure-apap-machines) - [BiPAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/bipap-machines) - [Learning Center](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-apnea-learning-center) - [Blog](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/contact-us-sleep-resolutions) ![bg-img11.jpg](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2016_Redesign/bigstock-Night-sky-with-stars-and-full--102455816.jpg?width=1600&name=bigstock-Night-sky-with-stars-and-full--102455816.jpg "bg-img11.jpg") ## [Top 10 CPAP Compliance Tips for Successful Sleep Apnea Treatment in 2019](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/cpap-compliance-tips) ![Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Debra%20Turner.jpeg) By [Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/author/debra-turner) - October 1, 2024 - - - - ![respironics cpap therapy compliance](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/respironics%20cpap%20therapy%20compliance.jpg?width=600&name=respironics%20cpap%20therapy%20compliance.jpg) Its common for our patients to feel overwhelmed and anxious about their [obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/signs-symptoms-sleep-apnea-list)diagnosis.  To be completely honest, the transition into long-term sleep therapy isn’t going to be easy. Many patients fail their first or even second attempt to maintain their sleep therapy.   Adjusting to using a face mask with pressurized air may not be very comfortable at first and requires time to adapt.  Every patient is different and adjustment time varies. What our staff has noticed is that typically it takes our patients about two to six weeks to fully embrace using their [CPAP device.](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/what-is-a-cpap-machine-how-does-cpap-work) What’s the point of seeking out a consultation, [getting a sleep study](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/what-is-a-sleep-study-polysomnography), purchasing CPAP equipment, and abandoning your treatment after a few nights of tough transition?  We see many patients risking their long term health when they fall into this pattern. ## Why is CPAP Compliance so important? **CPAP Compliance is commonly defined as using the CPAP device at least four hours a night and at least 70% of nights.**   It might seem like an easy standard to meet but remember CPAP therapy is challenging, and even long-term users run into struggles.   There are relatively common CPAP therapy challenges that nearly all patients can relate to at the beginning of their CPAP journey. Those challenges include anxiety, claustrophobia, fitting equipment, dry mouth, air leaks, and skin irritations.   Each problem can cause a patient to abandon their therapy. ## Here are some critical tips for increasing your success with CPAP compliance: #### 1) Educate Yourself  We cannot stress the importance of getting educated as a new CPAP user.  Talk to your sleep medicine prover, seek out independent information sources, read the manuals provided with your machine, ask questions when you have them.   All of these steps can make you a more informed CPAP user. Sometimes knowing your health risks and how poor sleep impacts your overall health helps you stay focused on using your CPAP device.   #### 2) Research Your Equipment   Some machines have a RAMP feature that allows users to start the night off at a lower pressure and build to the recommendation for them after they have fallen asleep.   [Respironics](http://www.respironics.com/) devices have a feature called CFLEX, and [ResMed](https://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer.html) devices have a feature called EPR, that provide their users with the option to have lower pressure on the exhale and the recommended pressure at the inhale.   Sometimes these additional features can help new users adjust to their CPAP mask and the pressure. Once you have transitioned into using your machine to meet compliance, you can switch off these additional features. #### 3) Start Slow Starting slowly is completely fine and, in fact, we recommend that you do.  Try using your mask during a nap or just when you feel tired. We recommend starting by wearing your mask when you feel tired, taking a mid-day nap, or relaxing while laying down.  You'll begin to train yourself to feel comfortable and relaxed wearing your mask with the pressurized air. #### 4) Stick to a Sleep Routine  Make CPAP part of your nightly routine. It is important to stick to your sleep routine while you are adjusting to using your CPAP machine.   Again, this helps to train your mind and body that its time for bed and that CPAP is a part of going to sleep. It might be difficult to find a good rhythm, and it’s ok to adjust your routine to make it work better for you. #### 5) Try a Humidifier   Dry mouth, dry eyes, or dry nostrils. If you haven’t experienced dryness caused by your CPAP machine, awesome, however, if you have, you know exactly how much discomfort that the dryness causes.   A humidifier can quickly remedy that issue with minimal effort from the user. Many machines have built-in humidifiers and settings that auto adjusts to your preferences. #### 6) Document Your Progress   It may seem a bit unnatural for some but tracking your true progress and adjustment helps your sleep medicine provider make more changes, give advice, and aid you in your success.   Defining clear goals and actionable steps on how to achieve those goals help hold you accountable in your CPAP therapy. #### 7) Relaxation Techniques Try alternative relaxation techniques while adjusting to your CPAP device.  Mindful meditation, breathing, sounds, counting, and any others that you find peaceful, are all options to help you adjust through the difficult process of using your CPAP.   #### 8) Home Remedies Try home remedies for reducing OSA symptoms. Losing weight, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, treating acid reflux, and adjusting your sleep position all ways to naturally reduce some symptoms of OSA. Although these might not work for everyone, they certainly won’t hurt. #### 9) Find a Support Group   There are many social media groups and communities of people that can relate to exactly what you are experiencing.  Find those people and get their feedback. #### 10) Reach Out To Your Sleep Medicine Provider Hold your sleep provider to following up with you.  A good sleep clinic will check in with you throughout your transition, but they should be more present when you are first beginning your sleep journey.  If they haven’t reached out to you, call them or find another sleep clinic. ## Final Thoughts Even if this isn’t your first attempt at using your CPAP device, these tips will help you adjust to your using your CPAP.  You will be surprised at what some minor adjustments to your sleep hygiene can do for your overall health. Finding the right combination of habits and tricks could mean the difference between successful CPAP use and abandoning your CPAP therapy. Sleep Resolutions is here to help you with all the challenges that come along with getting diagnosed and adjusting to using your CPAP equipment.  If you have any questions about these tips or are still struggling with your equipment (re-read tip 10), give us a call or click the link.   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/2e6e13c4-9946-46fa-afa1-da7a9f3e74c2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/2e6e13c4-9946-46fa-afa1-da7a9f3e74c2) ![bg-img14.jpg](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/383029/hubfs/Espark-dtemplate/images/bg-img14.jpg?width=750&name=bg-img14.jpg "bg-img14.jpg") ## Join Our Newsletter Join hundreds of other sleep clients in subscribing to our Sleep Talkers Blog. ![bg-img19.jpg](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/383029/Espark-dtemplate/images/bg-img19.jpg "bg-img19.jpg") ![Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA_images/Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg?width=841&name=Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg "Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg") ###### Download our FREE Ebook on Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Signs, Symptoms and Risks This book covers everything from: Why do we snore, the different types of sleep apnea, to the dangers of untreated sleep apnea.  [![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/13360343-3aa8-400c-890b-ed1d5a7cbf8d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/13360343-3aa8-400c-890b-ed1d5a7cbf8d) ## Leave a comment Search this site on Google Search Google ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Debra%20Turner.jpeg) Written by [Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/author/debra-turner) Owner and President of Sleep Resolutions in Garden City, Kansas and Dodge City Kansas. - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [cpap mask (33)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-mask) - [reviews (30)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/reviews) - [cpap (17)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap) - [cpap machine (13)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-machine) - [OSA (10)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/osa) - [cpap equipment (9)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-equipment) - [sleep apnea, (9)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [cpap supplies (7)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [sleep study (7)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-study) - [obstructive sleep apnea (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/obstructive-sleep-apnea) - [sleep apnea and snoring (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-snoring) - [sleep hygiene (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-hygiene) - [apnea (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/apnea) - [cpap mask replacement (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-mask-replacement) - [sleep deprivation (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-deprivation) - [dme (4)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dme) - [sleep studies (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [sleepiness (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleepiness) - [stages of sleep (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/stages-of-sleep) - [treat your snoring (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/treat-your-snoring) - [CPAP masks for children (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-masks-for-children) - [Oversleeping (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/oversleeping) - [REM sleep (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/rem-sleep) - [accredited sleep center (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/accredited-sleep-center) - [allergies (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/allergies) - [dental sleep medicine (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dental-sleep-medicine) - [excessive daytime sleepiness (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) - [pediatrics (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/pediatrics) - [respiratory health (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/respiratory-health) - [women and snoring (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/women-and-snoring) - [Diabetes (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [SWSD (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/swsd) - [bed partner (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/bed-partner) - [cancer (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cancer) - [central sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/central-sleep-apnea) - [compliance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [cpap followup (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-followup) - [dangers of untreated sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dangers-of-untreated-sleep-apnea) - [distracted driving (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving) - [drowsy driving (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/drowsy-driving) - [healthcare accreditation (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/healthcare-accreditation) - [hispanic community health (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/hispanic-community-health) - [hospital sleep center (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/hospital-sleep-center) - [independent sleep center (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/independent-sleep-center) - [insomnia and sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/insomnia-and-sleep-apnea) - [insurance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [men and snoring (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/men-and-snoring) - [menopause and osa (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/menopause-and-osa) - [mixed sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/mixed-sleep-apnea) - [night terrors (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/night-terrors) - [obesity and sleep (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/obesity-and-sleep) - [parasomnia (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/parasomnia) - [polysomnography (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/polysomnography) - [ptsd (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/ptsd) - [sex (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sex) - [shift work sleep disorder (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/shift-work-sleep-disorder) - [sleep apnea and brain damage (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-brain-damage) - [sleep apnea and cancer (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-cancer) - [sleep apnea consequences (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-consequences) - [sleep apnea mouthpiece (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-mouthpiece) - [sleep apnea risks (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-risks) - [sleep architecture (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-architecture) - [sleep disorders (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [snoring (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/snoring) - [uars (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/uars) - [untreated sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/untreated-sleep-apnea) - [upper airway resistance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/upper-airway-resistance) - [when snoring becomes OSA (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/when-snoring-becomes-osa) see all [![Snoring and Sleep Apnea](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/af05c7c9-a136-4dbf-b1e1-ac596ac52485.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/af05c7c9-a136-4dbf-b1e1-ac596ac52485) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/dba5e25c-38c0-4b47-9e28-924bf4d7fc40.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/dba5e25c-38c0-4b47-9e28-924bf4d7fc40) #### Related posts [![When Was the Last Time You Got a New CPAP Mask?](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/woman_CPAP_Mask.jpg)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask) ##### [When Was the Last Time You Got a New CPAP Mask?](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask) ![Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/seattleheadshot-smaller.jpg) By [Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask/author/kristen-havens) - November 14, 2016 [![When You're Self-Conscious About Using CPAP](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/anxiety_about_cpap_is_normal_but_it_doesnt_have_to_lead_to_therapy_failure.jpg)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap) ##### [When You're Self-Conscious About Using CPAP](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap) ![Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/seattleheadshot-smaller.jpg) By [Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap/author/kristen-havens) - November 7, 2016 #### Sleep Resolutions - Garden City 1506 Taylor Plaza East Garden City, KS 67846 Phone: 620-271-9400 Toll-Free: 866-758-9400 Fax: 620-271-9201   #### Night Time Medical 1508 Taylor Plaza East Garden City, KS 67846 Phone: 620-276-8100 Fax: 620-276-8106 #### Site map - [Home](https://www.sleepresolutions.com) - [About Us](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/about-sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Sleep Services](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-disorders-testing-sleep-medicine-dodge-city-garden-city-kansas) - [CPAP Equipment](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [Learning Center](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-apnea-learning-center) - [Blog](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/contact-us-sleep-resolutions) #### Email For newsletter ### Subscribe our Newsletter Copyright © 2015 your Company. All rights reserved.