If you have obstructive sleep apnea, there’s a good chance you may have been recommended to try a CPAP machine. This is a mask that attaches to a pump at the bedside that blows gentle, positive air pressure through your nose to keep you from breathing stoppages at night. In general, people have a love and hate relationship with their machines. Some people love them, and some absolutely despise them.
What I’ve noticed over the years is that there are 5 common habits and characteristics the successful CPAP users all share.
1. Their top priority is their health. They are open-minded and willing to try strange looking devices and gadgets. What others may think is irrelevant.
2. They are willing to invest in upgrades and devices that regular insurance doesn’t cover for. Most insurances only cover for the basics, and although most people do fine, some need more sophisticated machines or various other masks.
3. They make sure that they are breathing through their nose well all the time. Either they control nasal congestion with allergy medications or use nasal saline routinely. Some even have to undergo surgery to breathe better.
4. They join live or virtual support groups, sharing, learning, and educating within the collective wisdom of these groups.
5. They constantly monitor the data from their machines to work with the sleep doctor and equipment company, making constant adjustments and fine tuning various settings.
6. They surround themselves with a team of doctors and trusted advisors, collaborating with and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
7. They don’t rely only on their machines for sleep apnea relief. They incorporate other healthy habits such eating early, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and finding ways to de-stress and relax on a regular basis.
As you can see, successful CPAP users don’t rely on their machines alone to solve all their problems. They use it as a tool that helps them accomplish their other health goals more effectively. Some people adjust to immediately, whereas others can literally take months to find significant benefits.