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A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is a machine that will help you breathe at night. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you stop breathing at night. This machine helps you continue to breathe, as it forces air into your nasal passages so you don't stop breathing any longer. If you don't use a CPAP machine and you have sleep apnea, it could result in health issues or even death. If you have been instructed by your physician to use a CPAP machine, you need to follow your physician's instructions. In order to have success with the CPAP machine, read on for some helpful tips.

1. Ensure Your Mask Fits Properly

If your mask is bothersome to you, you aren't going to get enough sleep at night and you'll most likely just throw the machine to the side in order to get sleep. You need to be sure you have a mask that fits over your nose properly and isn't too bothersome to you. There are a number of different types of masks available, some that can cover the majority of the face or only have a nose piece. If your mask isn't properly fitting, it may not be doing its job. Be sure you have a mask that you can wear without losing sleep and one that fits your face properly. If you have to, try out a few different ones until you find the right one.

2. Give It a Chance

Give your CPAP machine a chance. Just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean you can't get used to it. This machine can help save you from your sleep apnea, so give it a chance. Don't give up the first night because it's making you a little uncomfortable. Give it time to get used to it, and make any necessary adjustments so you can get the sleep you need at night.

3. Use a Humidifier

The air being pushed into your nose each night can cause dryness. Using a humidifier can help prevent dryness and prevent a stuffy nose as well. If you continue to have this dryness, you can talk to your physician about using a nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist. Your mouth may also become dry. Keep water at your bedside to drink throughout the night if you wake up with a dry mouth.

Talk to your physician or the pharmacist at your local drug store about other tips to make your CPAP machine use a success.