First, read the manual with your CPAP unit.
Adjust the headgear: This is, probably, the easiest and most effective thing you can do; spend time learning how to adjust the headgear and mask. Many people struggle with it and call it uncomfortable when they haven’t really tried to adjust it properly. It’s especially tough when you are sleepy and fumbling around with it in the dark. Take some time. Sit down at a table with the headgear during the day. Take it apart. See where all the straps, buckles and Velcro seams are. Work out what each one does. Generally familiarise yourself with the kit. Try it on. Adjust it so that it is at its most comfortable, and note where each strap has to be to achieve this. Ask for help, if necessary. A lot of people mistakenly think that the solution to air leakage is to adjust the straps more tightly. This frequently increases the leak. Usually air leakage problems are due to positioning not pressure. Naturally, there has to be enough pressure to maintain a seal, but make sure that everything is positioned correctly before resorting to tightening the straps. It is a very personal thing, what works for one person may not for another. Some people have found that putting a hook in the wall over the bed, and hanging the hose over that helps to keep the hose from “tugging” on the mask and head gear.
Humidifiers: If you find the incoming air too dry, and your sinuses are drying out, many manufacturers offer a humidifier as an option. Essentially, this is (rather expensive for what it is) a piece of plastic which you fill with water and place in between your machine and the mask. The air flows over the water picks up moisture, just like a house humidifier. A heated humidifier used with CPAP can make a significant difference in comfort. The water container sits on a hot plate which ensures that the air you breathe is both moist and warm. This form of humidification is proving very popular.
Noise: Most CPAP machines are quite quiet. Most people don’t mind it, and some even find the soft “white noise” of rushing air relaxing. Some, however, find the noise disturbing. The only two things you can do are 1) block the noise somehow, or 2) move the machine. To block the noise, try putting the machine behind something – a dresser or board perhaps. However, DO NOT PLACE ANYTHING OVER THE CPAP UNIT OR BLOCK THE FLOW OF AIR IN ANY WAY! Remember, this machine pumps air- if you cut off the flow, you could damage it or even start a fire. There must have plenty of space around it so air can circulate.
Appearance: Unfortunately, there is really nothing that can be done about this. Even if you bought “Gucci” or “Armani” headgear and mask, there is no hiding that you are wearing headgear and a mask! If your bed partner doesn’t like it ask them if they preferred you snoring.
What are “nasal pillows” and “Adam Circuits”?: Nasal pillows (“Adam Circuit” is another name for the same thing) refer to a different method of delivering air with a CPAP machine. Basically, these are nose plugs that you use in place of a traditional mask over your nose (you still connect to the hose of a CPAP machine, like your mask) It is less bulky than a mask, and there aren’t as many problems with air leaking out, particularly at low pressure.
Which CPAP Machine is the Best?: There are several different manufacturers of CPAP machines, each with different models. They all perform the same function; the major differences are in price, weight and options. Some are the “bare bones” while some have many options including such things as voltage converters (handy for foreign travel) and even remote controls! In particular some machines make less noise than others. This website contains details of the machines that may be prescribed for your use by The Newport Sleep Centre.