Choose your CPAP Machine wisely.

Start by talking with your doctor.

There are many different types of CPAP machines and also various settings, based on factors such as the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your doctor or therapist will probably ask you to do a sleep study to find out your precise needs, and then write a prescription. He or she can also refer you to an equipment supplier who has experience with CPAP machines.

Try different masks.

The mask you breathe through while using a CPAP machine comes in different shapes and sizes. Some have a chinstrap to secure your jaw tightly closed. Others use nasal pillows—small cones that fit directly into each nostril. And some allow room for an oxygen tube. Evaluate your options and select one that meets your needs and feels good. Make sure it fits snugly so air doesn’t leak out, but isn’t uncomfortably tight.

3. You can use more than one mask.

Many people develop skin irritation after beginning CPAP therapy. Masks with fewer straps and less contact with your face, as well as special moisturizers especially for CPAP users, can help alleviate this. So can buy two masks of different types—such as nasal pillows and a face mask—and alternate between them.

4. Special features can make living with CPAP easier.

Some machines come with extra perks, such as heated humidifiers. This can help alleviate congestion, runny nose, and other common side effects of CPAP use. There are also machines with a ramp feature that slowly increases the air pressure. This can help you adjust to the CPAP when you first begin using it.