CPAP masks can take a while to get used to. While they’re an essential piece of equipment for unobstructed breathing, if you’re not used to wearing one, they might feel a little strange. However, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to fall asleep while wearing a CPAP mask. Practice To ease yourself into wearing the mask, try wearing it during the day while you’re at home, doing a relaxing activity like reading or watching TV. This will get you used to wearing the mask while winding down, so it won’t feel so strange when you use it to sleep for the first time. Adjust your bed for maximum comfort The fewer distractions you have when you sleep, the better, so make sure that everything around you when you’re sleeping is as comfortable as possible. Make sure your mattress is the correct firmness, your room is adequately dark and your pillows are soft enough that you can sleep soundly. You can even buy pillows that are specifically designed to fit sleep apnea masks and mattresses that can be tilted upwards to clear your airways. It’s also a good idea to make sure your room is the optimal temperature for sleep – between 16 and 20°C is recommended. Wind down before bed Endeavouring to relax your body and wind down before you go to bed will prepare your body for rest, making it easier to drift off to sleep. Avoid using technology before going to bed, and take some time to do activities that don’t require much focus, such as reading or watching TV. Avoid stimulants such as coffee or alcohol and refrain from doing any stress-inducing activities. It’s also important to only go to bed when you’re tired because going to bed too early and lying there awake will only keep you up for longer! A fully customised mask, like the one from ApneaSeal, is perfectly contoured to your own face, making it feel less foreign and more comfortable so you can have a restful, uninterrupted sleep.