Benefits of Using CPAP While Awake: Training Your Lungs for Better Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common sleep disorder affecting up to a billion adults across the world. It is caused when the airways relax and narrow during sleep causing interruptions in breathing. This results in poor quality sleep and many associated symptoms.  These symptoms can be managed and treated using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep.

Recent studies show that using a CPAP machine whilst awake may also have a beneficial impact on the symptoms of OSA. It can improve lung health and overall well-being, particularly in patients who experience breathing difficulties through the day as well as in their sleep. Although this is not yet commonly prescribed, by speaking to your doctor you can find out if using a CPAP machine during the day may be beneficial for you. 

In this article we will discuss the conventional use of CPAP and how it works, as well as the possible benefits of using CPAP during the day and how you can incorporate this into your lifestyle. 

Understanding CPAP and Its Conventional Uses

The Basics of CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most popular method of managing and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a common sleep disorder mainly affecting middle aged adults where the airway collapses during sleep, resulting in interrupted breathing. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of pressurised air through a mask which keeps the airway open. This allows the patient to breathe comfortably throughout the night, reducing snoring, improving the quality of sleep and reducing the risk of health problems which are associated with sleep apnea.

Typical Night time Benefits

CPAP is conventionally used at night time. By improving the quality of sleep it helps the patient maintain their normal daily routine. It prevents drowsiness and fatigue throughout the day as well as headaches and other symptoms which can be caused by poor quality sleep. By promoting better sleep, CPAP can enhance cognitive function and concentration throughout the day, as well as increasing energy levels and improving focus.

With continued use CPAP can contribute to significant health improvements, including improved lung function. It can also reduce the risk of serious health issues associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. This is because CPAP prevents hypoxia caused by sleep apnea which can strain the cardiovascular system. This prevents serious health complications and reduces the need for hospitalisation. With both immediate benefit and long-term benefit, CPAP is a vital tool in the management of sleep apnea.

Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can have a huge impact on mental health and well-being. It can result in anxiety and depression. CPAP therapy can help reduce these symptoms by promoting better sleep resulting in improved mental well-being. Compliance is key. By using your CPAP machine every night you can enjoy the health benefits and minimise the risk of complications associated with sleep apnea. 

Benefits of Awake CPAP Use for Lung Training

Enhancing Comfort with Daytime Practice

To begin with, using your CPAP machine during the day can help you familiarize yourself with the machine which is very important for compliance. You will be able to find out which type of mask suits you best as well as become accustomed to the air pressure. This will  mean that you are prepared for night time, reducing any initial discomfort or anxiety and enjoying a good night’s sleep from the onset. 

Improving Respiratory Muscle Strength

By using the CPAP machine during the day you can strengthen your respiratory muscles. Although CPAP therapy is aimed to keep the airway open while you are sleeping, by using it during the day you can improve the tone and endurance of the muscles involved in breathing, particularly those in the upper airway.

This can help improve overall respiratory function and reduce the symptoms associated with OSA. It can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience shortness of breath during the day, providing immediate relief as well as long-term benefits. 

Psychological Adaptation

To begin with, wearing a mask and using a CPAP machine may feel uncomfortable or even worrying. This can have a negative impact and reduce the quality of your sleep further. Using CPAP whilst awake can help promote psychological adaptation. 

This means you will become accustomed to wearing the mask and using the machine, helping to alleviate any anxiety related to CPAP therapy. This can promote a more positive attitude toward the treatment and also improve compliance for greater therapeutic eff

Strategies for Incorporating Awake CPAP Use

Starting Slowly

When you first start using CPAP during the day you may wish to begin slowly. This could mean 15 to 30 minutes on the machine to become accustomed to the sensation, increasing slowly as you become more comfortable. This will help reduce any initial discomfort or reluctance of wearing the mask during the day, making it easier to integrate into your daily life. 

Monitoring and Adjusting Settings

It is important to speak to your doctor and find out if the pressure settings need to be adjusted during the day as you may require a different level of air pressure whilst you are awake in comparison to whilst you are sleeping. Your doctor will be able to determine the optimal pressure levels for you. It is also important to make sure that your mask fits correctly and there are no air leaks for effective therapy. You also need to ensure that your machine is maintained correctly by following manufacturer’s guidelines.

Engaging in Breathing Exercises

As well as using CPAP when you are awake, certain breathing exercises can help improve lung function. You can speak to your doctor who will be able to give you personalised advice, but in the meantime techniques such as pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic (belly) breathing can help strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve lung capacity.

Pursed lip breathing Is a simple technique which involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth with pursed lips. This helps control shortness of breath and keep the airways open for longer periods. Diaphragmatic breathing helps strengthen the diaphragm, by consciously using the diaphragm and abdomen for breathing rather than the chest. 

These techniques, when combined with CPAP therapy, can manage and treat OSA and improve lung health in the long term. 

A great way to adapt to CPAP

CPAP is the most common method of controlling and reducing the symptoms of OSA. It is predominantly used at night time to keep the airway open during sleep.  By using CPAP during the day it can strengthen respiratory muscles, and will help you adapt. 

To begin with, you may wish to gradually incorporate CPAP into your daily routine until you are comfortable with using it for longer periods of time while you are awake. Using CPAP during the day, as well a,s at nighttime, can improve cognitive function, mental health and well-being.  

Regular breathing exercises and using CPAP while awake can greatly benefit your lungs and cardiovascular health, reducing the need for hospitalisation and improving your overall quality of life. Speak to your doctor who will be able to put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you.