Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during the night will be a new experience for your child. You can prepare your child to use the CPAP machine through a gradual desensitization process.
We recommend a gradual, step-by-step approach that should start the day the equipment arrives and continue every day. By the day the titration study arrives, you should be well-prepared. If you are having trouble with any particular step, please contact us. We are here to help you with this process.
Densensitization procedure for adolescents
Daytime practice
Before you begin
Start each session with an activity that is calming and enjoyable for you. This could be watching a movie or reading. then you will find the step on the task list where you begin today. If this is the first day, start where the sleep center has marked the task. If you have already started, begin where you ended yesterday.
Adjusting to the mask with airflow
- Sit on the bed or couch and put the mast (not attached to the hose or cap) in position on your face for 5 minutes.
- Attach one side of the mask to the headgear. You might need help from a caregiver to connect the mask to the tube and the tube to the machine. Wear the mask with the air turned on for 5 minutes.
- Attach both sides of the mask to the headgear. You might need help from a caregiver to connect the mask to the tube and the tube to the machine. Wear the mask with the air turned on for 5 minutes.
- Attach both sides of the mask to the headgear. Wear the mask with the air turned on for as long as possible up to 30 minutes.
Wearing the mask with airflow while lying down
- Lie down on the bed or couch. Attach both sides of the mask to the headgear. Wear the mask with the air turned on for as long as possible up to 30 minutes.
Nighttime use
Making PAP part of your bedtime routine
- In addition to the previous step, try to fall asleep with the PAP (air on). When you are regularly able to fall asleep with the PAP and leave it on all night, every night, you can discontinue the daytime practice.