CPAP DESENSITIZATION STEPS

1) Wear the mask at home while awake for one hour each day.

2) Attach the mask to the CPAP device, and switch the unit "on". Practice breathing through the mask for one hour while watching television. reading or performing some other sedentary activity.

3) Use the CPAP during scheduled one hour naps at home.

4) Use CPAP during initial 3-4 hours of nocturnal sleep.

5) Use CPAP through an entire night of sleep.

Advance by one step after each five days, once the step can be carried out without anxiety.

Therapeutic guidance should be provided during outpatient visits to the prescribing clinician.

The pace of treatment is guided by the patient's scheduling preference and by the reported rate of progress.