Balancing Your CPAP Therapy and Pets

Two in five Americans ended a relationship because of poor sleeping habits. They'll only put up with a snoring partner for one and a half hours before kicking them out or moving to another room.

The same isn't true for their furry friends. 32% would rather ask their partner to move than their pet.

Snoring is one of the hallmarks of sleep apnea, and the most common treatment is a CPAP machine. It's difficult enough to manage between couples, but it can be even harder when you have a cat or dog.

Read on to learn how to balance your CPAP therapy with keeping your beloved pets in the bedroom.

Avoid Fear and Chewing

Fearful cats and dogs could see a CPAP machine as an alien that's dropped down into the bedroom. Exposing them to it gradually can help them be less scared.

They may also see your CPAP equipment as their latest chew toy. Training helps, but so can the old adage "out of sight, out of mind."

Try keeping the hose away and out of sight as much as you can to eliminate the temptation. Disconnect it after every use and hang it to drip dry after each use. You can also try hiding it under the covers.

Clean Your Machine

At least 10-20% of the world is allergic to cats or dogs. The proteins that cause the reactions stick to clothing, furniture, and other surfaces.

Even if you aren't allergic, you'll still need to put in extra work to keep your machine clean. Cats and dogs spread clouds of hair and dander just by being in the bedroom that you won't want to breathe in at night.

You'll need to replace the filters on your CPAP machine and clean it more thoroughly than the typical user. You can also add a bacteria filter for extra help.

Decide When CPAP Therapy and Pets Don't Mix

CPAP and pets can go together well, but there are three main reasons you'd need to force your pet out of your bedroom.

First, neither of you will be able to sleep safely if they continue to chew on your equipment despite proper training. Second, cleaning may not be enough to prevent allergic reactions from their dander and hair. Third, you may notice a drastic decrease in your sleep quality during CPAP therapy.

Get them their own bed nearby so that they still feel close, but don't let them sleep in the bedroom with you. Train them not to bark and whine outside your door because it could keep you up all night.

Get the Right Equipment

The equipment required for CPAP therapy can be a problem for pet owners. Make sure your cat or dog won't fear or chew on it. Clean it out and replace the filters, especially if you have allergies.

There are times when you may not be able to share your room with your pet. If they won't stop chewing your equipment, give you major allergic reactions, or cause a significant decrease in your sleep quality, it's time to close the door.

Contact us at 1800CPAP today. We have products that'll help you and your family manage your sleep apnea.