The new year often brings with it a renewed motivation to take better care of yourself. If you use CPAP therapy, now is the perfect time to commit — or recommit — to sleeping better. Being consistent with your CPAP not only improves your quality of sleep, but also supports heart health, energy levels, and your overall wellbeing.

If you struggled with mask comfort, dryness, or staying consistent last year, you're not alone. These challenges are common and fixable. With the right habits, and the help of Respire Homecare Services, this can be your most successful year of CPAP therapy yet.

Here are eight practical, easy-to-apply tips to help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and wake up more refreshed in 2026.

1. Start with a Fresh CPAP Setup

If you haven’t had your CPAP equipment checked in a while, the new year is the perfect time.

Replace or inspect:

  • Mask cushions
  • Headgear
  • Filters
  • Tubing
  • Water chamber
Worn-out supplies can lead to leaks, discomfort, or reduced air quality. A quick refresh can dramatically improve therapy results. If you’re unsure which parts need to be replaced, the Respire Homecare team can help you review your equipment and stay on schedule.

2. Revisit Your Mask Fit

A mask that fit you well last year may not have the same fit today. Changes in your skin elasticity, facial hair, or your weight all have an impact on comfort and seal.

Signs it’s time for a refit:

  • Air blowing into your eyes
  • Red marks or irritation
  • Frequent readjusting
  • Leaks when you move
Masks aren’t one-size-fits-all. Testing a different mask style (full-face, nasal, or nasal pillows) can make all the difference.

3. Use Heated Humidification for Winter Comfort

Indoor air can get particularly dry during the winter, and that dryness can irritate your nose and throat when using CPAP.

Adding heated humidification:

  • Reduces nasal dryness
  • Prevents sore throats
  • Helps keep mucus loose
  • Improves overall comfort
Many people who struggled with CPAP in winter report major improvement by simply adjusting humidity levels or adding heated tubing.

4. Clean Your Equipment on a Consistent Schedule

Improper cleaning causes discomfort, unwanted odors, and even respiratory irritation. Make sure you clean your equipment regularly and properly.

Weekly cleaning checklist:

  • Mask cushion and frame
  • Water chamber
  • Tubing
  • Headgear (as needed)

Daily: Empty and refill your humidifier with fresh distilled water.

Clean equipment not only lasts longer; it keeps your therapy safe and effective.

5. Practice Good Sleep Habits Alongside CPAP

Your CPAP is powerful, but it works best in tandem with healthy sleep routines.

Try:

  • Going to bed and waking around the same time each day
  • Avoiding screens 30 minutes before bed
  • Keeping your bedroom cool and dark
  • Limiting caffeine late in the day
Pairing CPAP with good sleep hygiene amplifies your results.

6. Don’t Push Through Discomfort, Address it Early

If you’re experiencing:

  • Dryness
  • Claustrophobia
  • Noise issues
  • Pressure changes
  • Mask discomfort

… don’t wait months to fix it. Equipment settings can be adjusted. Mask styles can be changed. Cushion types can be swapped. Small tweaks often solve big problems. Respire Homecare’s respiratory specialists are here to help troubleshoot quickly, so minor discomfort doesn’t derail therapy.

7. Use Ramp Mode or Pressure Adjustments if Needed

If your therapy pressure feels strong when you first put on your mask, you may be tempted to delay bedtime or avoid therapy altogether.

Ramp mode gently increases pressure over time so you can fall asleep comfortably. If you’re still having trouble, your provider may be able to adjust your settings.

Remember, your therapy should feel natural, not overwhelming. CPAP therapy should never feel like a struggle.

8. Celebrate Your Progress and Track Your Success

CPAP therapy is a process that can come with many ups and downs. Those downs can be discouraging and lead to lapses in therapy. A great way to combat that is to celebrate the small wins along your journey.

Many CPAP units offer data tracking, including:

  • Daily usage
  • Mask leak levels
  • AHI (Apnea‑Hypopnea Index)
  • Hours slept
Checking your progress can help keep you motivated, especially when you see improvements in energy, mood, and daytime alertness. If numbers aren't where you want them, your care team can help fine‑tune your setup.

Make Better Sleep a Resolution You Keep

The new year is filled with possibilities: better sleep, brighter mornings, improved focus, and a healthier heart. With the right CPAP habits and support, you can turn those possibilities into your new reality.

Respire Homecare Services is here to support you every step of the way with expert guidance, equipment education, and personalized respiratory care. If you have questions about your CPAP setup or need help getting back on track, our team is just a phone call away.