Please provide some do's and don'ts on living with sleep apnea.

Ignore: Don't take sedating meds to make you sleep deeper at night, this can cause increased apnic episodes.

Ignore: Sleep on side, and use your CPAP machine for more oxygenation at night.

Ignore: Don't sleep on your back, don't ignore the condition and do see a doctor about it.

Ignore: If you don't think the CPAP is helping you, go back and tell them, it may just need adjusting.

Ignore: Do use your CPAP. Don't blow it off. Reggie White did and died as a result.

Ignore: Use your prescribed BiPap or CPAP for daytime naps as well as overnight!

Do: Do explain to your bedmate that you have sleep apnea before you share a bed.

Do: Do try to loose weight Do not drive if feeling sleepy Do wear CPAP /APAP if prescribed.

Ignore: Don't drink alcohol at bedtime. It will disturb your sleep pattern.

Ignore: Avoid excessive alcohol intake and use your CPAP or BIPAP equipment faithfully.

Ignore: Mild and moderate cases can easily be treated with "oral appliances" made by a dentist.

Continue: Continue treatment for sleep apnea as long as recommended by your doctor.

CPAP: CPAP machines should never be placed in checked baggage. Keep them accessible for TSA screeners.

Call: Call supplier if you're having difficulty with a CPAP device or mask. Don't wait until appointment.

If: If you have difficulties with your CPAP mask or machine, contact supplier ASAP. Do not wait.

Try: Try different masks before giving up on BiPAP therapy; there is likely a mask you will tolerate!

Use: Use your prescribed BiPAP every night and also for any naps you take during the day!

Your: Your doctor can download the info from your BiPAP machine so be sure to use it every night!

If: If you are having surgery, tell anesthesia what your BiPAP settings are!

Wear: Wear a mask at night? Be sure to have a comfortable fit. Try different options to find what works.

Ignore: Make your sleep a priority. Treat your sleep apnea and get plenty of hours of sleep.

If: If you're obese, consider losing weight to help prevent sleep apnea; may also help prevent snoring!

Make: Make it a priority to use your CPAP every night !

Don't: Don't neglect to use your mask at night. It won't help if you don't use it.

The: The most important treatment in sleep apnea is weight loss. It can reduce the symptoms by half!!