Daniela Brannon - Sleep Health Writer
Written and Edited by Daniela Brannon. Daniela is a Sleep Health Writer and CPAP Community Liaison with over 60 articles on sleep apnea. Her work combines meticulous research with insights from CPAP communities, covering various aspects of sleep apnea and CPAP therapy. Daniela's clear, accessible writing style makes complex medical concepts understandable to all readers, establishing her as a trusted voice in sleep health education.
Our content undergoes rigorous expert review, evidence-based research, and regular updates for accuracy.
Have you been dreaming of getting a 100 on your myAir score but just can't seem to make it a reality? We're here to help! The truth is, your myAir report is more than just a few numbers—it’s a snapshot of how well your body is responding to CPAP therapy. So, if your sleep scores are looking low, it's a sign that you need to make some changes to your therapy routine.
In today's guide, we'll explain how therapy hours, mask fit, and sleep apnea events not only impact your sleep score but also your sleep health. Plus, we'll provide real tips for improving your myAir score by addressing the four issues that affect your results.
4 things hurting your myAir score
If you are trying to get a perfect score on the myAir app there are four things you should be on the lookout for.
You aren't using your CPAP machine enough
While it's no surprise that a lot of people struggle to use their CPAP machine throughout the night, experts suggest getting at least 4 hours of CPAP therapy per night. However, ResMed actually encourages you to take it a step further. To get a 100 on the myAir app you'll need at least 7 hours of therapy per day. Even better if you can make it a full 8!
Your mask is leaking too much air
It's normal to have a few mask leaks here and there, even during the best therapy sessions. The goal is to keep these to less than 17 liters of air per minute so you can be sure your CPAP air is actually getting to your lungs instead of flowing into the room around you. Air leaks occur for a few reasons, but usually, it's because your mask doesn't fit right or the seal is breaking when you move in your sleep.
Your mask keeps coming off
Sleeping with a CPAP mask takes practice. Humans have an instinct to keep our faces free of anything that covers the nose or mouth, especially when we're asleep. This can make it really hard to keep your mask on, even if you aren't an active sleeper. For your myAir score to reach 100 you'll want to limit taking your mask off to less than 4 times.
You're experiencing too many sleep apnea events
Even people without sleep apnea can experience a few events throughout the night, so there's no need to aim for 0 AHI. Still, we want this number to be as low as possible. The ideal is less than 5 but myAir will give you full points if you have fewer than 7 events per hour. To achieve this you'll need to address all the other factors affecting your score first because they can all cause you to experience more sleep apnea episodes.
How myAir score is calculated
myAir takes into account four categories when calculating your sleep score and each one has its own point system, which together make up 100 total points.
- Usage hours
- Mask seal
- Events
- Mask on/off
Usage hours
This is where the majority of your points will come from, with a maximum of 70 points. The point system for usage is calculated in hours and minutes. If you use your therapy for 1 hour you get 10 points, or for 2.3 hours (2 hours, 18 minutes) you get 23 points. The more time you use your therapy, the more points you receive, up to a maximum of 70 points (7 hours).
Mask seal
This factor has a maximum of 10 points, and is determined by how well your mask is sealed, resulting in minimal mask leak. You can get up to 10 points for the lowest mask leak rate, 5 points for moderate leak, and 0 points if you have a high leak rate.
Mask on/off
This factor has a maximum of 10 points, and is calculated by how often your mask is taken off throughout the night. The less you remove your mask, the higher score you’ll get here! If, for example, you remove your mask 1-2 times in a night, you’ll get 5 points. The key to scoring high here is to make sure your mask is as comfortable as possible. Tip: Make sure you’re giving yourself time to get used to your CPAP mask by wearing it outside of just sleep time, like while you’re watching TV. Sure, that sounds a little silly, but it will help your therapy in the long run. Also, you can try aromatherapy for added comfort!
Events
This factor has a maximum of 10 points and is calculated by the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. The lower the number of events, the higher the score. The only way to get the best score in this section is continued Sleep Apnea therapy. If you think your therapy isn’t progressing like it should after consistent use of your CPAP machine, make sure to consult with your doctor. Not sure if your device is compatible? Here’s a list of all compatible ResMed CPAP therapy machines:
Tips for improving your myAir score
How to increase your usage hours on myAir
- Plan for small hourly goals and work your way up to a full night of CPAP therapy
- Give yourself time to adjust, if you are at your breaking point take a break for the rest of the night
- Create a bedtime routine you enjoy and stick to it
- Ease into each sleep therapy session by turning on AutoRamp
- Fight CPAP discomfort by increasing your CPAP humidification or getting a heated hose
- Practice using your CPAP machine before bed or during naps
How to increase your mask leak score on myAir
- Replace old, damaged, or worn-out mask cushions or headgear
- Keep your CPAP mask clean and free of buildup
- Test your mask for air leaks before bed
- Invest in a CPAP pillow that will accommodate your mask and sleeping position
- Try a top-mounted mask if you are an active sleeper
- Invest in a chinstrap if you sleep with your mouth open while using a nasal mask
- Get a padded cushion cover to improve your mask seal
- Do not assume your cushion size, actually try each one on until you find the right fit
How to increase your mask on/off score on myAir
- Practice wearing your CPAP mask during the day for short periods of time
- Wear your mask while watching TV or reading a book before bed
- Choose a mask with more points of adjustment rather than fewer
- Invest in a CPAP pillow
- Address skin irritation or dryness before going to bed
- Avoid overtightening your head straps
How to increase your events score on myAir
- Sleep on your side to reduce the effects of gravity on your airway
- Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of sleep apnea
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bed
- Address air leaks early on
- Add a V-com to your CPAP equipment setup
- Take advantage of all the comfort settings available on your CPAP machine
- Try a variety of mask styles until you find the most comfortable
Final thoughts
Improving your MyAir score and reducing events starts with small adjustments like ensuring a proper mask fit and optimizing your CPAP settings. Building healthy sleep habits and staying consistent with therapy can make a big difference in your sleep quality and overall health.