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When to Replace Your CPAP Parts
wp:paragraph When you have sleep apnea, you know how important your CPAP machine is in treating your sleep disorder. Your CPAP machine is like other machines and appliances - sometimes the parts wear out or break, and need to be replaced. It is important that you replace broken or worn out parts so that your machine operates at peak efficiency. Even if you don't realize that your CPAP machine isn't working as it should, eventually your body will let you know by being tired, cranky, and just not your usual self. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So the question you may have is this - with all of the different parts of the machine, how do you know when to replace any parts and accessories? Here is a quick guideline to help you. /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Inspect all parts and accessories regularly: The first way to know when something needs to be replaced is to check it for tears, cracks, or breaks. You can do whenever you wash the parts. Read the manual: The manufacturer provides a manual with accessory "life expectancy". You can use this as a guideline for replacements or even when to start checking for issues. Go by feel: Even if the parts look fine and you are following the manufacturer's suggestions, it still is possible that your parts are no longer sealing as they should. How can you tell? By how you feel. If you aren't feeling as well rested as you used to, this can be a sign that you need to replace some parts. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP and Summer Travel
wp:paragraph Whether it is a cross-country adventure or a local road trip, who doesn't love planning a summer getaway? If you use a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, you may believe that these adventures are no longer for you. Why? Just take a look at your CPAP machine. It has a motor, tubing, the reservoir, and other accessories that make lugging around your machine on a trip extremely inconvenient. So you write travel off your list. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But wait...not so fast. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Summer travel, even with a CPAP machine, can be not just doable, but easy! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The CPAP machines of yesteryear are no more. Advancements in technology mean smaller and lighter equipment. Better yet, you can get a mini CPAP machine specifically for traveling. These machines are light, often weighing 1 pound or less, making them very portable. You can get units with plug-ins, battery packs, and even some that are solar-powered for those days when you are out in the beautiful sunshine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are considering going without your CPAP machine because you are afraid of the inconvenience – don't! You need your CPAP machine to ensure optimal health, both in terms of deeper, restful sleeps, as well as the indirect benefits of that sleep. That includes reduced risk for heart attack and stroke. And happily, with travel-size CPAP machines and their options, traveling with your CPAP machine can be a breeze! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSummer Sleep Tips
wp:paragraph Fun in the sun and hot hazy days - it means that summer is here! But if you suffer from sleep apnea, summer can affect your ability to get that quality sleep that your body needs. Luckily, there are some simple yet effective tips you can follow so that you get your sleep and enjoy summer too! Try some of these on for size: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Keep to your schedule: When there's more daylight, who doesn't want to spend more time outdoors? But you need to keep that schedule to be well rested. Consider getting blackout curtains, use a white noise machine at night, and try getting outside earlier in the morning to enjoy the summer time. Make sure you relax before bed: Yes, you want to take advantage of the extra light, and are willing to keep to your regular schedule. That may not be enough! You can't come inside and expect to jump right into bed. You need to give your body some time to shift from day time activities into sleep mode. Incorporate time before bed to let yourself cool down, relax, and prepare for actual sleeping - not just bed time. Inspect your equipment: If you use a CPAP machine to help address your sleep apnea, then summer is a good time to take a peek at your equipment. Look for tears, warping, breaks, or any part that needs to be updated or replaced. This helps ensure that your machine is working efficiently, and that means great sleeps for you! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP Care and Maintenance Tips
wp:paragraph If you have sleep apnea, then taking care of your CPAP equipment is an important investment to make in your overall health. The better you take care of your equipment, not only will you get better sleeps, but you will prolong the life of the machine, the mask, and any accessories you use. Here are the basics of caring for and replacing your CPAP equipment. /wp:paragraph wp:list The machine: Your machine needs only a basic cleaning. After unplugging it, you can wipe away dust and other particles using a soft cloth and mild soap. Never immerse in water. The mask, tubing, and filters: Use a mild, unscented soap for cleaning these items. Always hand wash and air dry away from the sunlight – never clean using the dish washer. The water chamber: Use distilled water and a mild soap for cleaning. Also, do not reuse the water to prevent residue buildup. The recommendations: Always read the manufacturer's recommendations to see their suggestions about replacing parts. Keep in mind that these are guidelines, and that damaged, worn or cracked parts will need to be placed sooner. Likewise, you can use well-cared for parts a little longer. Regardless, maintaining your CPAP machine means greater rests for you. Sleep tight! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIs it time for a new CPAP mask?
wp:paragraph It's the start of February and for many it's a good time to refocus on health and wellness and with that may come new eating habits, new exercise programs, and if you have sleep apnea - a new mask. OK, getting a new mask for your CPAP machine may seem like an unusual health and wellness goal, but it is very important for your sleep health. Here's how to know when to replace your CPAP mask: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Think of it the same way you think of replacing a tooth brush. Overtime, that - once new - device will get old, dirty, and will begin to breakdown. Just like any other daily use item, you can extend the life of your CPAP mask with regular care and maintenance including: daily cleaning with soap and water and proper storage in a dry space out of direct sunlight and away from pets. No matter how well you maintain your mask, you will need to replace it once or twice a year. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Using a CPAP machine is a recommended method of treating sleep apnea. The machine sends a gentle pressure of air through a tube into a mask, and keeps your airways open while you sleep. For optimal results, you need to use your CPAP machine every time you sleep. However, with daily use, your mask may not work as well as it did initially. For example, natural oils can degrade the material, or general use can stretch the mask so that it doesn't sit as snugly as it should. Watch for cracks in the material that seals the mask to your skin, and pay attention to changes in how you feel. If you are seeing visible signs of wear or you are not feeling the same benefits of CPAP, it is time to replace your mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To have a life well lived, a huge focus needs to be on your sleep. Your health is determined by a number of factors, some of which you cannot change, and some of which you can - like sleep. The quality of the sleep you get affects not just your mood, but the possibility of stroke, heart attack, among other health issues. When you have untreated sleep apnea, those risks increase. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreJanuary Sleep Goals
wp:paragraph With our devices, screens, and commitments, being able to get a good night's sleep seems elusive to many people. But now with the new year upon us, it's time to put sleep at the top of your resolution list! So how do you start? What should you do? Here are some January sleep goals to make your new year both healthy and well-rested: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Comfort is as comfort does: Lumpy mattress and flat pillows do make for a comfortable sleep. Indulge in items that entice you to go to bed. Tune it out: Put down those devices and stop looking at those screens! Return your bed to its intended purpose: sleep. Make health a priority: If you want to have better sleeps, then you need to focus on non-sleeping activities. As odd as this may sound, poor sleep may indicate overall poor health. So as part of your sleep resolution, look to see what other parts of your life that you can improve. More fruits and vegetables, more exercise, no more smoking, and less alcohol will all help you get a better sleep. Take your test: Sometimes a good night's sleep isn't entirely in your hands. Underlying or undiagnosed conditions can affect your body's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Make an appointment to get tested by your doctor to address any health issues that could be affecting you. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHoliday CPAP Tips
wp:paragraph The parties and the cooking and the shopping and the errands - it must mean that the holidays are right around the corner. But with long to do lists, life can get pretty hectic, and that can play games with the ability to sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, then poor sleeps affect you more than the average person. So if you are thinking about scrapping the holidays altogether for the sake of your health, just wait. By following a few tips, CPAP and the holidays can go as well together as rum and eggnog: /wp:paragraph wp:list Stick to it: The holidays are certainly a time for indulgences, but try not to get too caught up in them. Keeping to a schedule will help you maintain quality sleep. In with the new: Does your equipment leave marks, or cause parts of your face to be sore in the morning? If so, you may need to replace some parts, or add cushions or liners for better comfort. Travel plans: Visiting friends and family is a key part of the holidays for many people. Don't let your CPAP machine get in the way of those plans. Travel size CPAP devices exist for this very purpose. Have fun!: Sure, having sleep apnea isn't fun, but it shouldn't get in the way of having fun. Make it a part of your daily routine, and reap the benefits your CPAP device can bring. Cheers! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhat is the Difference Between CPAP and APAP?
wp:paragraph If you have sleep apnea, then one of the most effective treatments is to get a machine that can help keep your airways open at night when you sleep. You may expect it to be a CPAP machine, but it isn't the only type of machine that can help. There is also an APAP machine. Do you know the differences? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Both machines use Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) to keep your airways open. A pump sends the pressure through a tube into your mask and along your airways. But it's the level of pressure that is sent which makes the difference. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP applies a single, or continuous, level of pressure each and every time you use your machine. Your doctor determines the appropriate level based on either an average or a maximum needed to keep your airways open. A technician will adjust your machine to the proper level. This type of pressure has been used for years and works well for many patients. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But sometimes a one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work well for everyone. Recent technological advances have created a machine, known as Automatically-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), that can adjust the pressure throughout the night based on when you need changes. Being in deep sleep, changes in weight, or sleeping on your back can all require changes in pressure to get the right quality sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Whichever system you choose, remember that you are taking charge of your health. Better sleep leads to a better life. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more7 Reasons to Stick With CPAP
wp:paragraph If you suffer from sleep apnea, then your doctor probably prescribed the use of a CPAP machine as part of your treatment. But with the mask, tubes, and machine itself, you may be tempted to forego this part of your treatment. However, using your CPAP machine can really make a difference. Here are the top 7 reasons to stick with it: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Better sleep for you: This may seem obvious, but it's true - using your CPAP machine will definitely give you a better quality sleep. Better sleep for you partner: Untreated sleep apnea not only affects you, but your partner as well. Using your CPAP machine can reduce snoring, which your partner will appreciate. Look better. What happens when you are well-rested? You start to look well-rested, less haggard, and have a healthier glow. Have more energy: When you get poor sleeps, you have less energy. Using your CPAP machine daily will help you regain your previous energy levels. Greater focus: When you are constantly tired, how well can you focus on daily tasks? Probably not very well. Stick with your machine to see improvement in your ability to focus and stay focused. Improved overall health. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks and stroke. Your machine can help minimize those issues. Ability to travel: Snoring and exhaustion don't seem like a great combination for travel. But with a travel-size CPAP machine, you can add travel and adventure back into your life. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
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