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Your Mood and Your Sleep
wp:paragraph A good quality sleep has a multitude of benefits: better focus, lower blood pressure, and greater overall energy. But what happens when you don't get sufficient sleep or a quality one? You suffer - both physically and mentally. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you suffer from sleep apnea, then you are well aware of the effects that consistently poor sleeps can have on your mental health. Irritability, anxiety, and depression are all mood issues that can arise from or be exacerbated when suffering from sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The question is: what can you do about this? Here are some basic steps: /wp:paragraph wp:list Schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will ask questions and determine the best course of action. If they suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, then you may need to see a sleep specialist. Your sleep specialist may recommend a CPAP machine. This device helps keep your airways open while you sleep. helping to ensure uninterrupted and better sleeps every night. See a mental health professional. Knowing how much your sleep apnea affected your mood disorder will provide a better starting point for treating your mood disorder. /wp:list wp:paragraph Keep in mind that depression and anxiety may not be related to sleep apnea, and may need their own specific treatment. However, treating both your physical and mental health issues will only have positive effects in the short and long term. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreOSA and Heart Disease
wp:paragraph Getting a good night's sleep is vital for feeling rested and alert. So what happens when you frequently have poor sleep? Not only do you feel irritable and unable to focus, it can also affect the health of your heart. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It's true. Consistently poor sleeps can lead to extra strain on your heart by narrowing your blood vessels and stiffening th walls of your arteries. These are some factors in the risks for heart disease. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While there are many reasons why you can suffer from poor quality sleeps, one of those reasons may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition that causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. What's worse is that you may not even be aware of these frequent interruptions, although you may be aware of its effects. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To address your OSA and OSA-related heart risk, you should make an appointment with a sleep specialist. They can guide you towards health-related changes that can help treat your OSA. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The specialist may recommend a CPAP machine. It helps your airways stay open while you sleep to ensure you don't have frequent interruptions. Your CPAP machine plays a vital role in ensuring great sleeps and better heart health. The road to living better starts now! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP Tips for Fall
wp:paragraph When the heat of summer finally subsides and the cool, crisp nights of autumn arrive, nothing seems sweeter than a cozy sleep. Unless you have sleep apnea. While the summer heat certainly presents problems for sleeping, the autumn has its own unique issues. Here are some tips to help you get the sleep you need: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Open up: Your air conditioner may have had a workout during the summer, but with fall's arrival, open up your windows. Fresh air will encourage sleep. Fall cleaning: Your air conditioner helped create a cooler environment, but may have encouraged the buildup of dust and other particles. Make sure you give your whole home, including your CPAP machine, a good cleaning. Get outside: There may be less daylight during the fall, but that's no excuse to stay indoors. Being outside and getting exercise will help you fall asleep more easily. Cut back on caffeine: Although it gives you a delicious morning jolt, don't consume more caffeine than usual. That will hinder your ability to get to sleep. Enjoy your coffee, but also opt for water, healthy juices, or herbal tea. Get your 5 to 9: Fruits and veggies, that is. This may seem like an odd tip for helping your sleep, but it pertains to your health. The healthier you are, the easier it is to fall asleep and stay asleep. You don't have to worry about stomach aches, indigestion, or other issues that can make you feel sluggish and unable to sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreBack to School Sleep Tips
wp:paragraph It's that time of year that students dread - or love - the most - back to school. With the teachers, homework, and assignments, the ability to be well rested can be difficult. But regardless of your school schedule, getting a good night's rest is important to your studies and your health - and it doesn't have to be hard either. Put these tips into your - or your child's - night time cheat sheet: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Transition: Moving suddenly from an easy schedule to a more regimented one can be jarring. So make it easy on yourself! Over the course of one or two weeks, gradually start adjusting your bedtime and waking time to one that mimics your school schedule. Take out the technology: Games, texting, and social media. These are great distractions from both studying and sleeping. But to get a better sleep during the school year, leave the devices outside of the bedroom to avoid the beeps and the desire to check who is online. Know your body: Are you yawning? Feeling sleepy? It doesn't take a scientist to figure out the issue - you're tired! If your body is telling you that it wants sleep, then listen to it. You will feel better for it. Work before play: Back to school means homework and assignments. Try to get as much homework done as possible early on. That leaves more time to relax afterwards, which makes it easier to fall asleep. Nice and new: If your sheets and pillows are old, consider replacing them for a cozier snooze. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreStarting Out With OSA and CPAP
wp:paragraph Being diagnosed with a sleep disorder can be difficult to digest. It is something that can be hard to accept and even more so when the prescribed solution is to wear a CPAP device. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting used to a device that you must sleep with every night can be difficult for some and many new CPAP users could benefit from some tips to ease the experience of starting out. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some of the top tips for CPAP users: /wp:paragraph wp:list Start wearing the mask during the day while watching television. It's a simple and effective way to ease into it so that it's not so foreign when it's time to sleep. Make adjustments to the straps to help make wearing the mask more comfortable. There are also specialty pillows that device wearers can try to increase comfort levels while sleeping. One of the most common reasons the device is difficult to adjust to is because the mask is ill-fitting. Make sure that the mask is specially suited to your unique features. Everyday, even during naps, use the device. This will help increase the comfort levels as it becomes apart of individual daily routines. /wp:list wp:paragraph Increasing the effectiveness of the CPAP device can only be done when it is used regularly and properly. However, getting used to a sleep aid can make sleep feel foreign. By utilizing these tips, there will be increased effectiveness and comfort levels to make the process more agreeable. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhy Treat Sleep Apnea?
wp:paragraph It's a sleep disorder that causes you to experience pauses of breath, often for 10 or more seconds at a time. Although you may not be directly aware of it, you do feel its effects - irritability, lack of concentration, extreme fatigue each and every day. It's called sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea happens because your airways become blocked while you sleep. These interruptions cause you to stop breathing momentarily. Your body wakes up just enough to take a breath. If not treated, these frequent mini interruptions will affect you, not just the next day, but for the long haul too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Why should you treat sleep apnea? First and foremost - for better sleep! Ask yourself this - would you rather feel refreshed and be productive, or be sluggish and unfocused? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Even though it is unpleasant, fatigue isn't the only issue associated with sleep apnea. The stress of poor sleeps will take its toll on your body. In fact, over time, people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to experience stroke, heart attack, and many other serious health issues than those who are treating it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph And don't forget the people around you. They would rather be around someone who is happy and positive instead of grumpy and tired. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Treating your sleep apnea is beneficial not just to you, but to your family, friends, and co-workers as well. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, make an appointment with your doctor. They can recommend the proper treatment so that you can get back to your old self in no time. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhat is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
wp:paragraph Sleep disordered breathing is an issue marked by unusual breathing patterns when you sleep due to the tissues in your airway vibrating and collapsing. Sleep disordered breathing refers usually to snoring and sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea, a type of sleep disordered breathing, occurs when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time while you sleep. You wake up just long enough to take a breath. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As you can imagine, sleep disordered breathing disrupts your sleep, multiple times every night. Night after night. And this affects your waking hours. You will feel extremely fatigued, irritable, with a loss of focus. This can also lead to strain on your organs and nervous system, increasing your chances of a heart attack or stroke. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How do you know if you have sleep disordered breathing? Common symptoms include: /wp:paragraph wp:list Extreme sleepiness Headaches Lack of concentration Weight gain Snoring /wp:list wp:paragraph If you suspect you have sleep disordered breathing, make an appointment with your doctor. They can refer you to a sleep clinic where specialists can diagnose whether or not you have sleep disordered breathing, and then recommend the proper treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In addition to making changes in your lifestyle, such as exercising more, losing weight, eating better, and reducing alcohol intake, you may be prescribed a CPAP machine. This device helps keep your airways open while you sleep, ensuring a deep, restful sleep every night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you suspect you have sleep disordered breathing, why suffer any longer? Great sleeps and productive days may be just around the corner. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreTips for CPAP Beginners
wp:paragraph Using a CPAP machine can take some getting used to. It's important to take the time needed to feel comfortable with the machine and the process of using it every night. Here are a few tips to help ensure the best experience. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Ease Into It /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Try using the machine for short periods during the day. Make adjustments to the mask and humidifier settings as needed. If necessary, use the 'ramp' mode; this setting starts on a lower air pressure and gradually increases, making it easier to get comfortable and fall asleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keep a Calm Environment /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A bedroom that is calm and soothing will help provide comfort and relaxation. A darkened room and minimized clutter are all great ways to accomplish this. Relaxation exercises, reading and breathing exercises are also recommended. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Cleaning and Maintenance /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To get the most out of the CPAP machine, cleaning and maintenance are critical. Each machine comes with detailed cleaning instructions to keep it as hygienic as possible. This includes cleaning and rinsing out the hose on a regular basis, as bacteria can build up over time. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting comfortable with the CPAP machine will take some time but with regular, every day use, it will soon become part of a nightly routine that doesn't take a second thought. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn morePros and Cons of Different CPAP Mask Styles
wp:paragraph In this post, we will look at the pros and cons of three types of CPAP masks and the pro and cons of each. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 1. Full Face Mask /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Full face masks completely cover the mouth and nose and most of the face using straps to keep the mask secure. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Pros /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Ideal for those who breathe through their mouth, especially if they have issues with breathing through their nose due to allergies or other medical conditions. It is also more comfortable for those who sleep on their backs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Cons /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Less than ideal for restless sleeper or those who sleep on their stomachs. They can be cumbersome for those who like to read or watch TV while in bed. There are also potential concerns for those with excessive facial hair, because this could compromise the seal. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2. Nasal Masks /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Nasal CPAP masks covers from the bridge of the nose right up to the upper lip area. It supplys an indirect airflow to the airway. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Pros /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Works well for those who are restless sleepers and for those who require a higher pressure setting on their CPAP machines. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Cons /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph They are not effective for mouth breathers or those with sinus issues. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 3. Nasal Pillows /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Nasal pillows rest at the nostrils’ entrance, which creates a seal to channel pressurized air directly into the nose. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Pros /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Because they are compact they are ideal for those that struggle with claustrophobia. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Cons /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph They don’t work well for those who require higher pressure. Also, may be challenging for restless sleepers. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
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