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CPAP and Beauty Sleep
wp:paragraph We've all heard about getting our beauty rest. But it isn't just a fun phrase. Getting adequate sleep helps us not just feel more alert and be more focused, but it does something else - it makes us look better too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sure, we have also heard that beauty is only skin deep. However, if you have sleep apnea, or just trouble sleeping in general, then think about how poor sleeps, every single night, can affect both the way you look and feel. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When you don't get quality sleep, you may start to look drawn and pale. Over time, your face may start to look haggard. You most likely will get dark circles under your eyes. And that is just the start. Poor sleeps will also affect your energy levels, and that will show in the way you walk, your posture, and overall body language. What's more, when you don't look your best, you don't feel great about yourself either. It becomes a nasty cycle. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So, if you have sleep apnea, what can you do to look and feel your best? First, use your CPAP machine every night. This machine keeps your airways open while you sleep so that you can sleep without interruptions. Next, eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. This keeps your body operating optimally. Finally, if you have questions about sleep apnea or your health in general, make an appointment with your doctor. Being healthy keeps you looking healthy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP Humidity in Cooler Weather
wp:paragraph Cool weather can mean different things to different people. Skiing, sledding, and cozy sweaters. Icy roads and shovelling snow. Cold dry air. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As you turn up the heat during the winter, the moisture in the air decreases. If you have sleep apnea, then this means less moisture in your CPAP machine. Drier air through your machine can lead to dry nasal passages, swelling, and congestion. And that means discomfort. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, you do not have to suffer through it. Humidification for your CPAP machine can make all the difference. There are three types of CPAP humidification to choose from. These are: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Cool pass-over: This let the air flow pass over cool water. The air picks up the water vapour from the water and into your CPAP tube. Heated pass-over: This is like the cool pass-over, except that the water is heated. The heated water allows for more moisture to be added to the air flow, and can offer more comfort during the winter months. Waterless humidification: Instead of having air pass over water, waterless humidification takes the moisture from your breathing to add moisture to the air flow. /wp:list wp:paragraph Regardless of which CPAP machine or humidification system you choose, adding more moisture to your CPAP machine during the dry winter months will surely add comfort and improve your overall CPAP experience. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreThink You Have Sleep Apnea? Here's What You Need to Know
wp:paragraph Do you snore? Do you always feel tired and cranky? Do you have trouble focusing? If you said yes to all of these questions, then you may have sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing very briefly while they sleep. Although the pauses are short, they occur throughout the night - for some even more than 30 times an hour. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Risk factors /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While anyone can theoretically get sleep apnea, there are factors that heighten the possibility of getting it. Some of these include. /wp:paragraph wp:list The size of your jaw or throat: A small jaw, recessed chin, or an overbite all contribute to sleep apnea. Being overweight: Extra weight, especially around your upper airway, can affect your ability to breathe at night. Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to get sleep apnea. Being male: Men are twice as likely to get sleep apnea as women. /wp:list wp:heading Why you need to get diagnosed /wp:heading wp:paragraph If left untreated, sleep apnea doesn't just cause you to feel tired and grumpy. It can increase your risk of hear attack or stroke too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A sleep specialist can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. This usually includes a sleep test that monitors your habits and functions while you sleep. You may need to adjust your lifestyle for better health, and you may need to get a CPAP machine. This helps keeps your airways open while you sleep. Get diagnosed, and get ready for better health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHow to Choose the Best CPAP Mask for You
wp:paragraph Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? If so, then one part of your treatment will likely involve a CPAP machine. Your machine comes with multiple parts, one of which is the mask. Your CPAP mask helps sends gentle pressure through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But not all masks are the same. With their style, fit, price, and accessories, finding the right mask can seem a bit daunting. However, here are a few guidelines to follow to make the process easier: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Select a style of mask that meets your needs: Depending on how you breathe while you sleep, you can choose a mask that fits over your nose, your mouth, or both. You can opt for a brace to reduce the mask's pressure on your face. You can also get cushions to make the mask sit more comfortably. Get the correct size: Masks can come in a variety of sizes and widths. You need to find one that fits comfortably over your face, but without being so loose that the mask shifts or air leaks. Consider your lifestyle: Do you wear a ponytail? Do you like to read before bed with your glasses on? Consider what shape and style of mask will best fit into your life. You've got to be able to wear it comfortably every night. Remember, there are many options out there. Don't give up! It may take time to find your favourite style of CPAP mask. The important thing to keep in mind is that by persevering and finding the most comfortable mask, you are investing in a lifetime of snore-free health! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP and Cold Season - What You Need to Know
wp:paragraph Cold season presents challenges for CPAP users. Here are some useful steps to help you to prevent a cold, and manage well with CPAP if you do get sick. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Preventive Steps Before You Get Sick /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Standard health practices such as proper hand washing will greatly reduce the chances of getting a cold. A proper sleeping routine will help as well. Keeping your mask properly clean will also reduce the possibility of catching a cold. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Steps to Take If You Already Have a Cold /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What can you do if you’re already sick? If you’ve already contracted a cold, it now becomes especially imperative to keep your CPAP machine clean. Take extra care to keep your CPAP, humidifier chamber, tubing, and mask as sanitary as possible. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you use either a nasal pillow or a nasal mask, it may be wise to consider switching to a full mask while you’re sick. This is because a nasal congestion can make breathing though the nose a challenge. Having a full mask as a backup will allow you to breathe through both the mouth and nose. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Another helpful tip is to use a heated humidifier to help break down mucus and congestion. Many CPAP systems already includes an integrated humidifier. If humidifier is included, it is important that you regularly clean and replace the water chamber. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When illness strikes, you should make sure you consult with your doctors who will offer further assistance on best practices. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhy do I Need to Replace my CPAP mask?
wp:paragraph Your CPAP machine consists of multiple parts, one being the mask. You may hear from other CPAP users that at some point, you will need to get a new mask. This may leave you to wonder: why do I need to buy a new mask? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Like any item that you use daily, your mask will wear out. This can happen for different reasons. First, the constant wearing and removing will gradually stretch the mask, eventually making it fit too loosely. This affects how much air you get while using your CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your natural oils and facial products that you use also affect the life of the mask. These can break down the materials in the mask, again causing it to wear out and lose its ability to seal onto your skin. You can remove a lot of these oils and products from the mask by cleaning it. However, how often and how well you clean your mask will dictate how long your mask will stay in good condition. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finally, daily handling of your mask can cause your mask to break down faster. Little tears and small holes will leave you mask in less than optimal condition. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keep in mind that your mask was not built to last forever. Even with excellent care and handling, it is normal for your mask to wear out over time. Updates in mask technology can ensure that you get better CPAP therapy all the time. When the time is right, remember that a new mask equals better health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreYour New Life With CPAP
wp:paragraph Picture this: Always feeling tired regardless of how long you sleep. Constant irritability. Difficulty focusing. Never feeling quite your best self. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Now picture this: Feeling refreshed. Bright eyed and bushy tailed. Having energy and getting things done. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In both of these pictures, the person has sleep apnea. But can you spot the difference? It’s having a CPAP machine to treat that sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways become momentarily interrupted while you sleep. This causes you to wake up so briefly that you may not be aware of it – but your body is. Because this can happen several times every hour, you will notice the effects of sleep apnea during your waking hours. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A CPAP machine offers you a new life. The machine sends a gentle stream of pressure through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. The frequent interruptions are stopped and you get the benefits. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Before you purchase a CPAP you will need an appointment with a sleep specialist. You may need to spend an overnight at a sleep clinic. But what is one night over a future of better sleeps? And once you start using CPAP it may take some time to get used to the machine but there are many options and you will find the model with the right fit and accessories to maximize your comfort. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What kind of future do you envision? One with constant daily fatigue, or one with renewed vitality? Make an appointment with your doctor today and get back to your old self sooner than later /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreOSA and Your Blood Pressure
wp:paragraph High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition. Combining high blood pressure with sleep apnea is even more serious. The reason for this lies in how Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) effects you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As you sleep, your airways become obstructed. This causes you to wake up, albeit briefly, multiple times each hour. Over time, this can effect your overall health, including the health of your blood vessels leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you already suffer from hypertension, then having sleep apnea will only make it worse, and having sleep apnea increases your risk of developing high blood pressure /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Controlling both your blood pressure and your sleep apnea are necessary for your health. Treating your sleep apnea with CPAP under medical supervision may actually help you to become less dependent on medications. It's worth bringing up with your doctor! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In addition to CPAP, consider lifestyle factors that you can control. Make sure you get in adequate exercise. This helps control your weight, which in turn can help reduce blood pressure. Next, you should take a look at your diet - what do you eat and drink? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are concerned about how your sleep may be affecting your blood pressure, contact a sleep specialist. She may recommend a CPAP machine as treatment. This device sends a gentle pressure of air through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. This has the added bonus of reducing hypertension caused by sleep apnea. Treat your sleep apnea, and treat your hypertension. It's a win-win! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreYour 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
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