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Spring Sleep Hygiene Tips
wp:paragraph We all know we want to sleep well. We know the health and productivity benefits. But how can we do this? These 9 secrets of good sleep hygiene will help you get the sleep you need: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2 - A dark room helps. Dark not only means good shades and blinds but covering any of the random led lights from TV's, alarms, devices etc. You can also use sleep eye covers that block out unwanted light. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 3 - A cool room helps. Set the heat lower in the winter and air condition in the summer for better sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 4 - No caffeine after noon. No coffee, tea or cola. Caffeine can take up to 12 hours to leave our system. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 5 - No alcohol. Alcohol may help a person feel sleepy to start but it impairs sleep cycles and hurts the quality of sleep. It can also cause the person to wake up. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 6 - Consider meditation or deep breathing to help fall to sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 7 - Similar to meditation, progressive relaxation can also help. Consciously go through each each muscle starting with your head and shoulders and ending at your feet and toes. Tense then relax. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 8 - Plan a wind down routine. Lower the room lighting. Read a book. A good 60 to 90 minute wind down program can great enhance sleep quality. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 9 - Set a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking at the same time daily helps promote better sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph These 9 secrets are the perfect sleep hygiene tips for the perfect night's sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSpring Cleaning for Your CPAP
wp:paragraph The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, and the air feels warm and fresh – it must be spring! And sometimes, the new season ushers in some much needed spring cleaning. If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine for your therapy, then spring is also a great time to make sure your device is in great working shape. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Yes, your CPAP machine could benefit from a thorough cleaning, possibly some replacement parts, and perhaps new accessories. But spring cleaning your machine isn’t just about your machine – it should also involve spring cleaning your bedroom! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s true. Over the cold and dark winter, we may not feel as energetic to get things done. Clothes can become strewn about, books can pile up, and dust can gradually accumulate. Although this is completely natural, it can negatively affect your CPAP machine – and your sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Happily, spring cleaning for your CPAP machine is simple. First, simply declutter your room. This action makes your room a more peaceful and relaxing place, which makes going to bed more enjoyable. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Next – a little deep cleaning. Having fewer things in your room makes this step easier. A thorough dusting, a careful vacuuming, and an afternoon of fresh air in your room will help remove the dust, hair, and other particles that settled in for the winter. These, over time, may have affected both your CPAP machine and your sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Now it’s time to switch out your bedding. Fresh sheets and pillow cases, along with lighter springtime bedding, will create a better atmosphere for dozing off at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finally, there’s you. With better weather, a light walk in the early evening, along with plenty of water and healthy food, will go a long way in helping you achieve better health and a better sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Naturally, there is a lot of focus on the CPAP machine to help address sleep apnea. But your machine isn’t the only thing that can affect your sleep. With some spring cleaning of your sleeping space, you can help encourage restful nights and productive days. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreOSA and Women
wp:paragraph Do you wake up not feeling refreshed? Do you feel irritable, sluggish, and fatigued, regardless of how much sleep you get? Are you known to snore? Do you get headaches, and possibly feel down or depressed? If you said yes to most of these questions, then you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph OSA is a breathing disorder that manifests itself while you sleep. At night, your airways collapse or become blocked, affecting your airflow. Your brain wakes itself up so that breathing can resume. This happens many, many times each night, meaning that your sleep is frequently interrupted, leading to the symptoms above. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph About twice as many men have sleep apnea as women, and men are 8 times more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea than women. If you are a woman, you need to be aware of the subtle differences in your symptoms so that you are diagnosed correctly. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But why the disparity in diagnoses? For one, even though women do report their issues with their sleep and overall health, they tend to talk more with their doctor instead of with a sleep specialist. Seeing as women are not the typical sleep apnea patient, a primary care provider may believe that the symptoms are related to a different issue instead of OSA. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Additionally, women’s symptoms tend to be somewhat more subtle. For example, snoring may not be as loud or obvious, and their sleep apnea events tend not to last long as those reported by men. The women’s partners may not be as observant or knowledgeable about their partner’s sleep habits, which can unintentionally lead to an incorrect diagnosis. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are a woman and suspect you have OSA, there are strategies you can take to make sure you get the right diagnosis. Write down your symptoms over a period of days. If you have a partner, ask them to observe your sleep and record what they see. Review the risk factors not just for OSA, but specifically for women and OSA. Finally, if you seem to meet the criteria, ask for a sleep study. Take charge of your health – be your best advocate. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreGetting the Most Out of Your CPAP Supplies
wp:paragraph Now that you have your CPAP machine, your line of defence is to use your machine every day. Better sleeps mean better health. But there’s more to CPAP life than merely using your machine. By understanding what your CPAP supplies have to offer, you can take advantage of the opportunities for comfort. Consider some of these options: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Get a fresher air flow: If you have a water system in your home, then you know you need to change the filters for best results. The same applies to your CPAP machine. The filter helps remove dust and other particles so that you can breathe easy. Check the manufacturer suggestions for replacement times, and replace more frequently if you have pets or live in a dustier locale. Use a humidifier: If you are prone to allergies or live in a dusty locale, then you may get dry airways frequently. But a humidifier can change that. It helps keep your airways moist, meaning better sleeps. You can get a humidifier that is integrated into your CPAP machine. Get comfortable: Using your CPAP machine and hoses should be as comfortable as possible, and there are supplies that let that happen. For example, you can get extra long tubes to help if you toss and turn at night. If you do have long tubes, you can get a lift system to prevent them from getting tangled. Check out all settings: Take a look at your CPAP machine – its options can make sleep just that much nicer. For example, it could have a setting that allows you to reach your desired pressure setting gently and gradually instead of immediately. There could also be a setting that detects whether or not you are wearing or mask, and then adjusts the airflow accordingly. Get smart!: Technology is with us – and with your CPAP machine too. You can get sleep tracking software that lets you know precisely what is going on when you sleep, such as air leaks or a high AHI, and at what points. You can see the metrics, find patterns, and identify ways to improve your sleeps. /wp:list wp:paragraph Get the most out of your machine - and your sleep! Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCleaning Tips For Your CPAP Mask
wp:paragraph Take a look at your CPAP mask. You wear it every day, but have you ever thought about what it is made of? Generally, your mask cushion is made of silicon, which is a gentle material that usually does not irritate your skin. But that softer material also means that it has a shorter lifespan. With proper care and cleaning, you can extend that lifespan. Here are the suggested ways to clean your CPAP mask: /wp:paragraph wp:list Make sure you wash your mask every day to remove oil buildup, dust, and other residue. Use warm water and a mild, unscented soap. You can buy wipes and detergents made specifically for your CPAP mask. Rinse with warm water. Let your mask air dry either on a paper towel or a clean cloth. Do not place in direct sunlight because this will cause the silicone to break down faster. Do not wash in your dishwasher. Your mask also needs a heavy duty cleaning once a week. Soak in a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Rinse in distilled water and dry as specified above. Don’t forget about the other parts of your mask! Wash your head gear and chinstraps when needed in warm, unscented, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from the sun. Never use the washing machine or dryer for cleaning these parts. To avoid excessive buildup of oils and residue and to minimize the breakdown of the silicone, wash your face well before using your mask, and do not apply moisturizers at night. Of course, at some point your mask will need to be replaced. Check the recommendations about the suggested replacement schedule, and keep an eye on the integrity of your mask for the actual need. Typically, you will need to replace the cushions once or twice a month, and your mask between 3 and 6 months. /wp:list wp:paragraph Not only will following these tips make your mask last longer, it will also help keep it working as well as possible. If you have any questions about your overall sleep health, check in with your doctor. Be prepared, and stay he /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIntegrating CPAP Into Your Nightly Routine
wp:paragraph Do you have sleep apnea? Then you know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sure, it is one thing to get a CPAP machine – it keeps your airways open when you sleep – but there is another significant factor involved in your treatment: how to integrate your CPAP therapy into your nightly routine successfully. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Wearing a full or partial mask that is connected by tubes to a machine can take some getting used to. But developing a stable routine will help ensure that you get used to your machine and get that much needed quality rest. How can you do this? Here are four ways to make that happen: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Your CPAP machine: If you want to sleep well with a CPAP machine, then your machine needs to be in great condition. Keep your machine and accessories clean. If you have a humidifier, then empty the chamber and dry it out thoroughly. Store in a safe place until the next use. Your room: A comfy sleep needs a comfy room. Make your bed so that it looks inviting. Use dark or blackout shades to encourage sleep. Keep your room slightly cool. Use comfortable pillows and the right mattress for your preference. Your lifestyle: What you do during the day can affect your sleep. Make sure you get plenty of exercise and outdoor time, eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid caffeine and alcohol – especially right before bedtime. You: Yes, you are the biggest factor in your ability to integrate CPAP into your nightly routine. First, that means following the above three points to create a healthy lifestyle. Using your CPAP every time you sleep is also a must. Next, avoid using screens and mobile devices while in bed. Create a quiet bedtime routine, such as reading or meditating, to get yourself in the right mindset. /wp:list wp:paragraph It can be a little difficult getting used to a CPAP machine while you sleep, but with some effort and routine it can be done. Take your time and find what works for you, and get back to great sleeps and better health again.Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreTo Humidify or Not to Humidify?
wp:paragraph If you use a CPAP machine, take this quick quiz – do any of these sound familiar? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph My CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list Makes me sneeze. Gives me a dry mouth. Makes my nasal passages burn. Gives me either a stuffy or runny nose. Has an empty water chamber well before I wake up. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you have answered yes to these questions at any time during your use of a CPAP machine, then there is one answer: you need a humidifier. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your CPAP machine can only work if you can breathe easily through your nose or mouth. But if either your nose or mouth becomes too dry, then you could wake up early. If your body produces mucous to try and combat the dryness, then you could get a stuffed nose and wake up. If you have a cold or suffer from allergies, then these issues only become worse. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your nasal passages and airways need a certain amount of humidity to work as well as possible. For example, if the humidity in your CPAP drops below about 30%, then your nasal passages will start to produce moisture to get to the amount it wants – but that leads to mucous and a stuffy nose. Then there is the opposite problem – too much humidity. This can cause condensation in your tubing and affect the functioning of your machine. That, in turn, will affect the quality of your sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Breathing in adequately humidified air can minimize or even resolve these issues. While humidifying your room with a general household humidifier does have an effect, it will not effectively address this issue. Getting a CPAP humidifier is key. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your CPAP machine has accessories, such as a humidifier, that can help you get the right amount of humidity. Consider CPAP with humidity and bring back better sleeps! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreAll About CPAP Hoses
wp:paragraph About CPAP Hoses /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are several components that comprise a basic CPAP machine, and one of those is the tubing, or hose. The hose is the piece that connects the machine to the mask to deliver the pressurized air that treats your sleep apnea. The proper hose will deliver the correct amount of pressure that doesn’t just meet your sleep apnea needs, but will minimize leaks and excess moisture buildup as well. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Types of CPAP Hoses /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Did you know that there isn’t just one type of CPAP tubing? You can choose from various types that work well with your specific CPAP machine. More modern CPAP tubing can have specialized components, such as heating elements. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are three main types of available CPAP hoses: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Standard CPAP hoses: As the name suggests, this is the most common type of tubes. It is meant for CPAP machines that do not have a humidifier. They typically measure 22mm in diameter. Slim CPAP hoses: If you prefer a lighter tube that responds more naturally to your sleep movements, then a slim tube might be for you. They measure 15mm in diameter. Heated CPAP hoses: These tubes are meant to be used in conjunction with a CPAP humidifier. The heated tubes help make sure that the air that was warmed by the humidifier does not cool off before it gets into your airways. /wp:list wp:paragraph Maintaining Your CPAP Hose /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As with most things, you need to maintain your CPAP tubing so that it operates as well as possible. This means regular, proper cleaning. To do so, use warm water and a mild, liquid soap to hand wash. Air dry away from sunlight. It is recommended that you clean once a week, but more if it looks like it needs it, or if you have pets or live in a dustier location. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, cleaning can only do so much. Nightly use will affect the integrity of your tubing. This means you should replace your tubing about once every three months. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Remember better, cleaner tubing will mean better sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreVacationing with CPAP - What You Need To Know
wp:paragraph When you go on vacation, what do you pack? Seasonal clothes, travel documents, extra cash, and your CPAP machine. Yes, that wasn’t a mistake. If you suffer from sleep apnea, then taking your CPAP machine with you on vacation is important. After all, don’t you want to be as alert and fresh on your vacation as you are when at home? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Travelling with your CPAP machine takes only a bit of simple planning. Here is what you need to know to make it pain-free go smoothly: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Prescription: Not everyone has seen a CPAP machine. To avoid issues at security checkpoints, bring a copy of your prescription to indicate what the machine is and why you are bringing it with you. Air travel: If you are travelling by plane, contact your airline to see what their policies are regarding CPAP machines. You need to know if they allow them on flights. Ask for written approval from their medical services department and keep it with you at all times. If you have a longer or night flight, book your seat by a power source. Storage: Don’t pack your CPAP with your checked luggage. Not only could you need it during the flight, but it could get damaged or lost during transport. Always pack it in your carry-on. Power on: Do you know if your destination has the right plug-ins for your CPAP? Bring an extra cord plus an adapter to ensure that you can actually use your CPAP on the plane or at your lodging. Roughing it: Not every vacation is meant to have the creature comforts of home. If you are planning on camping or using an RV, you can choose to purchase a smaller, travel size CPAP machine. It works just as well and takes up less space. Pack extras: You may know where your CPAP vendor is in your town, but do you want to search for one while on vacation? To avoid this, pack extra supplies in case something fails or breaks. Be prepared so you can be prepared to relax! /wp:list wp:paragraph Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
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