News
All 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
Learn moreChoosing the Right CPAP Mask
wp:paragraph CPAP masks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. But with choice comes a dilemma: which mask is the right one for you? Here are some common questions and answers that may help: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. How do I choose the right mask? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Ultimately, it comes to research. Research as many different masks and styles as you can. Ask friends and family that use CPAP what they like and why. Ask your doctor if there are specific recommendations based on your pressures. Also, think about your face shape and features. Do you wear a beard? Do you have smaller or larger nose? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. What are the differences between a full face mask, a nasal mask, and a nasal pillow? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. A full face mask covers both your mouth and nose, a nasal mask covers just your nose, and a nasal pillow sits at the entrance of your nostrils. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The right mask for you depends on different factors, such as the dimensions of your face, whether or not you have facial hair, and if you tend towards being claustrophobia. Each type of mask has its own benefits. When you try on masks, let the supplier know what your preferences are to help in the process. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I tend to move around at night. What mask should I get? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Consider either a full face or a nasal mask. These types help ensure that the air gets into your airways. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I don’t like the feeling of having my face covered while I sleep. What should I do? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Because it is the smallest, and lightest on your face, a nasal pillow mask is your best bet. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I have a beard, what should I do? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. For the best seal, opt for a nasal mask rather than full face mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP Masks and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhy Do I Need to Replace My CPAP Parts and Accessories?
wp:paragraph Why Do I Need to Replace My CPAP Supplies? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are using a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea therapy, then you are aware of the initial costs to purchase the machine and its accessories. But do you realize that you have to replace some of its parts on a regular basis? And why? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Just think – you don’t use the same toothbrush for years. It begins to wear out and thus becomes less effective. To ensure your teeth get the best care, you replace your toothbrush regularly. The same concept applies to your CPAP machine. Its parts can break down or wear out too. Replacing them keeps your machine running optimally and ensures great seeps. So how often do you need to replace certain parts? Below are hints and the time frame when you should consider replacing CPAP supplies. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Filters /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your filters make sure that the air that travels from your CPAP machine to your airways is both clean and free of particles and allergens that can irritate your body. Over time, the filters become clogged or simply wear out. If you live in a region that is prone to being dusty or humid, then your filters will become clogged even faster. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You can tell when you need to replace your filters by examining them visually, particularly for discolouration and wear. Expect to replace your filters twice a month. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Tubing /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How does the pressurized air get from your CPAP machine into your airways? Through the tubing. With nightly usage, the tubes can start to tear or crack, meaning you get less pressurized air than you need for a restful sleep. You can tell when you need to replace the tubes in several ways: consistently poorer sleeps, tears in the tubing material, and tubes that are no longer clear in colour. Replace your tubing about every 3 months. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Humidifier Water Chamber /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Using a humidifier with your CPAP machine can make a wonderful change in your night time comfort. Because it both warms and moistens the air entering your passageway, the humidifier helps minimize dry nose and mouth. It is especially useful if you have a cold or suffer from allergies. The chamber holds the distilled water for the humidifier. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When it becomes discoloured or gets cracks, it is probably time to replace the water chamber. On average, you should replace it every 6 month /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhat Supplies Do I Need For My CPAP?
wp:paragraph After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, you need to start your treatment. That probably means getting a CPAP machine to help you sleep at night. But did you know that you need more than just the CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea? You also need accessories that can offer convenience, comfort, and safety in your new and improved sleeping situation. So what supplies and accessories do you actually need for your CPAP machine? Here are some items to consider: /wp:paragraph wp:list Cleaning supplies: You need to clean your CPAP machine, but you don’t necessarily need fancy cleaning supplies. Hand wash your parts with distilled water and non-allergenic soap, dust them using non-alcoholic wipes, and wipe them dry with clean towels. Backup power supply: It is inevitable – the power can go out while you are sleeping, and that can affect your CPAP machine. A backup power supply can ensure that your machine keeps running even in the event of a power outage. Portable battery pack: Going camping? Staying overnight at a friend’s house? Get a portable battery pack so that you can still have a great sleep even when you are not at home. Mask liners and cushions: If you like a little extra comfort with your CPAP, you can get gel-filled cushions and extra mask liners to provide extra more softness and comfort while you sleep. CPAP pillow: Your CPAP machine - it can take a little getting used to. Pillows specially designed for CPAP users helps ensure that you can get a comfortable sleep even while wearing your necessary equipment. Heated humidifier: Heating and air conditioning can bring dry conditions to your home. A heated humidifier will make sure that your nasal passages and airways remain warm and moist no matter what. Software: Yes! You can even get CPAP software. It monitors your sleeping, and based on your data, offers suggestions to help you get an even better sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph These are just a few of the accessories you can get to enjoy your CPAP machine even more. Ask your vendor about what items they have in stock, and snuggle down for deep and wonderful sleeps every night. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP 101
wp:paragraph CPAP is a common type of therapy for those suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways frequently close while you try to sleep. This causes many short yet frequent interruptions while you sleep, affecting the quality of that sleep as well as the quality of your waking hours. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is an effective treatment for sleep apnea. As the name suggests, your CPAP machine is designed to send gentle yet continuous pressure along through your airways to keep them open. Over time and with nightly usage, you will get better sleeps, meaning deeper sleeps. This trickles into your day, allowing you to feel less stressed and irritable, and having better focus and overall outlook. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How Does a CPAP Machine Work? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are three main components of your CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} The motor: The motor is like a small compressor that takes in air at room temperature and gently pressurizes it to just the right level so that it will keep your airways open but without disturbing your sleep. It also has a filter to keep out some particulates and other items. You can get accessories for your motor, such as a humidifier, to increase your comfort. A CPAP motor is very quiet – you will barely notice it! The hose: The hose is the delivery system for the pressurized air. It attaches from the motor to your mask (explained below). Although the length of the hose can vary based on the machine, they tend to be about 6 feet long. Your mask: The mask that you wear is how the pressurized air actually gets into your airways. You can find masks in all shapes and sizes to fit the variety of facial shapes and sizes. There are also different types of masks – nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full face masks. /wp:list wp:paragraph Note that there are other accessories that can increase the convenience and comfort of your CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Once you have been prescribed a CPAP machine, the most important thing you can do is to use it every night. If you use it infrequently or stop using it, then your sleep apnea symptoms tend to return, If you need help finding a comfortable CPAP setup, ask your doctor or CPAP suppler. Get the treatment you need to get long and restful sleeps again. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreIs it time to replace the parts of your CPAP machine?
wp:paragraph Now that 2017 is in full swing, it is time to start taking a good look at your CPAP machine and do a bit of an inventory as to which parts are working great and which parts could stand to get a bit of an upgrade. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3715,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Maybe you were only diagnosed with sleep apnea very recently and your machine is relatively new, or maybe you’ve been using your CPAP machine for years and the parts are starting to get worn out. Either way, keeping your CPAP machine in top working condition is essential to helping you get a great nights’ sleep. Part of this will mean that you need to upgrade some parts of your machine every once in a while. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph And when should you be replacing those parts? /wp:paragraph wp:list Nasal and full face cushions: experts recommend every 15-30 days. The oils on your face tend to break down the material faster, making them wear out quickly Headgear: this should be replaced every 6 months as the elasticity can wear down and make your mask not fit properly Tubing: with proper cleaning, this can last as long as 3 months before a replacement is needed Filter: this can last as long as 1 month, possibly less depending on how dusty the environment around it is Machine: CPAP machines can last as long as 5-7 years if taken care of properly Humidifier this should be replaced every 6 months as the chamber can become discoloured and break down due to overuse /wp:list wp:paragraph Some tips to remember when planning out your CPAP machine upgrades: /wp:paragraph wp:list Always keep your receipts and write down the dates that you got the new part(s) for your machine, this will help you to keep track of how long they have been around and when they should be replaced If some (or all) of your CPAP machine parts can be covered by your insurance provider, be sure to check beforehand as to what is covered and what is not so you do not run into any surprises Keeping your machine clean on a regular basis will help your CPAP machine to last longer. Be sure to incorporate this into your daily or weekly routine! /wp:list wp:paragraph Don’t forget to check out papsmart.com for all your CPAP machine needs! The all-in-one packages are on sale now for a limited time only! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop & Save Today! /wp:paragraph
Learn more
Is all tubing equal?
wp:paragraph If you are a regular CPAP machine user, then you will know that the tubing of the machine is one of the most standard, yet vital pieces of equipment that comes with our CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Although you may think that the CPAP tubing is just another mindless piece of equipment, think again. There are many different options out there when it comes to getting the proper tubing to fit with your CPAP machine and mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph With so much CPAP equipment out there for us to decide between, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed at all the options and really figure out what is best for YOUR needs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Let’s take a look at two of the very different types of tubing you could get for your machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list The Kego Standard tubing, found here: https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/kego-standard-22mm-tubing this tubing is about as standard as they come, at 6 feet long and 22 mm in diameter. It is cost-friendly, coming in at only $29.99. These are very adaptable as they work perfectly with any CPAP machine. Tubes that come heated: such as the Resmed Climate heated tubing, found on the PapSmart website https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/resmed-climateline-heated-tubing. This is obviously the pricier option at $49.99, but it comes heated, which is good for people who find that they constantly wake up feeling very dry, especially in the winter months. The one downside if that these types of tubing are often only compatible with certain types of machines, so you may find yourself paying a little bit more for a whole new machine as well. /wp:list wp:paragraph All in all, it’s a matter of not only personal preference, but what is best medically for your CPAP therapy. Obviously you will have to shell out a bit more money of you want a tube that is heated, but the benefits of the long run will make it worth it. Those who have a milder form of sleep apnea may be perfectly fine with a more standard tubing option. As always, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you are really unsure of what to do. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
Learn more