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Is 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
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Keeping up with your CPAP routine throughout the holidays
wp:paragraph It’s that time of the year again! For many of us, the Christmas holidays often involves spending time with loved ones, and yes, indulging in some stuff that you may not normally be into during the year. This includes alcohol, delicious food, lots of stress and many late nights. As fun (or not) as it may be, all of this can contribute to some terrible nights of sleeping, which can result in some grinchy-like behaviour in the morning. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There may be a lot going on for you during the holidays, however you can still have a great time AND sleep well each night. Here are a few tips for staying into your normal sleep routines during the holiday season. /wp:paragraph wp:list Be careful with how much alcohol you drink: as nice as it may be to let loose at that office party or on Christmas Eve with the family, having too much to drink can lead to you having a terrible sleep. You may be falling asleep faster than normal, however your sleep apnea symptoms can get significantly worse from drinking. It is okay to indulge in some not so healthy foods, but don’t overdo it: it may be especially tempting to indulge on some sweets after dinner, but experts say that eating too much before bedtime can keep you awake at night, especially anything containing caffeine or sugar. That doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself at all, but know where to stop. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day: maybe you’re spending a few nights away from home, or maybe you have guests that have come to stay with you. But keeping up with your sleeping routines is very important to sleeping well. Late nights are okay, but try not to go to bed any later than an hour past your bedtime. Try not to stress yourself out: we all know that the holidays can be a stressful time, between last minute Christmas shopping, cooking for family gatherings and more. But did you know that stress is a huge contributing factor for poor sleep? Be sure to take time for yourself to de-stress, even if it means vegging on the couch and watching your favourite Christmas movie. Get some fresh air: whether the ground is white where you live, or whether there’s barely a snowflake on the ground, indulging in some natural daylight helps your circadian levels which in turn can help you to sleep better at night. Stay consistent with your CPAP machine each night: if you think that just one night without your CPAP machine will be nothing, think again. Your sleep apnea symptoms will worsen and you will be in for some sleepless nights. It’s really not worth it at this time of the year. /wp:list
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New Year, New CPAP?
wp:paragraph Its official, 2015 is upon us! Many of us like to think of the New Year as a fresh start and a time to get your life a little more organized. And for those of you who use a CPAP machine, this is no exception. As you know, there are many parts of your machine that will need replacing, or upgrading at some point over the next few months. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The last thing you will want to be doing is finding yourself in a pinch when a part breaks and you have to wait another week for it to come in. This means your CPAP may not work properly and you’ll only find yourself more stressed than you were before. This is why it is important for you to take some time to set a schedule early and determine when you will need to replace the parts to your mask (or, depending on how old your CPAP machine is, you may need to upgrade that as well). /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here is a breakdown on just some of the parts you need to replace at some point: /wp:paragraph wp:list Filter: all CPAP machines have at least one filter, and this should be replaced every 1-2 months. See the price-friendly S9 filter here, wouldn’t hurt to order more than one set at a time https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/filters/s9-filters-2-pack Humidifier: this part must be cleaned regularly as it can accumulate buildup overtime. If you are unable to clean it, you will need to replace it altogether, at least once per year, maybe more. An example can be found here https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/humidification/resmed-h5i-humidifier Tubing: overtime, and through vigorous use, your CPAP tube may crack or stretch as a result of particle and mould build-up from the air flow. Plan to replace this at least once per year. Check out the Kego standard tubing as an example https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/kego-standard-22mm-tubing Headgear: should be replaced as the straps start to wear down and lose their elasticity (at least 1-2 times per year). /wp:list wp:paragraph Remember to clean your CPAP machine parts regularly, as facial oils can break down the material faster (these are also sold at papsmart.com!) Also, save your receipts and write down the dates that you replaced these parts so you will be set the next time you need to replace that part! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Most private insurance companies will cover the cost of your CPAP mask. If this is the case, be sure to check your policy very carefully so you do not run into any issues once you require a new mask or part. If you do not have coverage for your machine, be sure to budget carefully for it. As overwhelming, and costly as this may all sound, it is important that you keep your eye on the end result of all this: a better night’s sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Be sure to check out papsmart.com for more parts and supplies for you CPAP machine needs! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2015 BlowOut Sale - Shop Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreAuto vs. Set Pressure CPAP Machines: What’s the difference?
wp:paragraph For those of you who are new to the idea of CPAP machines, there is, admittedly, a lot to learn about them. One of the main things that you may be confused about is the idea of an auto CPAP machine and a set pressure unit. /wp:paragraph wp:image /wp:image wp:paragraph Let’s start with the basics: /wp:paragraph wp:list A set pressure CPAP machine, otherwise known as a “fixed pressure” machine, is a machine with only one set level of air pressure that is provided by the mask as you sleep. This is usually pre-determined by your medical care provider, based on what your breathing patterns are like as you sleep. An example of this is the ResMed S9 elite, found on the PapSmart website https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-and-bipap-machines/cpap-machines/resmed-s9-elite. An auto CPAP machine means that the air pressure setting is controlled automatically (hence the name). It changes based on your breathing patterns as you sleep, and it can detect when you are about to stop breathing, and adjust the air pressure setting to a higher one to keep your airway open. As an example, take the Phillips Respironics System One Auto A Flex with humidifier (found at https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-and-bipap-machines/cpap-and-bipap-machines-auto-cpap-machines/philips-respironics-system-one-auto-a-flex-with-humidifier) /wp:list wp:paragraph So now begs the question: which machine is right for me? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Well, it all depends on how severe your sleep apnea is and what kind of an air pressure setting you require as you sleep. Those with milder cases of sleep apnea will likely do just fine with a manual CPAP machine, with just the one fixed air pressure setting. If you have a more severe case of sleep apnea, then you are probably better off with an auto CPAP machine. This is the option that most people end up going with. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Another thing to keep in mind: your air pressure setting requirement may change over time. Certain factors, such as losing weight and drinking alcohol before you sleep can affect your breathing patterns as you sleep. You do not need to worry about this with an auto CPAP machine, however with a fixed-pressure machine, you will need to be assessed by your doctor regularly and your prescription may change overtime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The bottom line is this: your doctor’s advice is always the winner. They know best what type of air pressure setting is best for you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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