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Different Types of CPAP Machines
wp:paragraph Your CPAP machine is one of the most valuable parts of your CPAP experience. After all, without the machine, the rest of the parts will not work! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The CPAP machine is designed to generate continuous air pressure to relieve symptoms of sleep apnea. They are meant to last several years. If you are just starting then you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices you have for CPAP machines, and that’s okay! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A few machines to keep in mind: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Standard CPAP Machine: this machine provides continuous air pressure at one specified rate, which can typically only be set by your doctor. These machines are best for patients with mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea. You will probably need the air pressure level changed over time by your doctor if you feel that the current setting is not working for you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Auto CPAP machine: also known as an APAP, these machines automatically adjust the rates of the continuous air pressure throughout the night based on the changes in your breathing patterns. If you have a more severe form of sleep apnea, if you move around frequently as you sleep, or if you are going through a lifestyle change such as weight loss, then these machines are probably better for you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Travel or Mini CPAP machine: this is a smaller machine that is excellent if you travel a lot and need to take the machine with you. Many of these machines have options for auto or fixed settings if you are on the go. As handy as the smaller size is, keep in mind that these machines are not meant for everyday use and may wear out quicker. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Be sure to check out papsmart.com if you need a CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph
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Six Sleep Tips for Post-Secondary Students
wp:paragraph With the long summer days coming to an end, classes for college and university are just starting for the year and whether you are going back to on-campus learning or your classes are still virtual, it’s time to get your sleep routine in check. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s no secret that post-secondary students are not exactly known for having the best sleeping habits. Sleep is essential for everyone, but if you are a student in college or university, it is more important than ever to make sure you are well-rested during the daytime so you can concentrate on your studies and have a successful semester. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are a few tips for post-secondary students to get a good night’s sleep; /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true,"type":"1"} Keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible: many class schedules in college and university can vary day to day, meaning you may have to deal with classes in the early mornings and/or late evenings. Try your best to go to bed and wake up at within 1-2 hours (even on weekends!) Practice good sleep hygiene: make sure your sleep environment is cool and dark, take advantage of blackout curtains and earplugs if necessary. Following a relaxing routine right before bed will also be important to help you prepare for a good night’s sleep. Don’t use your bed for anything other than sleeping: as tempting as it may be to take your laptop on the bed to finish that essay, don’t do this! Avoid caffeine before bedtime: a cup of coffee may seem tempting if you are doing homework into the evening hours but this will keep you awake at night. Keep alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis to a minimum: all of that late night partying is not great for your sleep cycle. Limit how much you drink in the evening hours and don’t use nicotine or cannabis too close to bedtime. Keep your naps short: if you absolutely need to nap during the daytime, one hour or less is recommended, that way it doesn’t interfere with your bedtime. /wp:list
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 moreTime for a new CPAP Machine?
wp:paragraph After you get a CPAP machine to help with your sleep apnea, you know that you have to maintain it. That means cleaning it regularly, checking for wear and tear, and replacing smaller parts when needed. But at some point, did you know that you may need to replace the entire machine? All good things must come to an end, and typically, a CPAP machine lasts around five years, depending on your frequency of maintenance, and overall usage. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3795,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Replacing your machine can be a good idea – you can get access to the latest technology, which can make sleep better and easier. Machines may become smaller, quieter, and easier to clean. This is great, but it leads to an important question – how do you know when you should replace your CPAP machine? Here are a few telltale signs that the time has come: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Is it noisy?: Your CPAP machine will make a gentle noise when it is on. However, if the noise becomes louder than usual and it doesn’t go away, then you may need to replace your machine. Does it work well?: As any appliance ages, it won’t work quite as well as it once did. If you notice that it doesn’t work enough to ensure that you get a good sleep every night, then your CPAP machine may be showing signs of age. Have you maintained your machine?: Sure, everyone knows that to make an appliance last longer, you need to take care of it. But after a week of work, obligations, and responsibilities, perhaps you didn’t take care of your CPAP machine as you should. This could result in your needing to replace it sooner than you anticipated. Is new for you?: No one says you have to wait for your CPAP machine to be on its last legs before you get a new one. If new technology means a quieter machine, a smaller machine, or a machine that has a feature that you would love, then consider taking advantage of these upgrades for an even better sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you are thinking of a new CPAP machine, find the one that is right for you, and enjoy sleep like never before! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop Now & Save This Fall /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Top Tips from a CPAP Veteran
wp:paragraph Are you concerned about your sleep? Has your significant other or spouse complained about your snoring and informed you that you seem to stop breathing when you sleep? Are you finding yourself tired during the workday? I had these concerns and my doctor diagnosed me with sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea. Many lead normal, productive lives through the use of a CPAP. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy uses a machine to help people, like me, with sleep apnea breathe more easily. Sleeping with a machine, in a mask, can seem weird and even uncomfortable at first but below I will provide some tips that have helped me along the way. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 1. Start Slow. Do not just jump into this blindly. You have to build up to using this device, which will be a necessary part of your life moving forward. One of the ways I broke in my device in was by wearing my CPAP while binge watching my favourite shows. This helped me figure out how to adjust it and reach a comfortable place. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2. Remember to communicate. I am a firm believer in there being no such thing as a stupid question. My spouse was worried about if she could sleep in the bed with me and together we talked to our doctor. The doctor also spoke with me about nasal drops for congestion issues I developed while wearing my CPAP. Keep the lines of communication open! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 3. Develop a routine. This is the most important tip! When things are a routine, they become second nature to us. Developing a routine helped me not only to relax when using my CPAP but also to ensure I stayed compliant in using it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As a CPAP veteran, I hope you find tips from my CPAP journey helpful. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be alarming but with the proper treatment you can achieve a good night's sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All CPAP Masks On Sale This Week - Start Shopping Now! /wp:paragraph
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How to Get the Best Results out of Your CPAP Machine
wp:paragraph When you have trouble sleeping every night and feel exhausted even after just waking up, a visit to your doctor should be in order. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your treatment may include using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By wearing a small mask over your face and nose and with straps to secure it in place, your CPAP machine sends a flow of air into your airways. This gentle and continuous stream of air keeps your airways open to ensure that you can get a restful sleep without interruptions due to sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting a good night’s sleep is one thing. To make sure that every night’s sleep could be a great one, here are some ways to get the best results from your CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Use your machine every time you sleep. At night, when you nap, or even when you travel, using your machine every time you snooze encourages not just healthy sleep, but increases your overall health too. Find your comfort zone: Understandably, sleeping while wearing a mask may not be that comfortable at first. But keep at it! It may not take as long as you think to get used to wearing the mask. If certain aspects to your CPAP machine are truly bothersome, ask a professional to help you adjust its fit, settings, or components. Clean machine: Like any machine, for your CPAP to run optimally, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Hand wash parts, use distilled water when cleaning, and remove dust buildup. Daily life: To help your CPAP machine work well, it helps if you tweak aspects of your daily life. Getting more exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and reducing both caffeine and alcohol intake will all complement your treatment and promote a healthy lifestyle. Dry time: Using a CPAP machine can have a few side effects, including a dry mouth and throat while you sleep. You can use special add-ons, such as a humidifier, specially designed for your CPAP machine to minimize or eliminate issues that can affect your sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph A good night’s sleep is a beautiful thing. Making sure that you get the right amount of continuous positive airway pressure can make this dream into a reality. And by applying the tips above, you can help ensure that golden slumbers are never far away. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreThe Benefits of Using CPAP
wp:image {"align":"center","id":3750,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend that you get a sleep apnea machine. Commonly known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, this form of sleep therapy can reduce and even prevent the serious consequences that you could suffer as a result of your sleep apnea. What are the benefits of sleep apnea machines? Here are 5 of them: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Reduced risk of heart disease: Because you stop breathing so many times during the night, your body undergoes changes in blood pressure, reducing your blood’s oxygen levels, which can severely strain your heart. Your sleep apnea machine keeps your airways open, allowing a continuous flow of oxygen, thereby reducing the extra work your heart must do. Reduced risk for a stroke: Using your CPAP machine also reduces your risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptures. Sleep apnea sufferers are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience a stroke. Decreased risk for diabetes: Did you know that using sleep apnea machines can also improve your sensitivity to insulin? Sleep apnea is related to insulin resistance, which is a factor in type 2 diabetes. Leaving it untreated increases your risk of getting this condition Increased concentration and alertness: Sleepiness and fatigue are two very common symptoms of sleep apnea. But by preventing the frequent wakeups, you will become better rested, resulting in increased overall alertness and concentration, beneficial for many daytime tasks such as driving. Decreased medical expenses: By improving your sleep, your overall health will improve. This can result in fewer appointments, fewer treatments, fewer medications, which can translate to fewer medical expenses as well. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you think you could have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Get on the path to a healthy and well-rested life once again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP Survival During Allergy Season
wp:paragraph For many people, the of spring signals new beginnings, growth – and the onset of allergy season. And if you have sleep apnea, then you could be dreading this season. However, there are a number of ways you can reduce some of the allergy symptoms that can affect your sleep apnea treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3747,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph The nature of your allergy symptoms depends on where you live and your lifestyle. For example, everyday outdoor pollutants include city smog, car exhaust, dirt, pollen, newly mown grass, and industrial chemicals. Inside, perfumes, animal dander, dust, mold, cigarette smoke, and the fumes from chemical cleaners can affect you too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Outdoors and indoors – is there any help for your sleep apnea? Yes! Here are the top tips that can help your CPAP use even when you have spring allergies. /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Spring cleaning: After a winter huddled inside, it’s time to clean! Do extensive vacuuming and dusting, making sure to get under couches, on window ledges, and in little nooks and crannies you may forget about. Wear a mask to keep from breathing in the pollutants. Keep the outdoors outdoors: Fresh air is wonderful, but that air can also bring pollen indoors. At night, close your windows. During the day, avoid being outside if it is really windy, and dry your clothes in the dryer instead of using a clothes line. Minus the sinus: It is almost impossible to avoid breathing in pollen and other pollutants. If you get sinus congestion, apply a menthol rub at night, and consider using a saline rinse to flush out your nasal passages. Sleep tight: To help you get a good night’s sleep, keep your windows closed, wash your face, hair, and hands before bed to remove pollutants, and change your sheets and pillowcases frequently so that you don’t breathe in pollen when you slumber. Tip top CPAP: Finally, to keep your CPAP machine working well during the spring, it too needs some spring cleaning. Clean out your mask, tubes, and humidifier (if you have one), and replace your filter regularly. /wp:list wp:paragraph Looking For A New CPAP Machine & Mask? View Our All-In-One CPAP Package On Sale Today! /wp:paragraph
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Five Steps To Selecting the Right CPAP
wp:paragraph After you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor probably prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help you sleep at night. This machine sends a gentle stream of air through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. But there isn’t just one single type of CPAP machine. You need to choose masks, tubes, the actual machine, as well as any upgrades you can optionally add. So how do you find the one that’s perfect for you? Below are five steps to help you select the right one: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Get a prescription: The first thing you need to do is get a prescription. This means being tested and diagnosed with sleep apnea by a medical professional. This typically involves a medical exam and most likely a sleep test. Your prescription will indicate the type of sleep device – such as a CPAP – that you need, as well as the proper pressure level for you. Shop around: While you may be inclined to get your CPAP from the clinic where you had your sleep test, your best bet is to shop around. But before you start, ask your insurance company about reimbursement. Then, talk to different suppliers about their prices, features, and options. If searching online, look for a company based in Canada and make sure they ask for your prescription. Find the right mask: After you have your prescription and have purchased your machine with the correct pressure, you need to find a mask that fits both properly and comfortably. You may need to try different brands and styles until you find the one you like. You could want several masks so that you can rotate among them to minimize pressure and irritation. The little extras: Some users are content with a basic CPAP while others prefer to have some extras. These can include a humidifier to alleviate dryness, battery backup, a device to reduce condensation in the tubes, or hose extensions for greater mobility. Ask your insurance company in case you can be reimbursed, but if not, ask vendors if they have deals or promotions. It could make your CPAP experience that much better. PAP therapy types: Even with the best CPAP, you just may not be able to find it comfortable enough to use. Instead, you may need to look into other machines such as APAP or BiPap to get the help you need. /wp:list wp:paragraph Looking For A New CPAP Machine & Mask? View Our All-In-One CPAP Package On Sale Today! /wp:paragraph
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