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CPAP Survival During Allergy Season
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. 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. 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. 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. Not sure where to start? Explore All CPAP Products and Collections to find everything you need for better sleep therapy.
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Five Steps To Selecting the Right CPAP
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: 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. Save Big During the PAPSmart Fall Sale
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Humidifiers Demystified
When you suffer from sleep apnea, a surefire solution is getting a CPAP machine. With its pump, mask, and tubes, the device sends air continuously along the tube into your mask, which keeps your airways open throughout the night. And that means a great night’s sleep. However, there may also be issues with sleep apnea machines. That increased airflow certainly improves your sleep, but depending on the brand and your body’s reaction, you can encounter some problems. These include increased mucus production, congestion, sneezing, and dryness. If left untreated, you could even suffer from bleeding, which in turn could lead to infection. And that would definitely affect your sleep! The answer? Using a humidifier. And you can choose the one that is right for you. For example, some humidifiers attach directly to sleep apnea machines, some can be integrated with your CPAP, while others are stand-alone machines. Regardless of the type, the humidifiers are small and relatively unobtrusive. How does it work? The idea is that the humidifier adds moisture to the air that is being sent into your airways to reduce the dryness, and therefore the other symptoms that come along with dryness. Some machines also heat the moisture. You can control the amount of humidity that you receive to ensure that you get the best sleep possible. As with any machine, your CPAP humidifier requires some basic maintenance. For instance, you need to use distilled water only, which helps prevents mineral buildup and keeps your humidifier stay safe and clean. You also need to rinse out the chamber every morning. If you find that your CPAP machine is causing excessive dryness, a humidifier can help. Look for the type that is right for you, and get a good night’s sleep every night. Shop Reliable CPAP Machines
Learn more about Humidifiers DemystifiedUnderstanding CPAP
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may wonder what your treatment options are. If you have already made lifestyle changes with little to no success, your next choice may be to get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. You may be concerned about what it is and how it works; after all, with tubes, a mask, and the machine itself, being able to get a good night’s sleep could seem impossible. But once you understand the components of sleep apnea machines, that elusive sleep is actually just around the corner. The goal of your CPAP machine is to send a gentle yet constant stream of air through your airways to keep your throat from collapsing, which disrupts your sleep. To do this, your CPAP consists of the following major parts: The motor: The motor of sleep apnea machines is a small compressor that draws in air and adds light pressure to clear any obstruction in our airways while you breathe. The air intake component has a filter, which you can replace, that screens out particulates. More modern machines have humidifiers to moisten the air to prevent dryness. Best of all, the motor is very quiet – you may forget it is even on! The hose: The hose delivers the pressurized air from the motor to the mask that you wear. While the diameter of the hose can vary based on the machine, most hoses are about 6 feet long. The mask: To get the air into your body, you need to wear a mask. To promote comfort, you can find masks in different sizes and shapes to fit most variations in facial size. There are three main types of mask: nasal pillows, nasal masks, and masks for your entire face. You may need to try several different masks until you find the one that gives you the best sleep. Once you have a CPAP machine, the most important factor is using it! It may look daunting, but as with everything, once you start using it, you will get used to it. Not using it can actually cause your symptoms to come back. Get acquainted with your CPAP machine, and you will begin to feel well rested sooner than you realize. Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories
Learn more about Understanding CPAPIs it time to replace the parts of your CPAP machine?
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. 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. And when should you be replacing those parts? 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 Some tips to remember when planning out your CPAP machine upgrades: 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! 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! Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories
Learn more about Is it time to replace the parts of your CPAP machine?Why you should invest in CPAP humidification
wp:paragraph Winter has made its grand entrance over the past few weeks, a little ahead of schedule. And with the cold temperatures comes dry air. Many people own a humidifier that runs in certain rooms in their home (such as the bedroom) to inflict moisture in the air to make for a more comfortable living experience. Many new CPAP users may be surprised to learn that you can actually get a humidifier for your CPAP machine as well. But why do many people overlook this? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3712,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The good news is that heated humidification for your CPAP machine can help to reduce all of this durastically. Heated humidifiers use water, through a water chamber attached to your machine that adds moisture to the airflow and heats it. So if you have a humidifier in your living room while watching TV, why not invest in one that runs while you use your CPAP machine at night? By adding moisture to the CPAP air flow, it not only gives you a good night’s sleep, but it also keeps your airway moisturized, helping to avoid many common cold symptoms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It is important to remember to clean your machine parts on a regular basis in order to prolong the life of your CPAP machine and its parts and avoid the tube from getting mouldy from the moisture. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many models of CPAP machines sold today actually do come with a heated humidifier. If you do not have one, you may want to seriously think about investing in one. Check out papsmart.com for a wide variety of CPAP machines with humidifiers. /wp:paragraph
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Should I use my CPAP machine with a cold?
wp:paragraph It’s that time of year where everyone around you seems to be coming down with something. Cold and flu season is never any fun to have to come to terms with, especially when you use a CPAP machine. It can be uncomfortable to try and sleep with a stuffed up nose and a headache amongst many of the other symptoms that your cold may present. With a CPAP machine, part of using it means your airways need to remain open and accessible for air to flow though as you sleep in order for the CPAP therapy to work properly. So cold tend to present a challenge for CPAP users. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The big question you may ask is: should you just forget about the CPAP machine when you have a bad cold? As tempting as it may seem, the one thing to keep in mind is that even one night without your CPAP machine can trigger your sleep apnea symptoms even worse than before. And if you thought that you were having trouble breathing in the first place with your cold, it will be even worse mixed with sleep apnea symptoms such as the pauses in breathing that can occur as you sleep. For these reasons, you are best to keep using your CPAP machine when you are sick, no matter how crappy you may feel. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are a few tips for CPAP machine users to keep in mind when you are dealing with a cold: /wp:paragraph wp:list A lot of over the counter medicines will help to alleviate many cold symptoms including saline spray. Don’t be afraid to use these in moderation to help you sleep better Do not attempt to drive if you are feeling drowsy Make sure you are keeping your CPAP machine clean on a regular basis, this will help with the overall function of the machine and can also help to prevent a bad cold in the first place Take advantage of heated humidification for your CPAP machine: this will help you to have a more comfortable experience using your CPAP machine, especially when you are sick Try keeping your head propped up: this helps to control any nasal drip and helps to alleviate stuffiness Give yourself time to rest! This is the key to helping overcome any cold. Give yourself a good day or two off work to get the rest you really need to fight this! /wp:list
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Sleep Apnea and Seasonal Allergies
The snow is finally melting and spring has arrived! While you may be excited about the buzz of spring, you may find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies and/or flu like symptoms, just like many people around you may experience during big changes in weather and air pressure. For those with sleep apnea, this can affect your sleeping patterns in a big way, especially if you use a CPAP machine at night. Some may just have issues with the excessive dryness in the air that occurs at this time of year and experience some cold symptoms, including headaches or migraines, sinus congestion, and sore throat. Others have ongoing issues with allergies and may have a lot of nasal congestion, especially at night. All of this can affect your sleep cycle, especially when you have sleep apnea. Several studies done over time have found a very strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and hay fever, which is a term for an allergy of pollen or dust in the air. This often causes a blockage in the airway which leads to; yes you guessed it, obstructive sleep apnea. Many people also experience insomnia as a result of their seasonal allergies. As if you have to sleep with your nose completely stuffed up, try using a CPAP machine on top of that. Doesn’t sound like much fun, right? Unfortunately it is very common for people to have some bad nights of sleeping as a result of this and doing nothing will only make it worse. As irritating as this can be, there are ways to resolve your seasonal allergies without having to forgo the use of your CPAP machine for a night (which is NOT recommended as this can interfere with your CPAP therapy). Many over the counter medicines can be quite helpful in relieving the effects of seasonal allergies, including nasal sprays to help clear your airway. Be sure to seek advice from your doctor if the problem persists. As always, be sure to practice good sleep hygiene. Stick to the same bedtime every night, turn off the electronics at least an hour before you go to bed and practice good diet and exercise throughout the daytime. Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com
Learn more about Sleep Apnea and Seasonal AllergiesWhat if I don't like my machine or mask can I exchange it?
So you’ve been using your brand new CPAP mask for a few days now and you realize that it’s just not right for you. It’s not fitting you properly no matter how many times you have tried to adjust it, it feels uncomfortable and you just resent the fact that you are stuck with this thing for a long time. As you know, CPAP masks come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Just some of these include: the full face mask, the mask that just covers your nose and mouth, and the mask with the piece that just fits under your nose. Maybe you feel claustrophobic in the full face mask, or the nose piece will just not stay in place. Either way, you know that you cannot keep going with your current mask. Luckily, most places that sell CPAP masks are very accommodating and will let you return or exchange a mask that may not work for you, and do their best to help you find a mask that suits your needs. Usually there is little to no charge, as long as you do so sooner rather than later. If you are just starting to use a CPAP machine for the first time, then be prepared for a bit of a “trial and error” period for your mask. Because of the wide variety of masks out there, you may find that the type of mask you purchased originally may not be the right one for you. Also: there are some places that will let you try out a CPAP mask for a week (without having to buy it) in order to help you determine if it works best for you. Your doctor should have a good idea as to where you can go for this type of service. Try to give yourself a full week of wearing the new CPAP mask before you decide whether or not you really like it. And no matter what, be sure you are informed of the company’s return policy BEFORE you make the purchase. Keep any and all receipts or invoices for the CPAP mask as this will be required for the return. If you’re in need of a new mask, be sure to check out papsmart.com as we have a few of our masks on sale right now for a limited time! Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com
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