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New Year, New CPAP?
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. 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). Here is a breakdown on just some of the parts you need to replace at some point: 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). 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! 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. Be sure to check out papsmart.com for more parts and supplies for you CPAP machine needs! Save Big During the PAPSmart Sale
Learn more about New Year, New CPAP?Auto vs. Set Pressure CPAP Machines: What’s the difference?
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. Let’s start with the basics: 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 AirSense 10 AutoSet, found on the PapSmart website Shop the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet 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 Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced 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) So now begs the question: which machine is right for me? 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. 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. 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. Fall into Better Sleep: CPAP & Sleep Therapy Sale!
Learn more about Auto vs. Set Pressure CPAP Machines: What’s the difference?All About CPAP Humidifers
Oh winter! The snow may look pretty but the cold weather is not so fun to deal with. As Canadians, it’s no secret that cold weather comes with dry skin. And when you use a CPAP machine at night, the flow of air through your airway can dry out and irritate your nasal passages. This can cause nosebleeds, nasal congestion and could even make your airway swell up to the point where the therapy will not work properly. So how do we solve this problem? The good news is that many CPAP machines today come with a built-in humidifier. This adds moisture to the air of your CPAP therapy in order to reduce your symptoms of congestion so you can breathe better at night. What you should know, is that CPAP humidifiers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are directly attached to the machine, and some attach itself to the hose of the mask. Some machines have heated humidifiers and others only produce air flow at room temperature. Here are a few tips for finding, and using a humidifier that works with your mask, and your lifestyle: Don’t think of it as an added on luxury to your CPAP machine. Keeping moisture in the air that you breathe is a necessity, regardless of the climate outside. Do you get a lot of nosebleeds when you use your CPAP machine? In that case, without a humidifier, it’s actually doing you more harm than good. Be sure to clean your CPAP machine and all the parts with it on a regular basis (at least a few times per week). This will help the therapy to work better. You should also remember to empty out the water chamber on a daily basis Be sure to ask your doctor if you need help deciding what is right for you. They may have a recommendation that fits your condition and you lifestyle best. Sleep Warm This Winter: CPAP Masks for Chilly Nights
Learn more about All About CPAP Humidifers
OSA and CSA: do you know the difference?
wp:paragraph We all know by now that the general definition of sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while you sleep. But did you know that sleep apnea actually comes in two different forms? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types of sleep apnea are called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). While they are both forms of sleep apnea, the cause for the pause in breathing is actually different, and they each have different characteristics associated with them. /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when your airway gets blocked, either completely or partially, causing you to stop breathing. When breathing resumes, there is often a loud gasp or snort, which can interfere with a deep sleep. It is often overweight, middle-aged men who get sleep apnea, especially this type. The CPAP machine, in addition to other lifestyle changes, is the best form of treatment for OSA. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This is different from OSA as there is not a blockage in the airway, but a neurological issue that causes you to stop breathing in your sleep. CSA is often brought on by other medical conditions and it is less common than OSA. /wp:list wp:paragraph The main difference is that with OSA, the effort is made to try and inhale as you stop breathing, yet no air can get into the lungs. With CSA, no effort is made at all by the body to restart your breathing. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Experts also acknowledge that it is not uncommon to have both forms of sleep apnea. So this is why it is important to seek help from your doctor if you think you have either form of sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn more about OSA and CSA: do you know the difference?History of CPAP
Can you believe that the CPAP machine is 34 years old? When you look at the original, it’s probably hard to believe that technology has come such a long way. Let’s go all the way back to 1970. Around that time, sleep was not as commonly studied medically as it is today, despite being one of the most important human functions. What we know today as sleep apnea, was known at the time as Pickwickian syndrome (named after a character from Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers who is obese and tends to fall asleep standing up). The only known symptoms for that condition at that time was snoring, and chocking and gasping in your sleep. This was all a big mystery in the medical profession, and not much was known about it. If you had sleep apnea at this period of time, your only hope was for a tracheotomy. In other words, doctors would cut a hole in your trachea and insert a breathing tube to help you sleep better at night. Sounds painful, right? This would all soon change, thanks to an Australian doctor named Colin Sullivan. He had spent many years studying sleep medicine in depth and essentially, changing the way that we look at sleep problems. In 1980, he invented a machine that would end up saving many lives from sleep apnea. This was called the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (or CPAP for short). It is a machine and mask that is worn by people with sleep apnea to help them breathe at night. He invented it by connecting a number of different hoses to a vacuum cleaner and glued it to the snout of a dog. When he saw his first human patient, a construction worker with severe OSA, the results of the mask spoke for itself as the man said he hadn’t felt so well rested in ages. Although it took some time to be accepted in the medical market, the CPAP machine has come a long way, and still continues to save the lives of many people who suffer from sleep apnea. If you are a proud user of this device, you have an Aussie doctor and a vacuum cleaner to thank. Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. Read ResMed’s historical CPAP reference PDF Learn about the history of CPAP therapy on CPAP.com Read how the first CPAP was invented using a vacuum cleaner — EasyBreathe Learn how a tracheotomy is performed on WikiHow
Learn more about History of CPAPIntroducing the Z2: A new travel CPAP unit that will actually wow you.
As great as your CPAP machine may be for when you sleep, it’s no secret that most machines are rather large and not the best travel partners. Pack your bags and get ready to get off the grid. The Z2 Unplugged is a brand-new, smaller CPAP machine that is smaller, quieter and comes with everything you need for a perfect night’s sleep. For those that love to travel, this is already approved for air travel and it not big or clunky in any way. Just bring along your CPAP mask to go with it and you’re all set to get away. It also has a backlit, LCD display so you can still see how you’re sleeping, even when it’s dark. There are many features about this new machine that set it apart from other devices: It is very quiet: when in use, it makes only 26 decibles of sound, which makes it one of the quietest CPAP machines on the market Battery powered: the machine can operate for one full night without a cord, using a system called the PowerShell, which is an integrated battery that gives you a night of uninterrupted sleep. Extremely light: this is considered the lightest CPAP machine out there, weighing in at only 10 ounces. This makes it a fantastic machine for everyday use and is perfect for travelling. Data capable: the machine records all events and can track your sleep progress, even when you’re on the road. For more information about this machine and to purchase, visit PapSmart.com Order the Z2 Travel CPAP Machine NOW!
Learn more about Introducing the Z2: A new travel CPAP unit that will actually wow you.Working CPAP into your life: 10 tips to make it easier
So you’ve just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you have been told by your doctor that you have to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine in order to treat this condition. This will be a bit of a change for your lifestyle and for your bedtime routine. You may feel embarrassed to have to wear this around your partner and you may feel like you’re that awkward kid with the braces in grade 7. However, the bottom line is this: the machine, as un-glamourous as it may be, could actually help in saving your life, and all in all, it will make your quality of life tremendously better. Here are 10 tips to make the transition easier for integrating the CPAP machine into your sleep routine: Think of it as a gift to your partner, who wants to sleep next to a loud snorer? This will help the snoring significantly. Learn everything you can about the machine so that it seems less intimidating. Choose the mask that’s right for YOU. There are many different types out there; it’s just about finding the right one. Keep the parts of the machine clean so that it works properly. Think about connecting with other sleep apnea sufferers who, like you, have to a CPAP machine each night. See if your doctor knows of any support groups or ways to connect with people going through the same thing as you. Think about making other lifestyle changes to make this easier, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. While it likely won’t cure the sleep apnea, it will make it much easier to deal with. Practice good sleep hygiene: avoid caffeine or large meals before bedtime, stick to a regular routine every night, and use the bed only for sleeping. Try to use earplugs to mask the sound of the machine so the noise doesn’t bother you. Use a humidifier to decrease dryness and skin irritation. Focus on the positive outcome of using the CPAP machine, and avoid thinking about the negative parts that may be prominent at this time. With time, you will get used to this and this will help you in the long run. Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. HelpGuide: Understanding sleep apnea WebMD: Guide to CPAP machines
Learn more about Working CPAP into your life: 10 tips to make it easierThe connection between Sleep and Testosterone
Testosterone: also known as the “male hormone.” It is known for stimulating the production of male sexual characteristics and is essential for building muscle mass, strength and bone density. It is naturally produced in your body. Even women are said have a little bit of testosterone (although not nearly as much compared to our male counterparts). But with that said, what does it have to do with sleep? As hard as it may sound to believe, recent studies have revealed higher levels of testosterone result in a poor quality of sleep. In a study completed by The International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, the subjects (mostly middle-aged men) underwent a series of tests and evaluations to compare their testosterone levels with the quality of sleep. Interestingly enough, it was revealed that approximately 2/3 of the participants had moderate to severe sleep apnea. Many studies done in the past have also revealed that the less amount of sleep you get, the lower your testosterone levels are. Sounds conflicting, right? However, what we have to remember is that today’s increase of prescription hormones may have a lot to do with these new findings. Eve Van Cauter, PhD, is the director of the University of Chicago Sleep, Metabolism and Health Center. She conducted the study of sleep and testosterone and said that it is very likely that there is relevance in a possible increase in testosterone prescriptions for middle aged men. All in all, the connection between sleep and testosterone is a balancing act. Having too much or too little can result in a poor sleep quality. So think carefully and consult a doctor if you feel you have the need for prescription testosterone. So gentlemen, you’re no less of a man if you stick to a good sleep routine of 8 hours per night and if you leave the prescription hormones alone. Let your body do what it does naturally and you’ll be fine. Save Big During the PAPSmart Fall Sale
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5 Tips for Travelling with CPAP
There’s nothing more relaxing in life than getting away for the weekend. Living with CPAP should not stop you from enjoying your holiday time. Travel can easily be accomplished and there are many ways to make the travel experience as stress-free as possible. Here are 5 tips for travelling with a CPAP machine: Pack your CPAP very carefully and be sure that it will not get damaged in transit. Most CPAP units come with a travel case, which will be handy for carrying your CPAP mask, and accessories. Remember to empty the water from your humidifier before you pack. If you’re flying, be prepared to take your CPAP machine in your carry-on baggage. And yes you will have to take it through security, but no need to worry too much as security personnel have seen these machines many times before. It also wouldn’t hurt to check with your airline to see if they have any restrictions or policies related to portable medical devices. Do not place the CPAP machine in your checked bags. There is too much of a risk that it will get damaged and chances are your airline will probably not reimburse you for the cost. Besides, if your bag is lost in transit, you will lose your CPAP machine altogether. If you plan on using your CPAP for sleeping on an overnight flight (or on a train, bus or car ride) have a plan for battery life for the length of the flight, plus three extra hours to accommodate for any delays that may occur. Think about investing in a smaller CPAP unit that is specifically made for travel. Especially if you like to go away a lot, or if you frequently travel for work. It is worth the money in the end, not to mention the convenience. Shop Travel-Sized CPAP Machines and Accessories
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