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CPAP Care and Maintenance Tips
wp:paragraph If you have sleep apnea, then taking care of your CPAP equipment is an important investment to make in your overall health. The better you take care of your equipment, not only will you get better sleeps, but you will prolong the life of the machine, the mask, and any accessories you use. Here are the basics of caring for and replacing your CPAP equipment. /wp:paragraph wp:list The machine: Your machine needs only a basic cleaning. After unplugging it, you can wipe away dust and other particles using a soft cloth and mild soap. Never immerse in water. The mask, tubing, and filters: Use a mild, unscented soap for cleaning these items. Always hand wash and air dry away from the sunlight – never clean using the dish washer. The water chamber: Use distilled water and a mild soap for cleaning. Also, do not reuse the water to prevent residue buildup. The recommendations: Always read the manufacturer's recommendations to see their suggestions about replacing parts. Keep in mind that these are guidelines, and that damaged, worn or cracked parts will need to be placed sooner. Likewise, you can use well-cared for parts a little longer. Regardless, maintaining your CPAP machine means greater rests for you. Sleep tight! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about CPAP Care and Maintenance TipsIs it time for a new CPAP mask?
It's the start of February and for many it's a good time to refocus on health and wellness and with that may come new eating habits, new exercise programs, and if you have sleep apnea - a new mask. OK, getting a new mask for your CPAP machine may seem like an unusual health and wellness goal, but it is very important for your sleep health. Here's how to know when to replace your CPAP mask: Think of it the same way you think of replacing a tooth brush. Overtime, that - once new - device will get old, dirty, and will begin to breakdown. Just like any other daily use item, you can extend the life of your CPAP mask with regular care and maintenance including: daily cleaning with soap and water and proper storage in a dry space out of direct sunlight and away from pets. No matter how well you maintain your mask, you will need to replace it once or twice a year. Using a CPAP machine is a recommended method of treating sleep apnea. The machine sends a gentle pressure of air through a tube into a mask, and keeps your airways open while you sleep. For optimal results, you need to use your CPAP machine every time you sleep. However, with daily use, your mask may not work as well as it did initially. For example, natural oils can degrade the material, or general use can stretch the mask so that it doesn't sit as snugly as it should. Watch for cracks in the material that seals the mask to your skin, and pay attention to changes in how you feel. If you are seeing visible signs of wear or you are not feeling the same benefits of CPAP, it is time to replace your mask. To have a life well lived, a huge focus needs to be on your sleep. Your health is determined by a number of factors, some of which you cannot change, and some of which you can - like sleep. The quality of the sleep you get affects not just your mood, but the possibility of stroke, heart attack, among other health issues. When you have untreated sleep apnea, those risks increase. Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks
Learn more about Is it time for a new CPAP mask?January Sleep Goals
wp:paragraph With our devices, screens, and commitments, being able to get a good night's sleep seems elusive to many people. But now with the new year upon us, it's time to put sleep at the top of your resolution list! So how do you start? What should you do? Here are some January sleep goals to make your new year both healthy and well-rested: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Comfort is as comfort does: Lumpy mattress and flat pillows do make for a comfortable sleep. Indulge in items that entice you to go to bed. Tune it out: Put down those devices and stop looking at those screens! Return your bed to its intended purpose: sleep. Make health a priority: If you want to have better sleeps, then you need to focus on non-sleeping activities. As odd as this may sound, poor sleep may indicate overall poor health. So as part of your sleep resolution, look to see what other parts of your life that you can improve. More fruits and vegetables, more exercise, no more smoking, and less alcohol will all help you get a better sleep. Take your test: Sometimes a good night's sleep isn't entirely in your hands. Underlying or undiagnosed conditions can affect your body's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Make an appointment to get tested by your doctor to address any health issues that could be affecting you. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about January Sleep GoalsHoliday CPAP Tips
wp:paragraph The parties and the cooking and the shopping and the errands - it must mean that the holidays are right around the corner. But with long to do lists, life can get pretty hectic, and that can play games with the ability to sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, then poor sleeps affect you more than the average person. So if you are thinking about scrapping the holidays altogether for the sake of your health, just wait. By following a few tips, CPAP and the holidays can go as well together as rum and eggnog: /wp:paragraph wp:list Stick to it: The holidays are certainly a time for indulgences, but try not to get too caught up in them. Keeping to a schedule will help you maintain quality sleep. In with the new: Does your equipment leave marks, or cause parts of your face to be sore in the morning? If so, you may need to replace some parts, or add cushions or liners for better comfort. Travel plans: Visiting friends and family is a key part of the holidays for many people. Don't let your CPAP machine get in the way of those plans. Travel size CPAP devices exist for this very purpose. Have fun!: Sure, having sleep apnea isn't fun, but it shouldn't get in the way of having fun. Make it a part of your daily routine, and reap the benefits your CPAP device can bring. Cheers! /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about Holiday CPAP TipsWhat is the Difference Between CPAP and APAP?
wp:paragraph If you have sleep apnea, then one of the most effective treatments is to get a machine that can help keep your airways open at night when you sleep. You may expect it to be a CPAP machine, but it isn't the only type of machine that can help. There is also an APAP machine. Do you know the differences? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Both machines use Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) to keep your airways open. A pump sends the pressure through a tube into your mask and along your airways. But it's the level of pressure that is sent which makes the difference. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP applies a single, or continuous, level of pressure each and every time you use your machine. Your doctor determines the appropriate level based on either an average or a maximum needed to keep your airways open. A technician will adjust your machine to the proper level. This type of pressure has been used for years and works well for many patients. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But sometimes a one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work well for everyone. Recent technological advances have created a machine, known as Automatically-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), that can adjust the pressure throughout the night based on when you need changes. Being in deep sleep, changes in weight, or sleeping on your back can all require changes in pressure to get the right quality sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Whichever system you choose, remember that you are taking charge of your health. Better sleep leads to a better life. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about What is the Difference Between CPAP and APAP?7 Reasons to Stick With CPAP
wp:paragraph If you suffer from sleep apnea, then your doctor probably prescribed the use of a CPAP machine as part of your treatment. But with the mask, tubes, and machine itself, you may be tempted to forego this part of your treatment. However, using your CPAP machine can really make a difference. Here are the top 7 reasons to stick with it: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Better sleep for you: This may seem obvious, but it's true - using your CPAP machine will definitely give you a better quality sleep. Better sleep for you partner: Untreated sleep apnea not only affects you, but your partner as well. Using your CPAP machine can reduce snoring, which your partner will appreciate. Look better. What happens when you are well-rested? You start to look well-rested, less haggard, and have a healthier glow. Have more energy: When you get poor sleeps, you have less energy. Using your CPAP machine daily will help you regain your previous energy levels. Greater focus: When you are constantly tired, how well can you focus on daily tasks? Probably not very well. Stick with your machine to see improvement in your ability to focus and stay focused. Improved overall health. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks and stroke. Your machine can help minimize those issues. Ability to travel: Snoring and exhaustion don't seem like a great combination for travel. But with a travel-size CPAP machine, you can add travel and adventure back into your life. /wp:list wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about 7 Reasons to Stick With CPAPCPAP and Beauty Sleep
wp:paragraph We've all heard about getting our beauty rest. But it isn't just a fun phrase. Getting adequate sleep helps us not just feel more alert and be more focused, but it does something else - it makes us look better too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sure, we have also heard that beauty is only skin deep. However, if you have sleep apnea, or just trouble sleeping in general, then think about how poor sleeps, every single night, can affect both the way you look and feel. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When you don't get quality sleep, you may start to look drawn and pale. Over time, your face may start to look haggard. You most likely will get dark circles under your eyes. And that is just the start. Poor sleeps will also affect your energy levels, and that will show in the way you walk, your posture, and overall body language. What's more, when you don't look your best, you don't feel great about yourself either. It becomes a nasty cycle. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So, if you have sleep apnea, what can you do to look and feel your best? First, use your CPAP machine every night. This machine keeps your airways open while you sleep so that you can sleep without interruptions. Next, eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. This keeps your body operating optimally. Finally, if you have questions about sleep apnea or your health in general, make an appointment with your doctor. Being healthy keeps you looking healthy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about CPAP and Beauty SleepCPAP Humidity in Cooler Weather
wp:paragraph Cool weather can mean different things to different people. Skiing, sledding, and cozy sweaters. Icy roads and shovelling snow. Cold dry air. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As you turn up the heat during the winter, the moisture in the air decreases. If you have sleep apnea, then this means less moisture in your CPAP machine. Drier air through your machine can lead to dry nasal passages, swelling, and congestion. And that means discomfort. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, you do not have to suffer through it. Humidification for your CPAP machine can make all the difference. There are three types of CPAP humidification to choose from. These are: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Cool pass-over: This let the air flow pass over cool water. The air picks up the water vapour from the water and into your CPAP tube. Heated pass-over: This is like the cool pass-over, except that the water is heated. The heated water allows for more moisture to be added to the air flow, and can offer more comfort during the winter months. Waterless humidification: Instead of having air pass over water, waterless humidification takes the moisture from your breathing to add moisture to the air flow. /wp:list wp:paragraph Regardless of which CPAP machine or humidification system you choose, adding more moisture to your CPAP machine during the dry winter months will surely add comfort and improve your overall CPAP experience. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about CPAP Humidity in Cooler WeatherThink You Have Sleep Apnea? Here's What You Need to Know
wp:paragraph Do you snore? Do you always feel tired and cranky? Do you have trouble focusing? If you said yes to all of these questions, then you may have sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing very briefly while they sleep. Although the pauses are short, they occur throughout the night - for some even more than 30 times an hour. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Risk factors /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While anyone can theoretically get sleep apnea, there are factors that heighten the possibility of getting it. Some of these include. /wp:paragraph wp:list The size of your jaw or throat: A small jaw, recessed chin, or an overbite all contribute to sleep apnea. Being overweight: Extra weight, especially around your upper airway, can affect your ability to breathe at night. Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to get sleep apnea. Being male: Men are twice as likely to get sleep apnea as women. /wp:list wp:heading Why you need to get diagnosed /wp:heading wp:paragraph If left untreated, sleep apnea doesn't just cause you to feel tired and grumpy. It can increase your risk of hear attack or stroke too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A sleep specialist can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. This usually includes a sleep test that monitors your habits and functions while you sleep. You may need to adjust your lifestyle for better health, and you may need to get a CPAP machine. This helps keeps your airways open while you sleep. Get diagnosed, and get ready for better health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn more about Think You Have Sleep Apnea? Here's What You Need to Know