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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
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CPAP masks that fit your lifestyle
wp:paragraph So you’re just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you’ve been told that using a CPAP machine will be essential for your treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Needless to say, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed, and uneasy about these changes in your life that you are about to make. That is completely understandable, who wouldn’t be? Probably what may freak you out the most is the idea of having to wear a big mask over your face all night, and having your partner never look at you the same way again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, what is important to remember, is that the positive aspects of a CPAP machine outweigh the negative aspects by far. Imagine how nice it would be to wake up feeling refreshed, and to spend your day being productive, as opposed to only thinking about hitting the pillow at the end of the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Since you will be face-to-face (literally) with the CPAP mask, it is important to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with. There are three different types of CPAP masks that are sold on the Pap Smart website: /wp:paragraph wp:list Nasal masks: these masks only cover your nose, but have straps around the sides to keep it in place (great for people who move around a lot in their sleep!) There is a soft piece around the mask to help keep it sealed. Full face masks: these masks cover most of your face (mouth and nose) also held in place with side straps. This is a good choice for people who are “mouth-breathers” and have difficulty breathing through their just their nose, especially as you are sleeping. Nasal pillow masks have a cushion that goes under your nose like a “pillow”. As opposed to the larger masks that cover your face, these masks just have side straps that keep the mask in place. This is a good choice for people who may feel claustrophobic with a full face mask or who prefer a full field or vision for reading or watching TV. /wp:list wp:paragraph Visit our website at papsmart.com and find the mask that is right for you. /wp:paragraph
Learn more about CPAP masks that fit your lifestyleWorking 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
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Ten Tips for a Better Sleep this Summer
There’s nothing better than those warm, relaxing summer days, but getting to sleep in the summer can be difficult. Between the hot and humid weather and vacation on our minds, it’s easy to have many sleepless nights.. Here are 10 tips for a better sleep this summer: Create a normal bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to wind down such as having a cup of tea, taking a warm shower or bath, reading, or listening to soothing music. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even when you are on vacation. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol when it is close to bedtime. The effects can take hours to wear off and will disrupt your quality of sleep. Stay away from large meals close to bedtime. The discomfort you have from eating too much will only keep you awake at night Indulge in relaxing exercise such as yoga to help relax yourself before you sleep. Keep any vigorous activities such as running to earlier in the day, so you are not too wound up before bedtime. Associate your bed with sleeping only. Don’t use it as a couch during the day for reading or watching TV. Take one hour before you go to bed to wind down and de-stress yourself. Power down all your electronics and avoid any stressful conversations with your partner. Make this a part of your bedtime routine as mentioned in #2. Create an ideal sleeping atmosphere in your room. Ensure the room is cool enough to your preference and use earplugs and room-darkening shades if you need to. Avoid too much napping during the day as it may keep you up at night. Know when to seek help. Everyone has those nights where we can’t sleep no matter how hard we try, but if it happens consistently and it interferes with your daily life, then it’s time to see a doctor. Find the right CPAP Machine Today! Sleep Foundation: Expert guide to sleep hygiene Mayo Clinic: In-depth guide to healthy sleep
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Is it Time for a new CPAP mask?
So you’ve established by now how useful your CPAP machine is for getting a good night’s sleep. But like many of our valuables, this is something that will need upgrading once in a while to have its full effect. In order for the therapy to work properly, all parts of the CPAP machine need to be in excellent working condition. It is important to keep track of how long you have been using your current mask and also to be aware of the signs that tell you your current mask is wearing out. Here is a list of the parts of your mask and when you should ideally replace them: Mask cushions and pillows: these parts ensure that you are comfortable while using the CPAP machine. If you experience any type of discomfort, redness or skin irritation, or if they start to show signs of wear and tear, then you will need to replace these parts. They generally last for about a month. The mask itself (excluding the headgear): usually needs upgrading every three months, if you start experiencing leaks Headgear and chin strap: if it begins to stretch and you have to keep tightening it in order to avoid leaks, you need to replace it. Usually about every six months. While it may sound like a lot, keeping your CPAP mask in tip top shape will help you with getting a good night’s sleep. You can order separate parts of a CPAP mask through sites Papsmart.com. Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks
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Finding the Right CPAP Mask Fit
So you have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and the next step to your treatment is finding a CPAP Mask to help you sleep better at night. Like many new things in life, incorporating CPAP into your life is not an easy thing to do and is going to be a bit of an adjustment. But what’s important to remember is that this is all just one more step in to getting a good night’s sleep! And that should be you main motivator for this next step. Now, shopping for a CPAP Mask is something very complex (like buying new glasses, for example). There are many parts to a mask that are different from each other and have features that make itself unique to your lifestyle, including adjustable straps and the positioning of the mask part itself (just to name a few). There are many varieties of masks that come in different shapes and sizes. Finding a mask that fits properly and is comfortable is crucial to proper CPAP therapy. Here are some things to keep in mind about your lifestyle when shopping for a CPAP mask: Do read or watch TV before bed? Do you wear glasses? Do you think you would feel claustrophobic in a full-face mask? Which side of your body do you sleep on? Do you have long thick hair? Can it be tied up easily at night? Do you move a lot when you sleep? Are you more of a mouth-breather or a nose breather? Also, taking proper care of your mask is important. Mask parts and the mask need to be replaced about every 3-6 months. Facial oils can break down the wear of the mask and the therapy will not work if there is not a proper seal. For this reason, regular cleaning of the mask and mask parts is also essential to successful CPAP therapy. Most importantly, it is essential that you feel comfortable with the mask and ensure that it fits your lifestyle. Be prepared to work closely with your doctor and/or specialist and try on many masks until you find the one that’s right for you. If you are ordering online, be sure that there is a mask guarantee program in place. Introducing ResMed's New Airfit Series. Take 15% off of the new P10, N10, or F10 CPAP Mask. Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks
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