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Working CPAP into your life: 10 tips to make it easier
wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3571,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are 10 tips to make the transition easier for integrating the CPAP machine into your sleep routine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} 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. /wp:list wp:paragraph Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/features/cpap-machine /wp:paragraph
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Ten Tips for a Better Sleep this Summer
wp:paragraph 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: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} 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. /wp:list wp:paragraph Find the right CPAP Machine Today! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379 /wp:paragraph
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Is it Time for a new CPAP mask?
wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here is a list of the parts of your mask and when you should ideally replace them: /wp:paragraph wp:list 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. /wp:list wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now >> /wp:paragraph
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Finding the Right CPAP Mask Fit
wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some things to keep in mind about your lifestyle when shopping for a CPAP mask: /wp:paragraph wp:list 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? /wp:list wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 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. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Introducing ResMed's New Airfit Series. Take 15% off of the new P10, N10, or F10 CPAP Mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Promo Code: Airfit15 /wp:paragraph
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