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Getting ready for 2016: New Year’s Resolution tips for CPAP Users
wp:paragraph Happy 2016! The New Year signifies a fresh start and a new beginning for many people. Some try to exercise more and eat better, others simply strive to be more open minded in their lives. If you use a CPAP machine, the New Year can also be a perfect time to step it up in terms of your parts replacement schedule, or improving your overall sleep habits. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3665,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph As big as New Year’s Resolutions are for making improvements for people, prioritizing sleep is incredibly important to your overall health, especially for those who use a CPAP machine. Not only does this improve your experience using the machine, but getting a good night of sleep also affects how you function during the daytime. So the start of the New Year is the perfect time to take advantage of making positive changes to your overall sleep health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips for CPAP users to consider for the New Year: /wp:paragraph wp:list Has your bed time fluctuated over the holidays? This happens to a lot of people over the holidays with many late nights. It is best to go to bed at the same time each night, and wake up at the same time each day (or at least very close to it) Take some time to sit down and set your parts replacement schedule for the year. In order to keep your CPAP machine and its parts in perfect working condition, they will need to be replaced or upgraded on a regular basis. This is a good opportunity to take inventory of what you have, and what you may need in the coming future, so you can budget it in too (as it’s no secret that some important CPAP parts can break the bank). Avoid having heavy meals close to bedtime, and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages too late in the daytime. Avoid the use of electronic devices too close to bedtime (yes that includes the TV) If you aren’t doing so already, be sure to make a habit of cleaning your machine and its parts on a regular basis (at least once a week) Practice good diet and exercise. Even though many people may already have this as their New Years resolution, this can work wonders in helping you to sleep better at night /wp:list
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Keeping up with your CPAP routine throughout the holidays
wp:paragraph It’s that time of the year again! For many of us, the Christmas holidays often involves spending time with loved ones, and yes, indulging in some stuff that you may not normally be into during the year. This includes alcohol, delicious food, lots of stress and many late nights. As fun (or not) as it may be, all of this can contribute to some terrible nights of sleeping, which can result in some grinchy-like behaviour in the morning. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There may be a lot going on for you during the holidays, however you can still have a great time AND sleep well each night. Here are a few tips for staying into your normal sleep routines during the holiday season. /wp:paragraph wp:list Be careful with how much alcohol you drink: as nice as it may be to let loose at that office party or on Christmas Eve with the family, having too much to drink can lead to you having a terrible sleep. You may be falling asleep faster than normal, however your sleep apnea symptoms can get significantly worse from drinking. It is okay to indulge in some not so healthy foods, but don’t overdo it: it may be especially tempting to indulge on some sweets after dinner, but experts say that eating too much before bedtime can keep you awake at night, especially anything containing caffeine or sugar. That doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself at all, but know where to stop. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day: maybe you’re spending a few nights away from home, or maybe you have guests that have come to stay with you. But keeping up with your sleeping routines is very important to sleeping well. Late nights are okay, but try not to go to bed any later than an hour past your bedtime. Try not to stress yourself out: we all know that the holidays can be a stressful time, between last minute Christmas shopping, cooking for family gatherings and more. But did you know that stress is a huge contributing factor for poor sleep? Be sure to take time for yourself to de-stress, even if it means vegging on the couch and watching your favourite Christmas movie. Get some fresh air: whether the ground is white where you live, or whether there’s barely a snowflake on the ground, indulging in some natural daylight helps your circadian levels which in turn can help you to sleep better at night. Stay consistent with your CPAP machine each night: if you think that just one night without your CPAP machine will be nothing, think again. Your sleep apnea symptoms will worsen and you will be in for some sleepless nights. It’s really not worth it at this time of the year. /wp:list
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The dreaded cold and flu season: survival tips for CPAP users
wp:paragraph Well, it’s that time of the year again. People all around you have been feeling under the weather and you probably have figured out that cold and flu season is in full swing. If you haven’t come down with something already, chances are, either you or someone you know will get something soon enough. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you use a CPAP machine, then you know all too well how uncomfortable a cold can be when trying to use the machine at night as you normally would. As tempting as it may sound, it is of no benefit to you if you decide to set the machine aside just for a night or two until you can breathe normally again. If having a cold wasn’t bad enough, you will not have the benefit of being able to sleep soundly though the night if you forgo your CPAP therapy. So then you’ll not only be sick, but you will lose sleep as well, which is crucial for fighting off your cold! It may sound like a challenge, but you can fight off this cold AND not lose any sleep from getting frustrated with your CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips that can help to both alleviate your cold and help you sleep better at night, without having to set the CPAP machine aside for the night. /wp:paragraph wp:list Try using an over the counter saline nasal spray: this will help to add moisture to your sinuses and reduce the swelling to help you breathe a bit easier Add a heated humidifier to your CPAP machine: this works wonders for CPAP users as the heat helps to add moisture to your sinuses. For best results: be sure to position the humidifier lower than the bed, and try to keep the room temperature on the warm side Try sleeping on your side, or prop your head higher so that your nasal passages are elevated Keep your CPAP machine and parts clean: ever wonder why we always talk about the importance of keeping your CPAP machine and parts clean? This is a prime time to ensure that your CPAP is germ free to help you recover faster Try switching to a full face mask as oppose to a nasal one, until your cold is gone Try an auto CPAP machine, as it will adjust the air flow settings to your breathing patterns, which are very different when you are sick. Be sure to seek help from your doctor if your symptoms progress for more than just a few days and you are still having trouble sleeping with the CPAP machine at night /wp:list wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph
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CPAP usagein the post-secondary student
The American College of Health reports that approximately four percent of college students have sleep apnea. This is vital to how a person functions throughout the daytime. As we all know, sleep apnea causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing while they are sleeping, causing someone to be tired and groggy throughout the day. As a result, they don’t pay attention in class, it disrupts their studies (either by developing poor study habits or skipping it altogether) and it can interfere with their social lives. So how does this occur in college students in the first place? As mentioned above, college students arguably have the worst sleeping habits between the late study nights, heavy drinking and the occasional all-nighter. This can mess with the body’s internal clock, which regulates when you sleep, when you wake up and more. This can lead to something called “circadian rhythm disorder,” and this, in turn, can lead to more serious problems, such as sleep apnea. The CPAP machine is the safest, and most effective form of treatment for sleep apnea, weather you are 18 or 58. But admittedly, many students in that “college age” bracket may feel too embarrassed to use their CPAP machine, in fear that their friends will make fun of them. What’s important to remember here is the end result: a better night’s sleep for you, the ability to function normally throughout the day, and a happier, and more productive college experience. This age is about entering adulthood head first, and coming to terms with your CPAP machine is a huge part of that. The awkwardness of high school is now over and if you explain your condition to your friends, they should be accepting of it, and of you. Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store.
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Sleep Apnea and Arthritis
September is Arthritis Awareness month, and there is a lot to be said for its connection to sleep apnea, and of sleep problems in general.A study done in the UK in 2012 states that heavy snorers are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. It also mentions that a large portion of arthritis patients who have sleep problems, also develop sleep apnea. So how do we put these two together? Let’s start with what we know: according to the arthritis society of Canada, over 4.6 million Canadian adults report having arthritis, and this number will grow to about 7.5 million in 2036. We often think of arthritis only affecting senior citizens, but it can happen to people at any age (cases have been reported as young as the teen years!) It is known as “joint inflammation” and it has no cure. People who have this condition often experience a lot of pain as a result. While medication does help to alleviate the pain in some cases, it can only do so much. This is why sleep problems are so common in arthritis patients. And when you combine the symptoms of arthritis with what we know about sleep apnea, having a decent night’s sleep can be very difficult for arthritis patients. For this reason, getting proper treatment to sleep apnea is crucial. Too many people, weather they have arthritis or not, miss out on this. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that has too many negative consequences if left untreated. So many people may think that it doesn’t affect them, or they may feel too overwhelmed with their arthritis treatments and appointments to even think about seeing a sleep specialist. Remember this: sleep has a huge impact on how you live your day to day life, and lack of sleep (or a bad night’s sleep) affects your productivity levels, your energy levels and more. If you have arthritis and you are experiencing problems sleeping, simply start by asking your doctor for advice. They may either give you some tips, or refer you to a specialist if it’s something more serious. Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory!
Learn morePapSmart: All in one package
You probably know by now how much of a huge difference your CPAP machine has made in your quality of life. However, you may not be the first to admit that it is an investment of time and money. Cleaning all the parts, knowing when it is time to order a new part, and budgeting accordingly, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with your CPAP. Or, you may have only just started using a CPAP machine at night and may feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that is involved with your machine and its parts. If any of the above points apply to you, then the latest package deals on the PapSmart website will be perfect for you. PapSmart’s exclusive all in one package offers are in for a limited time only. You can get all the parts for your CPAP machine at a discounted price, including the mask, the tubing, power supply and a carry case. You have 5 different choices of machines to select from and three different mask options as well. Even better? Shipping is completely free! If you are a regular user of a CPAP machine, or if you are just starting out with one, this is the perfect time for you to take advantage of these huge savings! Now that spring is (almost) in the air, there’s no better time to invest in a new CPAP than now. Save Big During the PAPSmart Fall Sale
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Five signs that it's time for a new CPAP mask
So you’ve been using your CPAP mask for a quite a while and you’re finding that it is starting to wear down. Believe it or not, it is very important to be aware of when to replace your CPAP mask. Just like any piece of clothing that you own, it can get worn out over time and using an old mask that is falling apart mask will only do more harm than good for your CPAP therapy. Here are five things to look out for as to when it’s time to invest in a new CPAP mask: Are you waking up with sores on your face? If so, your mask is wearing down and you need to get a new one. A proper fitting mask should not be hurting you in any way; it should feel comfortable on your face. Are you finding small tears in the mask, the cushioning or even the tubing? Needless to say, it’s time for a new mask at this point. Facial oils tend to break down the material of the mask overtime, thus the need for a new one. If you feel just as tired as you did before you started your CPAP therapy, than likely the mask is not doing its job anymore. Be sure to check it carefully for any abnormal tears or worn-out parts as just one part of your CPAP mask wearing down can negatively affect your CPAP therapy. Have you been neglecting to keep your mask and its parts clean on a regular basis? This is very common for a lot of first-time CPAP users. The key to prolonging the life of your mask is to keep it clean on a regular basis, otherwise it can wear down faster and you will just have to replace your CPAP mask more often than necessary. Are you finding it more difficult to properly secure your mask on at night (compared to in the past?) If so, your mask has worn down and you need to replace it. Prolonged use can cause the mask parts to stretch out and wear down and it will not fit you as well as it used to. Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks
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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 moreAuto 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 https://papsmart.com/products/resmed-airsense-10 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!
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