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Choosing the Right CPAP Mask
wp:paragraph CPAP masks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. But with choice comes a dilemma: which mask is the right one for you? Here are some common questions and answers that may help: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. How do I choose the right mask? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Ultimately, it comes to research. Research as many different masks and styles as you can. Ask friends and family that use CPAP what they like and why. Ask your doctor if there are specific recommendations based on your pressures. Also, think about your face shape and features. Do you wear a beard? Do you have smaller or larger nose? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. What are the differences between a full face mask, a nasal mask, and a nasal pillow? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. A full face mask covers both your mouth and nose, a nasal mask covers just your nose, and a nasal pillow sits at the entrance of your nostrils. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The right mask for you depends on different factors, such as the dimensions of your face, whether or not you have facial hair, and if you tend towards being claustrophobia. Each type of mask has its own benefits. When you try on masks, let the supplier know what your preferences are to help in the process. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I tend to move around at night. What mask should I get? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Consider either a full face or a nasal mask. These types help ensure that the air gets into your airways. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I don’t like the feeling of having my face covered while I sleep. What should I do? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. Because it is the smallest, and lightest on your face, a nasal pillow mask is your best bet. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Q. I have a beard, what should I do? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A. For the best seal, opt for a nasal mask rather than full face mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP Masks and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhy Do I Need to Replace My CPAP Parts and Accessories?
wp:paragraph Why Do I Need to Replace My CPAP Supplies? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are using a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea therapy, then you are aware of the initial costs to purchase the machine and its accessories. But do you realize that you have to replace some of its parts on a regular basis? And why? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Just think – you don’t use the same toothbrush for years. It begins to wear out and thus becomes less effective. To ensure your teeth get the best care, you replace your toothbrush regularly. The same concept applies to your CPAP machine. Its parts can break down or wear out too. Replacing them keeps your machine running optimally and ensures great seeps. So how often do you need to replace certain parts? Below are hints and the time frame when you should consider replacing CPAP supplies. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Filters /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your filters make sure that the air that travels from your CPAP machine to your airways is both clean and free of particles and allergens that can irritate your body. Over time, the filters become clogged or simply wear out. If you live in a region that is prone to being dusty or humid, then your filters will become clogged even faster. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You can tell when you need to replace your filters by examining them visually, particularly for discolouration and wear. Expect to replace your filters twice a month. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Tubing /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How does the pressurized air get from your CPAP machine into your airways? Through the tubing. With nightly usage, the tubes can start to tear or crack, meaning you get less pressurized air than you need for a restful sleep. You can tell when you need to replace the tubes in several ways: consistently poorer sleeps, tears in the tubing material, and tubes that are no longer clear in colour. Replace your tubing about every 3 months. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Humidifier Water Chamber /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Using a humidifier with your CPAP machine can make a wonderful change in your night time comfort. Because it both warms and moistens the air entering your passageway, the humidifier helps minimize dry nose and mouth. It is especially useful if you have a cold or suffer from allergies. The chamber holds the distilled water for the humidifier. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When it becomes discoloured or gets cracks, it is probably time to replace the water chamber. On average, you should replace it every 6 month /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhat Supplies Do I Need For My CPAP?
wp:paragraph After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, you need to start your treatment. That probably means getting a CPAP machine to help you sleep at night. But did you know that you need more than just the CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea? You also need accessories that can offer convenience, comfort, and safety in your new and improved sleeping situation. So what supplies and accessories do you actually need for your CPAP machine? Here are some items to consider: /wp:paragraph wp:list Cleaning supplies: You need to clean your CPAP machine, but you don’t necessarily need fancy cleaning supplies. Hand wash your parts with distilled water and non-allergenic soap, dust them using non-alcoholic wipes, and wipe them dry with clean towels. Backup power supply: It is inevitable – the power can go out while you are sleeping, and that can affect your CPAP machine. A backup power supply can ensure that your machine keeps running even in the event of a power outage. Portable battery pack: Going camping? Staying overnight at a friend’s house? Get a portable battery pack so that you can still have a great sleep even when you are not at home. Mask liners and cushions: If you like a little extra comfort with your CPAP, you can get gel-filled cushions and extra mask liners to provide extra more softness and comfort while you sleep. CPAP pillow: Your CPAP machine - it can take a little getting used to. Pillows specially designed for CPAP users helps ensure that you can get a comfortable sleep even while wearing your necessary equipment. Heated humidifier: Heating and air conditioning can bring dry conditions to your home. A heated humidifier will make sure that your nasal passages and airways remain warm and moist no matter what. Software: Yes! You can even get CPAP software. It monitors your sleeping, and based on your data, offers suggestions to help you get an even better sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph These are just a few of the accessories you can get to enjoy your CPAP machine even more. Ask your vendor about what items they have in stock, and snuggle down for deep and wonderful sleeps every night. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP 101
wp:paragraph CPAP is a common type of therapy for those suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways frequently close while you try to sleep. This causes many short yet frequent interruptions while you sleep, affecting the quality of that sleep as well as the quality of your waking hours. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is an effective treatment for sleep apnea. As the name suggests, your CPAP machine is designed to send gentle yet continuous pressure along through your airways to keep them open. Over time and with nightly usage, you will get better sleeps, meaning deeper sleeps. This trickles into your day, allowing you to feel less stressed and irritable, and having better focus and overall outlook. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How Does a CPAP Machine Work? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are three main components of your CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} The motor: The motor is like a small compressor that takes in air at room temperature and gently pressurizes it to just the right level so that it will keep your airways open but without disturbing your sleep. It also has a filter to keep out some particulates and other items. You can get accessories for your motor, such as a humidifier, to increase your comfort. A CPAP motor is very quiet – you will barely notice it! The hose: The hose is the delivery system for the pressurized air. It attaches from the motor to your mask (explained below). Although the length of the hose can vary based on the machine, they tend to be about 6 feet long. Your mask: The mask that you wear is how the pressurized air actually gets into your airways. You can find masks in all shapes and sizes to fit the variety of facial shapes and sizes. There are also different types of masks – nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full face masks. /wp:list wp:paragraph Note that there are other accessories that can increase the convenience and comfort of your CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Once you have been prescribed a CPAP machine, the most important thing you can do is to use it every night. If you use it infrequently or stop using it, then your sleep apnea symptoms tend to return, If you need help finding a comfortable CPAP setup, ask your doctor or CPAP suppler. Get the treatment you need to get long and restful sleeps again. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreLife With CPAP
wp:paragraph Who doesn't enjoy a good night's sleep? For many people, this could involve exercise, fresh air, a well-balanced diet, and a decent bed time. If you have sleep apnea, then you need to add an extra component to your routine: a CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While it will help you get better sleeps, a CPAP machine does look a little imposing at first. The mask, the tubing, the device itself - it could give you second thoughts about using it. However, don't be quick to judge! This is what it is like to experience a day in the life of a CPAP user: /wp:paragraph wp:list Better concentration More energy Fewer headaches Happier mood Feelings of being well-rested /wp:list wp:paragraph And that's just the immediate experience. Your body will also reap the benefits, including reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Of course, there is the matter of using your CPAP machine. This, too, is part of daily life, but the more you use your machine, the more natural it becomes. If you do have issues using it, then stop in to see your CPAP vendor. You may need a change regarding fit, style of mask, humidification, or extra cushioning, all of which are easily remedied. So if you want to experience a day in the life of a CPAP user, the time is now. Why wait any longer? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHow Serious Is Snoring And Sleep Apnea?
wp:paragraph If you are a snorer, then you could make sleep difficult for others around you. But the problem with snoring that, if it is a symptom of sleep apnea, your own health could be at risk – and not simply due to a poor sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3753,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways are constantly blocked when you are sleeping. That means during the night, you experience quick yet frequent interruptions. These nightly interruptions can have serious consequences for your overall health and well-being. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Just how serious is sleep apnea? Here are some of the affects you could experience: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Increased blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase your blood pressure, which can be detrimental for those whose pressure is already high. The frequent wakeups stress your body, causing your hormones to increase, which raises your blood pressure levels. Type 2 diabetes: Here's a noteworthy fact: more than 50% of people with diabetes have sleep apnea as well. The lack of restful sleep disrupts your body’s use of insulin, which leads to diabetes. Heart disease: Constantly interrupted sleep affects how your body takes in oxygen. This means your brain and heart have to work harder to get the blood flowing around your body. Over time, this added stress can lead to heart disease or stroke. Extra weight: The lack of a good night’s sleep can leave you with a lack of energy, making it more difficult to exercise. What’s worse is those extra pounds can raise increase the likelihood of worsening your sleep apnea. Lack of concentration: Night after night, poor sleep can affect your ability to function and focus during the day. That inattention can be deadly for tasks where you need to be especially alert, such as driving or operating equipment. /wp:list wp:paragraph While it may sound ominous, the good news is that there are ways to treat sleep apnea. Your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine, which sends a gentle pressure along your airways to keep them open while you snooze. Along with general care about your overall health, you can prevent or reduce the likelihood of getting the associated health issues of sleep apnea. Make an appointment with your doctor today and enjoy restful sleeps for years to come /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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