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Understanding CPAP
wp:paragraph If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may wonder what your treatment options are. If you have already made lifestyle changes with little to no success, your next choice may be to get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. You may be concerned about what it is and how it works; after all, with tubes, a mask, and the machine itself, being able to get a good night’s sleep could seem impossible. But once you understand the components of sleep apnea machines, that elusive sleep is actually just around the corner. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3724,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph The goal of your CPAP machine is to send a gentle yet constant stream of air through your airways to keep your throat from collapsing, which disrupts your sleep. To do this, your CPAP consists of the following major parts: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} The motor: The motor of sleep apnea machines is a small compressor that draws in air and adds light pressure to clear any obstruction in our airways while you breathe. The air intake component has a filter, which you can replace, that screens out particulates. More modern machines have humidifiers to moisten the air to prevent dryness. Best of all, the motor is very quiet – you may forget it is even on! The hose: The hose delivers the pressurized air from the motor to the mask that you wear. While the diameter of the hose can vary based on the machine, most hoses are about 6 feet long. The mask: To get the air into your body, you need to wear a mask. To promote comfort, you can find masks in different sizes and shapes to fit most variations in facial size. There are three main types of mask: nasal pillows, nasal masks, and masks for your entire face. You may need to try several different masks until you find the one that gives you the best sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph Once you have a CPAP machine, the most important factor is using it! It may look daunting, but as with everything, once you start using it, you will get used to it. Not using it can actually cause your symptoms to come back. Get acquainted with your CPAP machine, and you will begin to feel well rested sooner than you realize. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep, Snoring and Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Are you one of those people who snore? If so, you are not alone. But do you know if your snoring is simply a factor of noisy sleeping, or whether it is due to a serious condition call obstructive sleep apnea? How can you tell the difference? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your run-of-the-mill snoring can be caused by a variety of issues, including weaker muscles in your tongue and throat, obstructed nasal airways, and being overweight. Sometimes simple measures, such as losing weight, exercising, and drinking less alcohol, can fix the problem. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea can be quite serious. People who suffer from this condition will move in and out of deep sleep many times at night because their airways temporarily become blocked, which greatly reduces the quality of sleep. Aside from disturbing your sleep, if left untreated, you are at greater risk for certain health issues, such as increased blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But there are ways to remedy obstructive sleep apnea, and one of those strategies is with a CPAP machine. This device connects a tube from the machine to a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose. Air is blown through the tube into your always to keep a steady and continuous flow of air. This keeps your airways open, which allows for normal breathing during sleep. Although it may take some getting used to, a CPAP machine can signal the end to snoring and the start of better sleeps. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keeping yourself healthy is a great way to continue to enjoy life. And if you snore, regardless of the reason, make sure you consult your doctor. They can properly diagnose your issue and find the right solution for your specific situation. And that means you – and your partner – will get a better sleep. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSleeping with CPAP
wp:paragraph Needing sleep apnea machines, or CPAP, to improve your sleep is a great solution, but what about the reality of the situation? With a mask, tubes, and straps, will you actually get a good night’s sleep? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3718,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph As the saying goes: try it, you’ll like it! Of course, using CPAP will take some getting used to. That starts with the actual gear you need. With sleep apnea, you stop breathing for short moments, possibly up to 30 times every hour. This happens because your airways close or are blocked. Your CPAP machine uses gentle pressure to push air through, keeping your airways open. This requires a machine that contains a pump that regulates the air flow, and a tube to carry that air from the machine to a mask that you wear over or mouth and/or nose. Straps keep everything in place. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Obviously, wearing a mask over your face with straps to secure it does not, at first glance, seem like a great way to get a good night's sleep. But there are different designs, such as a nasal mask or a full mouth-and-nasal mask, which can provide the right fit for you. Try out the different options to see which one is more comfortable. You may need several tries and fittings to find the one that works for your specific needs. Ask your doctor and sleep specialist for tips and strategies to help you adjust. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Then there is the machine itself. Earlier sleep apnea machines were large and noisy; perhaps you have this image you have in mind. But as technology advances, so do the designs of sleep apnea machines. They have become smaller and quieter, making sleep easier to achieve. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To push the air through, your CPAP machine may have different pressure settings. You can ask your doctor to adjust the settings to find the appropriate level for both your comfort and sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finally, if you find that your CPAP machine is drying out your nose and mouth, ask about a humidifier for your machine, or one that even heats the air to make it moist. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Everyone knows the benefits of a great night’s sleep, but some people need extra help getting that. By using your CPAP machine correctly and making the necessary adjustments, you too can enjoy some sweet slumber. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Looking For A New CPAP Machine & Mask? View Our All-In-One CPAP Package On Sale Today! /wp:paragraph
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The differences between sleep apnea and insomnia
wp:paragraph Many people think that sleep apnea and insomnia are pretty much the same thing, however they are actually very different from each other and today we’re going to look at how this is. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph With sleep apnea, a person experiences episodes where they stop breathing temporarily during a deep sleep. Left untreated, this can lead to many other serious health consequences such as heart problems or daytime fatigue. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph On the other hand, insomnia is where someone has a very difficult time falling and staying asleep. Often times it is something short term that is brought on by stress factors from the outside world, but if it is consistent and lasts for more than a month, then this is where chronic insomnia may develop and medical treatment may be required. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What these two sleep disorders have in common is the fact that your sleep cycle is interrupted and you are not getting a proper sleep at night. Medical research shows that sleep apnea and insomnia may be very different from each other, however in recent years, it has been discovered that the two are actually very closely correlated to each other. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many patients with chronic insomnia tend to develop sleep apnea, thus having many sleep specialists speculate to believe that insomnia may actually CAUSE sleep apnea. A study done in 2012 showed how strong the correlation between the two is, as many of the insomnia patients involved were actually displaying symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you thought that was enough, what about those who develop insomnia when they already are diagnosed with, or receiving treatment for OSA? This turns out to happen quite often, a lot of it due to stress and anxiety of using a CPAP machine and also the time it takes to get used to the air pressure flow and the idea of sleeping with a mask over your face each night. Many new CPAP patients find themselves tossing and turning at night over this and many sleep specialists report that chronic insomnia is actually quite common among their sleep apnea patients. Some common symptoms include frequent nighttime urination, dry mouth, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Whether you are being treated for sleep apnea or dealing with ongoing insomnia, the number one goal to work towards is getting a good sleep night after night. To help with this, it is important that you report your symptoms to your doctor so they can find the best treatment for you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep apnea and alcohol
wp:paragraph Many of you may enjoy relaxing with an alcoholic beverage at the end of a long day. Just like many of you may enjoy going to occasions and gatherings where there is an abundance of alcoholic beverages present. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s something that’s naturally a part of our lives, but have you ever thought about how this could affect your sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many of you may have experienced a terrible night’s sleep after drinking too much. Having too much to drink before bedtime can lead to many symptoms such as insomnia, snoring, headaches and nightmares. And let’s not forget the negative “morning after” effects of too much alcohol, combined with a poor night’s sleep, including fatigue, nausea, drowsiness and more. So it is really worth it? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Alcohol and sleep apnea have a very strong link to each other as alcohol can affect your sleep routines in a negative way. Successful sleep apnea treatment and CPAP therapy rely heavily on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is crucial, as is getting a consistent amount of sleep every day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s one thing to have one or two drinks early in the evening (such as a glass of wine with dinner), but having too much more than that can be harmful to your sleep cycle. And while drinking too much may make you feel more tired come bedtime, it can cause insomnia and more frequent episodes of snoring and breathing problems as you sleep. Alcohol has also been known to cause your breathing to become more slow and shallow and relax your airway too much, which could worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For this reason, sleep apnea patients are best to avoid any alcohol a few hours before bedtime. If you do slip up and are thrown off your sleep routine for one night, it is very important to get right back on track the next day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All in all, it is not worth it to throw away one night of valuable CPAP therapy over a few too many drinks. Be sure to plan carefully when out at a party or a gathering and know what your limit is and when to say no. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep Apnea and Seasonal Allergies
wp:paragraph The snow is finally melting and spring has arrived! While you may be excited about the buzz of spring, you may find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies and/or flu like symptoms, just like many people around you may experience during big changes in weather and air pressure. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For those with sleep apnea, this can affect your sleeping patterns in a big way, especially if you use a CPAP machine at night. Some may just have issues with the excessive dryness in the air that occurs at this time of year and experience some cold symptoms, including headaches or migraines, sinus congestion, and sore throat. Others have ongoing issues with allergies and may have a lot of nasal congestion, especially at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All of this can affect your sleep cycle, especially when you have sleep apnea. Several studies done over time have found a very strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and hay fever, which is a term for an allergy of pollen or dust in the air. This often causes a blockage in the airway which leads to; yes you guessed it, obstructive sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many people also experience insomnia as a result of their seasonal allergies. As if you have to sleep with your nose completely stuffed up, try using a CPAP machine on top of that. Doesn’t sound like much fun, right? Unfortunately it is very common for people to have some bad nights of sleeping as a result of this and doing nothing will only make it worse. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As irritating as this can be, there are ways to resolve your seasonal allergies without having to forgo the use of your CPAP machine for a night (which is NOT recommended as this can interfere with your CPAP therapy). Many over the counter medicines can be quite helpful in relieving the effects of seasonal allergies, including nasal sprays to help clear your airway. Be sure to seek advice from your doctor if the problem persists. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As always, be sure to practice good sleep hygiene. Stick to the same bedtime every night, turn off the electronics at least an hour before you go to bed and practice good diet and exercise throughout the daytime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSleep apnea in children
wp:paragraph When you think of people with sleep apnea, it’s easy to stereotype the overweight, middle aged man as the perfect sleep apnea candidate. But have you ever thought of who else this could affect? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3686,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Sleep apnea in children, while not as common, it is something that occurs more often than you think. Often, it starts with snoring: one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. But the place where many parents become concerned is when a child is visibly struggling to breathe as they are sleeping. If your child is making a choking or gasping sound in their sleep, this is where it becomes problematic. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children with sleep apnea may also come across as very tired and exhausted throughout the daytime. It could also contribute to behavioural problems at school for some children. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For many parents who have a child with sleep apnea, there are many questions and apprehensions. How could this have happened? I thought only adults get sleep apnea? Well there are a number of factors that can contribute to sleep apnea in children. This includes their family history, being overweight, having existing health problems, enlarged tonsils or defects in the airway that have the potential to cause a blockage. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As overwhelming as it may be for everyone involved, it is important to try and stay positive, and remember that sleep apnea IS treatable. Many children with sleep apnea use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask to help them breathe normally when they sleep at night. Doctors may also recommend some lifestyle changes for children, including exercise and diet changes. It is also common for doctors to remove a child’s tonsils to help alleviate the sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep is vital to a growing child’s health, so this is something that should never be ignored. Your doctor will no doubt be your best resource for any concerns you may have. Be sure to seek out help from your pediatrician if you think your child has sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
Learn moreI have sleep apnea: what do I do next?
wp:paragraph So you’ve finally found out what is causing your snoring problems and many bad night’s sleep and your doctor has just diagnosed you with sleep apnea. While there may be some relief as to knowing what has been causing your sleep problems, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and you may have questions and apprehensions as to what happens next. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3674,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph First of all: it is important to know that you are not alone. Sleep apnea affects thousands of Canadian men and women each year. It is also important to know that while there is no actual cure for sleep apnea, there are ways to alleviate your symptoms so that you sleep much better at night and you have a better quality of life overall. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep is one of the most important factors in living a healthy lifestyle along with eating right and getting exercise. So without it, many people experience a lot of problems with daytime fatigue and drowsiness. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types of sleep apnea are: /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive sleep apnea: the most common type, where the tissue at the back of your airway relaxes to the point where it can become blocked. Many people snore loudly as a result of this. Central sleep apnea: where your brain does not signal to the muscles that control your airway, often resulting in it becoming blocked. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you have not done so already, be sure to sit down with your doctor or sleep specialist and discuss that the next steps are in treating your condition. This is the perfect time to ask any questions that you may have and the two of you can figure out the best treatment plan for you. Some people have a milder case of sleep apnea than others do, so the way one person deals with it may be vastly different from other people. Your doctor will know best as to what type of sleep apnea you have, and what kind of treatment plan will work best for you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One of the most popular, and recommended treatments is the Continuous Positive Airway (CPAP) machine. This is a mask that you wear at night, connected to a machine that exerts a continuous flow of air, so that your airway stays open as you sleep. This is known to be very successful for providing relief almost immediately, and many CPAP users have testified to having more mental and physical energy during the daytime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your doctor may also recommend that you make some changes to your lifestyle in order to help alleviate your sleep apnea, including healthy eating and getting regular exercise. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So you see, sleep apnea is treatable and you are not alone! Be sure to confide in your doctor as to your next steps towards getting a good night’s sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Is a CPAP machine covered by healthcare?
wp:paragraph What is CPAP? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, often just called CPAP, is a system that uses light pressure to help keep a person's airways open, particularly at night. It is typically used by those people who have breathing issues, including sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The CPAP machine can include a mask that fits over your mouth and nose to prevent your airways from closing while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Costs of a CPAP machine /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One issue with the machine is that it can be expensive. For Ontario residents however, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has a program called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) which can offset some of the costs associated with various machines, including CPAP. ADP will pay 75% of their approved price of a machine, and you will need to cover the other 25%. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Other provinces offer their own level of funding. For example, Saskatchewan provides the CPAP systems but users need to buy their own mask, the humidifier and any other accessories needed. In Manitoba, approved CPAP systems, including the unit itself, the mask, and accessories, are provided by the province. Other provinces, such as Alberta, offer funds for CPAP therapy for eligible seniors with specific income thresholds. Other provinces offer a limited amount of funding for CPAP machines. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph At a national level, some Veteran Affairs Canada and Non Insured Health Benefits funding may be available for those who are eligible. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Who can apply to CPAP funding programs? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Any resident provincial with a valid health card in their name who has doctor-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and who meets all other eligibility criteria can apply to CPAP funding programs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You may be required to attend a sleep clinic to verify our eligibility. Your sleep physician and clinic staff will determine the type of equipment you need. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Can your personal health insurance company cover the remaining CPAP costs? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many insurance companies will cover the remaining expenses of obtaining a CPAP machine. Contact your insurance agent for more information. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What equipment and supplies does a person need? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A CPAP system can consist of the some or all of the following items: /wp:paragraph wp:list The actual CPAP device A heated humidifier A mask and related head gear Tubing Carrying case Caps and filters Power cord Instruction manual /wp:list wp:paragraph If you need other parts that are not included as part of the system, you may need to pay for those costs yourself or through your insurance. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What happens when you need to replace your CPAP equipment? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Some provinces, such as Ontario, may contribute funds towards replacing your equipment when it no longer works, cannot be repaired, and has past the warranty date. Note that you still need to meet the necessary eligibility requirements. /wp:paragraph
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