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sleep apnea

I think I have sleep apnea, now what?

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The Importance of Cleaning Your CPAP Device

wp:paragraph If you suffer from sleep apnea and you regularly use a CPAP Machine at night, you may be used to the fact that you have to keep your device clean on a regular basis. Not sticking to a regular cleaning routine for the various parts of your CPAP Device can result in the parts breaking down and wearing out much more quickly than they are supposed to. Having to replace some of these parts can be extremely costly. Worse, your CPAP therapy may not work to its full potential if the machine parts go too long in between cleanings.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, if you take the time to clean your CPAP machines and its parts of dust and facial oils, the parts can last you quite a long time before requiring replacement and overall, the CPAP therapy will work the way it’s supposed to. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How often do I need to clean my CPAP device? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph CPAP Devices and their parts can get dirty very quickly as a result of dust and facial oils. Most parts will benefit from a clean at least once a week, however some parts such as the headgear cushions, tubing and humidifier chamber may need to be cleaned daily, especially if they are touching your face. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A few tips for cleaning your CPAP device and parts /wp:paragraph wp:list Check the manufacturers warranty for specific cleaning instructions Take the mask apart to give it the best clean Hand wash the parts of your mask using lukewarm tap water, a soft bristle brush and a mild soap Do not use any soaps containing harsh chemicals such as bleach or alcohol. A mild medical grade soap will do just fine (some mask manufacturers may offer a cleaning solution for their CPAP devices) Do not wash your mask parts in a washing machine or dishwasher and do not leave them in direct sunlight to dry Wash your face before using the mask in order to keep it clean and prolong its life If you notice any parts with cracks or other deficiencies, be sure to have the part replaced as soon as possible! /wp:list

cannabis and sleep

The Truth about Using Cannabis as a Sleep Aid

wp:paragraph One of many questions that have become asked a little more in the past few years: can I use cannabis or medical marijuana to help me sleep? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While the conversation around cannabis may have been a bit controversial at times (and still is) there has been a lot more research conducted on cannabis use over the past few years since it has become legal in Canada. There is still a lot that is to be learned, especially on how it affects your sleep cycle, but since many people choose to turn to cannabis as an aid to fall (and stay) asleep, it is important to know just how this can influence your body and sleep cycle overall. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So, what are the effects of cannabis use on sleep? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In general, many people use cannabis as a form of relaxation, and to help aid other ailments with the body, such as chronic pain or mental issues such as anxiety. When it comes to sleep, many adults have found cannabis to be effective as a sleep aid, especially if you suffer from insomnia. It can be known to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep as well. It can give you more of a “deep sleep” and has occasionally been known to promote some vivid dreams as well. But like any other substance, there can be some other side effects from its usage and it may not work for everyone. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Will using cannabis before bedtime work for me? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While a lot of the research on cannabis and sleep is still relatively new and there is still so much about it to be learned, the one thing medical experts warn is that using cannabis too much could impair your REM sleep cycle, which is vital for getting a good night’s sleep. Those who suffer from moderate to severe sleep apnea will need to especially be aware of the effects of cannabis before bedtime, however if you use a CPAP device at night (like the ones found on CPAP Machines - PAPSmart Canada ) this can be less of an issue. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Studies completed in the past few years have shown that medical cannabis may not necessarily be an effective aid for long term use, however using a little bit before bed can sometimes be beneficial, as long as you don’t overdo it. If you are still unsure, the best course of action would be to speak to your doctor for advice. Depending on your overall health, cannabis may not be the best course of treatment for everyone, however your doctor can recommend what is best to help you with insomnia. Like any other substances, please be sure you are using cannabis and/or medical marijuana responsibly. /wp:paragraph

stress affects your sleep

How Stress Affects your Sleep

wp:paragraph It is no secret that most of us have experienced stress in one way or another, especially these days seeing as we are still in the middle of a global health pandemic. Stress is something that can influence the body in so many ways, including how you sleep. If you have ever found yourself tossing and turning in the middle of the night and you cannot seem to fall asleep, you are not alone.   /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to tell if stress is causing your poor sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph First, getting poor sleep at night can have a significant effect on how you function during the daytime. If you are finding yourself having low energy, trouble concentrating, and you are in a negative mood, then your sleep may be to blame. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleepless nights do happen to all of us every now and then, however it becomes a concern when this happens many nights in a row and if affects how you function in the daytime. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph With everything going on in the world these days, it is easy to have a lot on your mind when it is time to go to bed, but do not let this take a toll on your sleep routine. If this is not addressed and dealt with, this can lead to more significant health conditions. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to reduce stress levels to improve your sleep /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Whether your stress is caused by the current events in the world, or factors in your personal life such as work or relationships, it is important to identify the source of the stress and try to address it. While it may seem challenging and it may be difficult to resolve, knowing what is causing your stress can be important to helping you sleep better. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are few other healthy habits to incorporate in the daytime that can help you sleep better at night: /wp:paragraph wp:list Limit the time you spend on electronic devices Get in some exercise during the daytime Stick to eating a healthy diet Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake Practice some mindful meditation techniques before bedtime Seek support from family or friends Speak to your doctor if you have exhausted all your other options to no avail /wp:list

seasonal allergies

Sleep and Seasonal Allergies

wp:paragraph If you are starting to wake up feeling a little stuffed up these days, you are not alone. Allergies are extremely common in the early spring months and this can greatly affect your sleep cycle. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Why are my allergies affecting how I sleep at night? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many people experience seasonal allergies and/or flu like symptoms at this time of year thanks to significant changes in air pressure and the weather. This can affect your sleeping patterns in a big way, especially if you have sleep apnea and/or use a CPAP machine at night. Some people experience common cold symptoms such as headaches, sinus congestion or sore throat, that most often occurs in the morning, right as you wake up. Others (especially those with sleep apnea) may have a lot of nasal congestion at night that is making it difficult to sleep and causing insomnia. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph With all of that said, having an “off” sleeping night for one night or more can affect how you function during the daytime and doing nothing will only make it worse. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How can I sleep better with allergies? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Dealing with seasonal allergies that affect your sleep can be unpleasant, however there are ways to help you to alleviate this: /wp:paragraph wp:list Try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (such as Benadryl or Claritin) before you go to bed to help you sleep better. If you wake up with allergy symptoms then you can take one in the morning as well if needed (just be sure to use a non-drowsy formula!) Don’t stray away from practicing good sleep hygiene. Stick to the same bedtime every night and stick to healthy diet and exercise routines during the daytime. Keep your bedroom cool and use a humidifier if necessary to help alleviate excessive dryness in the air. Check out this HumidX F20 humidifier - PAPSmart Canada If you use a CPAP machine, don’t skip the use of your machine for one night, even if you are feeling unwell. It is more important now than ever to keep up with your CPAP therapy. You may even want to consider giving your machine an extra cleaning to better help you sleep at night Be sure to seek advice from your doctor if the problem persists. /wp:list

woman sleeping

Six Ways to Give Your Sleep Routine a Little Spring Cleaning

wp:image {"id":6961,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Now that the snow has gone away and the days of warm weather are just around the corner, you may be gearing up to do a little spring cleaning in your life. Why not do some spring cleaning with your sleep routine as well? There are many reasons as to why your sleep routine may be feeling a bit off these days. Maybe you are tired of the pandemic and can’t stop thinking about all of the news, maybe those spring allergies are starting to creep in, or maybe your body never fully adjusted from that spring forward time change that occurred a few weeks ago. With the following six tips, you can find yourself going into the warmer weather with a restful sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true,"type":"1"} Turn your bedroom into a sleep only zone; avoid using your bedroom for anything other than sleeping and keep the room cool, dark and quiet. Blackout curtains and a noise machine can be helpful with this.   Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it; this way your body knows to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep. And make sure you go to bed around the same time every night. Avoid technology for at least an hour before bedtime; that blue light effect from your phone does not have a good effect on your REM sleep cycle, so it’s best to put your devices away and read a book instead. Bonus tip: leave your devices to charge in a different room so you are not tempted to look at it. Be careful of what you eat or drink before bedtime; avoid alcohol, heavy meals or any caffeinated drinks for at least a few hours before you go to bed, as these are all known to keep you awake. Try a cup of herbal tea instead. Take advantage of the sun; Now that the weather is getting warmer, try and get outside for a little Vitamin D during the daytime. This has been known to do wonders for your body’s internal clock and your REM sleep cycle. Get in some exercise during the daytime; Although this may seem more difficult right now with the pandemic, even 30 minutes of daily walking around the neighborhood has been known to help you sleep better at night. /wp:list

Sleep Tips for a New Year

wp:paragraph With all the worries of a global pandemic it can be tough to relax and wind down these days.  As we start a new year, let’s refocus on healthy sleep habits, as we know we can live healthier happier lives – and better manage life with CPAP – if we are well rested.  Below our some tips to get back to the basics of a good night’s sleep: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true,"type":"1"} 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 working from home or off work. 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 above.   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

Is it time to replace my CPAP parts?

wp:paragraph When you have sleep apnea, you know how important your CPAP machine is in treating your sleep disorder. Your CPAP machine is like other machines and appliances - sometimes the parts wear out or break, and need to be replaced. It is important that you replace broken or worn out parts so that your machine operates at peak efficiency. Even if you don't realize that your CPAP machine isn't working as it should, eventually your body will let you know by being tired, cranky, and just not your usual self. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So the question you may have is this - with all of the different parts of the machine, how do you know when to replace any parts and accessories? Here is a quick guideline to help you. /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Inspect all parts and accessories regularly: The first way to know when something needs to be replaced is to check it for tears, cracks, or breaks. You can do this whenever you wash the parts. Read the manual: The manufacturer provides a manual with accessory "life expectancy". You can use this as a guideline for replacements or even when to start checking for issues. Go by feel: Even if the parts look fine and you are following the manufacturer's suggestions, it still is possible that your parts are no longer sealing as they should. How can you tell? By how you feel. If you aren't feeling as well rested as you used to, this can be a sign that you need to replace some parts. /wp:list wp:paragraph As a general rule you should replace your parts on the schedule below: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph {"align":"left"} Monthly /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Disposable Filters /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Every Six Months /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Reusable Filters, Cushions and Pillows, Headgear /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph {"align":"left"} Every Six - Twelve Months /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Masks /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph

CPAP and COVID19: Your Questions Answered

wp:paragraph If you have Sleep Apnea, you may be worried about CPAP and COVID19. Take a read below for tips and info. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Does having Sleep Apnea make me high risk for COVID19? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There is no evidence linking sleep apnea with coronavirus risk. According to the centre for disease control (CDC), People who have a higher risk for severe illness from the coronavirus include: /wp:paragraph wp:list 65 years of age or older Those with serious underlying medical conditions.  Those who are immuno-compromised Those who have been close contact with another person who has the coronavirus. /wp:list wp:paragraph What should I do if I have symptoms (should I use my CPAP while sick)? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, you should isolate yourself in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom, if available. In this “recovery room,” you should continue to use your CPAP while you sleep alone. Evidence suggests that use of CPAP is more likely to produce large droplets (>10 μm) rather than aerosols, and that these are largely confined to within one meter due to their large mass.This suggests that the risk of droplet dispersion as a result of use of CPAP is not a major issue, and is probably no different than any COVID-19 patient in the who is coughing or sneezing without CPAP.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Any extra cleaning tips? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The centre for disease control (CDC) recommends cleaning and disinfecting your medical equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The directions for CPAP masks and hoses normally include regular cleaning with soap and water. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The CDC also recommends that you clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your household. This includes door knobs, light switches and handles. Learn more from the CDC about how to clean and disinfect your household.   /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph

Festive Season 2020 - CPAP Tips

wp:paragraph It's going to be a very different festive season this year. Not as much cooking and shopping and going out to holiday gatherings as we're used to. While we can still find ways to have fun in our social bubbles, the stress of 2020 can also get exhausting. That's why getting enough quality sleep is more important than ever.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you use a CPAP machine to help address your sleep apnea, you may be inclined every so often to skip using it. After all, the 2020 holiday season could make you just want to slip quickly into bed for some sleep. But definitely don't fall into that habit! No matter how enticing your bed may be, always take a few minutes to set up your CPAP machine for use at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here's why... /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You may think that missing one night here and there, especially during the holidays, won't really make a difference in the long run. But what you are doing is setting up the foundation for the habit of not using your CPAP machine. When you don't use your machine - even for one night - you run the risk of having a poor quality sleep. As you gradually become more and more fatigued, you can increase your risks for irritability, headaches, forgetfulness, and even more serious issues such as heart attack or stroke. And more immediately, those headaches and fatigue will mean that you will have less fun during the holidays. And who wants that? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So even when you don't feel like it, always be sure to use your CPAP machine to encourage yourself to be the best version of you any time of the year.   /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Newly diagnosed with OSA and need CPAP? Shop CPAP, CPAP Masks, and Accessories Now! /wp:paragraph

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