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How to Get the Best Results out of Your CPAP Machine
wp:paragraph When you have trouble sleeping every night and feel exhausted even after just waking up, a visit to your doctor should be in order. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your treatment may include using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By wearing a small mask over your face and nose and with straps to secure it in place, your CPAP machine sends a flow of air into your airways. This gentle and continuous stream of air keeps your airways open to ensure that you can get a restful sleep without interruptions due to sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting a good night’s sleep is one thing. To make sure that every night’s sleep could be a great one, here are some ways to get the best results from your CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Use your machine every time you sleep. At night, when you nap, or even when you travel, using your machine every time you snooze encourages not just healthy sleep, but increases your overall health too. Find your comfort zone: Understandably, sleeping while wearing a mask may not be that comfortable at first. But keep at it! It may not take as long as you think to get used to wearing the mask. If certain aspects to your CPAP machine are truly bothersome, ask a professional to help you adjust its fit, settings, or components. Clean machine: Like any machine, for your CPAP to run optimally, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Hand wash parts, use distilled water when cleaning, and remove dust buildup. Daily life: To help your CPAP machine work well, it helps if you tweak aspects of your daily life. Getting more exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and reducing both caffeine and alcohol intake will all complement your treatment and promote a healthy lifestyle. Dry time: Using a CPAP machine can have a few side effects, including a dry mouth and throat while you sleep. You can use special add-ons, such as a humidifier, specially designed for your CPAP machine to minimize or eliminate issues that can affect your sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph A good night’s sleep is a beautiful thing. Making sure that you get the right amount of continuous positive airway pressure can make this dream into a reality. And by applying the tips above, you can help ensure that golden slumbers are never far away. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSnoring vs. Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Most of us have all encountered someone who has snored, and maybe you are a snorer yourself. Although snoring can ruin the occasional night’s sleep, it can also be indicative of a more serious issue: sleep apnea. So what is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3762,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Snoring is typically caused when tissues flap against each other in your throat and airways. This vibration causes that familiar night time noise. Simple snoring is generally considered benign, except possibly to others in close proximity to the snorer. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a partial or complete blockage of a person’s airways while they are sleeping. This causes their breathing to stop frequently during what should be a sweet slumber. Over time, this constantly interrupted sleep can be a factor in severe fatigue, depression, diabetes, and even stroke. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Considering that snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, how do you know which one you suffer from? In addition to snoring, those with sleep apnea may notice other symptoms, including: /wp:paragraph wp:list Extreme fatigue even after you just woke up Lack of energy Intense irritability Headaches, especially in the morning /wp:list wp:paragraph How do you know if you suffer from sleep apnea or are just a snorer? There is no way for the person themselves to know. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is the best way to determine an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, and if you could have sleep apnea, probably will send you to a sleep specialist. You will need to spend a night at a sleep clinic to monitor your sleep habits, and from there, will determine if you do, in fact, have sleep apnea. If so, you will likely be prescribed a CPAP machine, which will help keep your airways open while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Snoring is not necessarily just an aggravating noise. It can signify more serious health issues that need to be addressed. Check with your doctor, and take control of your sleep and your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Spring Clean Your CPAP
wp:paragraph Having a CPAP machine is a great way for those with sleep apnea to get a better sleep. But like anything else any item you use daily, your CPAP machine needs to be cleaned too. Over time, dust, mold, and other particles can all accumulate in and on your machine, affecting its ability to operate. Here are some tips to give your machine a spring cleaning to keep it running smoothly and at peak performance: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Clean each hose thoroughly and let them air dry. If either tube appears cracked or broken, replace them with updated tubes. Wipe your mask to remove dirt, oil, and other debris that can quickly build up. Wipes can also refresh your mask to ensure a sweet slumber. Use wipes intended for CPAP machines to avoid harsh chemicals that can eat away at your mask. To keep your air fresh and clean while you sleep, replace your filters with new ones. Consider getting a bacteria filter to help prevent microbes from entering your mask. To remove any mold buildup, clean and disinfect your humidifier chamber with a solution designed specifically for CPAP machines. Wash your headgear by hand - do not put in the dishwasher or lay it out in the sun to dry as the as heat can warp the components. Never use bleach or alcohol-based cleansers to clean your machine and components. Use unscented mild soaps instead. Check all other components of your CPAP machine thoroughly and replace any parts that have warped, cannot be cleaned completely, or have cracked. /wp:list wp:paragraph Start Shopping Today! /wp:paragraph
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Which CPAP Mask Is The Right Mask For Me?
wp:paragraph When you have sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine as a form of treatment. For it to work effectively, you need to use it every night and be comfortable when wearing it. And part of that entails choosing the right mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But with so many different styles, shapes, and sizes of mask to choose from, how do you know where to start? It really is a matter of knowing what types of mask are out there and then trying different ones until you find the best one for yourself. Here are the basics of the three main types of masks that are available: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Nasal pillow mask: Because of their simple and small design, these masks tend to be a very popular choice. It rests on your upper lip to blow gently pressurized air through two soft tubes that are inserted into your nostrils. Straps go around your head to secure the pillow mask in place. Nasal mask: These triangular masks sit over the bridge of your nose down to your upper lip. Because they come in many sizes and fits, they too are popular with CPAP users. Full face mask: As the name suggests, this type covers the nose, mouth, and either all or part of the face. It is secured with straps at the side. Some versions cover the mouth but also have nasal prongs like the nasal pillow mask. /wp:list wp:paragraph Whichever type of mask you choose, always take the size, fit, and comfort of the mask into serious consideration. You don’t have to stay with one mask if you don’t like it or if it is not improving your sleep apnea. Take the time to find the right mask for you, and ask questions of your technician to guide you in the right direction. Don't be afraid to change your mind – your sleep depends on the perfect mask! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All CPAP Masks On Sale This Week - Start Shopping 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
Learn moreThe Benefits of Using CPAP
wp:image {"align":"center","id":3750,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend that you get a sleep apnea machine. Commonly known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, this form of sleep therapy can reduce and even prevent the serious consequences that you could suffer as a result of your sleep apnea. What are the benefits of sleep apnea machines? Here are 5 of them: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Reduced risk of heart disease: Because you stop breathing so many times during the night, your body undergoes changes in blood pressure, reducing your blood’s oxygen levels, which can severely strain your heart. Your sleep apnea machine keeps your airways open, allowing a continuous flow of oxygen, thereby reducing the extra work your heart must do. Reduced risk for a stroke: Using your CPAP machine also reduces your risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptures. Sleep apnea sufferers are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience a stroke. Decreased risk for diabetes: Did you know that using sleep apnea machines can also improve your sensitivity to insulin? Sleep apnea is related to insulin resistance, which is a factor in type 2 diabetes. Leaving it untreated increases your risk of getting this condition Increased concentration and alertness: Sleepiness and fatigue are two very common symptoms of sleep apnea. But by preventing the frequent wakeups, you will become better rested, resulting in increased overall alertness and concentration, beneficial for many daytime tasks such as driving. Decreased medical expenses: By improving your sleep, your overall health will improve. This can result in fewer appointments, fewer treatments, fewer medications, which can translate to fewer medical expenses as well. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you think you could have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Get on the path to a healthy and well-rested life once again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreCPAP Survival During Allergy Season
wp:paragraph For many people, the of spring signals new beginnings, growth – and the onset of allergy season. And if you have sleep apnea, then you could be dreading this season. However, there are a number of ways you can reduce some of the allergy symptoms that can affect your sleep apnea treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3747,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph The nature of your allergy symptoms depends on where you live and your lifestyle. For example, everyday outdoor pollutants include city smog, car exhaust, dirt, pollen, newly mown grass, and industrial chemicals. Inside, perfumes, animal dander, dust, mold, cigarette smoke, and the fumes from chemical cleaners can affect you too. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Outdoors and indoors – is there any help for your sleep apnea? Yes! Here are the top tips that can help your CPAP use even when you have spring allergies. /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Spring cleaning: After a winter huddled inside, it’s time to clean! Do extensive vacuuming and dusting, making sure to get under couches, on window ledges, and in little nooks and crannies you may forget about. Wear a mask to keep from breathing in the pollutants. Keep the outdoors outdoors: Fresh air is wonderful, but that air can also bring pollen indoors. At night, close your windows. During the day, avoid being outside if it is really windy, and dry your clothes in the dryer instead of using a clothes line. Minus the sinus: It is almost impossible to avoid breathing in pollen and other pollutants. If you get sinus congestion, apply a menthol rub at night, and consider using a saline rinse to flush out your nasal passages. Sleep tight: To help you get a good night’s sleep, keep your windows closed, wash your face, hair, and hands before bed to remove pollutants, and change your sheets and pillowcases frequently so that you don’t breathe in pollen when you slumber. Tip top CPAP: Finally, to keep your CPAP machine working well during the spring, it too needs some spring cleaning. Clean out your mask, tubes, and humidifier (if you have one), and replace your filter regularly. /wp:list 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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When Snoring Gets Serious.
wp:paragraph It doesn’t take long for regular old snoring to become quite annoying, particularly for someone who has to listen to it while trying to sleep. However, it is possible that that annoying snoring is actually indicative of a more serious health issue, which can be life-threatening. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One such condition is sleep apnea. It can cause someone to experience pauses in their sleep repeatedly through the night. You could wake up, gasping for air. This can occur when the weight of your neck and upper chest restricts the flow of air through your airways. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are some basic and obvious signs that you may have sleep apnea. Snoring, feeling fatigued even after waking up, and constant irritability are some common symptoms. But there are other, more serious, symptoms that you should not ignore. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For example, did you know that untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure? When your breathing stops throughout the night, the walls of your blood vessels can get damaged. This reduces the ability for your body to regulate your blood pressure. Over time, this can cause a ripple effect for other, more severe issues, such as extreme sleep deprivation, obesity, stroke, and heart disease. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph These are some serious health risks of sleep apnea that you cannot ignore. But there is treatment you can get to minimize these serious health consequences. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In addition to losing weight, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, you can also get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Using a mask that fits over your face and a tube, the machine sends a gentle pressure of air to keep your airways open while you sleep. You will get more oxygen to your body, get a better sleep, and slow down any serious side effects of many poor nights’ sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you believe you could have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Take care of yourself, both while awake and asleep. It’s worth it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Five Steps To Selecting the Right CPAP
wp:paragraph After you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor probably prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help you sleep at night. This machine sends a gentle stream of air through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. But there isn’t just one single type of CPAP machine. You need to choose masks, tubes, the actual machine, as well as any upgrades you can optionally add. So how do you find the one that’s perfect for you? Below are five steps to help you select the right one: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Get a prescription: The first thing you need to do is get a prescription. This means being tested and diagnosed with sleep apnea by a medical professional. This typically involves a medical exam and most likely a sleep test. Your prescription will indicate the type of sleep device – such as a CPAP – that you need, as well as the proper pressure level for you. Shop around: While you may be inclined to get your CPAP from the clinic where you had your sleep test, your best bet is to shop around. But before you start, ask your insurance company about reimbursement. Then, talk to different suppliers about their prices, features, and options. If searching online, look for a company based in Canada and make sure they ask for your prescription. Find the right mask: After you have your prescription and have purchased your machine with the correct pressure, you need to find a mask that fits both properly and comfortably. You may need to try different brands and styles until you find the one you like. You could want several masks so that you can rotate among them to minimize pressure and irritation. The little extras: Some users are content with a basic CPAP while others prefer to have some extras. These can include a humidifier to alleviate dryness, battery backup, a device to reduce condensation in the tubes, or hose extensions for greater mobility. Ask your insurance company in case you can be reimbursed, but if not, ask vendors if they have deals or promotions. It could make your CPAP experience that much better. PAP therapy types: Even with the best CPAP, you just may not be able to find it comfortable enough to use. Instead, you may need to look into other machines such as APAP or BiPap to get the help you need. /wp:list 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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