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Sleepy All The Time? Find Out What Sleep Apnea Feels Like
wp:paragraph One of the most common sleep disorders today is sleep apnea. This condition causes people to endure many breaks or pauses in their breathing while sleeping. Because it happens while asleep, many sufferers of sleep apnea may simply think that they are just the victims of poor sleeps, and nothing more. The issue is that, if left untreated, you can be subject to more severe health consequences, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and more. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So how do you know if you have sleep apnea rather than just a bad sleep? What does it feel like to have sleep apnea? Maybe these following points describe you: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} You are always sleepy: You often go to bed early and get at least 7 hours of sleep. So why are you still tired all the time? While you think your sleep is uninterrupted, sleep apnea causes you to wake up many times at night, leaving you chronically fatigued, never refreshed. You could have trouble focusing on daily tasks, and you maybe even doze off at unfortunate times. You often wake up with a headache: A very common symptom of sleep apnea is having many headaches, especially after just waking up. Sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen to your blood vessels that lead to your brain, causing vascular headaches, even after a supposed good sleep. Cranky, irritable, or depressed: Living with sleep apnea will likely cause you to become very cranky, irritable, and over time, clinically depressed. Losing sleep each night, every night reduces the quality of your sleep, which, in turn, affects your mood. Are you short-tempered, anxious, or have mood swings? It could sleep apnea. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you have experienced the above symptoms consistently, you could have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. To get a better night’s sleep, ask your doctor about your symptoms to see what treatment options are right for you. Get back to your old self again! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Humidifiers Demystified
wp:paragraph When you suffer from sleep apnea, a surefire solution is getting a CPAP machine. With its pump, mask, and tubes, the device sends air continuously along the tube into your mask, which keeps your airways open throughout the night. And that means a great night’s sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, there may also be issues with sleep apnea machines. That increased airflow certainly improves your sleep, but depending on the brand and your body’s reaction, you can encounter some problems. These include increased mucus production, congestion, sneezing, and dryness. If left untreated, you could even suffer from bleeding, which in turn could lead to infection. And that would definitely affect your sleep! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The answer? Using a humidifier. And you can choose the one that is right for you. For example, some humidifiers attach directly to sleep apnea machines, some can be integrated with your CPAP, while others are stand-alone machines. Regardless of the type, the humidifiers are small and relatively unobtrusive. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3730,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph How does it work? The idea is that the humidifier adds moisture to the air that is being sent into your airways to reduce the dryness, and therefore the other symptoms that come along with dryness. Some machines also heat the moisture. You can control the amount of humidity that you receive to ensure that you get the best sleep possible. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As with any machine, your CPAP humidifier requires some basic maintenance. For instance, you need to use distilled water only, which helps prevents mineral buildup and keeps your humidifier stay safe and clean. You also need to rinse out the chamber every morning. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you find that your CPAP machine is causing excessive dryness, a humidifier can help. Look for the type that is right for you, and get a good night’s sleep every night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Looking For A New CPAP Machine & Mask? View Our All-In-One CPAP Package On Sale Today! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWays to Treat Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph However elusive, getting a good night’s sleep is a crucial part of your health and well-being. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, then you know how difficult getting a quality sleep can be. If lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and cutting back on alcohol, have not had the effect you were hoping for, then your next step is get a machine to help you. Most of us have heard of a CPAP machine, but there is another type that also addresses sleep apnea, and that is the BiPAP. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3727,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph CPAP versus BiPAP. Both treat sleep apnea by using gentle pressure to move air through your airway, which reduces the breaks in your sleep. But which machine should you get? What are the differences? Here are some basics of both types of sleep apnea machines. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is CPAP? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is a very common treatment for sleep apnea. A machine sends a single pressure stream of air through a tube to a mask that you wear over your mouth and/or nose to keep your airways open while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is BiPAP? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Bilevel (or two-level) Positive Airway Pressure, or BiPAP, also sends air from the machine to your airways. The difference is that BiPAP sends two pressures – an inhale pressure and an exhale pressure. The reason for the two pressures is to remove any extra carbon dioxide gas from your body. BiPAP is often suggested when CPAP is not working as well as could be for the user, or for people who have lung issues, such as COPD. On the other hand, because its technology is newer, BiPAP tends to be more expensive at the moment. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Which Should You Use? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph As with anything, the machine that is better for you really depends on you, your health, and your comfort. Ask your doctor for suggestions. After all, your sleep depends on it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreUnderstanding 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
Learn moreIs it time to replace the parts of your CPAP machine?
wp:paragraph Now that 2017 is in full swing, it is time to start taking a good look at your CPAP machine and do a bit of an inventory as to which parts are working great and which parts could stand to get a bit of an upgrade. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3715,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Maybe you were only diagnosed with sleep apnea very recently and your machine is relatively new, or maybe you’ve been using your CPAP machine for years and the parts are starting to get worn out. Either way, keeping your CPAP machine in top working condition is essential to helping you get a great nights’ sleep. Part of this will mean that you need to upgrade some parts of your machine every once in a while. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph And when should you be replacing those parts? /wp:paragraph wp:list Nasal and full face cushions: experts recommend every 15-30 days. The oils on your face tend to break down the material faster, making them wear out quickly Headgear: this should be replaced every 6 months as the elasticity can wear down and make your mask not fit properly Tubing: with proper cleaning, this can last as long as 3 months before a replacement is needed Filter: this can last as long as 1 month, possibly less depending on how dusty the environment around it is Machine: CPAP machines can last as long as 5-7 years if taken care of properly Humidifier this should be replaced every 6 months as the chamber can become discoloured and break down due to overuse /wp:list wp:paragraph Some tips to remember when planning out your CPAP machine upgrades: /wp:paragraph wp:list Always keep your receipts and write down the dates that you got the new part(s) for your machine, this will help you to keep track of how long they have been around and when they should be replaced If some (or all) of your CPAP machine parts can be covered by your insurance provider, be sure to check beforehand as to what is covered and what is not so you do not run into any surprises Keeping your machine clean on a regular basis will help your CPAP machine to last longer. Be sure to incorporate this into your daily or weekly routine! /wp:list wp:paragraph Don’t forget to check out papsmart.com for all your CPAP machine needs! The all-in-one packages are on sale now for a limited time only! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop & Save Today! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreWhy you should invest in CPAP humidification
wp:paragraph Winter has made its grand entrance over the past few weeks, a little ahead of schedule. And with the cold temperatures comes dry air. Many people own a humidifier that runs in certain rooms in their home (such as the bedroom) to inflict moisture in the air to make for a more comfortable living experience. Many new CPAP users may be surprised to learn that you can actually get a humidifier for your CPAP machine as well. But why do many people overlook this? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3712,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The good news is that heated humidification for your CPAP machine can help to reduce all of this durastically. Heated humidifiers use water, through a water chamber attached to your machine that adds moisture to the airflow and heats it. So if you have a humidifier in your living room while watching TV, why not invest in one that runs while you use your CPAP machine at night? By adding moisture to the CPAP air flow, it not only gives you a good night’s sleep, but it also keeps your airway moisturized, helping to avoid many common cold symptoms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It is important to remember to clean your machine parts on a regular basis in order to prolong the life of your CPAP machine and its parts and avoid the tube from getting mouldy from the moisture. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many models of CPAP machines sold today actually do come with a heated humidifier. If you do not have one, you may want to seriously think about investing in one. Check out papsmart.com for a wide variety of CPAP machines with humidifiers. /wp:paragraph
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Should I use my CPAP machine with a cold?
wp:paragraph It’s that time of year where everyone around you seems to be coming down with something. Cold and flu season is never any fun to have to come to terms with, especially when you use a CPAP machine. It can be uncomfortable to try and sleep with a stuffed up nose and a headache amongst many of the other symptoms that your cold may present. With a CPAP machine, part of using it means your airways need to remain open and accessible for air to flow though as you sleep in order for the CPAP therapy to work properly. So cold tend to present a challenge for CPAP users. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The big question you may ask is: should you just forget about the CPAP machine when you have a bad cold? As tempting as it may seem, the one thing to keep in mind is that even one night without your CPAP machine can trigger your sleep apnea symptoms even worse than before. And if you thought that you were having trouble breathing in the first place with your cold, it will be even worse mixed with sleep apnea symptoms such as the pauses in breathing that can occur as you sleep. For these reasons, you are best to keep using your CPAP machine when you are sick, no matter how crappy you may feel. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are a few tips for CPAP machine users to keep in mind when you are dealing with a cold: /wp:paragraph wp:list A lot of over the counter medicines will help to alleviate many cold symptoms including saline spray. Don’t be afraid to use these in moderation to help you sleep better Do not attempt to drive if you are feeling drowsy Make sure you are keeping your CPAP machine clean on a regular basis, this will help with the overall function of the machine and can also help to prevent a bad cold in the first place Take advantage of heated humidification for your CPAP machine: this will help you to have a more comfortable experience using your CPAP machine, especially when you are sick Try keeping your head propped up: this helps to control any nasal drip and helps to alleviate stuffiness Give yourself time to rest! This is the key to helping overcome any cold. Give yourself a good day or two off work to get the rest you really need to fight this! /wp:list
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