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A woman snoring

Sleep, Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleeping with CPAP

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? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Shop Reliable CPAP Machines

Is it time to replace the parts of your CPAP machine?

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. 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. And when should you be replacing those parts? 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 Some tips to remember when planning out your CPAP machine upgrades: 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! 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! Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories

Why 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

woman having a cold

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

a man with insomnia

The differences between sleep apnea and insomnia

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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. Save Big During the PAPSmart Fall Sale

wine glasses

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

family traveling

CPAP and Travel

It may have seemed like a long time coming but summertime is finally around the corner! And you may have a lot of summer travel plans on your mind. As you prepare for your summer travels, one thing you’ll need to think about is how to deal with packing your CPAP machine when you go away, especially if you will be gone for a night or more. Keeping up with your CPAP therapy is very important, even when you are away from home and should not be neglected for even just one night. As much of a nuisance that this may sound like, travelling with a CPAP machine IS possible! Sleep technology has come a long way in recent years and you shouldn’t have to miss out on travelling just because you use a CPAP machine, so there are ways that you can take it with you. It involves preparing in advance and using some extra caution when you travel. Here are a few tips for travelling with a CPAP machine: If you are flying: always carry on your CPAP machine instead of leaving it in your checked baggage. You run the risk of it being damaged in transit and we all know it’ll be an expensive replacement at that, so it’s not worth the risk. If you plan on using your machine during your flight, be sure to check with your airline ahead of time about any restrictions that may be in place. Also be sure that there is a sufficient power outlet nearby or that your machine has enough battery life to last for the duration of the flight Always carry your CPAP prescription and paperwork with you, just in case you are ever questioned by a security officer or flight attendant, or if you run into some heath issues away from home. Better safe than sorry! Be sure to bring any spare batteries or plug adaptors that you may need for your machine. If you are camping, or going to a place with no electrical outlets, be sure to bring extra battery packs that are fully charged If you travel frequently, think about investing in a smaller, travel friendly CPAP machine. The Z1 travel machine is small, quiet and efficient. You can find it on sale at papsmart.com now, but only for a limited time! All in all, travelling with a CPAP machine just involves some careful preparation and a cautious eye on the road. Your doctor may also have some tips for travelling with your machine that may be helpful. Ready to start or upgrade your sleep therapy? Shop Reliable CPAP Machines to find the best devices for consistent, comfortable sleep support. View the Breas Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

The importance of cleaning your CPAP Mask

You've probably done a lot of spring cleaning over these past few months. Many people with CPAP machines tend to neglect the regular cleaning of their machines, or they only attempt this once every few weeks. Regular and thorough cleaning of your CPAP machine and parts is essential to ensuring it lasts as long as possible and that it is always in top working condition. If you are not doing so already, it is important to develop a routine for cleaning your CPAP machine, using these helpful tips: Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks Wipe down the mask every day, especially the parts that come in contact directly with your skin, such as the cushions. Your facial oils can wear the mask down faster, resulting in you having to replace it sooner than necessary. Simply use wipes, or a warm washcloth with mild soap. It takes less than 5 minutes. At least once a week, be sure to give your mask, tubing, headgear and your humidifier (if you have one) a good bath. Simply wash them in your bathroom sink filled with a mild detergent (dish detergent is perfectly fine). Give them a good scrub for about 5 minutes and let the parts air dry for a while. You can wipe them down with a towel as well if you prefer Clean the filter to your CPAP machine at least once a week. Just rinse it under water, making sure to rinse out any dust and wipe it down with a towel. Remember that CPAP filters need to be replaced at least once a month in order to run smoothly Your CPAP machine itself doesn't need as much attention as the other parts, but it's good to wipe it down once every few weeks, even with just a wipe. Just don't overdo it with the washing, otherwise you run the risk of the machine not working as well. You wouldn't think of using dirty dishes that haven't been washed in days, so would you do the same for your CPAP machine? Be sure to check out papsmart.com for CPAP machine cleaning supplies, including wipes and a travel spray. Shop and save on all CPAP machines and accessories at PAPSmart.com

sleep-apnea-and-seasonal-alergies

Sleep Apnea and Seasonal Allergies

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com

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