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4 signs that it’s time for a new CPAP Machine
It should be routine by now that you know how often to clean all the smaller parts of your CPAP machine and when it is time to replace them. Admittedly, however, you may not realise that your machine may be in need of a good upgrade, especially if you have been using a CPAP machine for years. According to ResMed, the typical life span of a CPAP machine is around 5-7 years, if it is taken care of properly. This is a pretty long time for a CPAP machine, and it’s just as well, seeing as how pricey some of them can be. It is, however, an investment that is well worth it in the long run. Here are 4 things to look out for to know when your CPAP machine is on its last legs: The noise level: if you are finding that your CPAP machine is running a lot louder than it used to, then a lot of that may have to do with its age. If it is no longer doing the job its supposed to: the whole point of the machine is to help you sleep better at night, so if you start waking up feeling tired and grumpy, then your CPAP machine may be to blame. If you admit to misusing it over the years: the key to making equipment like this last is nothing more than some regular TLC. Keeping the machine clean and replacing the other parts as often as needed will ensure that your CPAP machine will last a long time. If it is not keeping up with the times: there has been so much advancement in CPAP technology over the past few years. The machines are running quieter, the devices are smaller and a lot of the settings are automatic, to the point where the machine will run perfectly with just the touch of a button. Experts also recommend having a back-up machine at hand, just on case your old one starts to fail on you without notice. Be sure to check out papsmart.com for all kinds of different CPAP machines out there and find the one that’s right for you. Learn more about finding the right CPAP setup in our guide for new CPAP users http://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/articles/DoIqualifyforanewCPAPmachine.pdf
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CPAP Devices and Air Travel
wp:paragraph If you plan on flying anywhere this summer, then you know that you will need to prepare to take your CPAP machine with you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While travelling with your CPAP machine may not be the easiest experience in the world, it is definitely doable. Being prepared for it is what will make this easier for you. It’s not just as simple as putting the machine in a bag and taking it with you. Many airlines have restrictions for travelling with any type of portable machinery, and many airport security guards may have to inspect the device before you take off. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some handy tips to keep in mind for when you travel with a CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list Check with the airline you are flying with to find out if there are any restrictions or policies for medical devices that you need to be aware of. For example: Air Canada recommends that you call them before your flight if you are going to be bringing the machine on board with you, even if you will not be using it during the flight. Pack your CPAP machine and its parts in a travelling case, to ensure that they stay safe, and do not break Do NOT put any parts of your CPAP in your checked luggage. The chance of it getting damaged in flight is too much of a risk Make sure the battery in the machine is fully charged and that you bring an extra battery is necessary. If you will be gone for more than one or two nights, you may need to bring a charger for the battery in the machine. If you will be travelling to a different country, be sure to check that the voltage or the plug sizes will not interfere with the use of your CPAP machine. You may need to buy an adaptor if the plugs are different in the country you are going to. /wp:list wp:paragraph Keep in mind that there are many parts to a CPAP machine out there that are specifically made for travelling, such as the Z1 Unplugged CPAP machine found on the PapSmart websitehttps://www.papsmart.com/cpap-and-bipap-machines/cpap-travel-machines/z1-cpap-unplugged. Be sure to have a look around for more options that may be a more convenient alternative to your old clunky machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2015 BlowOut Sale - Shop Now! /wp:paragraph
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5 Tips for New CPAP Users
So you’ve just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you’ve been told by your doctor that you have to use a CPAP mask every night, in order to treat this condition. Needless to say, you’re probably feeling a little nervous and apprehensive about this and you’re worried about a number of things: is it worth it wearing that big mask? Will my partner still want to be intimate with me? Am I going to have to deal with red marks all over my face for the rest of my life? Like any big change in life, it is normal to have apprehensions about this and it is okay to be worried about what is to come. But what is important it focusing on the positive aspects of this: in this case, your ability to get a much better sleep at night. Here are five tips to help you adjust to your new CPAP mask: Take your time selecting a mask! Most people who buy eye glasses don’t usually go with the first pair they see, they take their time to try on many pairs, until they find one that is just right. A tip from the Mayo clinic suggests that you place a new mask on your face without any straps. Once it feels comfortable, add the straps and then see how you feel. Try wearing just the mask around the house for a few hours to get used to it. If you still feel some anxiety, try to practice some relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing. Start small: if the idea of forcing air down your airway makes you cringe, try using your mask on the lowest air pressure setting to start, and increase it as you become more used to the mask. Keep moisturized! It is very common for CPAP users to experience a dry mouth or nose when they wake up, especially in the winter months. Let’s face it: it’s not a comfortable or pleasant feeling to have a dry mouth. Try to use a nasal spray before you go to bed, or think about getting a humidifier for your CPAP mask. If it feels weird at first, resist the urge to discontinue it after just one night. Remember that this is a device that could very well be saving your life, and your quality of sleep will get much better with time! Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Get Set Up with a New CPAP Machine
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Using your CPAP Machine During Summer Holidays
wp:paragraph With all this nicer weather coming around, it’s probably no surprise that you are planning your summer vacation right now (if you haven’t already). Between work and family and more, life can be very stressful and your vacation may feel very well deserved! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What’s important to remember is that weather you are on vacation or not, it is very important for you to still make sleep a priority. It is just as important for you as eating and exercising. This is more the case if you wear a CPAP machine at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s no secret that it is easy to fall off your sleep routine when you are on vacation. Whether you are spending time at the cottage, going camping, travelling anywhere or even having a “stay-cation” at home, those late nights in the hot weather with your loved ones may have you thinking its okay to neglect your CPAP machine just for a short time. But neglecting your CPAP machine is not something that you should be thinking about, even if for just one night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips for sticking to your CPAP machine during the summer holidays /wp:paragraph wp:list If you are going away for a night or more, be sure to make arrangements to bring your CPAP machine (and all the parts) with you. There is a lot of portable CPAP technology out there to help ease the burden of bringing a large machine with you. Check out papsmart.com to see what is out there. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Simply sticking to your normal bedtime routine will help you to stay on track with your CPAP therapy Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle: Stick to a healthy diet and get lots of exercise. Summer comes with a lot of delicious food and there’s nothing wrong with indulging a bit once in a while, but be sure to do so in moderation. And something as simple as going for a walk with family or going for a swim in the lake will help you to sleep better at night Don’t overdo it with the alcohol. You may be on vacation but drinking too much can wreak havoc on your CPAP therapy and have you feeling not so hot the next morning If you have one late night or slip-up with your bedtime routine, don’t fret! It happens to the best of us and you can always get back into the routine tomorrow /wp:list wp:paragraph So enjoy your summer vacation and the opportunity to sleep in. Getting a great sleep while you’re on vacation will help you enjoy the time off work even more! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
Learn moreDaylight savings time and your CPAP mask
wp:paragraph Now that February has passed, we can now look forward to the snow melting and spring making its way into our lives. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3620,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph As great as this all sounds, early March also brings us the great Daylight Savings time change, where we set out clocks one hour ahead. For the average human being, this can wreak havoc on our sleep schedules. When you regularly use a CPAP mask, this time change can throw your sleep schedule off course even more. The CPAP therapy relies heavily on following a scheduled bed time and throwing that off can cause a rift in your sleep patterns, and it can also make you wake up feeling overtired and groggy in the morning. Coincidentally, the effects of untreated sleep apnea are similar to the effects that daylight savings time changes can create. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips to overcome this change and embrace the longer days: /wp:paragraph wp:list Go to bed earlier. Even if it’s only 15 minutes earlier, it will still make a positive difference in your CPAP therapy. And you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. Practice good sleep hygiene: avoid watching TV or using any electronics right before bedtime and stick to a routine. If you brush your teeth at the same time every night, keep this up, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s time for bed. Get some sunlight during the day. As bizarre as this may sound, this is something that will actually help your internal clock, which regulates your body’s sleep patterns. If you feel overtired in any way, do NOT drive or attempt to operate any heavy machinery. Statistics show that the rate for car accidents increases after the spring time change. The cause of these accidents? You guessed it: drowsy driving. /wp:list wp:paragraph As irritating as the time change may feel at first, have faith that you WILL adjust to it in no time and in just a week, it will feel like the clocks didn’t change at all. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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Seasonal Allergies and CPAP Use
wp:paragraph Allergies: they’re one of spring’s biggest enemies that affect most of us. Between the sneezing, nasal congestion, dry eyes and more, they are nothing more than a nuisance. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Dealing with all of this along with using your CPAP machine regularly may make your allergies feel like even more irritating. This uncomfortable time may have you convinced that it will be okay to forgo the use of your CPAP machine just for a night or two. It won’t make too much of a difference, right? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Think again. Night after night, your CPAP machine is essential for you to be able to breathe normally as you sleep. And the consequences of going without it, even for just one night are really not worth it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips to alleviating your allergies to sleep better at night: /wp:paragraph wp:list Be sure to regularly change the filter in your CPAP machine and keep it clean on a regular basis! Keep all your bedding fresh and clean and keep your windows closed during heavy pollen seasons If you don’t have a humidifier for your CPAP machine already, definitely think about getting one! If you are waking up feeling very dry, this will help with that. Take an antihistamine before bedtime to help with your allergy symptoms (but check with your doctor first!) Practice healthy habits in your daily life: eat a balanced diet, get lots of exercise and quit smoking /wp:list wp:paragraph No one enjoys spring allergies, that’s for sure. But there are ways around it. There is so much to enjoy about the warmer weather so you don’t need to feel stuffy all the time! Be sure to consult your doctor if it gets even more serious. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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Is all tubing equal?
wp:paragraph If you are a regular CPAP machine user, then you will know that the tubing of the machine is one of the most standard, yet vital pieces of equipment that comes with our CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Although you may think that the CPAP tubing is just another mindless piece of equipment, think again. There are many different options out there when it comes to getting the proper tubing to fit with your CPAP machine and mask. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph With so much CPAP equipment out there for us to decide between, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed at all the options and really figure out what is best for YOUR needs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Let’s take a look at two of the very different types of tubing you could get for your machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list The Kego Standard tubing, found here: https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/kego-standard-22mm-tubing this tubing is about as standard as they come, at 6 feet long and 22 mm in diameter. It is cost-friendly, coming in at only $29.99. These are very adaptable as they work perfectly with any CPAP machine. Tubes that come heated: such as the Resmed Climate heated tubing, found on the PapSmart website https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/resmed-climateline-heated-tubing. This is obviously the pricier option at $49.99, but it comes heated, which is good for people who find that they constantly wake up feeling very dry, especially in the winter months. The one downside if that these types of tubing are often only compatible with certain types of machines, so you may find yourself paying a little bit more for a whole new machine as well. /wp:list wp:paragraph All in all, it’s a matter of not only personal preference, but what is best medically for your CPAP therapy. Obviously you will have to shell out a bit more money of you want a tube that is heated, but the benefits of the long run will make it worth it. Those who have a milder form of sleep apnea may be perfectly fine with a more standard tubing option. As always, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you are really unsure of what to do. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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Five signs that it's time for a new CPAP mask
wp:paragraph So you’ve been using your CPAP mask for a quite a while and you’re finding that it is starting to wear down. Believe it or not, it is very important to be aware of when to replace your CPAP mask. Just like any piece of clothing that you own, it can get worn out over time and using an old mask that is falling apart mask will only do more harm than good for your CPAP therapy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are five things to look out for as to when it’s time to invest in a new CPAP mask: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Are you waking up with sores on your face? If so, your mask is wearing down and you need to get a new one. A proper fitting mask should not be hurting you in any way; it should feel comfortable on your face. Are you finding small tears in the mask, the cushioning or even the tubing? Needless to say, it’s time for a new mask at this point. Facial oils tend to break down the material of the mask overtime, thus the need for a new one. If you feel just as tired as you did before you started your CPAP therapy, than likely the mask is not doing its job anymore. Be sure to check it carefully for any abnormal tears or worn-out parts as just one part of your CPAP mask wearing down can negatively affect your CPAP therapy. Have you been neglecting to keep your mask and its parts clean on a regular basis? This is very common for a lot of first-time CPAP users. The key to prolonging the life of your mask is to keep it clean on a regular basis, otherwise it can wear down faster and you will just have to replace your CPAP mask more often than necessary. Are you finding it more difficult to properly secure your mask on at night (compared to in the past?) If so, your mask has worn down and you need to replace it. Prolonged use can cause the mask parts to stretch out and wear down and it will not fit you as well as it used to. /wp:list wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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New Year, New CPAP?
wp:paragraph Its official, 2015 is upon us! Many of us like to think of the New Year as a fresh start and a time to get your life a little more organized. And for those of you who use a CPAP machine, this is no exception. As you know, there are many parts of your machine that will need replacing, or upgrading at some point over the next few months. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The last thing you will want to be doing is finding yourself in a pinch when a part breaks and you have to wait another week for it to come in. This means your CPAP may not work properly and you’ll only find yourself more stressed than you were before. This is why it is important for you to take some time to set a schedule early and determine when you will need to replace the parts to your mask (or, depending on how old your CPAP machine is, you may need to upgrade that as well). /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here is a breakdown on just some of the parts you need to replace at some point: /wp:paragraph wp:list Filter: all CPAP machines have at least one filter, and this should be replaced every 1-2 months. See the price-friendly S9 filter here, wouldn’t hurt to order more than one set at a time https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/filters/s9-filters-2-pack Humidifier: this part must be cleaned regularly as it can accumulate buildup overtime. If you are unable to clean it, you will need to replace it altogether, at least once per year, maybe more. An example can be found here https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/humidification/resmed-h5i-humidifier Tubing: overtime, and through vigorous use, your CPAP tube may crack or stretch as a result of particle and mould build-up from the air flow. Plan to replace this at least once per year. Check out the Kego standard tubing as an example https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-supplies-and-accessories/cpap-supplies/kego-standard-22mm-tubing Headgear: should be replaced as the straps start to wear down and lose their elasticity (at least 1-2 times per year). /wp:list wp:paragraph Remember to clean your CPAP machine parts regularly, as facial oils can break down the material faster (these are also sold at papsmart.com!) Also, save your receipts and write down the dates that you replaced these parts so you will be set the next time you need to replace that part! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Most private insurance companies will cover the cost of your CPAP mask. If this is the case, be sure to check your policy very carefully so you do not run into any issues once you require a new mask or part. If you do not have coverage for your machine, be sure to budget carefully for it. As overwhelming, and costly as this may all sound, it is important that you keep your eye on the end result of all this: a better night’s sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Be sure to check out papsmart.com for more parts and supplies for you CPAP machine needs! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph 2015 BlowOut Sale - Shop Now! /wp:paragraph
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