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Seasonal Allergies and CPAP Use
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. 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? 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. Here are some tips to alleviating your allergies to sleep better at night: 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 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. Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory!
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Is all tubing equal?
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. 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. 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. Let’s take a look at two of the very different types of tubing you could get for your machine: 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. 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. Shop CPAP Supplies and Accessories
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Five signs that it's time for a new CPAP mask
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. Here are five things to look out for as to when it’s time to invest in a new CPAP mask: 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. Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks
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New Year, New CPAP?
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. 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). Here is a breakdown on just some of the parts you need to replace at some point: 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). 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! 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. Be sure to check out papsmart.com for more parts and supplies for you CPAP machine needs! Save Big During the PAPSmart Sale
Learn more about New Year, New CPAP?Auto vs. Set Pressure CPAP Machines: What’s the difference?
For those of you who are new to the idea of CPAP machines, there is, admittedly, a lot to learn about them. One of the main things that you may be confused about is the idea of an auto CPAP machine and a set pressure unit. Let’s start with the basics: A set pressure CPAP machine, otherwise known as a “fixed pressure” machine, is a machine with only one set level of air pressure that is provided by the mask as you sleep. This is usually pre-determined by your medical care provider, based on what your breathing patterns are like as you sleep. An example of this is the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet, found on the PapSmart website Shop the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet An auto CPAP machine means that the air pressure setting is controlled automatically (hence the name). It changes based on your breathing patterns as you sleep, and it can detect when you are about to stop breathing, and adjust the air pressure setting to a higher one to keep your airway open. As an example, take the Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced with humidifier (found at https://www.papsmart.com/cpap-and-bipap-machines/cpap-and-bipap-machines-auto-cpap-machines/philips-respironics-system-one-auto-a-flex-with-humidifier) So now begs the question: which machine is right for me? Well, it all depends on how severe your sleep apnea is and what kind of an air pressure setting you require as you sleep. Those with milder cases of sleep apnea will likely do just fine with a manual CPAP machine, with just the one fixed air pressure setting. If you have a more severe case of sleep apnea, then you are probably better off with an auto CPAP machine. This is the option that most people end up going with. Another thing to keep in mind: your air pressure setting requirement may change over time. Certain factors, such as losing weight and drinking alcohol before you sleep can affect your breathing patterns as you sleep. You do not need to worry about this with an auto CPAP machine, however with a fixed-pressure machine, you will need to be assessed by your doctor regularly and your prescription may change overtime. The bottom line is this: your doctor’s advice is always the winner. They know best what type of air pressure setting is best for you. Fall into Better Sleep: CPAP & Sleep Therapy Sale!
Learn more about Auto vs. Set Pressure CPAP Machines: What’s the difference?All About CPAP Humidifers
Oh winter! The snow may look pretty but the cold weather is not so fun to deal with. As Canadians, it’s no secret that cold weather comes with dry skin. And when you use a CPAP machine at night, the flow of air through your airway can dry out and irritate your nasal passages. This can cause nosebleeds, nasal congestion and could even make your airway swell up to the point where the therapy will not work properly. So how do we solve this problem? The good news is that many CPAP machines today come with a built-in humidifier. This adds moisture to the air of your CPAP therapy in order to reduce your symptoms of congestion so you can breathe better at night. What you should know, is that CPAP humidifiers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are directly attached to the machine, and some attach itself to the hose of the mask. Some machines have heated humidifiers and others only produce air flow at room temperature. Here are a few tips for finding, and using a humidifier that works with your mask, and your lifestyle: Don’t think of it as an added on luxury to your CPAP machine. Keeping moisture in the air that you breathe is a necessity, regardless of the climate outside. Do you get a lot of nosebleeds when you use your CPAP machine? In that case, without a humidifier, it’s actually doing you more harm than good. Be sure to clean your CPAP machine and all the parts with it on a regular basis (at least a few times per week). This will help the therapy to work better. You should also remember to empty out the water chamber on a daily basis Be sure to ask your doctor if you need help deciding what is right for you. They may have a recommendation that fits your condition and you lifestyle best. Sleep Warm This Winter: CPAP Masks for Chilly Nights
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CPAP masks that fit your lifestyle
wp:paragraph So you’re just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you’ve been told that using a CPAP machine will be essential for your treatment. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Needless to say, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed, and uneasy about these changes in your life that you are about to make. That is completely understandable, who wouldn’t be? Probably what may freak you out the most is the idea of having to wear a big mask over your face all night, and having your partner never look at you the same way again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph However, what is important to remember, is that the positive aspects of a CPAP machine outweigh the negative aspects by far. Imagine how nice it would be to wake up feeling refreshed, and to spend your day being productive, as opposed to only thinking about hitting the pillow at the end of the day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Since you will be face-to-face (literally) with the CPAP mask, it is important to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with. There are three different types of CPAP masks that are sold on the Pap Smart website: /wp:paragraph wp:list Nasal masks: these masks only cover your nose, but have straps around the sides to keep it in place (great for people who move around a lot in their sleep!) There is a soft piece around the mask to help keep it sealed. Full face masks: these masks cover most of your face (mouth and nose) also held in place with side straps. This is a good choice for people who are “mouth-breathers” and have difficulty breathing through their just their nose, especially as you are sleeping. Nasal pillow masks have a cushion that goes under your nose like a “pillow”. As opposed to the larger masks that cover your face, these masks just have side straps that keep the mask in place. This is a good choice for people who may feel claustrophobic with a full face mask or who prefer a full field or vision for reading or watching TV. /wp:list wp:paragraph Visit our website at papsmart.com and find the mask that is right for you. /wp:paragraph
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OSA and CSA: do you know the difference?
wp:paragraph We all know by now that the general definition of sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while you sleep. But did you know that sleep apnea actually comes in two different forms? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The two main types of sleep apnea are called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). While they are both forms of sleep apnea, the cause for the pause in breathing is actually different, and they each have different characteristics associated with them. /wp:paragraph wp:list Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when your airway gets blocked, either completely or partially, causing you to stop breathing. When breathing resumes, there is often a loud gasp or snort, which can interfere with a deep sleep. It is often overweight, middle-aged men who get sleep apnea, especially this type. The CPAP machine, in addition to other lifestyle changes, is the best form of treatment for OSA. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This is different from OSA as there is not a blockage in the airway, but a neurological issue that causes you to stop breathing in your sleep. CSA is often brought on by other medical conditions and it is less common than OSA. /wp:list wp:paragraph The main difference is that with OSA, the effort is made to try and inhale as you stop breathing, yet no air can get into the lungs. With CSA, no effort is made at all by the body to restart your breathing. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Experts also acknowledge that it is not uncommon to have both forms of sleep apnea. So this is why it is important to seek help from your doctor if you think you have either form of sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn more about OSA and CSA: do you know the difference?Evolution of Snoring Treatments
wp:paragraph Snoring, or “sleep disordered breathing,” can be quite a nuisance to many people. Many couples end up sleeping in separate rooms, or even splitting up as a result of loud snoring. But the good news is that there are many ways, nowadays, to treat nighttime snoring. Flash back to 30 years ago, and the treatment for snoring was, well, not much at all. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":3595,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph It’s important to remember that just because you snore at night doesn’t mean that you are always going to be a snorer. There are ways to treat it. Medical research has also come a long way in figuring out what causes snoring in the first place. People often assume that they have sleep apnea if they snore, but this is not always the case. Other factors, such as stress, drugs, alcohol or even a common cold can cause you to sound like a bulldozer at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The most common sleep apnea treatment, CPAP, first came into effect in the 1980’s. This is what a lot of snoring problems end up coming back to. The treatment for sleep apnea is generally a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask. This helps to open your airway and keep you breathing all night when you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If your doctor has done the tests and has rules out sleep apnea, they may recommend other treatments to prevent the snoring. Needless to say, if your snoring is caused by a lifestyle factor, then eliminating or changing that factor would be the ideal prevention. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If your snoring is something that is recurring, then it’s time to see a doctor and see if anything can be done for you. And be glad that there are ways to solve this! Treating your snoring problem can help you live a happy and productive life and save your relationship too! /wp:paragraph
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