Monthly Archives: March 2015

Spring Cleaning for Your CPAP Equipment

Your CPAP machine needs to be cleaned more often than once every spring.

When we think of spring cleaning, we often think of packing up boxes of junk from the attic, the garage, or somewhere else around our homes. However, it’s important to remember that your CPAP machine and other CPAP equipment need spring cleaning too. In fact, you should clean your equipment far more often than once every spring. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you develop a regular cleaning schedule so your CPAP machine works effectively.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Daily Chores

Every morning, you should clean your CPAP mask. Daily cleaning allows your mask to maintain an effective seal, prevents skin irritation, and reduces the buildup of germs and bacteria. This can be accomplished with CPAP wipes or with a simple damp cloth and mild soap. You also need to empty your water chamber every morning and allow it to air dry throughout the day. Wash your tubing with warm soapy water, rinse, and hang to air dry. The CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com recommend using a mild soap, such as baby soap, or nonabrasive dish soap when washing your CPAP supplies.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Weekly Chores

Other tasks need to be done once a week. You can help stop germs, dust, and bacteria from building up, both on your machine and inside your machine. Wash your headgear by hand with warm soapy water, rinse, and hang to air dry. Once a week you should also sanitize your humidifier chamber by filling it with a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes and then rinse with distilled or sterile water. Once a week, rinse out the reusable filter and wipe down the exterior of the machine. Remember to unplug your machine and then wipe the machine with a clean, damp cloth.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Monthly Chores

If your device has a disposable filter, replace it once or twice a month. Each month you should also carefully check over your mask, cushions, headgear, tubing, and water chamber to check for signs of wear and tear. If your supplies appear worn or damaged, contact the CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com and we will gladly assist you in finding replacement supplies.

If you start doing these tasks regularly, they will become part of a routine that will ensure your CPAP equipment is always clean. Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your machine operating correctly and ensuring clean air is available for your CPAP therapy. CPAPCentral.com offers several cleaning products, including the SoClean 2 that helps clean and sanitize your CPAP mask, tubing, and humidifier with the press of a button. Contact us to learn more.

Star Power: Professional Athletes with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can impact anyone at any age, including professional athletes.

Most people believe sleep apnea is a disorder that impacts people that are elderly, overweight, and out of shape. While statistics show that people fitting this description are the most likely to deal with the effects of sleep apnea, this is a disorder that can impact anyone, at any time.

And we mean anyone, even professional athletes. In recent years, we’ve seen several professional athletes, who are in top physical condition, share their sleep apnea stories. Today, CPAPCentral.com wants to share the stories of three pro athletes with you.

Percy Harvin

Most people know Percy Harvin as the electric wide receiver who has had a very successful NFL career. He’s been a Super Bowl champion and was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2009. But Harvin also has sleep apnea. His diagnosis came after he collapsed during practice in 2010. Tests revealed Harvin had sleep apnea, and his treatment helped him deal with migraine headaches that had plagued him since childhood.

Mike Napoli

Mike Napoli didn’t share his diagnosis with the public until October of 2014, but he said it’s an issue that he’s been dealing with throughout his career. His announcement included the revelation that he was planning to have surgery to help deal with his condition after treatment methods like CPAP machines, medication, and mouth pieces hadn’t helped. Despite dealing with sleep apnea, Napoli is a Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series Champion.

Anthony Bennett

Now playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Bennett was the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013 NBA draft after starring as a forward at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Bennett had surgery to help treat his sleep apnea after experiencing breathing problems that affected his ability to properly train and recover.

As a disorder that can impact anyone at any time, millions of Americans deal with sleep apnea every night. You may not be a professional athlete, but we want you to know that you’re not alone in your management of sleep apnea. CPAPCentral.com is here to help treat your sleep apnea. Contact us to learn more about the CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and humidifiers that we offer.

Seeing the Signs: Recognizing Sleep Apnea Signs

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is important to diagnosing the condition.

There are millions of Americans that have been diagnosed with various forms of sleep apnea, but millions more are unaware that they are dealing with sleep apnea’s effects. CPAPCentral.com believes it is important for you to recognize the signs of sleep apnea so you are able to get the help and treatment you need to treat your specific case of sleep apnea.

If you find yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor, as these symptoms can have a profound impact on your health.

Excessive daytime sleepiness: Going to sleep at night is supposed to help refresh you and give you renewed energy for the next day. But for people with sleep apnea, that’s not the case. If you find yourself feeling tired when you wake up in the morning after a full night’s sleep, or if you are unable to concentrate at work because you’re so tired, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Waking up feeling short of breath: Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of the disorder, a form that causes your throat muscles to relax when you’re asleep. This forces your airway to close. If you wake up suddenly and you feel out of breath, it’s a serious sign and you need to consult your physician immediately.
Loud snoring: When most people think of sleep apnea, the first thing that comes to mind is someone snoring loudly. Not all people with sleep apnea snore, but it is a strong indicator. Loud snoring, especially if it is accompanied by a gasping sound or a brief pause in breathing, can be a sign that you have sleep apnea.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here to help you sleep better. With CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other accessories, we can help you breath easier and get a quality night’s sleep.