In a blog earlier this month, we encouraged you to consider purchasing a Z1 Travel CPAP Machine for your spring getaway. If you were lucky enough to squeeze in a vacation AND purchase a Z1, then we have some additional advice for you—how to deal with the TSA when you prepare to board your airplane!

The TSA will want to take a close look at your CPAP machine, no doubt about it. But here are some things to expect and prepare for:

• Make sure it’s in your carry-on

 

I think we’ve all dealt with lost luggage at some point, and you shouldn’t have to go through your vacation groggy because you were deprived of your sleep apnea therapy. Remember, TSA employees have likely seen CPAP machines before, so it’s doubtful they’re going to immediately think you’re up to no good.

 

• Treat it like a laptop

When you bring a laptop through airport security, the general rule of thumb is that you take the machine itself out of its bag and place it in a separate bin, while leaving its accessories in the laptop bag. You can do the same with the CPAP machine—the CPAP tubes, CPAP masks and other CPAP supplies can be kept in your bag, but the CPAP machine itself will need to be X-rayed by itself in its own separate bin. If you’re worried about germs, you can also place the CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag so it doesn’t touch the bin’s surface.

• They will do an ETD test on your CPAP machine

 

This stands for Explosive Trace Detection. This test is typically done when the TSA isn’t able to get a clear X-ray image. A TSA official will run a white swab over the surface of your CPAP device to check for trace amounts of explosives. We’re confident you will pass this test.

 

Even though most people use vacations as an excuse to cheat on their diets, CPAP Central encourages you to not cheat on your CPAP compliance. If you haven’t had a chance yet to purchase a travel CPAP machine, we encourage you to do so!

We all know how using a CPAP machine can help you get a good night’s rest when you’re living with sleep apnea. But, if you still find yourself needing a few more Zs, it might be time to examine the amount of activity you’re getting during the day. It just might make a huge difference in how well you sleep!

 

If you are living with sleep apnea, you may have already had a talk with your doctor about adding more exercise to your routine. Indeed, the National Sleep Foundation calls a regular exercise program, “…one of the veritable 10-commandments of sleep.”

 

The Foundation did a study in which they traced people’s activity during the day and how well they slept at night. Interestingly enough, certain exercises had almost no impact on sleep quality, while others were shown to have a significant impact:

 

Vigorous aerobic activity:

 

This was described as running, heavy cycling, lifting weights, etc. These activities were shown to have little impact on the quality of sleep.

 

Moderate aerobic activity:

 

These were described as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc. Those who participated in these activities over a course of 4 to 24 weeks fell asleep quicker and had a better quality of sleep than the rest of those in the study.

 

No activity:

 

This category includes people who do not incorporate daily exercise into their lives. They were found to not have as good of a rest as those who participated in moderate exercise.

 

The study noted that we still have a lot to learn when it comes to exercise and sleep, but it would be worth it to experiment with different types of exercises to see if they help you.

 

 

CPAP Central wants you to be as healthy as possible, and exercise is a sure way to get on the road to better health! We carry a wide variety of BiPAP and CPAP supplies to ensure that sleep apnea does not rob you of a good night’s sleep.

Oh man! There’s nothing like love. The rush of feelings, the nervousness when your crush comes around, the excitement when you finally work up the nerve to ask them out and they say yes…

But wait! If you are undergoing sleep apnea therapy, you have just one more hurdle to overcome—when do you tell your new significant other that you use a CPAP machine?

It seems a little unfair that you have to deal with that anxiety on TOP of all the anxiety that comes with asking someone out, but never fear, my friend! With the right approach, you can broach this often uncomfortable or embarrassing topic with your paramour.

• Choose the right time– We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that the first date is not usually when you want to divulge all your medically history to someone. Nor is Valentine’s Day really a good time either—it’s kind of a mood killer. Instead, wait until the two of you are comfortable enough with each other to talk about your medical histories.
• Don’t beat around the bush– A direct approach is usually the one that works the best. The likelihood that your date will reject you because of sleep apnea is very low. And if they do—they weren’t right for you anyway! If anything, they might be curious and ask a few questions. And let’s say down the road they do end up being “the one”—they’ll be happy you took care of your sleep apnea now, instead of making them sleep next to a snoring bed partner!
• Don’t spring it one them—If you’re expecting an overnight stay, it might be best to tell your date before you get home. Try to work in that news before any sleepovers happen, so your date won’t be surprised.

 

Remember, CPAP Central has your back! Whether we’re rooting you on as you ask out the person of your dreams or helping you pick out the right CPAP supplies, we’re here for you. And remember—have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Face it, you’ve been putting up with winter for far too long. Whether you found yourself digging out of the epic storm that hit the East Coast or are just tired of the cold air hurting your face, it’s time to start planning a spring break getaway!

As you plan out this trip, though, don’t forget about your sleep apnea treatment! If you’re worried about the extra bulk in your suitcase, never fear! CPAP Central has just what you need to make sure you can stay CPAP compliant on your vacation: the Z1 Travel CPAP Machine!

Made by Human Design Medical, this nifty little CPAP machine is the size of a sandwich but can nonetheless pack enough of a punch to send your sleep apnea packing. It produces no more than 26 dBA of noise, so even a librarian wouldn’t feel the need to shush it.

A few of its other features include:

-Air pressure reduction to make exhalation smoother

-Three pressure relief settings

-Weighs only 10 ounces

-6 ½ inches long

 

Furthermore, the Z1 Travel CPAP machine package comes with everything you need to be comfortable on-the-go and yet pack light. Some of the accessories included are:

-Z1 Travel CPAP Machine

-Drawstring bag to carry it in

-4-foot slim-style tube

-Tube adapter

-Disposable filters

-A power and a micro USB cord

-Heat moisture exchange unit

-Power supply

 

And many more! To see the full list, go here.

We carry a lot of different products by Human Design Medical. If you really like your Z1, check out some of the other products we carry by Human Design, including  Z1 Unplugged Travel CPAP Machine, Z1 PowerShell with Battery, Z1 Overnight Replacement Battery, Disposable Filter for Z1 Travel CPAP Machine, Filter Cap for Z1 Travel CPAP Machine and 4-Foot Slim-Style Tube for Z1 CPAP Machine.