There’s no debating the immense health benefits that come from using a CPAP machine. But just like with any other medical treatment, there can be some side effects. Luckily, these can be easily treated. Some of these include:

1)      Dry nose or mouth

This can happen if you’re just getting used to the sensation of forced air. A nasal spray can help relieve this particular symptom. A heated CPAP humidifier or heated CPAP tubing can also help.

2)      Irritated skin

This happens when a patient experiences uncomfortable air leaks and tightens the CPAP mask. However, too much tightening can damage the skin. If this happens, see your respiratory therapist about being fitted for a new CPAP mask. Or, try using a mask liner to protect your skin and increase comfort.

3)      Dizziness upon waking

Some users have experienced mild dizziness after a night of using a CPAP machine. This happens when the CPAP machine causes congestion and the wearer is already suffering from allergies. The combination can cause some unbalance in the inner ear. Use of a nasal decongestant or allergy medication can mitigate this particular problem.

4)      Eating air

This is known as aerophagia—it’s where you swallow the air unintentionally, and it goes into the stomach instead of the trachea. Usually, the symptoms to this are minor and include burping or flatulence. However, in a more severe form, it can lead to heartburn and other discomfort. If this is the case, you can treat it by elevating your head more during sleep or decreasing the CPAP machine’s pressure. Heartburn medication can also aid in overcoming this side effect.

Remember, even if you do encounter some of these issues, you shouldn’t stop your CPAP treatment. Consult your doctor if they become especially tricky, or try some of the products we mentioned above. They can really help! CPAPCentral.com carries all the accessories you need to give you the best sleep apnea therapy experience possible.

Introducing something new to your sleep routine is never easy, but for beginning CPAP users, this can be especially challenging. Below are some tips on how to get used to the CPAP machine:

1)      Wear the CPAP mask while you are awake

Wait until you are at the winding-down phase of your evening—whether this is in front of the TV, reading a book, checking your email, etc. Wear the CPAP mask while you’re performing your end-of-the-day routine. Then, connect it to the CPAP tube and then to the CPAP machine. Gradually introduce the use of pressure. Try this every night for the first week or two that you have the CPAP machine.

2)        Practice good sleeping habits

While a CPAP machine will help you sleep better, it’s not the only thing you should be introducing into your routine. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and avoid looking at lighted screens (such as cell phones or computers) 30 minutes before going to sleep. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime. If your body isn’t already being properly prepped for sleeping, it will make going to bed with a CPAP mask on that much more difficult. Some CPAP users have stated that drinking chamomile tea just before going to bed helped them fall asleep, even with the CPAP mask on.

3)       Use the ramp features

One of the biggest obstacles new CPAP users have reported is trying to get used to forced air. If this is a problem for you, look into a CPAP machine with ramp features—this feature will introduce light air pressure at first, and then automatically introduce a heavier air flow as the night progresses.

It may be difficult at first, but if you keep trying to get used to your sleep apnea therapy, it will be worth it. Don’t forget to check out CPAPCentral’s online catalog. We have everything you need to make your CPAP experience great!

From vaulted ceilings to starry skies, traveling can place you under a number of new roofs at night. No matter where you lay your head while away from home, follow these tips for a solid sleep with your CPAP:

Hotel

• If the phone, lamp, and clock on the nightstand leaves little room for your CPAP, pull out the drawer as a makeshift shelf. If nightstand space isn’t available, contact the front desk and ask to borrow a portable stand used for room service catering.
• Pack a power strip or an extension cord to accommodate for rooms with minimal power outlets.
• Before you leave for the day, pack up your CPAP and its accessories and store them in a drawer or on a closet shelf to protect from housekeeping’s cleaning sprays or accidental breaks.

RV or Camper

• Make use of your RV’s 12V outlet by connecting a small, 300W inverter into it and attaching it to your CPAP unit. Run an extension cord from your machine to the inverter to create a custom reach no matter where you’re sleeping.
• To prevent draining your vehicle’s battery, make sure all lights, appliances, and amenities are shut off while your CPAP runs overnight. Limit the use of your humidifier for the same reason.
• Recharge the battery during the day by firing up the RV’s generator or setting up portable solar panels.

Train

• Before your trip, secure a letter of medical necessity from your doctor and contact your train company to discuss regulations and accommodations.
• Pack an extension cord to help you reach an outlet if one isn’t directly in your aisle or you’re camped out on the top bunk of a private room.
• To prevent a swaying or shaky train from bumping your cord out a power socket, tape the cord down with a piece or two of duct tape.
• Refrain from using your humidifier, if possible. The back and forth motion of the cab may causing sloshing and liquid leaks.

Camping

• Look into the possibility of buying a CPAP unit designed for travel and portability fits easily into a tightly-packed backpack. These models are exceptionally small and operate with battery packs instead of plugins.
• Save space and keep bags light by packing lithium-based batteries. Weighing in at 2-4 pounds, they store enough power to last you up to three nights.
• Instead of carrying multiple battery replacements, pack a lightweight portable solar panel to recharge.
• To maximize battery life, skip the humidifier for a night when a fresh battery or power source isn’t readily available in the morning.

CPAP Central features a number of travel CPAP machines to ensure a well-rested night wherever your adventure leads.

 

The weather is starting to warm up, the snow is starting to thaw, and before you know it, spring break will be here! It’s finally time to set aside the winter blues and go someplace new and exotic. You shouldn’t have to lug your entire CPAP machine set-up with you as you travel, but you also shouldn’t be deprived of a night of sleep apnea therapy. The solution? Purchase a travel CPAP machine.

Last month, we talked a little bit about the Z1 Travel CPAP Machine and how it’s great for those spring break trips. This month, we’re going to compare it side-by-side with another travel CPAP machine: the Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine:

Z1™ Travel CPAP Machine	Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine
10 ounces	15 ounces
6.5 in x 3.45 in x 2.25 in	6.1 in x 3.5 in x 2.8 in
Pressure range: 4 to 20 cm H2O	Pressure range: 4 to 20 cm H20
Available Modes: Standby, CPAP	Available Modes: Standby, CPAP, Drying
Ramp time: 0 to 45 min, 5 min increments	Ramp time: 0 to 45 min, 5 min increments
Comes with 4-foot tube	Comes with 6-foot tube
Uses humidification moisture exchange	Optional heated humidifier available
Quiet Operation 26 dBA	Quiet Operation 26.6 dBA
LCD Display Screen with user buttons	User buttons
Z-Breathe Pressure relief- Off, 1, 2, 3	EZEX pressure relief- Off, 1, 2, 3
Leak Compensation	Leak detection with compensation
Optional battery: Integrated PowerShell	Optional battery: Overnight plug-in battery
Auto Altitude Adjustment	Auto Altitude Adjustment
On-Board therapy tracking with optional Micro SD cards slot	On-board therapy tracking
Tube adapter included	Universal Hose adapter included
Filter end cap with polyester filter included	Filter frame with reusable foam filter included
Micro USB Cord included	3-Foot USB 2.0 Type A Male to Mini B Male Cable
Compatible with European voltage	Compatible with European voltage (comes with adapters)
Compatible with all CPAP masks	Compatible with all CPAP masks
Carrying pouch, optional travel bag available Outside dimensions 10 in x  11 in x 4 in	Bag Dimensions – Outside 10 in x 9.25 in x 4.5 in
3-Year Warranty	3-Year Warranty

 

The Z1 by Human Design Medical and the Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine by Somnetics are both great models—which one you choose depends on which one will best fit your needs! CPAPCentral carries them both in stock, along with a number of travel CPAP machine accessories.