Do you prefer to curl up in a ball when you go to sleep, or stretch out over the entire bed? Everyone has a sleep position they prefer, but did you know that it can also impact your sleep apnea? CPAP Central wants to help you get the best sleep possible, which is why today we’re talking about sleep positions.

The Stargazer

This is where you sleep flat on your back, facing the ceiling. This is the most ideal position for your neck and back. However, it’s the worst for your sleep apnea! This position allows for gravity to pull the soft tissues of the tongue down into the back of the throat, thereby narrowing the airway and causing an obstruction.

The Freefaller

This is where you sleep on your side or your stomach, with your head turned to the side. Both of these sleep positions create a forward movement in the soft tissue and tongue to naturally prevent a blockage from occurring. On the downside, these positions can be hard to adjust to with a CPAP mask on, especially a full face mask. Your pillow can push against the edge of the mask causing a leak. That being said, it may take some trial and error to find a side or prone position that works for you.

The Curler

This is where you arch your back, bend your knees, and have your face turned sideways. You’re essentially curled into a ball or in a fetal position. This position can cause neck and back pain. It’s also not ideal for sleep apnea, as it restricts diaphragmatic breathing.

Sleeping positions often come down to preference—some just feel so much better than others! The same can also be said of CPAP masks. Some of them just feel better than others. Your comfort is an important thing to take into consideration when it comes to sleep. Check out our selection of CPAP supplies on our online catalog, and find the perfect accoutrements to your sleep!

Ever feel dried out after waking up from a night of CPAP therapy?  You’re not alone. The pressurized air that pushes through the CPAP machine is notorious for leaving users waking up with the sensation that they have a desert inside their throats and nasal passages.

Luckily, there’s a pretty simple fix for this. You can attach a humidifier to your CPAP machine, adding moisture to the air that’s pushed through. Humidifiers can also resolve congestion issues and decrease the amount of nasal resistance that can lead to mouth breathing and leaks.

A CPAP humidifier can be built-in, integrated or a standalone machine. Here are the differences:

• Built-in humidifier – This component is designed to be a part of the CPAP machine and cannot be removed or separated.
• Integrated humidifier – This component fits a CPAP machine, eliminating the need for a second hose and in some heated humidifiers, a second cord.
• Standalone humidifier – This component will work with any CPAP machine and doesn’t attach to the machine. It uses its own power cord and typically a short hose connected to the CPAP machine.

Most models of CPAP machines have a place for a humidifier to easily be attached and used without much difficulty. You can find both in our online catalog.

Once you’ve identified what kind of humidifier you need, you can then choose between one that is heated or cooled:

• Cool Passover Humidifiers – This machine uses room temperature air to pass over the room temperature water in the humidifier chamber.
• Heated Humidifiers – This machine heats the water in the chamber as the air moves over it, picking up the humidity and heat, and then delivering it to your airway.

Either option eliminates the sore throats and dry noses that you have experienced in the past.

Here at CPAP Central, we want you to experience your CPAP therapy with comfort and ease. Check out our wide selection of humidifiers, and experience the difference they can make for your sleep!

Whenever we get stressed out, we tend to do bad things to our health—such as smoking, reaching for comfort food, and tossing and turning in the night.  One thing you shouldn’t do, however, is stop your CPAP therapy.

Did you know that stress can actually increase the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms? In a catch-22, those who are newly diagnosed with sleep apnea often stress out over it! Here are some ways to reduce stress before going to sleep:

• Stay strong with your treatment- This may just seem like another thing on your to-do list, but it actually benefits you. Using your CPAP machine will help you get the quality sleep you need to recharge for the next day’s tasks.

• Ask for help and delegate- Don’t feel bad about asking for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or to delegate tasks to your spouse or kids. Dividing tasks to other members of the family helps things get completed and crossed off your list; and to get you feeling more relaxed.

• Take some time for yourself- Take 15-20 minutes every day for yourself to do what you want to do. Read a book, watch TV or think about anything but the tasks at hand.

• Don’t rush yourself – Take your time to get tasks done. If you run out of time, ask for someone else to help or finish it the next day. You shouldn’t have to stress to get everything organized or done around your home.

• Breathe!—Practice breathing exercises before you go to sleep. This not only has a calming effect, it can also signal to your body that it’s time to wind down for bed—giving you a better sleep!

We all need quality sleep, especially during the stressful times. If you have any CPAP questions or needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at CPAP Central. We look forward to hearing from you!

Most students associate college with all-night study sessions, followed by all-night socializing. But for students who have sleep apnea, getting enough rest at night can be a much bigger priority. If you are a CPAP user/student, here are some tips on adjusting to a school with your CPAP machine:

• Request a dorm room with air conditioning. If you’re attending college in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance that your dorm may have been constructed without it. While having AC makes no difference for half the year in northern universities, there are still heat waves during the first part of the fall semester. It’s going to be difficult to sleep with a CPAP mask on those hot nights. You may need to provide proof of medical necessity to your residence department, but it’s well worth the effort.
• Make sure you sit down with your roommate(s) on the first day and explain to them what the CPAP machine is and what they can expect. If you have a noisier model, they may want to request a transfer to another room, so they aren’t disturbed at night. Remember not to take it personally—they need their sleep as much as you do.
• Don’t be ashamed of your medically-necessary device. Many college students have never heard of sleep apnea, and your peers are more likely to be curious than demeaning. Remember, you are all in college to learn. Use this as an opportunity to educate those around you, whether it’s in conversation, personal essays or class presentations.

This exciting time of your life is full of changes and possibilities. However, one thing that shouldn’t change is your sleep apnea treatment. Here at CPAP Central we can make sure that your CPAP supplies stay in great shape throughout your collegiate career. Contact us today to prepare yourself with everything you need to keep you healthy at school.