It’s a common question to ask how long something is going to last, especially when it comes to rehabilitation or treatment of a medical condition. How long will the cast be on for? When can I start practicing again? How long will it take for the medicine to kick in? For doctors, these are normal questions that have a definite answer.

 

On the other hand, when patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed CPAP therapy to treat it ask the “how long?” question, doctors find themselves in a tricky situation.

 

That’s because CPAP therapy is not a “cure” for sleep apnea, but rather a support therapy that eases the symptoms of sleep apnea. In short, this means that those with sleep apnea will become CPAP users for life, which can be a daunting thing to think about.

 

However, to put it in perspective, think about the risk you take of not treating your sleep apnea. High blood pressure, increased risk of stroke or cancer and cardiovascular problems are all consequences of leaving sleep apnea untreated.

 

It may take you a little while to become used to your CPAP machine and your nightly therapy. If it has been a few months and you’re still struggling, be persistent and stick with it! The physical relief you’ll feel, as well as the health benefits you’ll receive when you finally get used to it are worth it.

 

Do whatever it takes to push yourself to put on your mask and turn on your machine every night. Use your partner and family members as a support team to help keep you honest, or feel free to reach out to CPAP Central for any tips and or advice. Whether it’s trying to find a better fitting mask or learning what sleep position is best, we are ready to help! Our live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When you’re looking at buying CPAP therapy equipment you’re more than likely not paying attention to the hoses. No, you’re more interested in the shiny new machines and all of the different shapes and brands and whether they’re CPAP, Bilevel PAP, APAP or something else. There are also masks to captivate your attention, and there a ton of those as well. Full face masks, nasal masks, nasal masks with pillows; the list goes on and on. Again, you’re probably not looking at the hoses.

 

However, having the proper hosing is essential to your sleep apnea treatment. Most hoses come in six or eight-foot lengths as these are industry standards that are recommended most often. If you need or desire a longer hose, longer lengths are available, though this means you will need to use a different setting on your CPAP machine since the air has to travel further to reach you.

 

While it may not seem important, having a good quality hose can make a world of difference for your treatment. Investing in a slightly more expensive hose can mean better airflow and better durability, especially if you travel a lot and have to assemble and disassemble your CPAP equipment often. Spending a little more initially on a good hose will keep you from having to replace it as often as a lower grade hose.

 

The right hose can also benefit your partner as well. Hoses with smaller ridges in the tubing (usually the higher quality hoses) make less noise as the air travels through them. This can allow for better sleep for both of you.

 

At CPAP Central, we carry a variety of hoses for your individual needs, as well as many other necessary CPAP accessories. Check out our online catalog if you need a new hose, mask, filter or anything else!

 

Your CPAP mask is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you have as it relates to your therapy. It has to fit properly, be comfortable enough for you to sleep, keep a good seal against your skin and give you an overall good feeling. However, full face masks can feel big, bulky and restricting. Even nasal masks can give you a sense of claustrophobia. There is a different kind of nasal mask that promotes a less confining experience while still delivering your CPAP therapy efficiently: the nasal pillow mask.

 

While full face and nasal masks are larger and seal directly to your face, a nasal pillow mask has minimal surface contact, sealing only to your nostrils and held in place by headgear. There are several benefits to this design:

 

1. Eliminates the risk of developing pressure sores like those you get from using a full face or nasal mask
2. Allows for a clearer line of sight
3. Achieves an easier seal because there is less surface area to seal to
4. Allows for easier movement during sleep without the mask coming off or losing its seal

 

In short, a nasal pillow mask provides you with more freedom in your CPAP therapy. As we’ve discussed in the past, CPAP therapy can be a hard thing to become accustomed to, so anything that can make it easier is worth a shot.

 

We have a variety of nasal pillow mask models to help you adapt to your therapy. Manufactured by reputable companies like ResMed and Phillips Respironics, these masks could be just what you need to find comfort in your therapy. Check out our online catalog today and find relief with a nasal pillow mask.