When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t be left out in the dark because you don’t understand certain terms of phrases being used by your doctor. Here at CPAP Central, we want you to be prepared and be able to understand everything regarding your sleep apnea, so we’re providing you with a list of common terms to help you out.

 

Sleep apnea- a sleep disorder during which a person stops breathing for periods of time throughout the night.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)­- the most common type of sleep apnea in which the airway is blocked by the soft tissue at the back of the throat, causing periods of non-breathing.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)- a form of sleep apnea caused by the brain not sending the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Apnea- Greek for “without breath,” this is what can happen up to a hundred times per night for anywhere from two to 10 seconds in someone with sleep apnea.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)- the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Pressurized air at one specified level is blown into a person’s airway to keep it from collapsing.

Bi-level PAP- another treatment for sleep apnea, usually reserved for more severe sleep apnea. It uses two different air pressures (hence the “bi” prefix), one for inhaling and one for exhaling.

Polysomnography- a non-invasive sleep study used to determine if you have a sleep disorder. It monitors brain activity, eye movement and other factors during sleep.

 

There are many other terms used when referring to sleep apnea and CPAP therapy and equipment. The experts at CPAP Central can help you if you have any questions regarding specific products. Visit our Online Store today or come by our store for assistance in getting on the path to treatment for your sleep apnea.

Let’s say you are a CPAP user who has been using your machine and mask long enough that you are pretty well used to it. Sure, there are a few hiccups and things you wish you could change in the comfort department, but you have resigned yourself to a little discomfort for the sake of the healing effects of your CPAP therapy.

 

There are accessories available through CPAP Central that would not only make your treatment more efficient, but also increase your level of comfort. Here are a few of them that we offer to help you take your CPAP therapy to the next level:

 

CPAP Pillow– this specially designed pillow alleviates the problem of having to sleep in certain positions with a normal pillow. The CPAP Pillow has areas cut out of it for a better fit for your mask and hoses that keep them in place, unlike a regular pillow that pushes them off your face.

 

CPAP Mask Wipes– keeping your mask and other parts clean allows your treatment to be more effective. Your mask attracts oils from your face that can affect the seal, causing air leaks, and your tubing needs to be cleaned regularly to remove any dirt or possible bacteria.

 

CPAP Cushions and Frames– the right cushion and frame can give you the perfect level of comfort for your CPAP therapy. You can choose from individual cushions and frames or those sold together.

 

Headgear– finding the right headgear is all about being comfortable with where the straps are on your head. We offer many different types of headgear, and even some with custom designs and colors.

 

The ideal accessories can help make your “good” experience with CPAP therapy and turn into a great one. Browse our online catalog today and find the right devices for you that will take your sleep comfort to the next level!

If you’re like thousands of other Americans, you may be in the process of shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. But there’s one gift CPAP Central would like to encourage you to give them this holiday season that can’t be bought in stores—a  heart that not only loves them, but functions for a long time!

 

As we have discussed in a few previous blog posts, obstructive sleep apnea and heart disease are inseparably linked, and OSA can have severe effects on your heart. Since February is American Heart Month, we thought now would be an appropriate time to identify the ways in which sleep apnea can affect your heart and cardiovascular system, and more specifically the connection between OSA and heart attacks.

 

We know that sleep apnea causes periods of time in which a person literally stops breathing for anywhere between two and 10 seconds normally. This can occur dozens of times during the night. Each time this happens, the carbon dioxide level in the blood rises and the major organs of the body (the heart, brain, etc.) are starved of oxygen-rich blood.

 

Studies have found that during non-breathing periods, the body’s “fight or flight” mechanism is triggered, causing a decrease in the amount of blood pumped to the heart. This can severely damage the heart, especially over the course of four to five years.

 

In the worst case, a heart attack can occur during the night. A Mayo Clinic study found these normally occur between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. The study evaluated 92 patients admitted because of heart attacks. Of those admitted between midnight and 6 a.m., 91 percent had obstructive sleep apnea.

 

While there is a definite link between OSA and heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, you are not helpless if you have been diagnosed with OSA. CPAP therapy has been shown to decrease your risks of severe complications, and can even help your conditions improve.

 

At CPAP Central, we can help you improve your heart health by providing you with everything you need to combat sleep apnea. See our online catalog for a wide variety of CPAP machines and supplies!

Valentine’s Day is all about love! While most of us think about our sweethearts, CPAP Central encourages you to love your sleep this February by doing the following six things:

1. Cut the tobacco.

 

We all know that tobacco is bad for our lungs and cardiovascular system, but did you know it’s also bad for your sleep? It can speed up our hearts, making it easier to wind down at night.

 

2. Cool off the room.

 

With that nasty polar vortex that hit the country this season, you probably found yourself cranking up the heat. But did you know that could be bad for your sleep? You want the room to be cooler than what is comfortable when you are awake. This induces the body to go into a deeper sleep, like a hibernating bear!

 

3. Get rid of the glow.

 

Turn your digital alarm clock around and your cell phone face-down. Even small glowing lights in your room can be bad for your overall sleep!

 

4. No more blue lights.

 

While you’re at it, make sure that you cut out all “blue light” for an hour before bed. Those are the lights that come off of laptops, TVs and cell phones. Instead, read or listen to music or podcasts as you fall asleep.

 

5. Cut the nightcap.

 

There’s nothing quite like a glass of wine to get you sleepy at night, but alcohol can take a negative toll on your quality of sleep. It will wake you up in the middle of the night after the effects wear off, or can cause you to not fall into as deep of a sleep as you need.

 

6. Stay CPAP Compliant.

If you have sleep apnea, one of the best ways to love your sleep is to continue using your CPAP equipment regularly! Not only will you wake up refreshed, you will also stave off a whole host of other health problems that come with OSA.

At CPAP Central, we value a good night’s rest. If it’s time to restock your CPAP supplies, you can find everything you need on our online catalog.