You’re probably most familiar with the English author Charles Dickens from his novella A Christmas Carol, but did you know he’s also connected to early sleep apnea studies?

When sleep apnea was first being observed by the scientific community, it was dubbed “Pickwickian Syndrome.” That’s because a character in Dickens’ book Pickwick Papers demonstrated all the symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

While this fact about sleep apnea may be “fun,” the condition itself is anything but. That’s why today, we’re going to review the top 15 fast facts about sleep apnea:

1. Up to 80% of moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
2. An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea.
3. You may wake up as much as 30 times per hour during sleep.
4. While snoring is a common side effect of sleep apnea, it’s not always the case. Some who snore do not have sleep apnea, and some who have sleep apnea do not snore/
5. Likewise, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight.
6. Pregnancy and menopause can trigger sleep apnea in women.
7. As many as 4% of children have it, but it’s often diagnosed as ADHD.
8. There are 10 different subcategories of sleep apnea.
9. Sleep apnea has been linked to marriages falling apart.
10. It can be hereditary.
11. It can put you at risk for a host of other health conditions, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
12. Being male, overweight, and having a large neck circumference are all predictors of sleep apnea.
13. Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, can contribute to it.
14. Since men tend to be more likely to develop it, it’s often undiagnosed in women.
15. Lifestyle changes—such as losing weight, using your CPAP and avoiding alcohol—can all help alleviate symptoms.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here to help. We carry a wide variety of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and CPAP supplies, all of which can help you combat this condition. Our live chat is available from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST.

Cup of Joe. Afternoon tea. 2 p.m. pick-me-up.

In whatever form you take it, caffeine is the most consumed drug in the world, with some 90 percent of adults partaking in it. While there are a number of benefits to regularly consuming caffeine, it has been linked to some negative side effects, including insomnia. Since we specialize in helping people sleep, we thought it would be good to take a moment and look at some of the facts surrounding it:

 

• It can actually help with sleep apnea.

 

Some studies have shown that caffeine can actually help those with sleep apnea, by improving their cognitive function and helping better breathing at night. However, other studies have shown that it’s the way you consume it that affects your condition. While coffee and tea seemed safe, sugary soft drinks appeared to exacerbate the condition.

 

• 400 Milligrams is the recommended amount

 

That adds up to about 4 cups of coffee a day, but that depends on how strong you make yours. And that 400 milligram amount is a guideline—some people have higher sensitivity to it than others. Taking too much for you can have negative side effects. Some of these include migraines, fast heartbeats, upset stomach, nervousness, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.

 

• It stays in your system for a while.

 

You might come across the term “half-life” when you Google how long caffeine stays in your body. This term refers to how long it takes for the caffeine to reach half its effectiveness. For the average person, that’s about 5-6 hours. That means to be totally eliminated out of your system, your body may take up to 12 hours. That lunchtime latte may be the reason you’re up later than you want to be, which could undermine some of the gains you’ve had with CPAP therapy.

 

• There are numerous benefits.

 

In spite of the side effects, there are numerous other benefits. It’s been shown to increase memory, decrease kidney stone risk, prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and liver disease. It’s also been shown to increase cognitive function and decrease fatigue. It’s also been linked to weight loss. If you’re struggling with your weight as a result of sleep apnea, this could actually help.

 

Finding the right balance with caffeine to aid in your sleep apnea journey is all about listening to your body. If you want to use this as a way to address your condition, write down how much caffeine you had that day, and how your sleep was that night, as well as how you functioned the next day. This scientific approach should hopefully give you the tools you need to optimize your sleep and overall well-being.

For everything else sleep apnea related, see the experts at CPAPCentral.com! We have all the equipment necessary to combat this condition and are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST.

 

 

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard plenty of complaints from your partner about your snoring. Now that you have your CPAP equipment, he or she may now be complaining about the noise coming from your machine.

Instead of throwing your hands up in the air and dismissing this as a no-win situation, take these four tips into consideration for a quieter CPAP experience:

• Move the CPAP machine to below ear-level.

 

Most people tend to put their CPAP machine on the nightstand next to their bed, but this can increase the noise level you experience throughout the night. A better alternative is to place it on a footstool and use a longer hose. You may also want to place it on top of a towel or other soft surface, so it doesn’t vibrate.

 

• Swap out the CPAP filter.

 

You should be changing your CPAP filter once a month anyway, as a part of routine maintenance. A filter reduces the amount of dust particles that enter your airways and extends the life of your machine. Keeping the filter clean also reduces the amount of noise coming from your CPAP. If it seemed to suddenly get louder overnight, it might be time to change out the filter.

 

• Use a different CPAP mask.

 

Even if your machine isn’t making a lot of noise, your mask may still cause a cacophony. Certain CPAP masks are designed to give you a quieter experience. Some of these include the AirFit P10, the Swift FX and the Quattro Air.

 

• Upgrade your CPAP machine.

 

If it’s been a while since you bought your CPAP machine, it might be time to upgrade! The technology surrounding these devices is always evolving, including the noise levels. Some of the quieter machines include the Dreamstation, the AirSense 10 and the Airmini.

 

 

If you’re ready to upgrade to a more silent machine, swing by CPAPCentral.com. We carry the latest in sleep apnea therapy technology, and our experts are available via live chat Monday through Friday from 8:30AM – 4:30PM EST.

There’s many reasons why you wander through the day bleary-eyed. Somnipathy, the medical term for sleeping disorders, affects approximately 40 million people in the United States. If you’re among them, you may automatically assume that you have insomnia. However, it’s estimated that about 80 percent of those with sleep apnea go undiagnosed.

That’s why CPAPCentral.com will compare these two disorders side-by-side so you can see which symptoms more closely match yours:

Sleep Apnea

• Definition- When your sleep is interrupted because you stop breathing.
• Cause- The causes can vary, depending on if you have Central or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a part of your soft palate collapses, blocking your airway. In Central Sleep Apnea, your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
• Symptoms: Loud snoring, choking or gasping in your sleep, daytime drowsiness, depression and issues with weight gain.
• Treatment: The most common way to treat sleep apnea is through Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. Other options can also include surgery or weight loss.

Insomnia

• Definition—When you cannot fall asleep, or you wake up a couple of hours after falling asleep and cannot go back to sleep.
• Cause—A variety of things can cause insomnia, including anxiety disorders, depression, stress, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes and other physical causes. Sometimes, lifestyle choices can affect insomnia, including alcohol and tobacco use.
• Symptoms—Laying awake in bed and unable to fall asleep, no matter how tired you are.
• Treatment: Treatments can vary according to cause. Sometimes, a drug can be prescribed for mental or physical causes. Other times, lifestyle changes will need to be made in order to address it.

If you suspect you have one of the above disorders, make an appointment with your doctor right away for a sleep study. CPAPCentral.com can supply you with everything you need to effectively treat sleep apnea. Our online resource center can give you the tools you need to educate yourself about this condition, and our online chat is available from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Staying CPAP compliant isn’t a fire-and-forget method. In order to effectively combat your sleep apnea, you must not only diligently use it every night—you must also make sure you’re keeping up with the regular maintenance.

 

If you’re not already following this schedule when it comes to taking care of your CPAP supplies, we urge you to do so:

 

1 Month – CPAP Cushions, Pillows and Filters

 

Once a month, examine your CPAP mask nasal cushions and CPAP pillows to see if they have any discoloration or cracks. If they do, you run the risk of irritating your skin and should consider replacing these aging CPAP supplies. This is also the time when you want to replace the filter in your CPAP machine, as it helps fight allergens.

 

3 Months – CPAP Mask

 

You need to examine your CPAP mask at the three-month mark to see if it needs to be replaced. If you are regularly cleaning it and replacing any worn-out CPAP mask pillows and CPAP mask cushions, then there’s a good chance that it’s still usable. However, if the CPAP mask is discolored, bent or torn, it’s time to replace it.

 

6 Months – CPAP Water Chamber and Mask Straps

 

At the six month mark, examine the water chamber to your CPAP machine’s humidifier. If it is cloudy or discolored, it may need to be replaced. Likewise, your CPAP tubing can harbor bacteria, so you also want to replace it at 6 months. Finally, this is also around the time that the elastic or Velcro on your headgear or chin strap can become worn.

 

CPAPCentral.com you need to stay CPAP compliant. Our experts are here to answer any questions you may have about your sleep apnea therapy. Get in contact with us today if it’s time for you to replace any of your supplies!

 

 

Staying CPAP compliant isn’t a fire-and-forget method. In order to effectively combat your sleep apnea, you must not only diligently use it every night—you must also make sure you’re keeping up with the regular maintenance.

 

If you’re not already following this schedule when it comes to taking care of your CPAP supplies, we urge you to do so:

 

1 Month – CPAP Cushions, Pillows and Filters

 

Once a month, examine your CPAP mask nasal cushions and CPAP pillows to see if they have any discoloration or cracks. If they do, you run the risk of irritating your skin and should consider replacing these aging CPAP supplies. This is also the time when you want to replace the filter in your CPAP machine, as it helps fight allergens.

 

3 Months – CPAP Mask

 

You need to examine your CPAP mask at the three-month mark to see if it needs to be replaced. If you are regularly cleaning it and replacing any worn-out CPAP mask pillows and CPAP mask cushions, then there’s a good chance that it’s still usable. However, if the CPAP mask is discolored, bent or torn, it’s time to replace it.

 

6 Months – CPAP Water Chamber and Mask Straps

 

At the six month mark, examine the water chamber to your CPAP machine’s humidifier. If it is cloudy or discolored, it may need to be replaced. Likewise, your CPAP tubing can harbor bacteria, so you also want to replace it at 6 months. Finally, this is also around the time that the elastic or Velcro on your headgear or chin strap can become worn.

 

CPAPCentral.com you need to stay CPAP compliant. Our experts are here to answer any questions you may have about your sleep apnea therapy. Get in contact with us today if it’s time for you to replace any of your supplies!

 

Did you know there are currently over 10 million cases of undiagnosed sleep apnea in the United States? If those with the condition go untreated, they are facing a huge list of additional diagnoses including heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and heart failure.

 

Today, CPAPCentral.com has provided three quick and easy ways to screen yourself at home for sleep apnea. If these tests come up positive for you or a loved one, then you should set up an appointment with your physician as soon as you can!

 

1 – The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed in 1990 by Dr. Murray Johns. It typically takes less than 3 minutes to complete, and evaluates your daytime sleepiness in order to determine how likely you are to have a sleep disorder. Take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Test Now.

 

2 – The STOP BANG Questionnaire

STOP BANG stands for Snoring, Tiredness during the daytime, Observed apnea, Pressure (high blood pressure), Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference and Gender. The questionnaire evaluates whether you have an obstruction in your airway that might be contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. Take the STOP BANG Questionnaire now.

 

3 – Know how to interpret your health tracker

If you already own a health tracker such as a FitBit, certain models can record your movement during the night, including how often you wake up. If it starts to indicate restless nights, this could be a sign that something more serious is going on. The National Sleep Foundation has more information on how to interpret what your wearables are telling you.

 

After trying out these three at-home screenings, be sure to follow their advice and seek consultation from your family doctor or a local sleep specialist. If you discover that you are indeed suffering from sleep apnea, see CPAPCentral.com for all the supplies you need to address it!

 

When it comes to sleep apnea, the proverbial canary in the coal mine is usually the bed partner. If you’ve been having marital problems because your spouse keeps you up all night with their constant snoring, it might be time to have them tested for sleep apnea.

 

However, people can be reluctant to have sleep tests done for a variety of reasons. Maybe they think their partner is overreacting. Maybe they’re scared of what they will find out. Whatever the reason is, CPAPCentral.com is here with some tips on convincing your partner to get a sleep test:

 

Record them – For some people, it is hard to believe something without seeing it. Taking a video or audio recording of a loved one during sleep may be the best proof they need to believe, and to be compelled to, schedule a sleep test. This recording may also be helpful when talking with a doctor about their sleep concerns.

 

Use a Health Tracker—There are a number of smart watches out there that can record internal data, including how many times a person woke up during the night and what their heart rate was during those incidences. While your partner may laugh at the external symptom of snoring, they may be a little more somber if they have proof that something is going on internally. After all, it’s not good to have the heart rate jump suddenly from a resting BPM.

 

Take out a life insurance policy— Explain to your partner that if they aren’t going to take their health seriously, you need to prepare for a life without them. While this may be a dramatic response, the truth is that sleep apnea could very well have drastic consequences if untreated. Putting it in terms of life and death might be enough to shake them up and take their health seriously.

 

When you do finally convince your partner to have their sleep test done, contact the experts at CPAPCentral.com. We can also help you get any equipment you may need after the test results come in.

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Sleep apnea can occur in anyone, from young children to star athletes. Certain conditions can make you more predisposed to developing it—including smoking. Today, CPAPCentral.com is going to explore the connections between smoking and sleep apnea:

 

The connection between smoking and sleep apnea.

 

In the United States, about 18% of the population smokes. When you look at those with sleep apnea, that number almost doubles to 35%.

 

This may be due to how smoking affects your upper airways. It causes inflammation, which in turn makes the nose, throat and uvula swell. This reduces how much space you have in your airway. Sleep apnea patients with a long history of smoking tend to have more instances throughout the night where they stop breathing. This causes their symptoms and condition to be much more severe.

 

Increased Health Risks.

 

Smoking not only increases sleep apnea severity, it also escalates your chances of developing a condition that results from not being CPAP-compliant. For example:

 

•         Approximately 20% of heart-related deaths in the United States are due to smoking. Those with sleep apnea have a 2-3 time higher chance of cardiovascular disease. Add smoking into the mix, and you’re putting serious pressure on your heart.

 

•         Smoking also decreases your tolerance for physical activity, leading to weight gain. Sleep apnea can compound this issue, since obesity is one of the side effects of leaving it untreated.

 

•         Finally, those who smoke are also putting themselves at risk of having a stroke. Not treating your sleep apnea can increase this further.

 

If you’re a smoker, we encourage you to quit tobacco for good. Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, the effects on your health are not worth it. For those who have sleep apnea, we’re here to help you stay compliant. Contact us today if you need your CPAP mask or other CPAP supplies replaced.

 

 

From the never-ending daytime drowsiness to the complaints of bed partners, sleep apnea can have a serious impact on your day-to-day life. It can also harm your health in the long term with conditions such as hypertension, obesity and heart disease.

 

Today, however, CPAPCentral.com is going to touch on three side effects few people think about—and hopefully encourage you to be tested for sleep apnea, if you haven’t been already.

 

1)      Depression.

 

Many times, those who live with obstructive sleep apnea are often diagnosed with depression first. But did you know that depression is a side effect of this sleep disorder? Not getting a proper night’s rest can affect your mental health, so if you or a loved one are living with depression, talk with a doctor about your sleeping habits to rule out obstructive sleep apnea as a trigger.

 

2)      Memory problems.

 

It might be funny to make jokes about how you’re getting old, but it could be a symptom of a larger problem. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slow reaction times and other memory issues. If you find yourself having issues remembering things, it might be time to schedule a sleep test.

 

3)      Social impact.

 

Believe it or not, how much sleep you get can affect your relationships. Those living with sleep apnea are less likely to attend social events. When was the last time you turned down an invitation because you were just too tired? The loud snoring can also impact your relationship with your significant other, especially if you share a bed at night.

 

If you or a loved one are exhibiting these symptoms, it may be time to seek medical help. Your doctor may ask you to take a sleep test, and if you do test positive for sleep apnea, we’re here to help! CPAPCentral.com can connect you to all the supplies you need to combat this condition.