Most people think of pressure sores as something that happens to those who are bedridden, but it can happen to CPAP users as well. If you’ve experienced this, you know how uncomfortable it is—and how much it can interfere with your sleep apnea treatment! There are three main reasons contact sores can happen with CPAP masks, all of which can be addressed:

• CPAP Headgear tension

For many people, a tight CPAP mask is the main culprit. If your straps are too taut, your CPAP mask will be digging into your skin for 7 or 8 hours a night. However, the opposite can also be true. If the straps are too loose, your CPAP mask will shift and rub against your skin, causing irritation. Try to find the right tension for your headgear so that your CPAP mask doesn’t move, but also isn’t pressing into your skin either.

• Worn-out CPAP mask

A worn out CPAP mask can cause irritation as well. The cushioning on the edges breaks down over time, causing more pressure on your skin. Certain models of CPAP masks are able to have their cushions swapped out, so call us today or check out our online catalog if you think you need to do that for your mask. CPAP masks do need to be replaced once every three to six months, so you may also need to replace it entirely.

• A dirty CPAP mask

Some CPAP masks just need a good cleaning. It’s just no good for your skin to have all that dirt and oil pressing up against it every night. Get into the habit of wiping down your mask once a day. You can do this using a damp towel and a mild dish detergent, or by using CPAP mask wipes (we have them here). You should give your CPAP mask a full bath at least once a week, where you submerge it in soapy water and give it a good scrub.

If none of these things seem to help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Our experts can help you find the comfort you need in order to get a good night’s rest. We also carry a number of items that can help you remain CPAP compliant. Check out our online catalog, or give us a call today!

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about the Dreamstation Auto CPAP by Phillips Respironics—and no wonder! This machine features state-of-the-art designs based on what patients have told their doctors they want out of a CPAP machine. In fact, it even won an award from an international design organization for its innovation.

There are many reasons why users love the Dreamstation, but we’re going to focus on the top 6:

• It’s super quiet

Many CPAP manufacturers say this about their product, but for the Dreamstation it’s especially true. Even when it’s turned onto the highest pressure , the sound is barely noticeable.

• Ease of use

The menu options are easier to follow, so you can change the settings quickly. The front-facing display is angled in such a way that you can make adjustments laying down or sitting up. The one-piece humidifier water chamber is simple to clean.

• Ramp features make acclimation easy

This includes things such as the EZ-Start, which allows patients to gradually become used to using pressure every night, as well as Smart Ramp, which allows users to have lower pressures as they fall asleep. It mimics what an APAP machine will do, and then at the end of the ramp it switches to a fixed pressure.

• It can function like a travel CPAP machine

The Dreamstation is so compact and light that it’s easy to pack and bring along with you on trips. This also means that it will take up less room on your bedside table!

• It evaluates you—and itself!

Each morning, it shows you a summary of your progress, with how many hours you used it and how many good nights you’ve had! It can also evaluate itself. Its remote troubleshooting and self-diagnostic tools make it easy to solve any problems that come up.

• It just looks nice

The exterior mirrors what many newer technological devices look like. Some people have even mistaken it for an iPod docking station!

The Dreamstation truly does make it easier for you to have sweet dreams each night! We carry the Dreamstation—along with all its accessories—in our online catalog. Check it out today, or contact us to learn more about how this CPAP machine can help you!

Were you recently diagnosed with sleep apnea? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with all the treatment options? At CPAP Central, we want to turn down the “pressure” when it comes to figuring out which PAP machine is right for you. That’s why we’re going to cover the ABC’s of sleep apnea therapy—APAP, BiPAP and CPAP:

Auto Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) automatically changes the pressure according to your breathing needs in a given moment. It does this on a breath-by-breath basis, truly making it a “smart” machine. Many users find that this helps increase their ability to stay compliant. CPAP Central carries the latest in APAP technology from trusted brands such as Phillips Respironics and ResMed

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) is a non-invasive way to treat central or obstructive sleep apnea and may be used for people who suffer from other respiratory disease.  It delivers two levels of pressure:

• IPAP, or inspiratory positive airway pressure – This is a high level of pressure that is used when you inhale.
• EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure – This is when you exhale which delivers a low level of pressure.

These two modes make the BiPAP ideal for those who need their sleep apnea delivered at a higher pressure than normal. Because of the EPAP mode, the user is not constantly under that same higher level of pressure.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) delivers air pressure at a single level that is predetermined by your doctor after the sleep study results are in.  A CPAP machine pushes compressed air through a tubing system that is connected to a nose mask.   The continuous pressure keeps your upper airway open, preventing them from collapsing and block breathing.

All three therapies have their own machines but share equipment like masks and tubes to help aid your sleep.  Before you decide on which PAP machine is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she might have a recommendation based on what the sleep study showed. CPAP Central is also here to help. We’re your one-stop shop for all your sleep apnea need!

The stereotype about those who live with sleep apnea is that they’re unfit and overweight. But that doesn’t hold up when you look at professional sports. A number of prominent athletes have sleep apnea, and they’re some of the most physically-fit people in the country! We’re going to take a look at a few:

Percy Harvin

Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin suffered from headaches that were so bad, he once passed out at practice and be taken away in an ambulance. During his subsequent four-day stay in a hospital, doctors tested him for sleep apnea. His heart stopped 8 times during the test, sometimes for up to 10 seconds. After starting his CPAP treatment, his headaches went away.

Anthony Bennett

The 23-year old power forward for the Brooklyn Nets found himself getting winded during games, due to a combination of asthma and sleep apnea. Since starting treatment, he’s reportedly breathing better on the court.

JaMarcus Russell

The former quarterback was criticized in the media for his weight struggle, which he attributes to sleep apnea. His condition was first discovered when he was dozing off during morning practices.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaq has been very public about his “attack” on sleep apnea. Harvard Medical School even documents his journey in a short video. The basketball legend has moderate OSA, and said he’s had more energy since starting treatment.

Reggie White

Sleep apnea actually took this beloved 90’s star of the Green Bay Packers away from us. He passed away at the age of 43 due to heart problems caused by the disorder. His widow, Sara White, has created the Reggie White Foundation, which raises awareness of sleep apnea.

Warren Sapp

Superbowl champion Warren Sapp also works to raise awareness for sleep apnea through the Sleep Apnea Prevention Project. He said that for his whole life, no one has been able to sleep next to him because of his snoring. What ultimately made him seek treatment was the death of his friend and fellow football star Reggie White.

From young up-and-coming stars to legendary athletes raising awareness, it’s clear that sleep apnea does not discriminate. If you think you have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor about setting up a sleep test. CPAP Central is your one-stop shop for all your sleep apnea therapy needs. We can help you start on the road to good health!