Break out the shop vac, borrow your friend’s carpet shampooer and climb the ladder to get to those outside windows… it’s time to spring clean!

Before you get too far on your projects, don’t forget one crucial element that really needs your

attention—your CPAP machine! Indeed, you should have been giving it a regular clean all along. If you haven’t yet, here are some things you should be doing on an ongoing basis to keep your CPAP machine running in tip-top shape:

Once a day CPAP cleaning

Empty the CPAP humidifier’s water chamber to keep bacteria from building up and drain the excess water from the tubing. It’s really easy for germs to build up on the surface of a CPAP machine, so make sure you wipe it down once a day. Finally, use these handy CPAP mask wipes from CPAPCentral to give the inside of your CPAP mask a good clean.

Once a week CPAP cleaning

Give your CPAP mask a good soak in warm, soapy water about once a week. Let it dry thoroughly before using again. We find that using mild soaps (such as Dove or Ivory) work the best.

Once a month CPAP cleaning

CPAPCentral recommends that when it comes to your CPAP machine, you want to give your entire machine a wipe-down with warm water once a month. That includes picking it up and getting the bottom where it’s been sitting on the nightstand, as well as the inside of the humidifier. Finally, make sure you rinse out the filter.

6 month CPAP cleaning

For functional and sanitary reasons, CPAPCentral recommends that you replace your CPAP mask every six months and your CPAP tubes every three months. Many insurance plans will cover this regular replacement, so make sure you check your insurance and take advantage of this!

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about your CPAP supplies. If you do need to resupply, visit our online store.

There’s no debating the immense health benefits that come from using a CPAP machine. But just like with any other medical treatment, there can be some side effects. Luckily, these can be easily treated. Some of these include:

1)      Dry nose or mouth

This can happen if you’re just getting used to the sensation of forced air. A nasal spray can help relieve this particular symptom. A heated CPAP humidifier or heated CPAP tubing can also help.

2)      Irritated skin

This happens when a patient experiences uncomfortable air leaks and tightens the CPAP mask. However, too much tightening can damage the skin. If this happens, see your respiratory therapist about being fitted for a new CPAP mask. Or, try using a mask liner to protect your skin and increase comfort.

3)      Dizziness upon waking

Some users have experienced mild dizziness after a night of using a CPAP machine. This happens when the CPAP machine causes congestion and the wearer is already suffering from allergies. The combination can cause some unbalance in the inner ear. Use of a nasal decongestant or allergy medication can mitigate this particular problem.

4)      Eating air

This is known as aerophagia—it’s where you swallow the air unintentionally, and it goes into the stomach instead of the trachea. Usually, the symptoms to this are minor and include burping or flatulence. However, in a more severe form, it can lead to heartburn and other discomfort. If this is the case, you can treat it by elevating your head more during sleep or decreasing the CPAP machine’s pressure. Heartburn medication can also aid in overcoming this side effect.

Remember, even if you do encounter some of these issues, you shouldn’t stop your CPAP treatment. Consult your doctor if they become especially tricky, or try some of the products we mentioned above. They can really help! CPAPCentral.com carries all the accessories you need to give you the best sleep apnea therapy experience possible.

Introducing something new to your sleep routine is never easy, but for beginning CPAP users, this can be especially challenging. Below are some tips on how to get used to the CPAP machine:

1)      Wear the CPAP mask while you are awake

Wait until you are at the winding-down phase of your evening—whether this is in front of the TV, reading a book, checking your email, etc. Wear the CPAP mask while you’re performing your end-of-the-day routine. Then, connect it to the CPAP tube and then to the CPAP machine. Gradually introduce the use of pressure. Try this every night for the first week or two that you have the CPAP machine.

2)        Practice good sleeping habits

While a CPAP machine will help you sleep better, it’s not the only thing you should be introducing into your routine. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and avoid looking at lighted screens (such as cell phones or computers) 30 minutes before going to sleep. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime. If your body isn’t already being properly prepped for sleeping, it will make going to bed with a CPAP mask on that much more difficult. Some CPAP users have stated that drinking chamomile tea just before going to bed helped them fall asleep, even with the CPAP mask on.

3)       Use the ramp features

One of the biggest obstacles new CPAP users have reported is trying to get used to forced air. If this is a problem for you, look into a CPAP machine with ramp features—this feature will introduce light air pressure at first, and then automatically introduce a heavier air flow as the night progresses.

It may be difficult at first, but if you keep trying to get used to your sleep apnea therapy, it will be worth it. Don’t forget to check out CPAPCentral’s online catalog. We have everything you need to make your CPAP experience great!

From vaulted ceilings to starry skies, traveling can place you under a number of new roofs at night. No matter where you lay your head while away from home, follow these tips for a solid sleep with your CPAP:

Hotel

• If the phone, lamp, and clock on the nightstand leaves little room for your CPAP, pull out the drawer as a makeshift shelf. If nightstand space isn’t available, contact the front desk and ask to borrow a portable stand used for room service catering.
• Pack a power strip or an extension cord to accommodate for rooms with minimal power outlets.
• Before you leave for the day, pack up your CPAP and its accessories and store them in a drawer or on a closet shelf to protect from housekeeping’s cleaning sprays or accidental breaks.

RV or Camper

• Make use of your RV’s 12V outlet by connecting a small, 300W inverter into it and attaching it to your CPAP unit. Run an extension cord from your machine to the inverter to create a custom reach no matter where you’re sleeping.
• To prevent draining your vehicle’s battery, make sure all lights, appliances, and amenities are shut off while your CPAP runs overnight. Limit the use of your humidifier for the same reason.
• Recharge the battery during the day by firing up the RV’s generator or setting up portable solar panels.

Train

• Before your trip, secure a letter of medical necessity from your doctor and contact your train company to discuss regulations and accommodations.
• Pack an extension cord to help you reach an outlet if one isn’t directly in your aisle or you’re camped out on the top bunk of a private room.
• To prevent a swaying or shaky train from bumping your cord out a power socket, tape the cord down with a piece or two of duct tape.
• Refrain from using your humidifier, if possible. The back and forth motion of the cab may causing sloshing and liquid leaks.

Camping

• Look into the possibility of buying a CPAP unit designed for travel and portability fits easily into a tightly-packed backpack. These models are exceptionally small and operate with battery packs instead of plugins.
• Save space and keep bags light by packing lithium-based batteries. Weighing in at 2-4 pounds, they store enough power to last you up to three nights.
• Instead of carrying multiple battery replacements, pack a lightweight portable solar panel to recharge.
• To maximize battery life, skip the humidifier for a night when a fresh battery or power source isn’t readily available in the morning.

CPAP Central features a number of travel CPAP machines to ensure a well-rested night wherever your adventure leads.

The weather is starting to warm up, the snow is starting to thaw, and before you know it, spring break will be here! It’s finally time to set aside the winter blues and go someplace new and exotic. You shouldn’t have to lug your entire CPAP machine set-up with you as you travel, but you also shouldn’t be deprived of a night of sleep apnea therapy. The solution? Purchase a travel CPAP machine.

Last month, we talked a little bit about the Z1 Travel CPAP Machine and how it’s great for those spring break trips. This month, we’re going to compare it side-by-side with another travel CPAP machine: the Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine:

The Z1 by Human Design Medical and the Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine by Somnetics are both great models—which one you choose depends on which one will best fit your needs! CPAPCentral carries them both in stock, along with a number of travel CPAP machine accessories.

In a blog earlier this month, we encouraged you to consider purchasing a Z1 Travel CPAP Machine for your spring getaway. If you were lucky enough to squeeze in a vacation AND purchase a Z1, then we have some additional advice for you—how to deal with the TSA when you prepare to board your airplane!

The TSA will want to take a close look at your CPAP machine, no doubt about it. But here are some things to expect and prepare for:

• Make sure it’s in your carry-on

I think we’ve all dealt with lost luggage at some point, and you shouldn’t have to go through your vacation groggy because you were deprived of your sleep apnea therapy. Remember, TSA employees have likely seen CPAP machines before, so it’s doubtful they’re going to immediately think you’re up to no good.

• Treat it like a laptop

When you bring a laptop through airport security, the general rule of thumb is that you take the machine itself out of its bag and place it in a separate bin, while leaving its accessories in the laptop bag. You can do the same with the CPAP machine—the CPAP tubes, CPAP masks and other CPAP supplies can be kept in your bag, but the CPAP machine itself will need to be X-rayed by itself in its own separate bin. If you’re worried about germs, you can also place the CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag so it doesn’t touch the bin’s surface.

• They will do an ETD test on your CPAP machine

This stands for Explosive Trace Detection. This test is typically done when the TSA isn’t able to get a clear X-ray image. A TSA official will run a white swab over the surface of your CPAP device to check for trace amounts of explosives. We’re confident you will pass this test.

Even though most people use vacations as an excuse to cheat on their diets, CPAP Central encourages you to not cheat on your CPAP compliance. If you haven’t had a chance yet to purchase a travel CPAP machine, we encourage you to do so!

We all know how using a CPAP machine can help you get a good night’s rest when you’re living with sleep apnea. But, if you still find yourself needing a few more Zs, it might be time to examine the amount of activity you’re getting during the day. It just might make a huge difference in how well you sleep!

If you are living with sleep apnea, you may have already had a talk with your doctor about adding more exercise to your routine. Indeed, the National Sleep Foundation calls a regular exercise program, “…one of the veritable 10-commandments of sleep.”

The Foundation did a study in which they traced people’s activity during the day and how well they slept at night. Interestingly enough, certain exercises had almost no impact on sleep quality, while others were shown to have a significant impact:

Vigorous aerobic activity:

This was described as running, heavy cycling, lifting weights, etc. These activities were shown to have little impact on the quality of sleep.

Moderate aerobic activity:

These were described as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc. Those who participated in these activities over a course of 4 to 24 weeks fell asleep quicker and had a better quality of sleep than the rest of those in the study.

No activity:

This category includes people who do not incorporate daily exercise into their lives. They were found to not have as good of a rest as those who participated in moderate exercise.

The study noted that we still have a lot to learn when it comes to exercise and sleep, but it would be worth it to experiment with different types of exercises to see if they help you.

CPAP Central wants you to be as healthy as possible, and exercise is a sure way to get on the road to better health! We carry a wide variety of BiPAP and CPAP supplies to ensure that sleep apnea does not rob you of a good night’s sleep.

Oh man! There’s nothing like love. The rush of feelings, the nervousness when your crush comes around, the excitement when you finally work up the nerve to ask them out and they say yes…

But wait! If you are undergoing sleep apnea therapy, you have just one more hurdle to overcome—when do you tell your new significant other that you use a CPAP machine?

It seems a little unfair that you have to deal with that anxiety on TOP of all the anxiety that comes with asking someone out, but never fear, my friend! With the right approach, you can broach this often uncomfortable or embarrassing topic with your paramour.

• Choose the right time– We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that the first date is not usually when you want to divulge all your medically history to someone. Nor is Valentine’s Day really a good time either—it’s kind of a mood killer. Instead, wait until the two of you are comfortable enough with each other to talk about your medical histories.
• Don’t beat around the bush– A direct approach is usually the one that works the best. The likelihood that your date will reject you because of sleep apnea is very low. And if they do—they weren’t right for you anyway! If anything, they might be curious and ask a few questions. And let’s say down the road they do end up being “the one”—they’ll be happy you took care of your sleep apnea now, instead of making them sleep next to a snoring bed partner!
• Don’t spring it one them—If you’re expecting an overnight stay, it might be best to tell your date before you get home. Try to work in that news before any sleepovers happen, so your date won’t be surprised.

Remember, CPAP Central has your back! Whether we’re rooting you on as you ask out the person of your dreams or helping you pick out the right CPAP supplies, we’re here for you. And remember—have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Face it, you’ve been putting up with winter for far too long. Whether you found yourself digging out of the epic storm that hit the East Coast or are just tired of the cold air hurting your face, it’s time to start planning a spring break getaway!

As you plan out this trip, though, don’t forget about your sleep apnea treatment! If you’re worried about the extra bulk in your suitcase, never fear! CPAP Central has just what you need to make sure you can stay CPAP compliant on your vacation: the Z1 Travel CPAP Machine!

Made by Human Design Medical, this nifty little CPAP machine is the size of a sandwich but can nonetheless pack enough of a punch to send your sleep apnea packing. It produces no more than 26 dBA of noise, so even a librarian wouldn’t feel the need to shush it.

A few of its other features include:

-Air pressure reduction to make exhalation smoother

-Three pressure relief settings

-Weighs only 10 ounces

-6 ½ inches long

Furthermore, the Z1 Travel CPAP machine package comes with everything you need to be comfortable on-the-go and yet pack light. Some of the accessories included are:

-Z1 Travel CPAP Machine

-Drawstring bag to carry it in

-4-foot slim-style tube

-Tube adapter

-Disposable filters

-A power and a micro USB cord

-Heat moisture exchange unit

-Power supply

And many more! To see the full list, go here.

We carry a lot of different products by Human Design Medical. If you really like your Z1, check out some of the other products we carry by Human Design, including  Z1 Unplugged Travel CPAP Machine, Z1 PowerShell with Battery, Z1 Overnight Replacement Battery, Disposable Filter for Z1 Travel CPAP Machine, Filter Cap for Z1 Travel CPAP Machine and 4-Foot Slim-Style Tube for Z1 CPAP Machine.

Is it getting harder and harder for you to fall asleep as you age? You’re not alone. Sleep problems become much more pronounced as we get older. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a healthy 70-year-old person to wake up several times throughout the night. So, how can you tell what is and is not normal for as you age? Today, CPAPCentral.com will help you or a loved one understand why sleep disorders are common with seniors.

The list of things that can lead to poor sleep in older people is long. Some of those include:

Alzheimer’s Disease – People with Alzheimer’s often get days and nights confused. They can be sleepy throughout the day and then become wide awake and restless at night. This is particularly hard on spouses or caretakers who need to adjust their sleep to the new schedule.

Alcohol – Even though alcohol is a depressant, when the alcohol filters through our bodies, the effects wear off and we wake up again. As we age, we may not be able to handle alcohol the way we did in our younger years. Some alcohol, like a beer or glass of red wine, can be good for the body and overall health, but any alcohol should be consumed in moderation and early in the evening, well before bedtime.

Stimulants – We live in a caffeinated world. Coffees and teas have gone from being a simple drink we had in our thermos cups to a multibillion dollar “double-shot espresso, hold the cream, skinny latte” phenomenon. Don’t forget to include energy drinks and soda to this equation too!

Just like alcohol, some caffeine is good for you and has even been suggested for people with Parkinson’s disease. As we age, we also lose our need for caffeine and our tolerance. If you still want to enjoy a bit of caffeine, drink it earlier in the day and cut it off by the afternoon. Switch to decaf or half-caffeinated coffees or teas.

CPAPCentral.com carries many CPAP accessories to help you get a better night’s sleep. Visit our website today and check out what we have!