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CPAP Therapy vs. BiPAP Therapy

CPAP machines and BiPAP machines both help treat sleep apnea, but in their own way.

When it comes to treating sleep apnea, using Positive Airway Pressure, also known as PAP therapy, is the most common form of treatment. PAP therapy can be very effective when used correctly as prescribed by your doctor.

When it comes to PAP therapy, different options are available to you. The two most common forms of PAP therapy are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapy. CPAPCentral.com wants you to understand the difference between both of these therapies.

CPAP Therapy

As the continuous portion of its name implies, CPAP therapy involves the continual flow of air through your airway using a pressure prescribed to you by your doctor. This form of therapy is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, as the air pressure helps prevent your airway from collapsing, which leads to a stoppage of breathing, or an apnea event. And while one pressure setting is set for the entire night, a lot of CPAP machines have ramp features, which allow you to fall asleep at a lower pressure setting before the machine automatically increases the pressure to your prescribed therapy level.

BiPAP Therapy

While less common than CPAP therapy, BiPAP therapy presents an alternative for sleep apnea patients. Unlike CPAP therapy, where only one pressure level can be set and the pressure remains the same for when you inhale and exhale, BiPAP machines have two pressure settings. Typically, there is a higher pressure setting for when you inhale and a lower pressure for when you exhale. This may make BiPAP machines a better option for patients who have a higher prescribed pressure, because they won’t have to work as hard to exhale.

If you are unsure which therapy is best for treating your sleep apnea, speak with your physician. They can help you understand your unique therapy needs and will prescribe what is best for you.

CPAPCentral.com carries a full line of CPAP machines and BiPAP machines. If you are having trouble adjusting to your sleep apnea therapy, consult your doctor and contact us if you need to make adjustments to your equipment.

Surgery and Sleep Apnea

Be sure to tell you doctor if you have sleep apnea before any surgical procedure involving general anesthesia.

There are millions of people out there that live with a form of sleep apnea. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most commonly with CPAP equipment, those individuals can find relief and manage the symptoms of sleep apnea quite effectively.

However, at some point in our life, most of us will go through a form of surgery that will require us to go under general anesthesia. For the millions of people with sleep apnea, there are potential risks beyond the scope of the surgery. CPAPCentral.com wants to make sure you’re prepared for your surgery and that your sleep apnea doesn’t lead to unnecessary complications.

Tell Your Doctor About Any Sleeping Issues

Your doctor has your best interest at heart, so it’s essential that they have as much information about your health as they possibly can. If you believe you may be experiencing sleep apnea, even if you haven’t been diagnosed, you need to inform your doctor of any symptoms you are experiencing. If you’re regularly tired during the day, wake up suddenly at night feeling short of breath, or snore regularly, you could have sleep apnea, and your doctor needs to know about it.

Pre-Operation and Operation Procedures

Your anesthesiologist will help make sure your surgery goes smoothly. You will be given a pre-operation assessment and examination. During the surgery, your anesthesiologist will monitor your airway to ensure you’re breathing properly and that the sedatives are not affecting the muscles of your airway.

Post-Operation Procedures

Patients with sleep apnea need special monitoring after surgery because the effects of the sedatives can have an impact on your airway for several hours after the last dosage is administered. In many cases, you may be intubated, where a tube is submitted into your airway until you are completely awake following surgery. Because of this, patients with sleep apnea often aren’t a good candidate for same-day, or outpatient, surgeries.

Once you are back at home, try to get back into a normal sleeping routine. For those with sleep apnea, that means using your CPAP machine, mask and other supplies. If you need more CPAP equipment, contact CPAPCentral.com to replenish your supplies.

Sleep Tests to Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea

Sleep tests are the most common ways to detect if you’re dealing with sleep apnea.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like repeated daytime fatigue, snoring, or waking up suddenly feeling short of breath, it’s probably time to stop ignoring the symptoms and face the possibility that you may be dealing with sleep apnea.

Having sleep apnea is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a sleep disorder that impacts millions of Americans and can be controlled with treatment. But first, you have to figure out if you have sleep apnea, and if so, what type of sleep apnea. In most cases, the easiest way to diagnose sleep apnea is with a sleep test, and CPAPCentral.com wants you to be prepared for what you’ll encounter during that sleep test.

The Lab Sleep Test

As the name points out, this sleep test takes place in a sleep lab setting. These tests most often require an overnight stay in a sleep center, hospital, or even a hotel room. While sleeping away from home is rarely as comfortable and relaxing as a good night sleep in your own bed, most sleep centers take extra steps to ensure your comfort. From hotel room like settings, to giving you time to read, watch TV, or relax and unwind as you fall asleep, sleep centers have your well-being in mind. Even though few people sleep as well in the sleep lab environment as they do at home, almost everyone eventually falls asleep, and sleeps long enough for data to be collected and a diagnosis to be made.

For the sleep test, sensors will be attached to your body so that you can be fully monitored while you sleep. The sensors are painless and are attached to wires which allow you to move around as usual during your sleep. While you’re asleep, a team will monitor your heart rate, your breathing levels, your brain waves and any movement in your arms and legs, among other things. In the morning a sleep technologist will remove the sensors and members of the sleep team will review the information gathered during the sleep study. It can take several days to weeks for your sleep study to be fully evaluated. If the results show you stop breathing, or breathe abnormally throughout the night, you likely have sleep apnea.

The Home Sleep Test

Particularly when your doctor suspects you may have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a home sleep test. With a home sleep test, you conduct a sleep test at home using home sleep testing equipment. In most cases you set the equipment up by yourself. You may pick the equipment up from your doctor’s office, or it may be delivered to your home. You will be given instructions on how to set up and use the equipment. A home sleep test allows you the opportunity to experience the comfort of your normal sleeping environment while monitoring your sleep habits, breathing, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Before you go to sleep you will attach sensors to your body, and possibly turn on the monitoring device. The device will record data as you sleep. When you wake up in the morning you will remove the sensors and return the testing equipment. As with a lab sleep test, members of the sleep team will review and analyze your data and a board certified sleep physician will contact you to discuss the results.

Whether you go to a sleep lab, or use a home sleep test, sleep tests are most likely to be accurate when you maintain your normal daily routine beforehand. This will also help you relax and prepare for as restful of a night sleep as possible. The exception to this rule is if you tend to take naps during the day, you should avoid napping on the day of your sleep test. You should also avoid caffeine after lunch on the day of your sleep test as well.

If your sleep test reveals that you have sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here for you. We have the CPAP machines, CPAP masks and accessories you need to start sleeping more effectively each night.

CPAPs & Severe Weather

Make sure you’re prepared for severe weather with this extra CPAP equipment.

There has been enough severe weather in the news in recent weeks that we’ve likely all taken a moment to wonder if we’re truly prepared should the skies darken. And while many of us have plans in place for where we should go in the case of severe weather, less of us are likely to think about what needs to come with us.

Sure, grabbing the essentials like water and maybe non-perishable foods is always a good idea, but for those of us with health concerns, additional preparation can be very important. Your sleep therapy doesn’t have to be disrupted by severe weather, and CPAPCentral.com wants to remind you that there are supplies you need to have for your CPAP machine in case the power goes out.

Remember Your CPAP Batteries

A backup CPAP battery is handy for camping and boating excursions, but if the power goes out, you’ll be extremely glad that you have one. A lot of the CPAP machines available today are equipped to handle add-on options for CPAP batteries. Backup batteries can help you use your CPAP machine for up to 15 hours without AC power.

Don’t Forget Battery Chargers

Your backup battery won’t do you much good for very long if you can’t recharge it. In case of a severe weather emergency, it is important to make sure you also have a battery charger to keep your CPAP battery going strong as long as necessary. If your power goes out for an extended period of time, DC adaptors can be extremely useful, as they can be used in your car. If you have a Transcend CPAP machine, you can use the Transcend Solar Power Battery Charger, which uses sunlight to help recharge your CPAP machine’s battery.

Having an emergency plan in place for severe weather is never a bad idea. CPAPCentral.com encourages to come up with a plan that will keep you and your family not only safe, but prepared for different scenarios. Whether you need CPAP supplies for daily use, or to help you prepare for an emergency, CPAPCentral.com is here for you. Contact us to learn more about the products we offer.

Four Surprising Activities to Ease COPD

At CPAPCentral.com, we know all about the problems that come with not being able to breathe properly. And while we tend to deal mostly with individuals who have trouble breathing at night due to sleep apnea and need CPAP machines to help them sleep, there are millions of people across America who have trouble breathing normally while they’re awake.

“Imagine what life would be like if you had to breathe through a straw all the time,” said Aimee Bulthuis of the COPD Foundation. “That’s what it feels like for people living with COPD.”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing very difficult for the 24 million Americans that have it. For those living with the disease, daily tasks can be both physically and mentally exhausting.

In fact, many individuals at risk for developing COPD can also be at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who smoke. COPD and obstructive sleep apnea can actually overlap in individuals, known as Overlap Syndrome, which makes both conditions worse.

Luckily, there are many resources available to help ease the impact of the disease. Below are 4 non-traditional remedies from an article in Everyday Health that can help alleviate COPD symptoms!

Harmonica Therapy

The harmonica is one of the few instruments that requires breathing in and out. This exercise helps stimulate breathing control which can help expand lung capacity and reduce COPD symptoms. Harmonica Therapy also helps ease the anxiety that often arises from the disease.

Yoga

Yoga has great benefits for COPD patients. Primarily, the exercise helps teach COPD patients to listen to their body. Additionally, it has great benefits for lung function. According to a study in the American Journal of Therapeutics, one hour of yoga three times a week can improve lung function!

Walking

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for people living with COPD. However, the physical activity required to do so can be scary when breathing is difficult. Walking is less daunting and can be a very effective form of exercise!

Volunteering

Volunteering may not seem like it’d help people with COPD, but Sandra Adams, MD, MS, a pulmonologist at University Hospital and the South Veterans Health Care System says it is.

“It’s a great coping mechanism for people with COPD because it boosts their mood and helps them see that they’re not alone with their medical ills,” she states.

If you have COPD, we hope you’ll consider one of these remedies to help ease your COPD symptoms. If you also have obstructive sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here for you with a wide variety of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other accessories to help you sleep more comfortably.

There are steps you can take to help relieve the symptoms of COPD.

The Amara View Full Face CPAP Mask

The Amara View Full Face CPAP Mask gives you flexibility and better vision while using your CPAP machine.

Sleep apnea affects millions of people every night. For those who have been diagnosed, CPAP therapy offers the best relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea with the use of a CPAP machine and CPAP mask.

There are advances being made all the time in CPAP technology, and one of the latest advances will be of huge benefit for CPAP users who wear a full face mask when they use their CPAP machines. The Amara View Full Face Mask from Philips Respironics, makes wearing a full face CPAP mask a lot easier and more comfortable.

The Amara View features a brand-new, innovative design that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll get the same therapy and effectiveness of other full face CPAP masks, but feel more comfortable with increased functionality. Thanks to its new, under-the-nose design, the Amara View doesn’t sit on the bridge of your nose like other full face masks. As a result, you don’t have to worry about nasal pressure or waking up with red marks on the bridge of your nose. Additionally, you’ll be able to save money on replacing mask liners and be more comfortable when you sleep!

The Amara View also helps the user relax. The under-the-nose design is paired with a unique headgear which doesn’t feature forehead stabilization, so you get a wider field of vision that allows you to wear glasses, read, watch television and use the computer while using your CPAP mask and machine. The Amara View also has the added benefit of being the smallest and most lightweight full face mask available.

You can pre-order the Amara View Full Face Mask from CPAPCentral.com right now! If you’re looking to do more while still using your CPAP mask, or are tired of waking up with red marks on the bridge of your nose, the Amara View is the answer you’ve been waiting for. You can learn more about the Amara View, or place an order, by calling us at 877-629-1316.

Take Your CPAP Therapy Anywhere: The Z1 Travel CPAP Machine

Take your CPAP therapy anywhere with one of the Z1 Travel CPAP machines

At some point, almost everyone has to spend some time away from home. Whether it’s for a vacation, a business trip, visiting family or friends, many of us will spend a night away from home at some point or another. For those with sleep apnea, this requires some extra thinking to make sure your CPAP therapy can continue even when you are away from home.

CPAPCentral.com has a solution to make sure you can keep up with your CPAP therapy, no matter where you are: The Z1™ Travel CPAP Machine. This machine comes in several different models, all featuring a lightweight, easy-to-transport design, providing you the CPAP therapy you need. Let us take you through a brief description of each of the Z1 models.

The Z1™ Travel CPAP Machine

Weighing just 10 ounces and sitting at 6.5 inches long, the Z1™ takes up about as much space as your cell phone when placed in your luggage. Designed to operate quietly, the machine produces about 26 dBA, about the same as a whisper. The machine also features three pressure relief settings using the Z-Breathe™ Pressure Relief technology.

The Z1™ Unplugged Travel CPAP System

Keep your CPAP machine running on the road, even when you’re away from a power outlet. The Z1™ Unplugged has a small battery built right into the machine, and gives up to eight hours of battery life when running without a cord. The PowerShell™ allows your machine and battery to securely fit together while remaining easy to carry.

The Z1™ Auto Travel CPAP Machine

Don’t worry about manually adjusting your pressure for your CPAP therapy with the Z1™ Auto. Combining the portability and lightweight design of the original Z1™, the Z1™ Auto features auto-adjusting technology, meaning the machine will do the job of adjusting the air pressure for you. This machine can also be synced to the Nitelog™ mobile app.

The Z1™ Auto Unplugged Travel CPAP System

The Z1™ Auto Unplugged gives you a lot of options for your CPAP therapy when traveling. Capable of automatically adjusting your CPAP air pressure, as well as operating on batter power, you can take the Z1™ Auto Unplugged anywhere and make sure your therapy stays on track. You can also review your sleeping data using the Nitelog™ mobile app and share the information with your doctor.

If you want to learn more about the Z1™ Travel CPAP machines, please feel free to contact us at CPAPCentral.com

Summer Humidity and Sleep Apnea

During the summer, you can turn down the humidifier on your CPAP machine.

It’s finally summer! One of the reasons we love summer so much is the temperatures get warmer, even during the night. With warm nights, many look forward to activities such as barbeques, outdoor concerts, and walks under the stars. CPAP users can add a better night sleep to this list because warmer weather also brings some welcome relief for CPAP users looking to benefit from more moisture in the air.

Humidity is often valuable for CPAP users, especially during the drier months of the winter. When the air is dry, it stays dry as it passes through your CPAP machine, a discomfort many CPAP users overcome with the use of humidifiers. In the summer, the warm air often provides plenty of the moisture that CPAP users so appreciate. CPAPCentral.com wants you to know what the warmer weather means for your sleep apnea therapy.

Generally speaking, warmer weather with more humidity means you can turn down the humidifiers attached to your CPAP machine. The extra moisture in the air is passed through your machine and into your airway, and is much easier to deal with than the colder, drier air that most users have to deal with during the winter months. There are instances, however, where you need to keep your humidifier turned up regardless of the season.

For CPAP users living in a very dry region, like the desert, it doesn’t really matter what time of year it is, because the air is dry year-round. Keep your humidifier turned up if you live in an area like this so the dry air doesn’t disrupt your therapy.
There are still times during the summer when the nights are colder. During those nights, especially if the temperature inside is warmer than the temperature outside, you’re going to want to make sure your humidifier is running at a higher level.

If you’re not using a humidifier with your CPAP machine right now, that may be a choice you want to reconsider. Humidifiers not only help you sleep more comfortably, but also keep you healthy. If you want to know more about how a humidifier can help your CPAP therapy, please contact us.

Summer Allergies and Sleep Apnea

Summer allergies can lead to a number of symptoms, including making sleep apnea worse.

Summer means a lot of different things for everyone. From sunny days, later nights, grilling or camping out, and so much more, there is a lot to love about summer. One of the drawbacks to summer however, is the increase in allergens, which leads to summer allergies. With ragweed and pollen in the air, summer allergies can reduce your ability to breathe effectively.

If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to know how you are affected by summer allergies so that you’re ready to make adjustments to your CPAP therapy. CPAPCentral.com offers you these tips to help you understand how summer allergies impact you and how you can continue your therapy effectively.

Impact on Symptoms

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to allergies, and studies have shown symptoms like snoring and difficulty breathing while sleeping are made worse by summer allergies. Additionally, these allergies can cause runny noses, watery eyes, and sore throats, making you feel uncomfortable and making it difficult for you to sleep. This leads to an increased feeling of daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Summer allergy symptoms combined with a potential worsening of your sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your health.

How to Help Yourself

Many symptoms related to summer allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications. These alleviate symptoms and can help you sleep. To prevent allergen-loaded air from passing through your CPAP machine every night, remember to clean your CPAP machine every day. Make sure your air filters are changed regularly and that you wipe your machine with a damp cloth, and wash your humidifier chamber, mask, and tubing every day. Products like cleaning wipes, tube cleanings systems, and the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer are a great way to start a daily routine of keeping your CPAP supplies clean.

You can also make sure your CPAP therapy is as effective as possible by making sure your equipment is up-to-date. CPAPCentral.com has all the CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other CPAP supplies to make sure you’re able to sleep comfortably.

CPAP Masks and Facial Hair

There are steps you can take to make sure you have the right CPAP mask to go with your facial hair.

There are a lot of different kinds of CPAP masks out there. Some cover your whole face, while others leave your mouth uncovered and cover just your nose. The key with any CPAP mask, though, is to create an effective seal so that your CPAP therapy is as effective as it can be.

For men, however, another consideration must be taken into account. Men with facial hair have to be more selective about their CPAP masks. In observance of June as Men’s Health Month, CPAPCentral.com is proud to offer tips on finding the right mask to fit with your beard, mustache, goatee, or any other kind of facial hair, as well as tips for managing your facial hair to work with your current mask.

How Facial Hair Impacts Your CPAP Therapy

The biggest impact your facial hair has on your CPAP therapy is reducing the effectiveness of the seal for your CPAP mask. Facial hair creates a barrier between your mask and your skin, which leads to increased instances of mask leaks. This results in your CPAP therapy being less effective and your sleep apnea not being treated as effectively.

How to Improve Your CPAP Therapy

There are steps you can take to improve your CPAP therapy. First, consider shaving or trimming your facial hair. Completely shaving will be most effective in improving your current mask seal, but trimming down the thickness of your beard or mustache can help.

If you do need to switch masks, nasal pillow CPAP masks will likely bring the best luck because they insert right into your nostrils and have minimal contact with the face. The following nasal pillow masks have been effective for men with facial hair:

If you prefer a different style of mask, don’t worry, there are some other options that may also work well with facial hair. Nasal CPAP masks cover only your nose. Men with facial hair tend to prefer the following nasal masks:

Some men have even found that full face CPAP masks, which cover a larger area of your face including your mouth and nose, provide a comfortable and effective seal, even with facial hair. Full face masks that men with facial hair recommend are:

We hope that you find these tips helpful and that you are able to find the right CPAP mask to go with your facial hair. Nothing makes you look and feel better than being fully rested, and here at CPAPCentral.com it is our goal to help you achieve a good night sleep, no matter what your CPAP needs may be. If you have questions about any of these masks, or anything else related to your CPAP therapy, please contact us or visit our website to live chat with our experts.