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Smoking and Sleep Apnea

Smoking has several dangerous health impacts, including increasing your risk for developing sleep apnea.

It’s no secret that smoking can have a variety of detrimental effects on your health. But did you know that if you have sleep apnea, the effects of prolonged tobacco use can actually be more damaging and aggravate your sleep apnea?

Additionally, if you don’t have sleep apnea, smoking can actually increase your risk for developing the disorder. With that in mind, CPAPCentral.com is here to remind you of the effects that smoking can have on people with sleep apnea.

The Damages Smoking Causes

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for brief periods of time as you sleep. This can happen multiple times per night. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in your throat actually relax to block your airway. Smoking increases inflammation in your throat and upper airway. When this happens, there is already less space in your airway, which can cause you to develop sleep apnea, or worsen the condition if you already have the disorder.

Breathing Problems

Smoking is can greatly reduce the air capacity of your lungs. If you have been a smoker for an extended period of time, your lung capacity may be significantly reduced. Reduced lung capacity alone is a serious problem, which only becomes worse when combined with a condition like sleep apnea. This combination can put you at a greater risk for additional health problems such as COPD, heart disease, and stroke.

Quitting smoking can reduce your risk for developing sleep apnea or from having the condition worsen. Quitting isn’t easy, but there are medical professionals and support groups out there to help you. If you continue to struggle with sleep apnea after quitting smoking, CPAPCentral.com is here for you. We have CPAP machines, masks and cleaning supplies to make sure your therapy is as effective as it can be.

Recommit to Your CPAP Therapy

Many people have trouble adjusting to CPAP therapy, but there are ways for you to get back on track.

There are times when you may get frustrated with your CPAP therapy. In fact, many people stop their CPAP therapy at some point because they feel like it may not be working for them. This is especially common for new CPAP users who are having trouble adjusting to the changes that come with CPAP therapy and using a CPAP machine.

May is National Recommit Month, and CPAPCentral.com wants to bring you some tips to help you recommit to your CPAP. If you’ve stopped your CPAP therapy for any reason, now is the time to recommit, and these tips can help you do it.

Tip to Recommit: Strength in Numbers

There are millions of people in the United States that have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and that have undergone treatment using CPAP therapy. Do some research to see if there are any CPAP support groups in your area.

Tip to Recommit: Make Sure You’re Comfortable

One of the main reasons people stop their CPAP therapy is due to feeling uncomfortable. Whether it’s adjusting to the air that passes through your mouth and nose or getting used to sleeping with a mask on your face every night, treating sleep apnea will force you to change your sleeping habits. If a mask makes you feel uncomfortable, try some mask liners, mask strap pads or a CPAP pillow to help make you feel more comfortable as you sleep.

Tip to Recommit: A Clean CPAP is a Happy CPAP

Cleaning your CPAP machine and equipment is very important. If your equipment isn’t clean, neither is the air passing through it. If the air isn’t clean, you have an increased risk for getting sick, which may cause you to stop your therapy.

CPAPCentral.com has all the equipment to make sure your CPAP therapy is as successful as it can be. Come to us for a new CPAP machine or mask to get your CPAP therapy back on the right track.

How Much Sleep Should You Get

Getting enough sleep is critical to ensuring you’re well-rested and have enough energy for your day.

When it comes to making sure you have the energy to attack your day, it all starts with a good night’s sleep. But how much sleep should you be getting every night? What are the side effects of not getting a good night’s sleep? And, finally, what if you have a condition that prevents you from getting the sleep you need?

CPAPCentral.com wants you to be aware of the newly released findings of a study performed by the National Sleep Foundation to help you realize the important role sleep plays in your health.

Recommended Sleep Amounts

While the recommendations for adults between the ages of 26 and 64 didn’t change from the previous guidelines of seven to nine hours per night, the recommendations for seniors did. For the first time, sleep recommendations were made for those over the age of 65. Seniors should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night, according to the study.

Side Effects of a Poor Night’s Sleep

The statistics related to a poor night’s sleep are truly frightening. Every year, more than 100,000 traffic accidents, 75,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths are blamed on lack of sleep. Missing sleep has a cumulative effect, according to the Foundation, and missing a few hours of sleep each night has the same effect of staying up all night.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea

One of the key reasons millions Americans don’t get enough sleep is because they are dealing with undiagnosed sleep apnea, a condition that causes them to briefly stop breathing when they are asleep. Sleep apnea prevents you from getting to the deeper levels of sleep where you get the most rest. This can lead to a variety of issues, including high levels of exhaustion.

If sleep apnea is the reason behind your poor night’s sleep, CPAPCentral.com is here to help. We have CPAP machines to provide you with the air you need, masks to deliver the air and other accessories to make sure you’re comfortable as you use the machine every night to get the restful sleep you need.

What Your Snoring Means

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but what kind of snoring should you be looking for?

Whether you find yourself unable to sleep because your sleeping partner snores so loudly it keeps you awake, or you’ve been told that you snore, snoring can seem like a minor annoyance. However, depending on the kind of snoring you are experiencing, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

It’s true that when most people think of sleep apnea, the first thing that comes to mind is a person who snores heavily. CPAPCentral.com is here to help you learn what snoring means, or perhaps more importantly, what it doesn’t mean. Let’s take a look at some myths and facts associated with snoring.

Myth #1: Everyone with Sleep Apnea Snores

It’s true that snoring is one of the most common symptoms associated with sleep apnea. What’s not true, however, is that snoring is the end-all, be-all indicator that someone has sleep apnea. The key to recognizing if snoring is a sign of sleep apnea is to examine the snoring. If the snoring is accompanied by gasping, or if the sleeper stops breathing briefly while snoring, it’s more likely an indicator of sleep apnea and should be addressed by a doctor.

Myth #2: People Who Don’t Snore Aren’t at Risk for Sleep Apnea

If you don’t snore, it doesn’t mean that you’re exempt from dealing with sleep apnea. One of the two main types of sleep apnea, known as Central Sleep Apnea, impacts millions of Americans and still requires the use of a CPAP machine. However, unlike the more common Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea is less likely to be accompanied by snoring. If you wake up short of breath or gasping, you need to see a doctor.

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but isn’t always an indication of a problem. Still, if you believe your snoring is causing problems with your breathing or you find yourself tired during the day, it is a good idea to see your doctor. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com is here for you to provide CPAP machines, masks, and accessories to help improve your sleep.

Sleeping With Seasonal Allergies

There are several steps you can take to make sure spring allergies don’t affect your sleep therapy.

It’s springtime! And while we are all happy to see warmer weather, sunshine and blooming flowers, there are some aspects of spring that make it tougher to enjoy a deep breath of that warm, fresh air. We’re talking about spring allergies, one of the few drawbacks that come with the spring season.

Millions of individuals deal with the effects of spring allergies. This means stuffy noses, sneezing, sore throats, and puffy eyes. When you combine that with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, it can make springtime sleep a challenge. CPAPCentral.com has some tips that help you manage spring allergies and sleep apnea, and we hope they’re helpful for you!

What To Do With Your CPAP Machine

There are several adjustments that you can make to your CPAP therapy that can help control the effects of spring allergies. First, make sure your CPAP machine is clean. Products like the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer give your mask, tubing and humidifier a through daily cleaning, preventing buildup of mildew and pollen. You can also switch to a full face mask that allows you to breathe air through your mouth at the prescribed pressure. You may need a prescription for a full face mask, so check with your physician if you think this option might improve your sleep therapy experience.

Improve Your Home and Sleeping Environment

While we typically think of seasonal allergies affecting us when we’re outside, there are several things in your home that contribute to your allergies as well. Many of us keep plants in our homes, but once the weather warms, it’s probably a good time to take those plants outside. House plants serve as a great spot for mold and mildew to hang out, which makes your allergies worse. We also need to make sure outside air doesn’t get in. While it may nice to have a cool breeze blowing through an open window during the spring, leaving windows and doors open invites pollen indoors, making it easier for your allergies to flare up.

You should be enjoying the spring weather, but make sure you know how seasonal allergies impact you. CPAPCentral.com is here to offer you the cleaning supplies you need to make sure seasonal allergies don’t reduce the effectiveness of your sleep therapy.

Reduce Your Risk for Sleep Apnea

There are several ways to reduce your chances of dealing with sleep apnea that also improve your overall health.

For millions of Americans, sleep apnea causes difficulties every night that limit their ability to get a proper amount of sleep. While many factors contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing sleep apnea, there are some things you can do to limit your chances of dealing with the disorder.

There are several small, simple changes you can make in your everyday life that will not only reduce your risk for developing sleep apnea, but can also help you feel better and live healthier. CPAPCentral.com is here to offer tips that will improve your overall health while reducing your risk for sleep apnea.

Don’t Use Drugs

This may seem obvious, but using drugs has a serious impact on your sleep. But this goes beyond the drugs you might think of. You also need to think about how drinking alcohol and taking sleeping pills affect your sleep. While these may help you fall asleep or unwind from a long day, they also lead to your throat muscles becoming relaxed. This makes you a prime candidate for developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Make Better Health Decisions

By doing simple things like cutting back or quitting smoking and making the decision to eat healthier can help reduce your risk for developing sleep apnea. Smoking causes inflammation in your throat, making it more likely for your airway to collapse during sleep. Quitting smoking lowers your chances of developing inflammation. And by eating healthier and exercising regularly, you’re less likely to become obese, a leading risk factor for sleep apnea.

Develop a Regular Sleep Schedule

Let your circadian rhythms do what they’re supposed to do, help you sleep better. When you set a regular sleep schedule that involves going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, your body automatically adjusts to your schedule. A regular sleep schedule keeps you calm and improves your sleep.

At CPAPCentral.com, we believe in helping you sleep better. If you do have sleep apnea, we have the CPAP machines, masks, humidifiers, and comfort accessories to make sure you can sleep comfortably so you wake up refreshed.

Reducing Stress to Help you Sleep

Finding healthy ways to deal with your stress can not only help you relax, but also improve your sleep.

We all deal with forms of stress every day. Whether it’s at work, at home, or somewhere else in your life, stress has a big impact on your sleeping pattern. When you can’t sleep and you’re stressed, it becomes a catch 22. You need sleep to help yourself feel less stressed, but because you’re stressed, you can’t sleep.

Stress is one of the factors that makes the symptoms of sleep apnea worse. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you find ways to manage your stress during April, which happens to be Stress Management Month. Using these techniques, you can reduce stress and help yourself to a better night’s sleep.

Identify The Source of Your Stress

We’ve all had the feeling at one time or another; you have so much to do that you start to feel overwhelmed, which leads to you not getting anything done. If you’ve had this feeling, you know what it feels like to be stressed. Try making a list of all your stress triggers. Some stress triggers may be obvious, such as health or financial concerns, but routine commitments such as commuting or arranging childcare can contribute to your stress level. Even positive life events, such as planning a wedding or starting a new job can be stressful. Once you have identified the sources of your stress, you can find proactive ways to deal with them one at a time.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Because we all deal with stress, everyone can relate to being stressed out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. Another perspective may help you to manage your many demands. Friends and family members may be able to lend you a hand or give you suggestions of stress relief techniques that work for them. Help manage your stress by spending time with your friends and family in a relaxing setting. You’d be amazed how taking a night off from the daily grind can help you refocus, providing relief and clarity to help you deal with your stress.

Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a great way to reduce your stress level. Not only does it take your mind off stressful situations, it increases your production of endorphins, making you feel better overall. Exercise also can increase your self confidence and reduce levels of depression and anxiety. Regular exercise improves sleep patterns as well. When you are well rested, you are better prepared to manage stress. Coupling exercise with a healthy diet, one that’s high in fruit and vegetables and low on caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, can help give you the boost that you need to tackle your stress.

Using these tips, you can help get your stress under control and get more rest every night. To help you out even further, CPAPCentral.com is here to provide you with the leading CPAP machines, masks, and comfort accessories to help you sleep.

Traveling with Your CPAP Machine

There are several things you need to consider when traveling with your CPAP machine.

Spring Break season may be over, but travel season has just begun. Your next trip could be a vacation with your family, a weekend getaway for yourself, or a business trip. No matter your reason for traveling, CPAPCentral.com wants to make sure you’re prepared.

If you have sleep apnea, you will likely be traveling with your CPAP machine. This means going through some extra steps, especially for air travel. We don’t want you to be held up or miss your flight because your CPAP machine is being checked by security screeners. With that in mind, CPAPCentral.com brings you these tips for flying with your CPAP machine.

Be Prepared: Get to the Airport Early

Because of your CPAP machine, it’s going to take you longer to get through security than many other air travelers. Your machine goes through not only a visual inspection by airport security, but will also be x-rayed. If you want to make sure to keep your CPAP machine clean, you can place it in a clear plastic bag when it is being x-rayed. You can also request that the security screener wear gloves during the inspection. While it is not required, it can be helpful to have a note of medical necessity from your doctor, as well as your CPAP prescription on hand, for easier passage through security. To ensure that you’re not late for your flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours early. It’s also wise to call the airline you’re flying with in the days leading up the flight to let them know you will be flying with your CPAP machine.

Carry Your CPAP in Your Carry-on

There are several small, lightweight CPAP machines that are manufactured specifically for travel. These machines are small enough to store in your carry-on luggage, guaranteeing you always know where your machine is. This eliminates the worry of your machine disappearing if your other luggage is lost or misplaced. If your CPAP machine is in a checked bag that gets lost, contact the airline directly.

Using Your CPAP Machine During The Flight

We’ve all been on those long flights. Whether it’s a cross-country flight, an international flight, or you’re catching the red eye, there are times when you need to sleep on a plane. Because it is medical equipment, you are permitted to use your CPAP machine during the flight, but you’ll need a special adapter to connect with the plane’s outlets. You may also need to be seated in business or first class, in order to have access to these outlets. Check with you airline to be sure. You can also use battery-operated travel CPAP machines like the Z1™ Unplugged Travel CPAP System.

CPAPCentral.com wants you to be prepared for flying with your CPAP machine. We carry several models of travel CPAP machines, along with masks and other accessories to make sure you’re comfortable in the air.

Recycling & Donating Your CPAP Equipment

Recycling your gently-used CPAP equipment can help other people who have sleep apnea get the equipment they need.

If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning, it may be a good time to evaluate your needs for your CPAP therapy. If you are in need of new equipment, CPAPCentral.com is here to help you fill all your needs, but you still have to think about what you want to do with your old equipment. Luckily, there are several ways you can help others continue their own CPAP therapy with your gently-used CPAP supplies.

Donate Your CPAP Equipment to the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation

Named after former NFL champion and Pro Bowler Reggie White, the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education provides equipment to those in need of CPAP equipment. White passed away in 2004 due to heart complications caused by sleep apnea. After his death, his wife started the foundation in his name to help other CPAP users. Donated machines cannot be more than 5 years old, and masks and tubing can’t be outside of their original packaging.

Donate Your CPAP Equipment to the American Sleep Apnea Association

For more than 20 years, the American Sleep Apnea Association has been providing used CPAP equipment and supplies to people in need. If you’re donating a machine, it can’t be older than 8 years old, it must have less than 10,000 hours of use, and must be from brands like ResMed, Phillips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel or Puritan Benet.

Send Used CPAP Equipment to Secondwind CPAP

Our final organization, Secondwind CPAP, is based in Minnesota. This organization accepts your equipment, and in some cases will pay you for your donated supplies. Secondwind CPAP then shares your donated supplies with the American Sleep Apnea Association or the Kihogora Initiative.

If your old equipment meets the requirements to be donated to one of these organizations, CPAPCentral.com encourages you to think about making a donation. We are here for when you need new CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other CPAP accessories.

Spring Cleaning for Your CPAP Equipment

Your CPAP machine needs to be cleaned more often than once every spring.

When we think of spring cleaning, we often think of packing up boxes of junk from the attic, the garage, or somewhere else around our homes. However, it’s important to remember that your CPAP machine and other CPAP equipment need spring cleaning too. In fact, you should clean your equipment far more often than once every spring. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you develop a regular cleaning schedule so your CPAP machine works effectively.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Daily Chores

Every morning, you should clean your CPAP mask. Daily cleaning allows your mask to maintain an effective seal, prevents skin irritation, and reduces the buildup of germs and bacteria. This can be accomplished with CPAP wipes or with a simple damp cloth and mild soap. You also need to empty your water chamber every morning and allow it to air dry throughout the day. Wash your tubing with warm soapy water, rinse, and hang to air dry. The CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com recommend using a mild soap, such as baby soap, or nonabrasive dish soap when washing your CPAP supplies.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Weekly Chores

Other tasks need to be done once a week. You can help stop germs, dust, and bacteria from building up, both on your machine and inside your machine. Wash your headgear by hand with warm soapy water, rinse, and hang to air dry. Once a week you should also sanitize your humidifier chamber by filling it with a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes and then rinse with distilled or sterile water. Once a week, rinse out the reusable filter and wipe down the exterior of the machine. Remember to unplug your machine and then wipe the machine with a clean, damp cloth.

CPAP Equipment Cleaning: Monthly Chores

If your device has a disposable filter, replace it once or twice a month. Each month you should also carefully check over your mask, cushions, headgear, tubing, and water chamber to check for signs of wear and tear. If your supplies appear worn or damaged, contact the CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com and we will gladly assist you in finding replacement supplies.

If you start doing these tasks regularly, they will become part of a routine that will ensure your CPAP equipment is always clean. Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your machine operating correctly and ensuring clean air is available for your CPAP therapy. CPAPCentral.com offers several cleaning products, including the SoClean 2 that helps clean and sanitize your CPAP mask, tubing, and humidifier with the press of a button. Contact us to learn more.