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Author Archives: CPAP Blogger

RemZzzs®: How to Revitalize Your CPAP Mask

RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners make using your CPAP machine more comfortable.

RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners make using your CPAP machine more comfortable.

 

RemZzzs®: How to Revitalize Your CPAP Mask

Sleep apnea therapy is not always comfortable for some people. The silicone cushions of some CPAP masks can make red marks, sores and irritability of the general area on the user’s face. Thankfully, CPAPCentral.com offers a way to revitalize your CPAP mask with one simple product, RemZzzs® CPAP Mask Liners.

What are RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners?

RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners are specially designed pads that create a barrier between your skin and the silicone on your CPAP mask. This barrier is essential to increase the overall comfort of your CPAP mask! These liners offer more than just comfort. Check out some of the other benefits the RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners offer.

  • Allows you to use your bedtime facial products
  • Helps to absorb oils and moisture on your face
  • Prevents red pressure marks and skin irritations
  • Eliminates or reduces noisy air leaks
  • Encourages healing of pressure sores on your face

How Can RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners Improve Mask Seal?

The patented material of the RemZzzs Mask Liners can improve the seal of most CPAP masks by conforming to your facial features without adding pressure to your face. The mask liners can even comfortably conform to irritable scars, blemishes and even facial hair! According to RemZzzs studies, facial hair such as mustaches or beards did not interfere with the effectiveness of the RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liners.

Are you Ready to revitalize your CPAP Mask with RemZzzs?

CPAPCentral.com encourages you not to give up on your sleep apnea therapy because of uncomfortable or painful masks. The CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com can help you select the right RemZzzs CPAP Mask Liner for your nasal CPAP mask or full face CPAP mask today. If you have any questions or concerns about options to increase the comfort of your CPAP mask, contact CPAPCentral.com today.

Top First-Time CPAP User Problems Part 2

Adjusting to CPAP therapy takes getting used to your equipment.

Adjusting to CPAP therapy takes getting used to your equipment.

 

Sleep does not always come easy especially for some people with obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP therapy can help you achieve a full night’s sleep; however starting sleep apnea therapy is not always easy.

Last week we discussed the top two first-time problems for CPAP users and options you can take to help correct those problems. This week, we will cover two more common CPAP problems. Whatever your struggles with your CPAP or bi-level equipment, CPAPCentral.com encourages you not to give up on CPAP therapy. If you feel you have tried everything without results, talk with your doctor for further guidance.

First-Time CPAP Problem #3: Struggling with Forced Air

Is the CPAP air pressure keeping you up at night? Adjusting to higher CPAP air pressure can be difficult. Some CPAP machines have a “ramp” feature that could help. This feature allows your therapy to start with a lower air pressure and slowly increases to your prescribed pressure setting. The gradual increase can help you fall asleep.

If this does not help, talk to your doctor.  An auto CPAP which automatically adjusts air pressure while you sleep may be recommended.  A bi-level machine which supplies two pressure settings, a higher pressure while inhaling and a lower pressure when exhaling, may also be a more appropriate therapy.  Your doctor will help you decide the best device for your sleep apnea therapy needs.

Fist-Time CPAP Problem #4: Dry, Irritated, or Stuffy Nose

Using CPAP equipment can cause your nose and throat to feel dry and irritated. Your nose can also feel stuffy. A heated humidifier can help add moisture to your therapy and relieve your stuffy, dry or irritated nose and throat. Check with your CPAP supplier to see if your sleep apnea therapy device supports a heated humidifier.

Sleep apnea therapy has numerous health benefits and can positively influence your quality of life; however persistence is the key to positive results. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you with your sleep apnea therapy whether you are struggling or need replacement supplies. If you have any sleep apnea therapy questions or product questions, contact CPAPCentral.com today.

Top First-Time CPAP User Problems Part 1

There are several common problems encountered by first time CPAP users.

There are several common problems encountered by first time CPAP users.

 

Many people take sleeping entirely through the night and waking up refreshed for granted. Others rely on sleep apnea therapy to have a refreshing night’s sleep. However, starting CPAP therapy for sleep apnea for the first time can be frustrating and challenging as you are adapting to your new CPAP mask and noises from your CPAP machine. CPAPCentral.com wants you to know if you are struggling with your new CPAP equipment, you are not alone!

CPAPCentral.com encourages you to stick with your CPAP therapy, as it will positively affect your quality of life and health. Persistence will pay off and CPAPCentral.com will help you along the way. Check out these top two CPAP problems first-time users commonly encounter.

First-Time CPAP Problem #1: CPAP Mask Does Not Fit Your Face

There are many styles and sizes of CPAP masks on the market for a reason!  Every mask fits a little different and can offer different benefits based on your needs. For example, nasal CPAP masks can provide a stable fit for someone that moves around a lot during the night, but may not be beneficial if you breathe through your mouth.   Full face masks are helpful if you breathe through your nose and mouth; however some people are uncomfortable with a large mask covering more of their face.

To find the right mask, communicate and work closely with your doctor and CPAP supplier.

First-Time CPAP Problem #2: Adjusting to Wearing a CPAP Mask

Wearing something on your face can feel strange, especially during sleep, so learning to wear a CPAP mask during the night can be a struggle. Try wearing the CPAP mask for short periods during the day while you are awake to help get used to the feel of the mask. Then add the CPAP tubing with the pressure on while reading or watching TV.

When you feel more comfortable with the feel of the air pressure and mask, use your CPAP device every time you sleep. Persistence is important, if you do not use your equipment every night, you will have a harder time adjusting to it. Stay with it for a few weeks and if your therapy does not feel quite right, your doctor may need to adjust your settings.

The multiple health benefits of sleep apnea therapy are well worth overcoming the frustration of adjustments. CPAPCentral.com encourages you to hang in there! Watch for “Top First-Time CPAP User Problems Part 2”, we will talk discuss top first-time CPAP problems #3 and #4! If you have any questions or concerns, contact CPAPCentral.com.

Kill 99.9% of Bacteria, Mold and Viruses with SoClean 2

Make sure your CPAP machine is clean with the SoClean 2.

Make sure your CPAP machine is clean with the SoClean 2.

 

You wouldn’t use the same dirty dishes day after day. So why would you use a germ filled CPAP mask and tubing day after day without a proper cleaning? Your CPAP mask, tubing and humidifier chamber could be filled with microscopic germs, mold spores and viruses that could make you sick if not properly cleaned.

CPAPCentral.com now offers a simple solution to completely clean and sanitize your CPAP machine. That solution is the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer. The SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer uses natural oxygen that is converted into Activated Oxygen by adding a third oxygen atom. Activated Oxygen kills 99.9% of bacteria, mold and, viruses without the use of harmful chemicals or water!

With the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer, you will no longer struggle with disconnecting your CPAP mask, tubing and humidifier to clean it every morning while consuming your precious time! Your entire CPAP system is cleaned with the CPAP mask, tubing, and humidifier connected. See how easy the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer is to operate after initial set up with these 3 steps.

  • Open the lid of the SoClean 2
  • Insert your mask into the SoClean 2 chamber while allowing the tubing to rest in the open hose slot.
  • Close the lid.

That is it! The SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer automatically runs according to the settings selected during initial setup.

Do you travel often?

You’re in luck! CPAPCentral.com also offers the SoClean 2 Go CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer for exceptionally clean sleep apnea therapy equipment on the road. This SoClean 2 Go is powered by AA batteries and uses the same Activated Oxygen technology as the SoClean 2.

Protect your health today with an automated SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer and start enjoying a truly clean sleep apnea therapy every night! For questions or concerns about the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer or recommendations for cleaning your CPAP masks, contact CPAPCentral.com.

Top 3 CPAP Travel Tips

Air Travel Tips with CPAP

Traveling with a CPAP machine can be easy with these top 3 tips.

November starts a couple months of increased air travel across the United States. Millions of Americans will be filing onto airplanes to visit family and friends as major holidays are just weeks apart.

If you have sleep apnea and planning on traveling with a CPAP machine, you will need to anticipate some additional steps while checking luggage for air travel. With the hopes of easing some stress and saving time, CPAPCentral.com has the following CPAP travel tips for a smoother travel experience.

  • CPAP Travel Tip 1: Anticipate Delays with Security.

A CPAP machine will require a thorough scan and examination during the security inspection. CPAPCentral.com highly encourages you to arrive extra early to allow for time spent in the security line and avoid running late for your flight. You can also contact the airline a couple days before your flight to inquire about additional documentation required for traveling with a CPAP machine to save time during security checks.

  • CPAP Travel Tip 2: If Possible, Carry On Your CPAP Machine.

If your CPAP machine is a smaller model, we highly recommend keeping the CPAP machine in your carry-on luggage. Keeping your CPAP equipment in sight is ideal to ensure nothing is lost during your flight. If your CPAP machine gets lost with your checked luggage, contact the airline.

  • CPAP Travel Tip 3: Using Your CPAP Machine on a Plane.

Have a long flight scheduled? You are allowed to sleep with your CPAP machine; however you will need to be prepared. In order to operate the CPAP machine, a power adapter is necessary in order to work with the plane’s power outlet.

Avoid air travel headaches this year with these tips from CPAPCentral.com and be sure to inspect your CPAP supplies for damage when you arrive at your destination. We encourage you to plan and pack accordingly with time to spare. Enjoy your winter holidays from CPAPCentral.com!

Sleep Disruptions from Colder Weather Keeping you Awake?

cold weather affecting your sleep

Colder weather can change your sleeping patterns.

CPAPCentral.com hopes you are able to stay warm through this last portion of fall as colder weather rolls in. Have you noticed that colder weather can negatively affect your sleep and breathing, especially if you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine? For most people diagnosed with sleep apnea, cold weather tends to increase the severity of sleep apnea symptoms and cause more sleep disruptions. Let’s take a closer look how the cold can affect your sleep and breathing.

There are a number of things that affect how someone sleeps at night, whether or not they have sleep apnea. A few contributors to uncomfortable sleep are:

  • Allergies
  • Too warm or cold
  • Having a cold or illness
  • Aching or twitchy muscles

A loved one may hear or see individuals with sleep apnea waking up numerous times during the night gasping for air, snoring or just not getting enough sleep.

Seasons Change: Colder Weather & Sleep Disruption

Did you know people wake up on the average of about 15 times a night in warm months? As the seasons change and cold weather blankets the region, sleep apnea occurrences can increase throughout the night. During winter months, people wake up increased to an average of 18 times a night. This difference between warm summer months and cold winter months may seem minor. However, the cold conditions significantly increase the amount of severe sleep apnea occurrences causing some people to wake up as many as 30 times a night! If the colder weather is causing more sleep disruptions for you, consider talking with your doctor about your sleeping pattern.

If maintaining your breathing is becoming difficult during the night, contact CPAPCentral.com for assistance adjusting your sleep apnea therapy to find a more comfortable therapy level. We are happy to help and answer any questions you may have about sleep therapy, bi-level machines or CPAP equipment! We can also help locate replacement supplies to keep your therapy comfortable. Call CPAPCentral.com with your questions at 877-632-3702.

Critical Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Important sleep apnea symptoms

Snoring is not the only sleep apnea symptom!

Sleep apnea may be subtle but it can wreak havoc on your sleep. Sleep apnea can directly affect your quality of sleep, and it is not always connected to snoring! CPAPCentral.com walks you through the most common symptoms of sleep apnea and the recommended steps through diagnosis and treatment.

Do you have these critical sleep apnea symptoms?

  • Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
  • Waking up gasping for air or shortness of breath
  • Attention problems
  • Loud snoring
  • Headache in the morning
  • Awaking with a sore throat or dry mouth
  • Difficulty staying asleep

Sleep apnea, like most conditions, does not always trigger all the symptoms listed above or may have other effects not listed. For example, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Most people consider snoring as a harmless sleeping event. Snoring can be an indicator of sleep apnea however snoring is not always involved.

When should I seek medical help if I have sleep apnea symptoms?

CPAPCentral.com knows deciding to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider can be difficult. If you are concerned with your sleep patterns or notice any of the following symptoms, consult your healthcare professional:

  • Excessive daytime drowsiness that causes you to fall asleep while driving, watching television. or working
  • Waking up short of breath
  • Inconsistent breathing patterns while sleeping
  • Snoring the wakes you during the night or disturbs others

If you or loved one notices any of the symptoms listed above, consult your healthcare professional. In most cases, the doctor may order a sleep test to monitor your sleep patterns. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your next step is to select a CPAP machine and CPAP mask in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations.

Dangers of Driving with Sleep Apnea You Must Know

Driving with sleep apnea can be dangerous.

Driving with sleep apnea, especially untreated sleep apnea could result in falling asleep at the wheel.

Is this a typical morning for you?

You grab your coffee and hit the road for your 20 minute commute. You step into your car still tired even though you went to bed early the night before. After 10 minutes, you are fighting to stay awake.

In one short blink, you could find yourself stuck at the bottom of a ditch. This could be a result of sleep apnea. At one point or another, we may step into our vehicles still extremely tired. If this is a common occurrence, day after day, you need to contact your healthcare professional, as this pattern is extremely dangerous for you and others on the road.

What Makes Driving with Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea affects your sleep and if you are unable to achieve the full night’s rest your body needs, you may remain tired and drowsy the next day. Driving requires us to stay alert and to quickly react to ever-changing conditions and situations. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have been shown to have up a seven times increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Some people driving with sleep apnea say they have never fallen asleep at the wheel. However, you do not necessarily have to fall asleep to be involved in a collision. Having difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, daydreaming, and wandering or disconnected thoughts are all signs of drowsy driving, and could lead to a dangerous or even fatal accident.

What Should I do to Prevent Driving with Sleep Apnea?

If you are falling asleep during work or feel excessively tired throughout the day, CPAPCentral.com recommends contacting your healthcare professional right away. The dangers of driving with sleep apnea can be reduced with sleep apnea treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks, in addition to increasing your risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, be sure to select top-quality sleep apnea equipment from CPAPCentral.com and use your CPAP machine every night. If you have any questions about sleep apnea machines or submitting a prescription, call CPAPCentral.com today!

Dirty CPAP Equipment May Be Threatening Your Health

Keep CPAP equipment clean.

Cleaning tips for CPAP Equipment.

Dirty CPAP machines, masks, and tubing could result in you or a loved one becoming sick. CPAPCentral.com wants you to have a good experience with sleep apnea therapy and stay healthy, which is why we highly encourage you to clean your CPAP equipment on a regular basis. Some CPAP supplies wear out and can hold dirt in areas extremely difficult to clean. Replacement of these supplies can keep you healthier. When starting sleep apnea treatment, it can be difficult to remember all of the recommended steps; so let’s take some time to learn how to maintain your CPAP equipment.

Keep a schedule with cleaning your CPAP supplies. Keeping track of your cleaning may seem hard to do, however it can ensure you get the most effective and comfortable therapy while avoiding germs and dirt.

Once a month – inspect mask cushions or pillows for discoloration, stiffness, or cracks. These three things may cause skin irritation or air leaks and if present, CPAPCentral.com recommends replacing the cushions on your mask. You should also replace the filter in your CPAP machine every month in order to reduce allergen buildup.

Once every three months – CPAPCentral.com recommends a thorough inspection of the mask itself. If the mask is in good condition and clean (thanks to your cleaning skills) don’t replace cushions and pillows until the mask shows signs of deterioration. If the mask is discolored, bent, or torn, get a new mask for more reliable therapy and a better night’s rest.

Once every six months – inspect the water chamber on your CPAP humidifier. If the water chamber becomes cloudy or discolored, replace the water chamber. Bacteria that can make you sick can grow in the humidifier and in the tubing. In addition, check the elastic or Velcro on your headgear or chin strap for wear and tear. If you see these signs, replace the headgear or chin strap.

CPAPCentral.com promotes this schedule for cleaning and replacing your CPAP supplies to keep you comfortable and healthy during your sleep apnea therapy. Routine cleaning and replacement can also increase the life of your CPAP machine. Visit CPAPCentral.com today for all your CPAP supply needs.

Must-Have CPAP Supplies for Sleep Apnea Treatment -Part 2

CPAP supplies for better comfort

Essential CPAP supplies and accessories for comfortable sleep apnea therapy.

Welcome back to CPAPCentral.com’s second installment of CPAP supplies helpful with sleep apnea treatment. As you already know, more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea according to the National Sleep Foundation. CPAPCentral.com wants to help provide information on helpful products that can help you sleep better! Let’s learn more about these CPAP supplies:

CPAP Pillow – CPAP masks can sometimes be bulky and can interfere with your pillow. A CPAP pillow allows enough room for your mask and tubing without adding additional pressure to the mask. Using a CPAP pillow, you will not be sacrificing support or comfort while you sleep.

Headgear – Are you attached to your CPAP mask but finding that the headgear with it is uncomfortable or hard to operate? Don’t worry; some headgear can easily be swapped out for a more comfortable headgear. Sometimes a headgear clip may break or go missing and you may feel you have to purchase a new headgear. This is not always the case! Call CPAPCentral.com and ask about small parts for your headgear!

Chin straps – A chain strap can be helpful if you use a nasal or nasal pillows mask with your CPAP therapy. Since nasal and nasal pillow masks do not cover the mouth, your mouth can open while sleeping allowing therapy air to escape. The chin strap is designed to keep your jaw closed to ensure you get the proper airflow needed for effective therapy.

Humidifiers – CPAP Humidifiers add moisture to the air you are breathing while using your CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP machine. As you may already know, dry air can cause discomfort to your nose and throat. CPAPCentral.com highly recommends regularly cleaning out your humidifier as a dirty humidifier can cause you to become sick.

CPAPCentral.com wants you to sleep better and stay healthy, so if you or a loved one is ready to purchase a CPAP machine or wants to talk with a specialist about accessories, call us today! CPAPCentral.com is here to help you with all your CPAP equipment and supplies needs including CPAP pillows, headgear, chin straps, and humidifiers!