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Category Archives: CPAP Equipment

What’s Your CPAP Number?

You may have seen a commercial for a national brand of beds that asks people what their “sleep number” is. Did you know that the same question can also be applied to CPAP machines?

If you’re a veteran user of CPAP machines, than you’re probably already familiar with the term “pressure settings.” For those who are just starting on their sleep apnea therapy journey, you may be mystified by such terminology. CPAP Central would like to clear up any confusion and help you understand what it means to have a “CPAP number.”

CPAP machines blow air through a hose into your nose and/or mouth to open up your airway and prevent the blockages that cause your snoring and gasping for air. The pressure of the air is set at a certain amount, measured in centimeters of water (cmH₂O) to keep your airway clear.

This number is determined during your sleep study. As you sleep, the sleep technician increases the pressure incrementally through the night to see how much pressure it takes to fix the blockage in your airway. For most patients, this number ranges between 6 and 14 cmH₂O, but those with severe sleep apnea may need up to 25-30 cmH₂O.

CPAP machines are set at an optimum level and deliver that same amount of pressure throughout the night. On the other hand, BiPAP machines use two different pressures. The pressure is higher as you inhale (inspiratory positive airway pressure) than when you exhale (expiratory positive airway pressure).

APAP machines automatically tune to the correct pressure setting to keep the airway open on a breath by breath basis. This is regulated by sensors that measure resistance to the air being pumped into the airway.

Your doctor or respiratory therapist should be able to assist you if you’re not comfortable with the amount of pressure you use each night. If you’re new to sleep apnea therapy, you can turn to CPAP Central for help. We’re available for live chat Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, and can guide you to the right equipment. Our online catalog contains everything you need to get the best rest possible.

Accessorize! Additional Items to Help with Your Sleep Apnea Therapy

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If you’re attuned to the world of fashion at all, you might be familiar with the phrase, “accessorize accessorize accessorize.” The right accessories can completely change the look of an outfit, and can turn a casual set of clothes into formal chic.

The same can be applied to sleep apnea therapy. You can take the same CPAP machine and apply different accessories to it, turning it from minimalist apparatus to a haven of sleep and comfort.

As CPAP Central sees it, the more comfortable you are, the more likely you will remain CPAP-compliant. Here are a few items we’ve seen that help patients become successful in their sleep apnea therapy:

Heated CPAP Humidifiers: A common complaint among CPAP users is that they wake up with dry sinuses and itchy noses. This can happen year-round, but it gets worse as the winter months begin. An easy solution to that is to use a heated CPAP humidifier. It will moisten the air coming from your CPAP machine, giving relief to dried-out nostrils.

Heated CPAP Tubing: CPAP users who decide to install a humidifier sometimes find themselves battling “rainout,” where water builds up within the CPAP hose, making it impossible to use. One solution is to purchase a heated CPAP tube, which eliminates rainout with constant temperature and humidity control.

CPAP Hose Lift: Active sleepers often have trouble with their CPAP hoses becoming tangled as they switch positions in the night. A CPAP hose lift can help by elevating the tubing so it is not lying next to you as you sleep.

CPAP Nasal Pads: CPAP nasal pads can help your CPAP mask feel much better and allow you to sleep more comfortably. The pads are designed to prevent skin irritations and marks from the mask if it fits too tightly.

CPAP Central is your one-stop shop for everything CPAP. Our CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and accessories can take your sleep apnea therapy to the next level. Stop by today, or see our complete selection in our online catalog.

CPAPs and Halloween

You may not know it, but there are actually several connections between Halloween, CPAPs and sleep apnea.

Halloween is just around the corner, and CPAPCentral.com knows you’re excited. Believe it or not, there is actually more of a connection between Halloween and CPAP than you might think. From enjoying your candy to using your mask as part of your costume, Halloween and sleep apnea therapy go hand in hand. We want everyone to have fun on Halloween, and get a good night’s sleep going into November and beyond. Let’s explore the connection between Halloween, sleep apnea and CPAP use.

Careful with Candy

Candy is as much a part of Halloween as turkey is a part of Thanksgiving. But for people with sleep apnea, and even for those who don’t have the disorder, candy needs to be enjoyed in moderation. Type 2 diabetes is among the risk factors that can lead to sleep apnea, as well as several other health problems. So, don’t overindulge on candy to reduce your risk.

Eating too much candy, especially chocolate, can keep you awake at night. Chocolate contains caffeine, and the darker the chocolate is, the more caffeine it contains. Consuming caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening can interfere with your sleep. So, while it is fun to eat candy on Halloween night, don’t over indulge if you want to wake up feeling refreshed on November 1^st.

CPAP Costumes

Why not embrace your CPAP mask and use it as part of your costume? If you’re looking for a leg-up on the costume contest competition, your CPAP mask gives you an extra prop that not everyone else will have. Here are some ideas to help you use your CPAP mask as part of a Halloween costume.

Bane: This one has become very popular in recent years since the release of the film “The Dark Knight Rises” in 2012. To play Batman’s nemesis, Bane, all you need is your CPAP mask, a flesh-colored swim cap and a heavy coat.
Scuba Diver: Give yourself the look of someone about to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Your CPAP mask will act as your scuba mask, and then all you need to add are swim goggles and a compression shirt to mimic a wetsuit.
Fighter Pilot: Whether you’re looking to be Maverick or Goose, your CPAP mask can be part of your costume to become the perfect fighter pilot. To complete the outfit, you’ll need a motorcycle helmet and a jumpsuit.

CPAPCentral.com wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween. If you need a new CPAP mask, or other CPAP supplies, contact us and we’ll help you get restocked.

Finding Happiness with CPAP Therapy

It takes some adjustment to get used to CPAP therapy, but these tips can help you find happiness with your therapy.

Whether you’re new to CPAP therapy or someone who has used it to treat sleep apnea for years, there are steps are you can take to help make your therapy as effective as possible. In observance of August as Happiness Happens Month, CPAPCentral.com wants to offer you tips to make sure you are as happy as you can be with your CPAP therapy.

Getting Used to Your CPAP Equipment

Let’s face it, it’s going to take some time for you to adjust to CPAP therapy. In a very short period of time, you will go from the way you’ve slept your whole life to sleeping with a mask on your face and air being pushed through your airway. Give yourself some time to get used to the changes. You can start by wearing your mask while you’re awake and for short periods of time during naps. As for the air pressure, many CPAP machines are fitted with ramp-up features that allow you to fall asleep at a lower pressure before increasing to your prescribed pressure once asleep.

Keep Your CPAP Equipment in Top Shape

You use your CPAP equipment every night, which means that you need to make sure you are taking care of the equipment so it can last as long as it is supposed to. The best way to do this is to develop a regular schedule for cleaning and maintaining your equipment. Some chores need to be done daily, some weekly, and others bi-monthly.

Consider Comfort Supplies

While your mask, humidifier, and CPAP machine are all you need in order to receive your therapy, you may need more than this to truly be happy with your CPAP. CPAP comfort supplies could be the solution you need. CPAP Pillows are specially designed with CPAP users in mind. Their unique shape improves mask comfort and leakage, and can make sleeping with CPAP tubing more comfortable. CPAP strap pads or liners may improve your therapy experience as well. Strap pads prevent your CPAP mask straps from leaving marks on your face and make wearing mask headgear more comfortable. Perhaps you find your CPAP comfortable, but have difficultly relaxing before falling asleep with your CPAP. An aromatherapy system may be what you need. CPAPCentral.com carries the PUR-Sleep^TM line of aromatherapy products which are specially designed for use with CPAP. Many users find the scents to be relaxing and enjoyable. Spend some time researching CPAP comfort supplies. Talk with your friends, physician, or our CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com. Trying a new CPAP comfort supply could take your CPAP therapy from good to great.

Replacing CPAP Equipment

After using your equipment every night for months, pieces of your equipment will need to be replaced. This will help ensure your CPAP therapy continues to be effective and that you’re not losing out on performance due to equipment that is past its useful life. If you have a schedule for replacing your equipment, you won’t have to worry about losing sleep due to ineffective equipment.

CPAPCentral.com carries a full line of CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other CPAP equipment. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you treat your sleep apnea and sleep better.

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.

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.