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.

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.

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!