Category Archives: Sleep Disorders

News, Sleep Disorders

Nasal or Full Face Mask, Making the Right Choice for You

Posted on by CPAP Store
05
Jan

Are you among the countless individuals navigating the challenges of sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions? The path to restful and restorative sleep is within your reach, thanks to the transformative power of CPAP therapy. In the realm of CPAP therapy, choosing the perfect mask is a crucial decision. Two remarkable options await your consideration: the nasal CPAP mask and the full face CPAP mask.

Let’s embark on an enlightening journey to explore the unique advantages of these masks, equipping you with the knowledge to make the choice that promises you nights of peaceful slumber and renewed vitality!

Understanding the Basics: CPAP Masks

Before diving into the specifics of CPAP masks, let’s briefly discuss CPAP masks in general. These masks are a critical component of CPAP therapy, delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air to keep your airways open during sleep. They come in various styles to accommodate different preferences and needs.

The Standard Nasal CPAP Mask:

A standard nasal CPAP mask, often referred to as a nasal mask, covers only your nose and delivers air pressure directly to your nasal passages. This type of mask is a popular choice for individuals who primarily breathe through their noses while sleeping. Here are some reasons to choose a standard CPAP mask:

  1. Nasal Breathing: If you naturally breathe through your nose and do not experience issues with mouth breathing, a standard CPAP mask may be sufficient and comfortable.
  2. Less Facial Coverage: Standard CPAP masks cover less of your face, which can be appealing if you prefer a more open and less restrictive feeling.
  3. Reduced Claustrophobia: Many users find standard CPAP masks less claustrophobic compared to full face masks, making them easier to adapt to.

When to Choose a Full Face CPAP Mask:

While standard CPAP masks work well for many people, there are situations where a full face CPAP mask becomes the preferred choice:

  1. Mouth Breathing: If you are a mouth breather or tend to switch between mouth and nose breathing during the night, a full face CPAP mask is the better option. It covers both your nose and mouth, ensuring continuous therapy regardless of your breathing pattern.
  2. Chronic Nasal Congestion: Individuals who frequently experience nasal congestion due to allergies or other issues may find it challenging to use a standard CPAP mask effectively. A full face CPAP mask allows them to breathe through their mouths when necessary.
  3. Facial Hair: If you have facial hair, achieving a proper seal with a standard CPAP mask can be difficult. A full face mask can provide a better seal and prevent air leaks.
  4. Higher Pressure Requirements: Some users require higher CPAP pressure settings to effectively manage their sleep apnea. Full face CPAP masks can handle higher pressures more comfortably and prevent unintentional mask leaks.
  5. Claustrophobia Tolerance: While full face CPAP masks cover more of the face, they can be a better choice for individuals who don’t mind the extra coverage and prefer the security of a comprehensive mask.

Conclusion:

Choosing between a standard CPAP mask and a full face CPAP mask ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. While a standard mask is suitable for many, a full face mask is essential when mouth breathing, chronic nasal congestion, facial hair, higher pressure requirements, or a tolerance for facial coverage come into play. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider or CPAP specialist to ensure you select the mask that will best optimize your CPAP therapy and provide you with a restful night’s sleep.

Research, Sleep Disorders

The Comfort and Convenience of Nasal Pillows CPAP Masks

Posted on by CPAP Store
04
Jan

If you’re one of the millions of people managing sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, you know how important it is to find the right mask for your needs. Nasal pillows CPAP masks have emerged as a popular and comfortable choice for many users, offering a host of benefits that can significantly improve your CPAP experience.

1. Unmatched Comfort: One of the standout features of nasal pillows masks is their exceptional comfort. These masks consist of soft, cushioned inserts that fit snugly into your nostrils, eliminating the need for a bulky mask that covers your entire face. With fewer pressure points on your face, you can sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. CPAP Pillows Mask Section

2. Minimal Facial Coverage: Nasal pillows masks provide minimal facial coverage compared to traditional CPAP masks. This design means you’ll have a more open and less restrictive feeling while wearing the mask. If you’ve ever felt claustrophobic or uncomfortable with larger masks, nasal pillows might be the perfect solution for you.

3. Uninterrupted Field of Vision: Wearing a nasal pillows mask won’t obstruct your field of vision. You can read a book, watch TV, or wear your glasses without any interference, making it easier to relax and enjoy your bedtime routine.

4. Easy to Use and Adjust: Putting on and adjusting nasal pillows masks is a breeze. They typically feature simple headgear and fewer adjustment points, saving you time and reducing frustration during setup.

5. Ideal for Side Sleepers: If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll appreciate how secure nasal pillows masks are. They’re less likely to shift or become dislodged when you change sleeping positions, ensuring uninterrupted therapy throughout the night.

6. Reduced Skin Irritation: Fewer contact points on the face mean less potential for skin irritation and pressure sores compared to masks with larger surface areas.

7. Enhanced Seal and Quiet Operation: Nasal pillows can provide an excellent seal for those who primarily breathe through their noses, preventing air leaks. Plus, they’re often quieter than some other CPAP mask types because they lack a large mask frame or significant venting noise.

8. Lightweight and Travel-Friendly: These masks are compact and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for travelers or anyone who prefers a less bulky mask.

While nasal pillows CPAP masks offer numerous advantages, it’s crucial to remember that they may not be suitable for everyone. They are typically recommended for individuals who primarily breathe through their noses. If you’re a mouth breather or frequently experience nasal congestion, it would be better to explore other CPAP mask options, such as a Nasal CPAP Masks or a Full Face CPAP Masks, which are better suited to your specific needs.

In conclusion, the comfort and convenience offered by nasal pillows CPAP masks have made them a popular choice among CPAP users. Their minimalist design, ease of use, and excellent seal can greatly enhance your CPAP therapy experience, helping you achieve a more restful night’s sleep and better overall health

Devices, Health, News, Research, Sleep Disorders

Winter with cold weather can be challenging for CPAP Therapy

Posted on by CPAP Store
Winter with cold weather can be challenging for CPAP Therapy
27
Oct

Winter can be a challenging time for CPAP users. The lack of humidity in the dry cold winter air, combined with the use of CPAP therapy can cause the nasal passages to become dry while using CPAP with a cold or flu can only make matters worse.

One of the main functions of the nose is to warm and moisten the air you breathe. If the air is cold tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils, dilate to help warm up the air, but the extra blood flow causes the airway to narrow and leads to additional mucus production to protect its sensitive tissues and to add more moisture to the inhaled air. Unfortunately, this may cause nasal congestion and a runny nose.

If the air through the mask does feel too cold and your sleep is disrupted there are some simple remedies that can be tried to overcome this:

  • Try closing the windows and heating the bedroom.
  • Also try placing the tubing under the bedclothes as heat from the body will increase the temperature of the air passing through it.
  • Use the specific humidifier for your CPAP machine.
  • Use the heated tube, which will improve the climate of CPAP therapy.

Upper respiratory tract infections, colds and flu

It’s never easy to sleep when you have an upper respiratory tract infection, a cold or flu, but for people on CPAP therapy, it is more difficult to tolerate treatment at this time.

Stopping using your CPAP when you have a cold is not advised as it can make other cold symptoms such as a sore throat a lot worse. However, if you are too uncomfortable or if you experience ear pressure or pain or have any other concerns, contact your GP or medical provider.

Again some simple remedies can be tried to make treatment more comfortable when you do have a cold.

  • Use of a saline nasal spray to add moisture to the sinus passages can relieve swelling and help you breathe easier.
  • Decongestants can help although these can take a while to work, so they need to be used early enough so that they take effect by bedtime.
  • An ‘over the counter spray’ such as Beconase can be used to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages and help reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa. This is only recommended for short term use, i.e. less than three days. If you are taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should check with your pharmacist before you start treatment with this.

Under no circumstances be tempted to add Olbas oil or similar decongestants to the water in your humidifier and do not put it on the filter of your device as this can damage your equipment.

Use a Full Face CPAP Mask

Most CPAP masks are nasal masks so require you to breathe only through your nose, but when nasal congestion develops, it becomes difficult to do this. Nasal congestion or resistance as experienced during a cold can lead to you breathing through your mouth. When air from your CPAP device escapes through your mouth (mouth leak), it can be a significant problem that may compromise the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. Mouth leak causes high airflow in one direction, preventing the lung’s moist air from passing back through the nose which results in drying of the skin in the nose, nasal congestion, and flu-like symptoms upon awakening.

Many people who routinely use nasal masks with their CPAP treatment purchase a Full-Face CPAP mask for use when they have a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection. Use of this type of mask will ensure that if you do revert to breathing through your mouth treatment can still be used, and it will continue to be effective.

Add heated humidification

Use of heated humidification with CPAP treatment is recognised as the most effective method of preventing or reversing the symptoms resulting from cold air or an upper respiratory tract infection as the air is warmed and moistened before it reaches the nose. This will help with nasal congestion, ease inflamed nasal passages and make the air more comfortable to breathe. 

Some people using heated humidification can experience a problem known as ‘rainout’ during cold weather when the warmed moistened air coming from the humidifier is cooled by room air as it moves down the tube towards the mask and moisture in the cooler air returns to a liquid.

This can result in droplets of water or condensation to gather in the tube and mask.

There are several ways to lessen the problem of ‘rainout’, and the following may help:-

  • Always have the device and humidifier positioned lower than the bed.
  • Close the bedroom window, turn the humidifier down or raise the temperature in the bedroom at night to lessen the difference between the temperature in the room and the tube.
  • Tuck the tube under the bedclothes to keep it warm.
  • Insulate the hose by covering it with a tubing wrap.
Health, News, Research, Sleep Disorders

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Posted on by CPAP Store

Overview

Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious sleep disorder in which your breathing is repeatedly interrupted while you sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to type 2 diabetes and heart disease while increasing your likelihood of stroke and heart attack.

Sleep apnea can affect toddlers, children, and adults, although some of the identifying symptoms are different depending on your age.

Here’s everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in adults
If a number of these 13 signs describe you, then there’s a good chance you may have sleep apnea.

  • You snore loudly.
  • Your bed partner says that you snore and sometimes stop breathing when you sleep.
  • You sometimes wake up abruptly with shortness of breath.
  • You sometimes wake up choking or gasping.
  • You often wake up to use the bathroom.
  • You wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
  • You often wake up with a headache.
  • You have insomnia (difficulty staying asleep).
  • You have hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness).
  • You have attention, concentration, or memory problems while awake.
  • You are irritable and experience mood swings.
  • You have risk factors for sleep apnea, such as being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol, or smoking tobacco.
  • You have a decreased interest in sex or are experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Signs of sleep apnea in Children

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 10 to 20 percent of children who snore may have sleep apnea. Overall, an estimated 3 percent of children have sleep apnea.

Many children with untreated sleep apnea have behavioural, adaptive, and learning issues that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD:

  • difficulty with learning
  • poor attention span
  • poor performance at school

Look for these warning signs of sleep apnea in your child:

  • snoring
  • mouth breathing (while asleep and awake)
  • breathing pauses during sleep
  • bedwetting
  • daytime sleepiness

Signs of sleep apnea in toddlers

If you think your toddler may have a sleep disorder, look for these warning signs of sleep apnea while they’re sleeping:

  • snoring and difficulty breathing
  • pauses in breathing
  • restlessness
  • coughing or choking
  • sweating profusely

You can also look for the following signs while they’re awake:

  • prone to irritability, crankiness, and frustration
  • falling asleep at inappropriate times
  • tonsil- or adenoid-related health problems
  • growing more slowly than they should (both height and weight)

When to see a doctor

If you have the warning signs of sleep apnea, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They might have some advice tailored to your specific situation or they might recommend you to a sleep specialist. They can perform a sleep study, or polysomnogram, to help diagnose sleep apnea. This test monitors many things like brain waves, eye movement, breathing, and oxygen levels in the blood. Snoring and gasping sounds, as well as stopping breathing during sleep, are also measured.

If your child is showing the signs that indicate sleep apnea, discuss your concerns with your paediatrician. Following diagnosis, your paediatrician should have a number of suggestions regarding treatment. Often they will refer you to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) to see if removing the tonsils and adenoids could solve the issue.

If you have seen signs of sleep apnea in your toddler, review your observations with your paediatrician. Their diagnosis will include the impact of your toddler’s weight and potential allergies on their sleep. After examining your toddler’s upper airway, the paediatrician might refer you to a pulmonologist (a lung specialist) or an otolaryngologist. Removing your toddler’s tonsils and adenoids could be the recommendation.

Takeaway

Sleep apnea is more common than you might think. And it’s not just limited to adults. If you, your child, or your toddler are showing the warning signs of sleep apnea, there’s a risk of serious health consequences. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and potential treatment.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.

Health, Services, Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea Test which is Right for You?

Posted on by CPAP Store
Sleep Apnea Test which is Right for You?
02
May

What is Sleep apnea, is a common condition that causes you to stop breathing for short intervals while you sleep. If left untreated, it can have significant health effects over the long term.

If your doctor thinks you may have sleep apnea, you’ll likely undergo a nighttime sleep test that monitors your breathing.

Let’s take a closer look at the test options that are available for diagnosing sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms.

Your doctor may ask you to complete one or more questionnaires to evaluate symptoms like daytime sleepiness as well as risk factors for the condition, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and age.

If your doctor suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep monitoring test. Also called a sleep study or polysomnography (PSG), it involves spending the night at a lab, clinic, or hospital. Your breathing and other vital signs will be monitored while you sleep.

It’s also possible to monitor your sleep in your own home. Your doctor might suggest at-home sleep monitoring if your symptoms and risk factors strongly suggest sleep apnea.

In-lab sleep study

In-lab sleep studies are used to diagnose sleep apnea, along with a wide range of other sleep disorders.

Many sleep studies generally take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you’re a night owl or morning lark, this time frame may not be optimal. An at-home test may be recommended instead.

You’ll stay in a private room designed to make you feel comfortable, much like a hotel room. Bring pajamas and anything else you usually need to sleep.

Sleep studies are noninvasive. You don’t need to give a blood sample. However, you’ll have a variety of wires attached to your body. This enables the sleep technician to monitor your breathing, brain activity, and other vital signs while you’re asleep.

The more relaxed you are, the better the technician can monitor your sleep.

Once you fall asleep, the technician will monitor the following:

  • your sleep cycle, as determined by your brain waves and eye movements
  • your heart rate and blood pressure
  • your breathing, including oxygen levels, breathing lapses, and snoring
  • your position and any limb movements

There are two formats for sleep studies: full night and split night.

During a full-night sleep study, your sleep will be monitored for an entire night. If you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, you may need to return to the lab at a later date to set up a device to help you breathe.

During a split-night study, the first half of the night is used to monitor your sleep. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the second part of the night is used to set up the treatment device.

Pros and cons of an in-lab sleep study 

In-lab sleep tests have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about your test preference.

Pros

  • Most accurate test available. An in-lab sleep test is considered the gold standard of diagnostic testing for sleep apnea.
  • Option to do a split-night study. Split-night studies allow for diagnosis and treatment in a single night, unlike both full-night and at-home tests.
  • Best test for certain types of work. People who pose a serious risk to themselves or others if they fall asleep on the job should participate in an in-lab sleep study to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This includes people who work as taxi, bus, or ride-share drivers, as well as pilots and police officers.
  • Best option for people with other sleep disorders or complications. In-lab monitoring is more suitable for people with other health conditions, including sleep disorders and heart and lung diseases.

Cons

  • Costlier than an at-home test. In-lab tests cost upward of $1,000. If you have insurance, your provider may cover some or all of the cost, but not all providers cover this test. Some providers require the results of an at-home test before you can take an in-lab test.
  • Less accessible. In-lab studies require transportation to and from a sleep lab. Depending on where you live, this may be time-consuming or costly.
  • Longer wait times. Depending on where you live and the demand for this kind of test, you may have to wait several weeks or even months to take the test.
  • Less convenient. Taking an in-lab sleep test is more likely to disrupt your work schedule or interfere with your daily routine and responsibilities.
  • Set sleep study hours. Many sleep studies take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you have a different sleep schedule, an at-home test may be a better option.

At-home sleep test

An at-home sleep test is a simplified version of an in-lab test. There’s no technician. Instead, your doctor will prescribe a portable breathing monitor kit that you’ll take home.

On the night of the test, you can follow your regular bedtime routine. Pay special attention to the instructions provided with the kit to ensure you correctly hook up the monitoring sensors.

Most at-home sleep apnea monitors are easy to set up. They generally include the following components:

  • a finger clip that measures your oxygen levels and heart rate
  • a nasal cannula to measure oxygen and airflow
  • sensors to track the rise and fall of your chest

Unlike an in-lab test, an at-home test doesn’t measure your sleep cycles or position or limb movements during the night.

Following the test, your results will be sent to your doctor. They’ll contact you to discuss the results and identify treatment, if necessary.

Pros and cons of an at-home sleep test 

At-home sleep tests have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about your test preference.

Pros

  • More convenient. At-home tests are more convenient than in-lab tests. You can follow your nightly routine, which might actually provide a more accurate reading of how you breathe when you’re sleeping than in-lab testing.
  • Less costly. At-home tests are approximately 21 percent Trusted Source of the cost of an in-lab test. Insurance is more likely to cover it, too.
  • More accessible. At-home tests may be a more realistic option for people who live far from a sleep center. If necessary, the monitor can even be sent to you in the mail.
  • Faster results. As soon as you have the portable breathing monitor, you can do the test. This may lead to faster results than an in-lab test.

Cons

  • Less accurate. Without a technician present, test errors are more likely. At-home tests don’t reliably detect all cases of sleep apnea. This can be potentially dangerous if you have a high-risk job or another health condition.
  • May lead to an in-lab sleep study. Whether your results are positive or negative, your doctor might still suggest an in-lab sleep test. And if you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, you might still need to spend a night in the lab to have a therapeutic device fitted.
  • Doesn’t test for other sleep problems. At-home tests only measure breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Other common sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can’t be detected from this test.

Test results

A doctor or sleep specialist will interpret the results of your in-lab or at-home sleep apnea test.

Doctors use a scale called the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) to diagnose sleep apnea. This scale includes a measurement of the number of apneas, or lapses in breath, per hour of sleep during the study.

People who don’t have sleep apnea, or have a mild form of sleep apnea, usually experience less than five apneas per hour. People who have severe sleep apnea may experience more than 30 sleep apneas per hour.

Doctors also review your oxygen levels when diagnosing sleep apnea. While there’s no accepted cutoff level for sleep apnea, if your blood oxygen levels are lower than average, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.

If the results are unclear, your doctor may recommend repeating the test. If sleep apnea isn’t found but your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend another test.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the severity of your sleep apnea. In some cases, lifestyle changes are all that’s required. These may include:

  • losing weight
  • using a special sleep apnea pillow
  • changing your sleep position

There are a number of effective medical treatment options for sleep apnea. These include:

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The most common and effective device for treating sleep apnea is a machine called a CPAP. With this device, a small mask is used to increase the pressure in your airways.
  • Oral appliances. A dental device that pushes your lower jaw forward can prevent your throat from closing while you breathe. These may be effective in mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
  • Nasal device. A small bandage-like device called Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy has been shown to be effective Trusted Source with some cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea. It’s placed just inside the nostrils and creates pressure that helps keep your airways open.
  • Oxygen delivery. Sometimes, oxygen is prescribed alongside a CPAP device to increase blood oxygen levels.
  • Surgery. When other treatments aren’t effective, surgery might be an option to alter the structure of your airways. There is a wide range of surgical options that can treat sleep apnea.

The bottom line 

Both in-lab and at-home sleep apnea tests measure vital functions, such as breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The results of these tests can help your doctor determine whether you have sleep apnea.

Polysomnography (PSG) conducted in a lab is the most accurate test available to diagnose sleep apnea. At-home sleep apnea tests have reasonable accuracy. They’re also more cost-effective and convenient.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.

Health, Sleep Disorders

Why is sleep important?

Posted on by CPAP Store
Why is sleep important?
16
Apr

To understand why sleep is important, think of your body like a factory that performs a number of important functions. As you drift off to sleep, your body begins its night-shift work of recharging.

Learn more about sleep benefits, recommendations and our top sleep tips.

What are the benefits of sleep?

Sleeping helps you stay healthy because it gives your body the chance to:

  • Heal damaged cells
  • Recover from the day’s activities
  • Boost your immune system
  • Recharge your cardiovascular system

How much sleep do I need?

What’s considered to be a healthy night’s sleep varies by age.

Top questions about sleep answered

What are the four stages of sleep?

REM stands for rapid eye movement and NREM stands for non-rapid eye movement. NREM sleep comes first, followed by REM sleep. Then the cycle starts again.
The first three of the four phases are part of your NREM sleep. They can last between 5 and 15 minutes.
Non-REM sleep
Stage 1: This is when your eyes are closed but it’s still easy to wake you up.
Stage 2: This is when you’re in a light sleep. As you prepare for deep sleep, your heart rate slows down and your body temperature drops.
REM sleep
Stage 3& 4: REM sleep typically occurs 90 minutes into your sleep and is the stage of sleep when you dream. Your brain is more active and your heart rate and breathing quicken. Adults can spend about 20% of their sleep in the REM stage while babies can spend about 50% of their sleep in this stage.

What’s the most important phase of sleep?

Both REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) serve as important phases in sleep and for different functions in your body.
REM sleep, which is when dreaming occurs, helps our mind process emotions and memories. It is vital for stimulating the brain for learning.
NREM makes up 75-80% of total sleep each night. Many of the health benefits of sleep take place during NREM like tissue growth and repair. Also, energy is restored and hormones important for growth and development are released.

What happens when you’re sleep deprived?

When you don’t get the sleep you need, you might find yourself:
Feeling drowsy, irritable and sometimes depressed
Struggling to concentrate and make decisions at work
Craving more unhealthy foods, which could cause weight gain

I always feel tired. Should I be worried?

If you’ve been practicing good sleep habits and think you’re sleeping well but still feel extra tired in the morning, then you may have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Any problems with your sleep should be discussed with your doctor who may recommend you take a sleep test.

Four tips to help you get a good night’s sleep

It’s more than just getting to bed at a good time.

  1. Plan enough time for sleep. Once you know what time you need to get to bed, plan the rest of your schedule around it.
  2. Create consistent sleep habits. Follow a pre-sleep ritual for going to bed and waking up at the same time.
  3. Create a comfortable sleep environment. Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet and comfortable – especially your bed and pillow.
  4. Turn it off before bed. Watching television, reading, emailing and texting can ramp up your brain activity rather than relax it. Give yourself time to unplug.

Fun sleep facts

Adults sleep less than they should

75% of adults studied sleep less than the minimum of seven hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Women sleep longer than men

Men sleep for an average of 5 hours, 46 minutes, while women average 6 hours, 11 minutes.

Exercise is good for sleep

Any amount is helpful, but the optimal amount is 30 minutes, which leads to 14 minutes of extra sleep per night.

Caffeine consumption

Three or fewer cups of coffee don’t notably affect sleep time, but four cups or more leads to 26 fewer minutes of sleep.

Mattresses matter

Mattress selection appears to make an average of 20 minutes difference of sleep per night.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.

Health, News, Research, Sleep Disorders

What happens during normal breathing?

Posted on by CPAP Store
What happens during normal breathing
15
Dec

To find out what could be affecting your ability to breathe properly, it’s helpful to first understand what normal breathing looks like.

Breathing is automatic

It might sound simple, but it’s important to realize that breathing is not something we have to consciously remember to do. It’s a reflex that is controlled by nerve cells in the brain and spine.

The upper and lower airways

The respiratory system is made up of 2 parts: the upper and lower airways.

Upper airway

What happens during normal breathing

Lower airway

What happens during normal breathing

The lower airway is protected by the chest cavity, which also contains the heart and lungs.

The breathing process

What starts the breathing process is actually the effort you make to draw air into your body.

When you breathe, the air entering your nose is cleaned, warmed and moistened. It then flows through your trachea, your bronchi and down to the alveoli of your lungs.

As you inhale and exhale, your chest and ribs expand and contract to allow for the air going in and out.

Abnormal breathing

As you can imagine, the everyday act of breathing can become very difficult if you have a respiratory condition that affects the airways, muscles, nerves, reflexes or organs involved in breathing.

Devices, Health, News, Research, Sleep Disorders, Travel And CPAP

How to choose a travel CPAP machine

Posted on by CPAP Store
How to choose a travel CPAP machine
29
Jul

How to choose a travel CPAP machine

They’re not all created equal

For frequent travelers, a portable PAP machine is smaller, lighter, easier to carry, and more discreet. A portable CPAP machine can fit into your regular carry-on bag, rather than needing a separate carrying case. And new innovations in design and technology have made it possible to experience the same performance with a mini PAP device as a home-based unit. But remember: not all travel PAP machines are the same. Look for machines with quiet operation, comfort therapy settings, and features that are similar to your home device.

Don’t be fooled when shopping for a travel CPAP machine
Travel PAPs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and additional features. Some may look extremely small, but they require a lot of added components to work like your home system. Here are some other tips to help you find the machine that’s right for you:

  • Components a device with fewer components requires less time to assemble for use and packs easily into your suitcase.
  • Weight traveling light is important. Compare the weight of the PAP machines.
  • Tubing since each manufacturer will have different tubing, look for those with smaller tubes that provide ease of packing and more freedom of movement when you sleep.
  • Added features look for added features, such as, user friendly touch screen activation, built in USB charging port for cell phones or other devices, leaving outlets available for lamps, alarm clocks, etc.

However, you shouldn’t let the idea of traveling with your machine get you down. And you definitely shouldn’t leave your machine at home, even for short trips. What many people may not realize is that traveling with a CPAP machine is much easier than previously thought. Below you find some of our products for your traveling.

What to expect at the airport and on the plane

  • It is recommended  to label your CPAP case with a medical equipment luggage tag. However, most TSA agents are more than familiar with CPAP machines, and will easily recognize them as medical equipment.
  • You CPAP will need to be x-rayed. To expedite the process take the machine out of the carry case and place in an individual screening bin. The rest of the equipment can stay in the carry case.Your CPAP machine may need to be swabbed by an agent to check for explosives residue. If this is the case, you can ask that the agent use a fresh pair of gloves and an unused swab.
  • It may be a good idea to keep your prescription for the machine on you in the event TSA agents need additional confirmation for your equipment.
  • If you plan on using your machine on the plane make sure you have the necessary adapters or back-up battery pack.
  • Fill your humidifier with bottled water rather than using tapwater in the airport bathroom or the bathroom on the plane.
  • If you feel slightly embarrassed about using your device on the plane, you can always purchase a CPAP travel hoodie to be more inconspicuous.
  • You may want to check with your airline’s policy regarding CPAP usage in flight. Some airlines require a minimum of 48 hours notice of use of inflight CPAP machines to verify that your model meets FAA standards and regulations. Many airlines require that your machine is properly labeled indicating that it meets FAA safety regulations and is approved for use on an aircraft. click here for FAA regulations regarding medical carying and using medical machines in the Aircraft
Health, Sleep Disorders

Health Risks of untreated Sleep Apnea

Posted on by CPAP Store
Health Risks of untreated Sleep Apnea
26
Feb
The sleep apnea does much more than just disrupt your sleep and your bed partner from loud snore. Sleep apnea which commonly occurs in those who snore loudly is defined by recurrent pauses in breathing during their sleep where the minimum pause time is more than 10 seconds. This may be caused either by obstruction of the airway(obstructive sleep apnea – OSA) or by the brain forgetting to prompt a breath(central sleep apnea – CSA). When this happens, oxygen levels fall, carbon dioxide levels rise, and there is a spike in blood pressure, heart rate, and hormones like cortisol as the body reawakens to breathe. Sleep apnea has been linked to many chronic medical conditions, and even sudden death.

Hypertension

It is estimated that 50-70% of people with sleep apnea have hypertension, or high blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. Laboratory experiments in animals have shown a cause-and-effect relationship, with the presence of sleep apnea leading to a later development of hypertension. In people with hard-to-control hypertension, it may be that sleep apnea is contributing. It is shocking that 96% of men requiring three blood pressure medications have sleep apnea contributing to the problem! Effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can help to improve blood pressure as much as a blood pressure medication.

Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attack

The risk for cardiovascular disease increases due to several mechanisms. Sleep apnea can lead to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response. Imagine the stress on your body that occurs when a lion is chasing you, this is the sympathetic nervous system at work.

Apnea events may lead to bursts of cortisol, the stress hormone, repeatedly during sleep. In addition, sleep apnea leads to problems with the lining of blood vessels, inflammation, and problems with metabolic regulation and diabetes. All of these can cause problems with blood vessels and this coronary artery disease may lead to major problems like a heart attack.

Stroke

Research shown that the association between stroke and sleep apnea is perhaps as strong as the association between smoking and stroke. There may be several factors involved. During sleep apnea, blood vessels within the brain dilate when the oxygen levels fall. Moreover, individuals with sleep apnea have higher levels of blood factors that make them more susceptible to clots that may lead to stroke. About half of people with atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, have sleep apnea contributing to these episodes. Approximately 40-60% of people with stroke are found to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Congestive Heart Failure

When apneic events occur, as the affect of stopped breathing  will decreased levels of oxygen which can cause blood vessels in the lungs to constrict. This increases the blood pressure in these vessels, and over time may lead to chronic right-sided heart failure.

Sudden Death

In a study of patients who died suddenly who had had recent sleep studies performed, it was shown that almost half of the patients with sleep apnea died between the hours of midnight to 6 a.m., compared with 21% without sleep apnea. It is possible that these individuals died suddenly during periods of apnea. These deaths could occur due to breathing dysfunction contributing to cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack, and stroke.

The Good News

The good news is that there is effective treatment for sleep apnea and this can help eliminate many of these risks associated with the disease of sleep apnea. Improve your sleep, your daily function, and your long-term health by finding a therapy that you can live with. Sources: Arzt M, Young T, Finn L, Skatrud JB, Bradley TD. “Association of sleep-disordered breathing and the occurrence of stroke.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;172:1447–1451. Collop, N. “The effect of obstructive sleep apnea on chronic medical disorders.” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2007;74:1. Logan AG, Perlikowski SM, Mente A, et al. “High prevalence of unrecognized sleep apnoea in drug-resistant hypertension.” J Hypertens. 2001;19:2271–2277. Shahar E, Whitney CW, Redline S, et al. “Sleep-disordered breathing and cardiovascular disease: cross-sectional results of the Sleep Heart Health Study.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;163:19–25. Yaggi HK, Concato J, Kernan WN, Lichtman JH, Brass LM, Mohsenin V. “Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for stroke and death.” N Engl J Med. 2005;353:2034–2041.
Health, Sleep Disorders

Good Sleep could Positively Affect Your Sex Life?

Posted on by CPAP Store
Good Sleep could Positively Affect Your Sex Life
25
Feb
Get better sleep with CPAP treatment and Increased Energy, Improved Sexual Function will help Your Sexuality and daily life! If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you under continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, you may have some concerns and questions, including, how does CPAP affect your sex life? treating sleep apnea may improve energy levels, libido, and sexual function including resolution of erectile dysfunction. Discover ways in which an unattractive mask might make you feel unattractive and what to do about it.

The Initial Introduction of CPAP to the Bedroom

When you first start using CPAP to treat your sleep apnea, you may initially panic about how the mask and machine will impact your sex life. On a superficial basis, you may worry about how it makes you look. You may feel like the apparatus makes you appear like a cross between Darth Vader, an elephant, and a robot. In short, you may feel unattractive. Truth be told, this initial hurdle is cleared quickly. Remember that you should be putting the mask on as you fall asleep. Put it on after you have had sex and the lights are being turned off! Talk about your concerns with your loved one, see how they feel, and quickly move on. Anyone who loves you, anyone with whom you wish to be intimate, will accept you and respect your medical needs. In fact, the CPAP may be the first step toward rekindling your love life. Often loud snoring and sleep apnea may lead to nighttime relationship problems, including sleeping in separate sleep spaces.

If you are in separate bedrooms, the chance for intimacy diminishes. By resolving these issues by using CPAP, your partner may decide to rejoin you in bed, thus setting up new opportunities.

The introduction of the CPAP to a sexual partner may recur if you have new partners. Though you may initially feel embarrassed and fight through these same feelings again, this will get easier as you become comfortable with CPAP and yourself. Try to preserve time for cuddling and body contact. You may find it is easier to snuggle if you are the “little spoon” with your CPAP mask and tubing facing away from you and your partner. It is also helpful to try to choose a smaller mask with minimal leak problems as these can be disruptive.

Starting to Feel More Frisky

As you start to use your CPAP on a regular basis, you may begin to notice some changes in how it makes you feel. Some of the symptoms that prompted you to seek diagnosis and treatment of your sleep apnea may improve. For example, most people have improved energy levels and decreased excessive daytime sleepiness. These improvements may leave you feeling more frisky and more interested in sex. Treating your sleep disorder may have real physiological impacts on your libido. Sleep apnea has been associated with low testosterone levels in men and using CPAP may help reverse this. Men with sleep apnea frequently experience erectile dysfunction and treatment may help. In addition, you may have decreased irritability and improved mood with treatment. This new attitude may lead to more interest on the part of your sexual partner as well.

Long-Term CPAP Use and Maintaining Romance

Once you have overcome the initial adjustment and start to see some benefits from using the CPAP, you may still face some long-term issues related to CPAP and its impact on your sex life. Some people worry about the CPAP mask and machine becoming a barrier to intimacy. By putting on the mask, you may feel like you are signaling disinterest in sex. It may seem as if you are saying, “I’m sleeping now.” Certainly, this can be true, but it doesn’t have to be an absolute. Be flexible. Let your partner know that the mask can always be taken back off. Through some combination of spontaneity and planning, there is no reason why you can’t have a normal sex life and one normal life. In many ways, CPAP can actually improve intimacy with your loved one. That leads to two reasons to keep using and being compliant with CPAP for health and for love.