Many people travel during the summer months.  Depending on where you travel to, there can be a higher level of contaminants in the air, which would make your CPAP tubing and filters dirtier than normal.  It is always recommended to clean your supplies on a regular basis, but replacing worn and dirty parts is always an option.  You should regularly check the state of your equipment to see if replacement is necessary.  If your tubing is worn, frayed and discolored, it should be replaced; remember, everything that comes through the tube is being breathed into your lungs.  CPAP tubing should be replaced at regular 6 to 9 month intervals regardless, but it is especially important after the summer months.

During summer, people tend to sweat more, which puts added strain on your CPAP mask cushion.  The oils in your skin can break down the cushions on your mask, which makes cleaning even more important.  However, even with regular cleaning, the mask cushions can break down, which has an adverse effect on the CPAP mask’s seal.  A simple rule of thumb:  If you are not getting a proper seal, then you are not getting proper sleep therapy.  CPAP mask cushions should be replaced roughly every 3 months.  Additionally, CPAP mask headgear should be replaced every 6 months.  After prolonged use, the headgear becomes stretched, which also can affect the comfort of your mask as well as the seal it provides.

The filters in your CPAP machine require special attention during the summer months.  There is an increase of pollen in the air during summer, which will be caught in your filters.  While filters should be replaced on a regular basis, many patients find that they need to replace the filters more often during times when pollen is in the air.  It is always a good idea to check your filters on a regular basis to see if they need to be changed.  Again, CPAP filters are the primary defense against contaminants being breathed into your body.  If the filter is in poor condition, nothing will stop it from getting into your tubing, mask and lungs.

The end of summer is a perfect time to check the status of your CPAP machine and supplies to see if they should be replaced.  If anything looks worn, stretched, or dirty even after cleaning, you should replace them immediately to insure continued sleep therapy comfort.

Cushions are a particularly important part of all CPAP masks and should be replaced at least every three months.  Constant wearing of a mask compresses the mask cushion, which typically leads to a weaker seal and adversely affects the efficiency of the mask.  If the mask does not form a strong seal, the mask will not do its job properly and leads to ineffective sleep therapy treatment.  Moreover, the effectiveness of the mask cushion’s seal tends to decrease from oils in the patient’s face.  Cleaning certainly should be routine but eventually it is necessary to replace the cushion.  Unfortunately, when cushions lose their efficacy, CPAP users tend to just tighten the mask further.  This creates a host of other issues including strap marks, headaches and teeth and jaw pain.

While the CPAP tubing is cleanable with the proper supplies, buildup of germs can still occurs even if cleaning is routine.  Typically, CPAP tubing should be replaced every 6 to 9 months.  It is important to remember that anything in the CPAP tube is being breathed directly into the lungs, which can lead to respiratory issues.  If you start to feel congested, if you feel like you are developing a chest cold, or if your eyes begin watering regularly, it may be time to change your tubing.  In addition, just like with the CPAP mask cushions, the CPAP tubing can break down over time, which hampers the effectiveness.

The headgear for a CPAP mask should be replaced every 6 months as well.  As the headgear is made out of neoprene, which stretches to accommodate facial and head structures, it can stretch out.  This can also hamper a CPAP mask’s ability to form a strong seal because CPAP users tend to synch the CPAP headgear tighter because of an improper fit and poor seal.  Again, by making the mask too tight, CPAP patients can suffer from sores on the face where the mask makes contact, strap marks, headaches, and even in rare cases, can cause the teeth of the patient to shift.

As a whole, the CPAP mask should be replaced on a yearly basis.  With constant use and routine cleaning, the CPAP mask becomes less effective and threatens comfort, compliance and even a CPAP patient’s health.

With more effective technology, abundant choices and reduced cost, CPAP therapy patient’s should understand the basics of effective therapy in order to eliminate the potential health risks associated with CPAP sleep therapy equipment.

Since CPAP supplies, and the machines they are used with, are considered medical equipment, you will need a prescription from your doctor in order to purchase them.  It is necessary that you participate in a sleep study in order to find out with kind of apnea you have, if any, to decide on the best course of treatment.  After getting a diagnosis and prescription, it is easy to purchase the equipment you need.

In recent years with more people being diagnosed, the technological advancements in CPAP machines have been substantial.  The most advanced machines, such as ResMed’s S9 AutoSet, no longer deliver a constant pressure to the patient.  In contrast, the S9 AutoSet changes with the breathing pattern of the patient.  The device is able to read and react to the breathing of the patient on a breath-by-breath basis, eliminating the need to adjust settings.  In addition, ResMed’s S9 AutoSet offers climate control, which automatically adjusts the humidity and temperature of the delivered air, which protects the patient from rainout and delivers optimum comfort during treatment.

The CPAP machines are not the only supplies that have progressed over the years.  CPAP masks come in a wide variety of styles and have become more comfortable and easy to use.  Finding a comfortable mask can be a daunting task, as there are many on the market.  ResMed’s Mirage SoftGel Nasal Mask is a comfortable, easy to use model that improves patient compliance.  There are two layers of gel cushions that offer high levels of comfort and stability.  The cushion adapts to the contours of the face, which make fitting easier and the mask has small vents, which diffuse air quietly.

Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are required to sleep with equipment such as this.  While the equipment can take some getting used to, it is highly beneficial to take the time to adjust to the new lifestyle as it can improve the patient’s overall health and general well-being.

ResMed’s AutoSet APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) devices are designed to regulate air pressure into the body to alleviate SDB and apnea symptoms.  The devices provide minimum pressure required at each point in time, which greatly improves comfort and usability.  Using automated pressure provides better sleep and a 37% reduction in median treatment pressure than by using a manual CPAP machine.  In addition, the devices respond to varying needs for pressure on a breath-by-breath basis.

The S9 AutoSet device by ResMed is the premium APAP device in the S9 series.  The device provides an excellent combination of Automatic Positive Airway Pressure and Easy-Breathe Expiratory Relief Pressure to prevent the collapse of the upper airway during sleep.  The enhanced AutoSet continually monitors breathing, in order to provide the optimal therapy at the lowest, most comfortable pressure.

The S9 AutoSet also provides climate control, which adapts to your climate and adjusts accordingly, sending the optimal temperature and humidity right to the mask.  The climate control also prevents rainout, or condensation that forms in the tubing, which greatly increases comfort and ease of use.

In addition, The ResMed CPAP S9 AutoSet is designed to be quiet; the Easy-Breathe motor eliminates noise, which results in a peaceful sleeping environment.  The design of the device features foam and noise isolating materials, which result in noise no louder than normal breathing.

Finally, the S9 AutoSet provides compliance management.  Both patients and clinicians can easily monitor the therapy, thus ensuring that any problems are discovered and addressed at the earliest opportunity.

There are three ways to prove patient compliance:  data on the device via the Sleep Quality Indicator and Sleep Report, an SD card with high resolution data for every device, and modules for remote and direct download.  The Sleep Quality Indicator allows patients to view a “snapshot” of their therapy, provides daily feedback and encouragement and identifies usage, leak and AHI information.  The Sleep Report offers compliance and therapy data for up to 365 days, which includes average usage, used hours, days used, run hours and pressure.

ResMed’s S9 AutoSet provides optimal therapy for people with apnea and SDB.

While losing weight and reducing alcohol intake can reduce the severity of mild OSA and surgical and dental procedures exist, the most simple and effective treatment is positive pressure airway treatment.  ResMed designs both CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices and APAP (automatic positive airway pressure) devices.  ResMed CPAP devices deliver air at a fixed pressure, which prevents apnea while you sleep by keeping the upper airway open.  The amount of necessary air pressure is determined by a sleep study and is unique to each patient.  On the other hand, ResMed’s APAP machines continually adjust the amount of necessary air pressure by monitoring your breathing throughout the night and changing the amount of pressure you need on a breath by breath basis.

Each device also requires the use of a mask, which can take some getting used to and patients can normally adjust to the mask within one to two weeks.  The most common mask is a nasal mask, which only covers the nose.  ResMed makes a large line of comfortable and effective nasal masks that suit different facial structures.  The nasal mask should fit snuggly and create a good seal on your face, so air doesn’t leak out.  ResMed also makes full face masks for patients that breathe through their mouths while they sleep.  These masks form a seal over both the nose and the mouth.  If you use a nasal mask and still continue to snore, it may be a good idea to research full face masks in an effort to alleviate the problem.

Using a CPAP or APAP machine should not inhibit your lifestyle greatly.  ResMed designs their machines to be portable and they can run on virtually any power supply.  If overseas, all you will need is a plug adapter and some airlines have approved ResMed’s devices for use on long haul aircraft as long as your provide documentation from your doctor or sleep clinic.

You may find that you have irritation in the nose after treatment begins.  The cool, dry air of the treatment can cause a runny nose or sneezing in a lot of patients, but this normally settles down after a few days to a week.  If the problem persists, you should consider a heated humidifier for your machine, which will add warmth and moisture to the air.  If you have a CPAP machine, the pressure may need to be adjusted slightly by your doctor if a humidifier is used.  If you are using a ResMed APAP device, the pressure will automatically compensate for the humidifier.

Using a ResMed CPAP or APAP device is a simple and effective way to treat OSA and while it may take some getting used to, you should notice an immediate improvement in the quality of your lifestyle.

Certain things should be taken into consideration when traveling with your CPAP machine such as where you are traveling to and how long your flight is.  If you are traveling to Europe, you must always remember to purchase a plug adapter so you can still use your CPAP machine.  If your trip includes a long flight, you must remember to keep your battery charged so you can use it during your flight.  Using a CPAP machine during a flight has become common in recent years, so it should not be an issue, though you should still carry a letter from your doctor as a precaution.

If you intend to go on a camping trip, a battery specifically for your CPAP machine is highly recommended.  While many camp grounds do have electrical outlets, it is still advised to have a battery as a failsafe.  If, however, you prefer “primitive” camping, a battery is a must-have, since an outlet will not be at your disposal.  While not having an outlet may seem like a problem for charging your battery, it is not the case.  You can simply purchase an adapter for the car cigarette lighter, which will allow you to charge the battery at your convenience.

It is important to choose the right battery for your needs.  The lithium ion, C-222 CPAP Battery is a universal battery that works with any CPAP machine.  It is important to check with your supplier or manufacturer as ResMed’s S8 requires a DC-12 converter.  The C-222 CPAP Battery contains high capacity, lithium-ion cells, delivers 12 volts of output, and holds and incredibly long charge, depending on your CPAP setting – at a pressure rating of 4, the battery works for 25 hours and at a pressure rating of 20, it works for 9 hours.    As the battery is designed for travel, it is light-weight at 4.8 lbs. and comes with a carrying case to make traveling with it as easy as possible.  In addition, the C-222 CPAP Battery includes built in circuitry protection against thermal run-away (overheating) and a 1 year warranty.  There is also a larger battery which doubles the CPAP machine’s use time.

With the C-222 CPAP Battery, you should be able to travel without sleep therapy interruption.  The sleek, portable and affordable battery is perfect for any CPAP user that travels often.  It will allow you to use your CPAP machine at your convenience – no matter where you are.

• Quit Smoking: Cigarette smoke irritates your mouth and throat, which can further exacerbate your sleep apnea.
• Weight Loss: Losing weight may be the single most important lifestyle change you could make, both for your overall health and for the treatment of sleep apnea. Losing weight is a daunting task and any patient should be sure to use a safe and effective exercise regimen.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in the throat, which makes sleep apnea more severe. Alcohol should not be consumed for at least 4 hours before going to sleep. If your doctor prescribes you with a sedative, you should tell him/her that you have sleep apnea.
• Side/Stomach Sleeping: Many patients find that sleeping on their back triggers sleep apnea. By sleeping on your side or your stomach, you may find that the apnea is lessened.

Along with these lifestyle changes, your doctor will most likely recommend a sleep apnea device and mask to wear during the night. The most important thing to remember about wearing a sleep apnea mask is compliance; you have to wear it regularly for it to have any effect. Finding the right mask for you is imperative, since having a comfortable mask means you will be willing to wear it every night. There are many masks out there, so the biggest question is which one you should choose.

Fisher & Paykel’s Zest nasal CPAP mask is very popular and comfortable, combining a new Easy-Clip Silicone Seal and Advanced Air Diffuser with proven FlexiFit technology, which guarantees comfort, ease of use and reliability. The inner Auto-Contouring Foam Cushion automatically adjusts to nasal and facial contours without the need for complicated adjustments. The outer Easy-Clip Silicone Seal provides a perfect seal, which stops any air from your CPAP machine from leaking out, which guarantees effective treatment.

The Advanced Air Diffuser on Fisher & Paykel’s Zest nasal CPAP mask disperses airflow away from the sleeper and sleep partner and minimizes noise. The new breathable elastic headgear is specially designed to maintain a comfortable, firm seal, while Fisher & Paykel’s Glider Straps and Clips distribute pressure equally across the face and automatically adjust the mask alignment during sleep.

Along with lifestyle changes, finding the most effective and comfortable mask is imperative. Fisher & Paykel’s Zest nasal CPAP mask is comfortable and practical and may be the right mask for your needs.

Cleaning your CPAP supplies is a relatively easy process. The most important thing to remember is to never use an alcohol based solvent to clean your CPAP equipment. Alcohol can break down cushions, tubing and other plastic and rubber parts. CPAP mask cleaner such as Citrus II, a mixture with a corn, coconut, and citrus base, will not harm the cushion or other components of your CPAP mask or tubing. CPAP mask wipes also work well for a quick, daily cleaning. We advised that your spray your CPAP mask surface daily, rinse with water and allow it to dry before using it again. Daily cleaning will prolong the longevity of your mask’s parts, reducing overall replacement parts cost.

Your CPAP mask is not the only component that needs cleaning. You should regularly clean your CPAP tubing and replace the CPAP machine filters. Moreover, if you have a heated humidifier, this should be taken apart and cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Make sure to get each part completely free of soap residue before drying. Some new humidifier chambers are dish washer safe(please check your owners manual). Once the CPAP humidifier parts are completely air-dried, simply put the machine and humidifier back together and reconnect the CPAP tubing and mask.

Sometimes, even if the parts are well taken care of, some CPAP supplies especially your CPAP mask will break. If the part is replaceable, it will be much less expensive to replace the part instead of the entire CPAP mask. For example, mask cushions break down over time and will prevent your mask from forming an adequate seal. In this case, you can replace just the cushion rather than replacing the whole mask. Another example is the heated humidifier chamber. Over time, even if the machine is well taken care of and cleaned regularly, you will notice that the chamber develops a film; this is normal. It is a sign that it may be time to replace your heated humidifier chamber.

In addition, there are other numerous CPAP accessories that need to be replaced. With CPAP tubing being exposed to constant moisture and stretching, it will begin to degrade and build up bacteria. Thus, CPAP tubing should be replaced a few times a year. In addition, CPAP supplies such as CPAP mask headgear and clips can easily fray or break and will need to be replaced for optimal sleep therapy conditions.

Keeping your CPAP equipment and supplies clean will help prolong their usefulness and maximize your sleep therapy experience. However, like most medical equipment, CPAP equipment will need to be replaced from time to time. By taking care of your CPAP supplies through cleaning and routine maintenance, you will reduce your long run out of pocket expense.

Philips Respironics’ ComfortGel Blue is an improvement over previous models of the ComfortGel series.The Respironics CPAP mask reduces pressure points, minimizes noise and redirects exhalation air flow away from your bed partner, making the mask convenient both for you and your significant other. The soft, pliable blue gel in the mask adapts and contours to facial features, while the premium head gear is easy to use and provides a proper seal. The increased comfort of the ComfortGel Blue ensures patient compliance, which increases the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. Philips Respironics’ ComfortGel Blue is latex free.

In addition to finding the right mask, determining the optimal CPAP machine can be overwhelming. The Philips Respironics PR System One device utilizes advanced intelligence to provide optimum care and patient management. As opposed to older machines that are set to a single constant air pressure, the PR System One device uses smart technology that delivers constantly changing air flow that is designed to fit your needs.With the PR System One working in with your mask through the use of simple settings, the technology instructs the machine to compensate for the resistance of your particular mask.By using advanced humidity control technology, the PR System One device can compensate for ever-changing environmental conditions.By analyzing ambient temperature, relative humidity and patient flow, the device delivers optimum humidity – and ultimate comfort – to the patient while also dramatically reducing rainout.

The Philips Respironics CPAP System One device also includes an advanced even detection system that allows patients to make more informed decisions by monitoring apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), large leak, flow limitation, and respiratory effort-related arousals (RERAs). This ensures that the patient is able to determine appropriate clinical management.The most important advancement, however, is the ability of the device to point out when a patient is experiencing symptoms beyond classic OSA. With a system that can immediately identify clear airway apneas and periodic breathing, the device can indicate the potential need for specialized therapy.

Finding the correct mask and machine can increase your lifestyle, comfort and overall quality of life.With the Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue mask and System One device, patients are guaranteed comfort and results.

Chris Vasta of The CPAP Shop. Family owned and operated since 2003, we are CPAP specialists and our first priority is our customer and their satisfaction. We supply only the top manufacturers apnea CPAP products for sleep therapy including CPAP machines, Respironics CPAP , masks and accessories.

In addition to a doctor likely recommending lifestyle changes such a weight loss, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and certain medications, and keeping a solid and regular sleep schedule, the doctor may prescribe a CPAP machines.While wearing the mask may take some getting used to for both you and your partner, the benefits far outweigh the initial discomfort.A reduction in snoring and tossing and turning as well as an increase in energy can easily be attained through regular use of a CPAP device.

ResMed’s S9 AutoSet device removes the need for a patient to enter constant sleep studies to change the settings on his/her CPAP machine. The AutoSet detects the difference between an open and closed airway and treats them accordingly. During the night, the machine automatically changes the amount of air pressure provided, ensuring the patient is always receiving optimum treatment.In addition, the S9 AutoSet is incredibly quiet, which is convenient for both you and your partner.

Respironics, another CPAP manufacturer, features the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP machines.The device features System One Resistance Control, which through simple settings, instructs the device to compensate for variable resistance characteristics related to different masks.The System One device also delivers the right pressure relief for every breath, catering to the patient’s needs.

By seeking treatment for your sleep deficiencies, your overall health can easily improve, as can the relationship you have with your significant other.No more tossing and turning, no more snoring keeping your partner awake, and no more worries.

Chris Vasta of The CPAP Shop. Family owned and operated since 2003, we are CPAP Resmed specialists and our first priority is our customer and their satisfaction. We supply only the top manufacturers for sleep therapy including CPAP machines, masks and accessories. ]]> http://www.thecpapshop.com/blog/cpap-machines/relationships-involving-sleep-apnea-can-benefit-from-cpap-machines/feed/ 0