Travel Blog


Sleep Apnea Machine Pillow

June 7th, 2015 ernie Posted in CPAP No Comments »

The sleep apnea machine pillow is the least intrusive of all of the sleep apnea masks that consumers can use. They all have straps that go around your head and they all will feel uncomfortable for a short period. The pillow mask covers the nose only. It actually is held in place at the end of your nose as shown in the pictures. After a few days of finally getting a good nights sleep you will be so thankful to be using the sleep apnea machine. Just about any mask will be acceptable. There is a major difference based on this users experience with using one of these machines. We want to discuss some of the issues you might consider while you are deciding which mask to use .

Sleep Apnea Machine Pillow or Face Mask

A face mask which can cover your entire face including nose, mouth and eyes is probably the most intrusive and most uncomfortable for obvious reasons. If you happened to be a mouth breather, you may have no choice and will have to wear one of these masks.

If you are the type of person who does not breathe through your mouth, but are uncomfortable with a pillow type of mask on the end of your nose there are masks that fit over your nose and the top lip of your mouth. This also can cause a ridge line on top of your nose.

One of the big advantages of the pillow mask is that there are no marks left on your face from the mask itself. All of the straps that hold all of the masks onto your face will leave impressions on your face. They  will go away in an hour or two. Usually by the time you shower, get dressed and have breakfast these marks are all gone. You need not worry about someone wondering about these impressions.

For our money the pillow mask is by far the best type of sleep apnea mask to wear. For more details about various CPAP masks, click here.

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CPAP Insurance

January 18th, 2013 ernie Posted in CPAP 1 Comment »

CPAP InsuranceOne of the big negatives for many patients regarding sleep apnea is the cost of the CPAP machines. In Canada at least these machines are running around $1200 for the machine. This includes all of the accessories such as hoses and masks, along with a humidifier for the CPAP machine. This is a huge cost for consumers. Many people cannot afford this cost. As a result they just continue to live with sleep apnea. In addition to the corresponding risks associated with not treating it.

Fortunately in Ontario, Canada, the Ontario government kicks in 75% of the cost. Which leaves approximately $400 that the patient must pay for. Unless they have CPAP insurance or their own private health insurance which provides coverage for health devices.

Private Health CPAP Insurance for CPAP machines

If a patient does not have coverage of any kind, they are faced with a $400 cost. Which is much better than the $1200 total cost. However if they do have insurance, these plans will cover approximately 80% of the cost. In this example $320 of the cost. This leaves the consumer with a cost of $80 which is much more affordable for many consumers.

It is really important to investigate just how much you have to pay out of your own pocket vs. what can be covered by other sources. Not everyone has access to health insurance. As a result many people just make the decision to not investigate. They feel that it is going to just cost too much. There are significant consequences to this decision. You have to wonder about how people reach this decision.

Consequences of not Purchasing a CPAP Machine

The consequences include (we are being blunt her to get your attention):

  • Lack of sleep will cause all kinds of accidents which is going to cost you much more
  • Sleep apnea can cause heart attacks
  • Sleep apnea can cause strokes
  • Severe sleep apnea in addition to the above, can cause severe sleep deprivation and organ malfunction

If any of the above occurs, the cost to you and your family is going to be far more than the cost of a CPAP machine even if you have to pay for the entire thing yourself. This cost cannot be measured if you have a heart attack or stroke, lose your job and cannot support your family.

Tax Deductions

The cost of a CPAP machine is tax deductible in most jurisdictions. Although you may not get much back depending on the state or province where you live, it is still something and consumers should always retain receipts and add this to the overall cost of the machine.

How Long Does a CPAP Machine Last

CPAP machines are well constructed and most machines will last a very long time. A neighbor has a machine which he has been using for the past 6 years without any problems. Of course he has had to replace the mask and the hoses several times. These accessories to the main machine are covered under your personal health coverage that you may have. The Ontario government will only cover 75% of the cost of the machine and not the accessories.

The accessories include the hose, the mask, the straps that hold the mal in place and the filter that filters the air before it enters the machine. All of these can be purchased from a health store that specializes in CPAP accessories and the cost claimed to your personal health insurance coverage.

While we are not aware of specifics, consumers should ask if there any support networks available in your area that can provide discounted equipment or financial support for these machines. Every little bit helps and will be appreciated by most people.

Before you make any purchases, investigate what insurance coverage is available to you so that you will know up front what the net cost to you will be and how much will be covered by your CPAP health insurance coverage. For more information about CPAP Insurance issues, click here.

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CPAP Supplies Insurance

December 7th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 1 Comment »

Order CPAP Supplies insuranceThe writer of this post has just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and has submitted his claim for CPAP supplies to his  insurance company. We are waiting for a response to see how much they will pay. My plan is supposed to pay 80% of the cost after the government kicks in its share. It is important to have CPAP supplies insurance as part of your medical insurance since these units are quite expensive. In Canada, they can cost as much as $1200 to $1800 a unit by the time you purchase all of the accessories and the unit itself.

Here is how it works for us here in Ontario Canada. Depending on were you live, you may want to investigate what programs are available to help with the cost of these machines, since they are very expensive. For us here in Ontario a basic machine with all of the accessories is going to cost somewhere around $1200, depending on what CPAP supply store you go to. The Ontario Government, which is where we live will pick up 75% of the cost with the remainder  left to the individual to pay. In my case this amount came to $480. This is still a lot of money and hopefully my CPAP supplies insurance will cover the rest up to 80%.

What do you Do if You do Not Have CPAP Supplies Insurance

Unfortunately, $480 is still a lot of money. For people who are on welfare, who may be unemployed and do not have insurance, it may be out of reach. It is so important to deal with sleep apnea due to the consequences of not getting enough sleep. We happen to think that people who have been diagnosed with this disease need to be able to find a cheaper machine.

We are going to do some more research on this subject, however we want to make sure that people understand the consequences of not using a CPAP machine first. When you stop breathing due to sleep apnea,  your heart rate goes way up and your blood pressure goes way up. Both of these conditions put a lot of pressure on your bodies systems which can cause strokes and heart attacks on people who are far too young to have them. Both can be deadly and debilitating. Pay attention to this issue and try to do something about it.

CPAP Machines are Expensive

The machine itself is the most expensive. You may be able to purchase used machines on Ebay, or one of the other auction sites. I would look for used machines that are being sold by people who have no more use for them. The accessories should be purchased new. I am not sure about you, but I really do not want to use a mask worn by someone else, or use tubing for that matter that has been used.

There are sales from time to time and these may also be helpful. When you purchase a used machine, you will also need someone to adjust it and set it up properly to match your needs. The most significant thing is to set the pressure at the proper level.  There is no need to set it higher than necessary and make it uncomfortable.

CPAP Supplies Insurance Process

The process that we are forced to use here in Ontario is as follows:

  • Participate in a sleep test
  • Get results and prescription for a CPAP machine
  • Visit a home care center and respiratory technician to be fitted
  • Trial period to get used to the machine and make final adjustments
  • Submit claim to Ontario Government(technician will do this)
  • Pay for the balance
  • Submit claim to your Health Insurance  company

This is pretty straight forward, however not everyone can afford to pay the final payment.  Negotiate a lower price if you can, ask for spare parts, confirm amounts for future CPAP supplies. Note that in Ontario, visits to the specialists and the sleep lab are covered by our provincial health insurance. You may have to wait a long time to get your appointment, but at least it is paid for.

Take Care of Your Machine

You can also make sure that your CPAP supplies will last longer by taking proper care of the mask, the straps and the hoses. Keep them clean and protected to avoid them cracking and wearing down over time. The plastic may become brittle and you will need to replace these supplies once they become brittle and begin to crack.

Hopefully this short article will help readers who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. As a user of one of these machines myself, I cannot say enough positive things about the machine. Also the amount of excellent quality sleep that I am now getting. I am not tired anymore during the day and I actually can sleep in the mornings. This is one of the best things that I have done for myself in many years. If you have sleep apnea, don’t wait until it is too late. Get tested and get a CPAP machine if you are diagnosed that you need one. For more information about CPAP topics, click here.

 

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Types of CPAP Masks

October 26th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 2 Comments »

types of cpap masksThere many types of CPAP masks to meet just about everyone’s needs. We all have different size faces, mouth, nose etc. We also all have individual preferences . This leads to several different types of masks in a variety of sizes so that they will fit multiple user’s. The picture on the left shows the main types of masks, which include:

  • A full face mask
  • A nose mask
  • A nasal pillow mask

All have straps attached to them which will fit around your head and hold the mask, whichever kind, tightly to your face. Remember the CPAP machine will supply air pressure. Your CPAP mask must provide a good seal around the mask so that no air escapes.

Types of CPAP Masks

In some cases CPAP patients will need to try several masks before they find one that they are comfortable with. I use the nasal pillow mask which  I like very much. It fits under my nose and has two outlets which fit into my nostrils and provide an air tight seal. A friend of mine who also uses a CPAP machine, prefers a mask that covers his nose instead. Another acquaintance uses the full face mask which covers the nose and mouth. He is a mouth breather and has to use this type of mask. Your respiratory therapist will help you evaluate which mask is best for you based on your sleep study results and your own personal preferences.

Replacing Your Mask

Regardless of which mask you select, they usually need to be replaced every 6 months or so.  They tend to wear out and the plastic becomes less flexible due to body oils etc on the mask. the mask should be washed every day in mild soapy water and the hoses and straps should be washed once per week to keep them clean and to prolong their life.

If you have health insurance most insurance companies will help to pay for these devices and masks as well as the replacement tubing and face masks. Most pay in the range of 80% of the cost, however this can vary quite a bit. Check with your health insurance for details on what is covered.

The First Time Wear a CPAP Mask

You have been prescribed a CPAP and may have some concerns about wearing this mask on your face all night.  One spouse even called her husband Darth Vader when he has his mask on. However the quality and the amount of sleep you get from wearing this mask and using the CPAP machine will be well worth it.

Allow yourself up to a month to get used to wearing it and to get into the routine of preparing the mask , the distilled water for the humidifier and cleaning it in the morning. It may feel weird and uncomfortable in the beginning, however once you have that first good nights sleep you will actually wonder why you waited so long.

Adjust the tightness of the straps so that the mask makes a good seal around your face or into your nostrils in the case of a nasal pillow mask. Too tight and something is going to hurt in the morning. You will also have these marks on your face were the straps touch your face.

Too loose and air is going to escape out the sides of the mask. Not only is this air escaping irritating, there is less pressure on your airways and you may not receive the full benefit that is intended. It should be just tight enough to prevent air escaping, and loose enough so that it does not hurt.

Dry Mouth

I had a really dry mouth the first couple of times I used the CPAP machine. I have a humidifier on my machine and now have turned up the humidity to the maximum and also learned to keep my mouth shut as well. In addition there is a flap in your throat which directs air into your lungs and not into your stomach. Sometimes this flap does not work perfectly and air goes to your mouth which can dry out your mouth a lot. It can be as if there was sand paper in your mouth.

Try to remember to keep your mouth closed all of the time and if you cannot, then you may have to wear a chin strap to hold your mouth closed. If you are a mouth breather then a full face mask will likely be needed.

If the problem persists, then speak with your therapist or doctor to sort out what you should do to avoid a dry mouth.

Bottom line is that using the CPAP machine has vastly improved my quality of life, I am getting a good nights sleep now, I am not falling asleep while driving,  and I am even dreaming at night which I have not done for a really long time. Try it under a doctors direction and I am sure that this CPAP machine will help you too. For more information about CPAP masks, click here.

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CPAP Mask Accessories

October 19th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 1 Comment »

CPAP MaskAs you can see from the picture on the left, there are quite a few CPAP mask accessories to choose from. Sometimes patients have to try several models before they really become comfortable with one of them. CPAP Mask Accessories are not free and they are expensive. Give some thought about which one you will choose.

As a recent user of a CPAP machine, I have initially gone with the nasal mask pillow type of mask. In fact it is really not a mask at all. I find it is the least invasive of all of the masks and it works well for me. Basically it has two small outlets which fit on the front of your nose and held in place by straps that go around your head. So far I have found it pretty good since it allows freedom to speak easily and since I cough a bit, I am coughing normally instead of into a mask.

CPAP Mask Accessories

If you are uncomfortable with a nasal pillow mask, there are other units that actually cover the full nose and only touch your face around the nose. You have the same freedom to use your mouth as before, but there is nothing touching your nostrils. I have not tried this one, but I think I might purchase this one as a backup in case I have a cold or something and cannot breathe through my nose.

The other major mask type is one that covers both the nose and the mouth. It is ideal for people who alternately breathe through their nose and their mouth. Also some people may require this type of mask to give them more perceived freedom around the mouth and nose. Personally this one would not work for me, due to the fact that I cough quite a bit from asthma and allergies.

They all come with straps that will hold the mask to your head and keep it on while you move around at night. It is important to have these straps on tight enough to keep the mask in place as you move around, however you also do not want it so tight that it is uncomfortable. The first night I used my nasal pillow mask, I had it on too tight and my nose hurt in the morning. Since then I have loosened the straps and everything seems to work well now.

Adapting to Wearing a Mask

One friend of mine told me that it took him over a month to get used to wearing the mask and sleeping with it. Another told me it took him a couple of weeks. For me, the first night I wore the mask, I had a really great sleep. In fact it was the best sleep that I had in a long time. This was with the straps too tight and it has only got better since then. My adaptation is taking a much shorter time than my friends, but it really is a personal thing and which mask you end up using.

Personally wearing a mask that covers the entire face would take a longer time to adjust to for me than the nasal pillow mask. The nasal pillow mask is soft and conforms to the shape of my nose very easily. Try several until you find the one that works the best for you to provide you with a good nights sleep.

Resisting a CPAP device

Both of my friends as well as myself resisted even going for the sleep test. In fact it was only at the urging of our wives that we actually went for a test. In my case I also have asthma and the doctor told me that it was critical that I take the sleep test.  My oxygen level was low anyway with asthma and it only gets worse with sleep apnea. I was a strong candidate for both a heart attack as well as a stroke.

Talk to your friends or read some of the posts on this blog about CPAP machines. If you have any of the following you may want to talk to your doctor about having a sleep test:

  • Snoring
  • Gasping
  • Stop breathing
  • Tossing and turning
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Always tired and never rested when you get up in the morning.

Tired All of the Time

Basically with sleep apnea, your sleep is interrupted all night long. I had a sleep disturbance on an average of 39 times and hour which is pretty high and I did not even realize it. I was tired all of the time and would fall asleep almost anywhere.

My friend would fall asleep at the wheel of his car. If you have any of these symptoms, it won’t hurt to have the sleep test and then you will know if you have sleep apnea. It is simple to do. Basically you sleep over at a sleep lab and they monitor you all night long with many probes to assess your quality of sleep and your oxygen level. These results will quickly tell you if you have sleep apnea or not. For more information about Sleep Apnea and CPAP issues, click here.

 

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CPAP Insurance Coverage

October 12th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 3 Comments »

CPAP Insurance Coverage varies a great deal based on were you live and also the insurance coverage that you may have. For example in Ontario, Canada if you are a resident with an OHIP card, the government will pay the first 75% of the cost of a CPAP device.

You are responsible for the remainder. However if you have health insurance through work or personally, you will be covered by the that plan. Usually up to 80% of the remaining cost. In other locations, some governments will cover some of the cost. But many provide no coverage at all. These devices in Canada cost around $1200 just to get started. Then every 6 months you are supposed to replace hoses and masks because they become dirty and they deteriorate. this happens even if you wash them every day which is what you are supposed to do.

CPAP Insurance Coverage – Basic Machines

It is difficult to know what is considered a basic machine. Were I live it includes the CPAP, the humidifier, the hoses and one mask for each person. In some localities they might not include the humidifier as part of the basic machine for the CPAP device. Before you make your purchase following doctors orders, it is a good idea to find out what is covered and what is not covered to make sure that you can afford all of the device components. Also do not let them sell you a bunch of stuff that you may or may not need until you have tried the machine for a while, otherwise you could end up spending more money than needed.

Humidifiers

Most people have told me that this is a must have. Otherwise your nasal passages and mouth are going to get really dry with so much air passing through.  You should use distilled water for the humidifier to avoid any contaminants getting into your lungs. Anyone with allergies or asthma will appreciate the importance of this suggestion.

You add water every day and you clean out the humidifier every day and allow it to dry in the open air. Other wise mold could develop and cause you some problems if breathed into your lungs. The humidifier is a must have and should be considered part of the basic plan.

Data Recording

Some of the better machines have a memory card in them which can be removed and read by your therapist. They use this information to determine of your treatment is sufficient and to monitor how you are using the machine. For me the more information that your therapist has the better.

Apparently it can also be read and sent by email to you or to your doctor as well for assessment. This can save time and avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office.

Mask, hoses etc

the mask and hoses need to be replaced at regular intervals. They will deteriorate over time and also become contaminated with the oils from your skin. The instructions I received were that they should be replaced every six months or whenever something cracks.

A crack will allow air to exit from the system and decrease the therapy that you are receiving, so it is important to replace the hose or mask immediately to ensure that you continue to receive the required therapy.

The mask should be washed in mild soapy water everyday while the remaining components such as the hose and the straps should be washed once a week in warm soapy water. This process helps to not only keep them clean, it also prolongs the life of these parts and saves you money. This can make a big difference to your budget, if you have to pay for this device on your own.

Should You Proceed or Not

You might be thinking that the cost is high and it is not worth it. As a CPAP user. I cannot emphasize enough that getting a good nights sleep will be such a benefit to you that it is worth all of the money. Besides it might also prevent you from having a heart attack or a stroke which are common problems with people who have sleep apnea.

I have talked to many people about CPAP machines and as users of these devices, they all say without fail that it has changed their lives. They no longer snore, they get a good nights rest and they feel much better during the day. They can perform better at work and also during their leisure time.

If you have been prescribed one of these machines by your doctor, go and try it for a month. It might take that long to adapt to it. But you will likely not want to give it up after getting a great nights sleep. For more information about CPAP machines etc., click here.

 

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CPAP for Travel

September 28th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 1 Comment »

CPAP for travelI just got equipped with a CPAP machine and it is also already set up for travel as well. The model I have is shown in the picture and have been using it for 6 weeks now. I am so happy with this CPAP machine that I will travel every where with it. Sure it is another piece of luggage to carry and you must also use distilled water with the humidifier. But it is well worth the hassle to get a good nights sleep. There are some things you can do to make your CPAP for travel more convenient and easy to accommodate. Diet and sleep are linked very closely.

You might wonder why we are including posts about CPAP machines on a diet web site. Well it turns out that if you do not get a slot of sleep then you start to eat more to give you that energy boost during the day when you are fatigued and just need that pick me up. Also when you are tired, you also rest more and do a lot less. Your metabolism declines and next thing you know the pounds are just rolling on. One of the reasons for being so tired is sleep apnea. There are many reasons for tiredness. So regardless of what you do, talk to your doctor and if he thinks you need a sleep test, then do it.

CPAP for Travel by Car and lack of Sleep

CPAP machines are often prescribed for people who have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is described many different ways, but for me who also has sleep apnea, it meant that I would snore really badly, I would stop breathing for awhile until my brain went into panic mode and woke me up. Then I would gasp or snort making it really difficult for anyone sleeping with me or even in the next room.

Another side effect is that you are always very tired. In fact after my sleep study, I was informed that I had a sleep disturbance 39 times on average every hour during the night. How can you ever get a good sleep under those conditions? Well when it came to driving, I would frequently have to pull over and take a nap or get out and walk around until I was re-energized enough to continue driving. This was the result of extreme fatigue from not sleeping enough and not soundly enough. I never even got to the point of dreaming.

This was dangerous since falling asleep at the wheel was a constant worry. But it turns out that I was not as bad as my friend. He apparently has sleep apnea far worse than I do. This guy would fall asleep at the wheel on a regular basis. He would even fall asleep at stop lights and his wife would have to wake him up when the light turned green! Hard to believe, but it is a true story. Now that he has a CPAP machine, he rarely falls asleep at the wheel. Or even during the day any more. CPAP for travel is one of the best things that you bring with you.

Traveling Over Night with your CPAP Machine

As you can see from the picture this particular machine comes with a handy travel case which is easy to pack up and carry. My friend takes him with him wherever he goes. If he happens to forget it for a night, he knows that he is trouble and will have a very difficult time driving.

Most machines have a humidifier built in. Humidity makes it much more comfortable for patients since it keeps your nasal passages open and moisten. If you happen to be a mouth breather it is even more important since your mouth will become extremely dry and uncomfortable. You are supposed to only use distilled water in these machines to prevent calcium build up and other impurities that might be in your tap water from getting into your lungs.

Traveling by Plane

Traveling by plane these days with any kind of liquid is a problem. You can travel with your CPAP machine. However most people should be prepared to purchase distilled water at their final destination to fill their CPAP device. Once you get used to sleeping at night, having a full nights rest and getting used to the machine itself, most people will never be without their machines.

The noise of the CPAP device is very low. In fact it is much lower than even the noise from a small fan set a low speed. Patients will take some time to get used to wearing the mask. Which may take a week or as along as month depending on how adaptable they are. But once you become comfortable with wearing the mask, we are sure you never will be without one of these devices.

I have one now for the past 6 weeks and I am already convinced that I will travel everywhere with it to avoid losing sleep, not to mention other possible side effects such as heart attacks and strokes. If you have been prescribed a machine, don’t hesitate, get one right away. You will be so happy with getting a good nights sleep! If you need more information about CPAP for travel or CPAP in general, click here.

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Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure CPAP

September 21st, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 2 Comments »

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure CPAPContinuous Positive Airflow Pressure or  CPAP for short are small quite machines that significantly improve a persons quality of life. Apparently 4% of men and 2% of women have sleep apnea. They all can benefit from using a CPAP machine.

The picture on the left is a typical machine that comes as two separate units. It contains the CPAP or Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure machine. There is also an attachment that provides humidity to the air as it passes through the machine.

Humidity is very important from a comfort perspective. What it does is adds water vapor to the air as it passes through the machine and into your airways. This water vapor prevents your nasal passages and your mouth from becoming extremely dry during the night. I use a CPAP machine and strongly recommend the humidifier model for your personal comfort. Every night, distilled water should be added to the reservoir. In the morning it should be rinsed out and cleaned. Then left to dry during the day to prevent any possibility of mold developing in the reservoir or in the tubing. Mold is ugly looking. But if you have allergies to mold, then you will want to really make sure the unit is clean. Make sure that no mold is allowed to grow in this environment.

How Does a Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure CPAP Work

And why do you need one in the first place? First of all I am not a doctor, but I am a user of one of these machines and cannot say enough positive things about it. So after reading this material, check with your doctor to see if you even need a CPAP machine. The only way to properly know if you need one is to have a sleep study completed and then the results will quickly tell the doctor what is required.

In my case, I snored very loudly, I stopped breathing and I gasped. I was also very tired almost all of the time because I was not getting enough sleep. In fact my sleep was being disturbed an average of 39 times an hour during my sleep study which lasted all night.

Adding Air Pressure

The Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure machine works by adding air pressure to your airways, which opens them up allowing air to easily pass through them. But more important at the back of your neck, the flesh around the airway relaxes and closes the airway while you are sleeping causing you to stop breathing until the CO2 levels build up in your body and causes the brain to issue a panic mode command causing you to move and begin breathing.  With a CPAP machine, this airway does not collapse and you will continue breathing easily all night.

In addition, I also have asthma and my nasal passages are always a bit swollen. The positive air pressure causes my airways to expand like a low pressure balloon and I can actually take a full breathe easily. For those people who always breathe easy,  try breathing through a straw all of the time and then breath normally and you will get the picture. It makes a huge difference in comfort as well as my sleep!

Keep the CPAP Clean

One of the most important things you can do is keep your Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure machine clean, especially the mask and the hoses. Oils from your skin will build up on the mask or nasal pillows if you are using nasal pillows. Not only is this yucky it also causes the plastic to deteriorate over time as well. I have only had mine for 2 weeks, but apparently they only last about 6 months if you take good care of the mask and the hoses.

Also mold can build up in the mask and the hoses if you do not wash them every week with mild soap and water. If you are allergic to mold, this can be a significant additional problem to avoid.

Reluctance of Patients to Use a CPAP

I have talked to five or six people about CPAP. They were all reluctant to use one of these machines, including myself. However they all tell me as well, that once they started using the machine, they were so happy with the benefits, that will never stop using the machine, even when they travel. My friend takes his CPAP every where he goes on business trips and vacation.

It can take a little time to get used to wearing the machine. There is some discomfort with having this thing on your head and the hose that goes with it. But after a couple of weeks of use, you will quickly find that when you do not wear it, you are so tired etc, that you wonder why you resisted. Your partner will appreciate it from the beginning. NO MORE SNORING! That’s right you stop snoring whenever it is on which most partners really appreciate. The machine is very quiet and causes no more noise that a small fan at low speed!

If you think you might need one of these machines, check with your doctor today and have a sleep study completed. For more information about CPAP machines, click here.

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CPAP Travel Bag

September 14th, 2012 ernie Posted in CPAP 4 Comments »

CPAP Travel BagYour CPAP machine comes with a CPAP travel bag which for some people is a life saver. I just spoke to my neighbor about it. As it turns out he has a CPAP machine similar to the one that I have and he takes it everywhere with him.

Now there is no problem missing your machine for one night for many people. However that is one night you do not get a good nights sleep. That is why my neighbor travels with his CPAP machine all of the time.

CPAP Travel Bag

Depending on the system that you purchase, there will be various bags provided. I have the one on the left in the picture. It holds everything I need, including the machine , the power supply, the hoses and of course the mask. Some people will go with a full mask, however I am using a nasal pillow type of mask which fits over your nose with straps that go over your head to hold it in place. Every thing fits inside the bag and it has a handy carrying strap as well to fit over your shoulder for easy transport.

Sleeping Well While You Travel

Do you remember what you felt like prior to getting a CPAP machine. You may recall how tired you were all of the time and how tired your partner probably was. Personally I would fall asleep every afternoon because I was so tired. This really created a problem when I was traveling on a driving trip. I would have to pull over multiple times during the day to take a nap, because I was so tired. Now with my CPAP machine, I am getting a full eight hours of sleep every night and I am no longer needing that nap during the day!

Driving is much easier as well. I do not get that drowsy feeling settling over me at various times of the day due to fatigue.  As a result, I always will be traveling with my CPAP travel bag and CPAP system.  It only takes a few minutes to set up and presto, you are off to sleep. I cannot believe how well I now sleep with the CPAP machine.

CPAP Mask

Personally I use a nasal pillow type of mask. If you look at the previous post,  CPAP Mask Nasal Pillows, you can see a picture of this type of mask. It is soft and fits comfortably to my nose and is held in place by the straps that go around your head. It is a very small unit and takes little room inside the travel bag.

For me, I much prefer this type of mask compared to the one that covers your nose and mouth. Personally I would find that too restrictive, but it really is a personal preference as to which one you use. A friend of mine is a mouth breather and he requires a full face mask to cover his mouth and nose when he is running the CPAP machine.

Why Should You Consider a CPAP Machine

If you snore loudly, if you stop breathing, or gasp for air, then you probably need a CPAP machine. I did all of those things and was very surprised to learn that my sleep was interrupted on average 39 times an hour. The only way to really tell if you need one of these machines is to arrange with your doctor for a sleep study assessment to determine if you need it and what pressure that you are required to set the machine at.

One night’s sleep test could significantly improve your quality of life and it could also save your life. Apparently people with sleep apnea suffer heart attacks and strokes much more often than people who do not have sleep apnea. If you also have asthma, then there is a a significant increase in those probabilities.  My doctor did not hesitate at all to schedule a sleep apnea test once she correlated asthma with snoring and gasping.

Results of Using MY CPAP Machine

I have only used my CPAP machine for 2 weeks at the time of writing this post, however I can already say that it has made a huge difference in my quality of life. I am sleeping better and longer and my asthma has not bothered me at all. Still it is only 2 weeks, so will need to wait longer to really see all of the benefits, but I would say to anyone reading this post that you should see your doctor right away and get a CPAP machine immediately if you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea.

The improvement in quality of life is phenomenal and I now feel a lot more rested. In fact I will make sure that I always carry my CPAP in my CPAP travel bag where ever I go. It is just too important in my life. I actually love to go to bed now for a good nights sleep! For more information about CPAP machines, masks and travel considerations, click here.

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