CPAP Masks Calgary: A Comprehensive Glossary for CPAP Mask Pa

Purchasing the right CPAP mask seems like a daunting task, but only if you do not know the options available in the market. If you have already figured out the suitable mask for you or are still shopping around, the below glossary will come in handy. It will help you understand the different parts of CPAP masks Calgary for efficient use. Read on.

CPAP Headgear: This part is meant to hold your mask in the right position as it comes with aiding straps that go around the head. For maximum comfort, CPAP headgears are made from flexible soft materials such as silicone or synthetic neoprene. They can come with clip-ons or Velcro fasters for easy attaching to the frame.

Frame: This is the part that holds the CPAP masks Calgary together. It provides a housing for the cushion, holds the tubing connection that finally connects to the headgear. Frames come in different sizes to fit different facial features and also depending on the mask type.

Cushions: Made from gel or silicone, this soft insert goes into the mask frame. It comes into contact with the skin creating an airproof seal. They come in various types and sizes depending on the CPAP mask that you wear.

Nasal Pillows: These cone-shaped inserts are made from the softest materials for maximum comfort. They are placed at the base of your nose to ensure smooth airflow into the nose. They are often made from silicone or gel and come in different sizes to fit your nose.

Chin Strap: These stretchy bands are made from soft materials and aid in keeping your mouth closed as you sleep. Depending on the make, some come with Velcro fasteners while others are seamless. They help people who breathe through their mouths effectively use CPAP masks Calgary.

With continued use, CPAP mask parts become weak and worn out, thus inefficient. The good news is that you can purchase CPAP parts instead of replacing the whole device. Check for compatibility of the parts with your device before purchasing.

Types of Sleep Studies before Using CPAP Devices Toronto

Most people nowadays are not getting adequate sleep for their bodies to work as they should. As such, they battle daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, and a general diminished mental health because of this. Though you might have all the typical sleep apnea symptoms, getting CPAP devices Toronto to improve your sleep quality without a sleep study to make a definitive diagnosis of your condition is unwise. Here are the sleep study types a doctor might use to diagnose sleep apnea.

Polysomnogram

A polysomnogram is conducted overnight at a hospital or sleep center when you are suspected of having a sleep disorder. The test will monitor your sleep stages and cycles to pick disturbances in muscle, brain, and breathing activities that might point to a condition. A polysomnogram is the most common test conducted before prescribing CPAP devices Toronto for managing sleep apnea.

CPAP titration

This test is usually used to assess the severity of hypoventilation and central or obstructive sleep apnea. A medical specialist monitors your breathing, heart rate, brain waves, limb movement, and oxygen levels in CPAP titration. The readings of these aspects are used to adjust the pressure levels of your CPAP devices Toronto to match your condition’s severity.

Split night study

This is often used for patients with severe sleep apnea. It diagnoses the condition then guides the ideal pressure ratings for CPAP therapy so that patients can manage their symptoms within the shortest possible time. A split night study also works best for people who do not want to get a second sleep study to monitor their CPAP treatment response.

With the above studies, managing sleep apnea with CPAP therapy is now easier than in the past. Discuss your options with sleep technologists to ensure the study you undergo has the highest benefits for your condition. This way, you can start waking up refreshed in no time.

Essential Considerations When Buying CPAP Machines for Traveling

When you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a doctor will often put you on CPAP {continuous positive airway pressure} therapy. When traveling, this does not mean that you should stop your CPAP therapy for the few days you will be away. Instead, you should get one of the CPAP machines now available for travel. These are smaller and weigh less than standard machines, and are therefore easier to travel with. Here are the primary considerations when picking a CPAP travel machine.

Climate control

Humidifiers are the most common comfort features used for CPAP machines. They prevent a dry nose or sore throat when using the machines. Humidifiers are particularly useful when going to dry climatic regions. There are travel machines with in-built humidifiers that will reduce your bulk when packing. If you cannot get one, get an external humidifier for your travel machine.

Pressure ranges

The optimal pressure range of your CPAP machine depends on your health and sleep needs. However, most devices are set to 4-20 centimeters of water by default, with ten being the average. Please consult your doctor on your ideal pressure range, then ensure the travel machine you choose can support it.

Ramp alternatives

Travel CPAP machines now have ramp features. With these, the machines can start at low pressures then gradually increase as you fall asleep. This is beneficial when the high pressure ranges that a doctor recommends keep you from falling asleep. The pressure range increases as the night progresses until it reaches the range a doctor recommends to prevent upper airway collapse.

Most patients base their choice of a travel CPAP machine solely on the price and brand name. To ensure a device meets your therapeutic needs, focus on the above aspects when buying it. Most machines have 2-3 year warranties, so if anything fails, you have some time to get a replacement from a manufacturer.

Aspects That Can Worsen Sleep Apnea Symptoms Even When Using CPAP Devices

Thankfully, most people now know that untreated sleep apnea often increases their risk of suffering a stroke and cardiac issues. As such, most are seeking treatment for the condition. The leading treatment approach for sleep apnea is the use of CPAP devices that keep your airway open to ensure you breathe well when asleep. Even so, sleep apnea worsens in some people even with optimal therapy. Below are some of the leading aspects that might worsen your sleep apnea symptoms.

Weight gain

Gaining weight excessively will increase the flab in your throat and might clog your airways. This makes it harder for the pressurized air to keep your airway open and alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Unfortunately, losing weight is not as easy in people with sleep apnea because sleep deprivation often causes them to be inactive.

Alcohol intake

Alcohol will relax your throat muscles and make your palate floppy. In so doing, the airway is more likely to collapse and close when you sleep, leading to an exhibition of sleep apnea symptoms. The pressures needed to keep the airway open after taking alcohol are likely to be higher than what your doctor prescribed for your CPAP devices.

Sleep deprivation

Though sleep apnea affects your sleep quality, the loss of sleep also tends to worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Experts recommend limiting your caffeine intake and avoiding bright screens just before bedtime to combat insomnia. You can also consider seeking medications and other treatment alternatives for insomnia if it is severe.

Having the best CPAP devices for your therapy does not automatically mean that your sleep apnea symptoms will resolve. Be careful to avoid the above issues that might worsen your symptoms and make your therapy a waste. However, if sleep apnea symptoms do not resolve, even after negating the above issues, consult a physician on the best course of action.

Types of CPAP Toronto Cleaners

CPAP machines and their accessories are essential to enable those with sleep apnea to get a good night’s rest. When using them, moisture easily accumulates in the masks, machine and tube. This moisture is a good growth medium for bacteria, mold and other pathogens that can cause different conditions. Therefore, proper cleaning and maintenance should be part of your routine when on CPAP Toronto therapy. Below are the cleaner options available for your machine.

SoClean 2

This is a machine that cleans and sanitizes CPAP water reservoirs, hoses and masks. One of its main attractions is that you need not disassemble your CPAP machine for cleaning when using the SoClean 2 machine. Moreover, the machine uses activated oxygen {natural ozone} rather than water to clean your equipment, meaning a reduced risk of rust in the metallic components of your CPAP Toronto device. SoClean removes about 99% of pathogens in about ten minutes.

Lumin

This uses high-powered UV light to clean your CPAP machine. You only need to place your CPAP machine in the Lumin’s chamber then switch it on. A cleaning cycle gets rid of 99% of pathogens in about five minutes. Unlike SoClean 2 that needs filter replacement every six months, Lumin needs no replacement parts.

Sleep8

Sleep8 uses ozone to sanitize your CPAP Toronto machine. However, the machine is quite small and will take longer than SoClean and Lumin to clean your machine, about an hour. Fortunately, its small size makes it light and easily portable for those who travel frequently with their CPAP machines.

CPAP machines should improve rather than negatively affect your health. Research studies have shown that the machines can take just 48 hours to accumulate a bacteria count above 2000. Inhaling this can cause serious respiratory infections. As such, getting one of the above cleaners is essential for your health.

Health Risks of Sleep Apnea in Women when Not Managed By CPAP Supplies Vancouver

Early health studies concluded that men were at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea than women. In fact, they concluded that women had nine times less risk of getting sleep apnea compared to men. Recent studies have, however, shown that men are only 2 or 3 times more likely to get sleep apnea compared to women. Moreover, physicians have identified menopause, PCOS and pregnancy, common issues in women, as some of the leading risk factors for sleep apnea. Some women assume that their condition is under control and that they do not need CPAP supplies Vancouver. However, below are a few health risks of unmanaged sleep apnea.

Cardiac disease

Women are more prone than men to the heart issues associated with sleep apnea. This is probably because of the high levels of troponin, a chemical associated with heart damage, in women with sleep apnea. Moreover, the autonomic responses that control heart rate and blood pressure are compromised in women with sleep apnea.

Depression

Optimal sleep is essential for mental health. In a recent study, about 50% of patients with sleep apnea who were not using CPAP supplies Vancouver were diagnosed with depression. Females were shown to have more severe cases of depression compared to males probably because of hormonal imbalances.

Obesity

Sleep apnea can contribute to obesity. This is because it limits a patient’s ability to exercise and engage in daytime activities because he/she is almost always tired. In turn, obesity predisposes you to a range of lifestyle conditions including hypertension, diabetes and some cancer types.

CPAP supplies Vancouver might seem like expensive purchases that you do not need. Even so, with the above risks of unmanaged sleep apnea, you cannot afford to live without them. Furthermore, be compliant with the guidelines of their use to guarantee the highest treatment benefits.

Tips for Using CPAP Toronto When You Are Battling Nasal Congestion

Most clients on CPAP therapy will suffer nasal congestion even after they have seemingly instituted all the necessary measures to maximize their comfort when on it. This is often because of common cold, seasonal allergies, and climate changes. Nasal congestion is quite common in the first 6-12 months of CPAP Toronto use. This is because most people with sleep apnea are mouth breathers, and the therapy changes them into nose breathers. This change might uncover allergies and irritate the nose, thus causing congestion. Here are some tactics to help you continue with CPAP therapy when battling nasal congestion.

Ensure proper humidification

The heated humidification of your CPAP Toronto tubing will gently add moisture and warmth to the air from your machine. This increases your comfort when dealing with nasal congestion. This is also very effective for increasing comfort in people taking drugs that dry their airways and those living in dry climates.

Use the right filter

Ensure that you have cleaned a non-disposable filter once or twice weekly to keep it free of irritants. When you breathe in air that is free of irritants, this will minimize your discomfort when dealing with nasal congestion. You can alternatively get a hypoallergenic filter that has a tight weave to significantly reduce the irritants in your CPAP machine.

Try using a full-face mask

If you have a hard time breathing through the nose because it is congested, try switching to a full-face mask. The mask covers your nose and mouth. There is even one with separate nasal and oral components. The full-face mask will ease breathing because you can breathe through the nose and mouth at the same time.

Nasal congestion seems like a credible reason for stopping your CPAP Toronto therapy. Nonetheless, the above tips will minimize your discomfort in CPAP therapy, even when your nose is congested. This way, you will not have to stop your therapy and undo the benefits you have achieved.

CPAP Supplies Montreal: 3 Common CPAP Questions

CPAP therapy is a popular treatment for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). Before you can start the treatment, a sleep study must be conducted to determine the existence and severity of this condition. Once this is done and CPAP therapy is identified as a suitable treatment, the patient must obtain a prescription before the device is issued. Individuals looking for CPAP Supplies Montreal often have different questions concerning these prescriptions. The following are three common CPAP questions and their answers.

Why do I need a prescription?

CPAP machines are categorized as Class II Medical Device and, thus, their distribution requires a prescription. Here are several reasons why it is essential to procure a CPAP device.

1. Without a prescription, insurances will not pay for the device.
2. It is hard to fix the machine appropriately without pressure settings often listed on the prescription.
3. Without a CPAP prescription, it may be hard to treat patients with mixed sleep apnea and need an ASV or a BiPAP machine.

How Do I get a CPAP prescription?

You need a sleep study to obtain a prescription. It can either be an attended sleep study at a sleep clinic or an unattended one at home. A proficient sleep physician infers the results and recommends the device’s pressure settings based on your AHI and lowest percentage of oxygen saturation. The physician can either forward the recommendations to a certified medical specialist or write the prescription to help you order the CPAP Supplies Montreal.

How often do I need a new prescription?

The validity of a prescription depends on the period proposed by the physician while most prescriptions are filled out for a lifetime. If CPAP prescription expires, a new study sleep is necessary to attain a new one.

The first step to acquiring your device is deciding where you want to purchase it. Look for reputable and licensed providers of CPAP Supplies Montreal. The next thing is obtaining a prescription to allow the equipment dealer to dispense your order.

Types of CPAP Accessories Montreal

Suppose you need a CPAP device but have trouble using the device comfortably, or you need more than a typical device for maximum efficiency and comfort. In that case, you can get CPAP accessories Montreal to help you. This blog helps you with some of the most popular accessories. Read on.

CPAP Pillows

If you are a typical side sleeper, using a CPAP pillow will help you achieve more comfort levels. This special pillow is designed such that it provides an allowance of the mask headgear and parts that might end up protruding in the pillow once you turn on either side. This helps you sleep easily and prevents night waking, which disrupts your sleep.

Eyeshields

A majority of CPAP machine users complain and struggle with air leaks that end up causing eye irritation. Often, this problem comes about due to a bad mask fit or style. Since different masks have been designed differently, you can try various brands to see what works best for you. If non seems to offer relief, get eyeshields instead, to prevent the discomfort that comes with CPAP mask related air leak.

Nasal Pads

A majority of new CPAP users experience discomfort when learning and adjusting to wearing of masks every night. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience skin irritation, rashes, and facial sores in the first few weeks. If you are experiencing any of the above side effects, a nasal pad will come in handy to provide comfort during your CPAP therapy.

Travel Briefcase

Your sleep is important, regardless of where you shall be. A special CPAP briefcase has compartments specially designed to accommodate your machine as well as your CPAP accessories Montreal. It not only makes it easy to carry your device around but also keeps them safe from damage.

While it would be best to discuss all of the available CPAP accessories Montreal, this blog post focuses on the essential pieces that are user’s favourites. Ensure to make your CPAP therapy as easy as possible since the sooner you get used to the mask, the better it is for you.

Three Signs You Should Replace Your CPAP Masks Calgary

CPAP masks Calgary can be quite effective in helping your deal with sleep apnea. They can not only make it easier to sleep, but also help your partner sleep better since you will snore less. However, CPAP masks can become ineffective after using them for a longer than they are meant to be used, which is why you need to replace them often. Instead of helping you treat your sleep apnea, they could easily make the condition worse. Ideally, you ought to replace your masks every six to twelve months. If you are wondering whether your masks need to be replaced, here are a few signs that they do:

You Notice Different Results

As mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of your mask will change with time. During the first few months of using it, you will notice consistent results. For instance, you can wake up feeling refreshed, with limited instances of disrupted sleep. However, if you masks become ineffective, you might wake up fatigued. You could actually find yourself waking up a couple of times per night. Changing your masks might help improve the results you observe from using your CPAP machine.

You Wake Up With a Dry Mouth

All CPAP masks Calgary should help keep air leaks at bay. They are designed in a way that will keep any air being pushed into your airway from escaping. However, as a mask gets worn out, it might cause the leakage of this air. This results in a difference in air pressure, which could encourage you to open your mouth at night as compensation. In turn, you could find yourself waking up with a dry mouth.

You Are Getting Uncomfortable Wearing the Mask

Your CPAP masks Calgary should sit comfortably on your skin. The more you wear it, the looser it becomes. You might be forced to tighten it up from time to time, which could result in it exerting too much pressure on your skin. In most cases, this will leave your skin feeling irritated. Purchasing a new mask will ensure you are more comfortable.

If your CPAP mask doesn’t serve its purpose, replace it. In other cases, your machine might stop working effectively because other parts are worn out. Ensure you are constantly inspecting the parts of your CPAP machine for an optimal experience using it.