CPAP Tip of the Month
March: Teeing Off with Better SleepIf you are one of the millions of people who enjoy playing a round of golf you may be surprised to learn that using your PAP device every night may improve your game. Researching physicians from a New Jersey hospital reported last fall that reasonably good golfers could lower their handicaps by as much as three strokes. They explained that the game of golf has a strong intellectual component that requires on-course strategizing, the ability to focus as well as the need for endurance.
Sleep apnea can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue and cognitive impairment, all side effects that can negatively impact a person's ability to golf to the best of one's ability. The study included 12 male golfers who were diagnosed with sleep apnea and were compliant with wearing their PAP device. Compared to 12 golfers who did not receive treatment for their sleep apnea these "PAP golfers" dropped their average handicaps of 12.4 down to 11.0.
So if the fact that PAP improves your long-term health doesn't motivate you to use it, maybe improving your golf game might! READ MORE ON THIS STUDY back to top
February: Winter Temperatures and CPAP
Winter can be a challenging time for PAP users. The lack of humidity in the dry winter air, combined with PAP usage, can lead to a dry and stuffy nose.
One of the main functions of the nose is to warm and moisten the air you breathe. When you are outside on a cold day, your nose tries its best to warm up and moisturize the cold air before sending it to your lungs. Tiny blood vessels inside your nostrils dilate helping to warm up the air. But that extra blood flow narrows the airway (stuffy nose) and leads to additional mucus production (runny nose).
Similarly, if you are using your PAP machine without a humidifier your nose may react with increased mucus production to compensate for the lack of moisture. This can cause you to wake up with congested, stuffy nasal passages or, worse, bleeding from the irritation.
So, if you aren't using your humidifier, add some distilled water and start using it. If you are using your humidifier, turn up the temperature until these symptoms go away. If you don't have a heated humidifier already, ask your doctor to prescribe one. back to top
January: Nasal or Direct Nasal? How Do I Know Which Interface to Choose?
When your sleep study indicates the need for PAP, the sleep technician is the first person to introduce you to an interface. An interface (or a mask) is what connects you to the PAP device. The information below can help make this first decision in your CPAP journey easier. - A nasal interface covers the area around your nose. One of the challenges of a nasal interface is that air can blow out rapidly if you open your mouth. This can be startling to a first-time user. Remembering to relax and just breathe through your nose will help you fall asleep without problems.
- A direct nasal interface is a good alternative for those who want less material on their face, might be a little claustrophobic or who have tried a nasal mask and are bothered by leaks. The direct nasal interface, or "nasal pillows", is a pair of soft prongs inserted slightly into the nose openings and around the outside of the nares. Patients like this interface because it allows them to wear glasses and sleep on their side more easily.
- A nasal/oral interface is an appropriate choice for those who have difficulty breathing through their nose, such as with a deviated septum, chronic sinus infections, allergies or polyps. A nasal/oral or "full face" interface covers the area from the bridge of the nose down to the area below the bottom lip. This allows you to breathe through your nose or your mouth.
No matter which one you choose, make sure you use it every night. Remember, better sleep leads to better health! back to top
December: Don't Confuse it with Shopping for Shoes!
When a patient is first diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, they may be unaware of how many different styles of CPAP masks they have to choose from. Many want to try on every single mask that the provider has in stock. Is this a good idea? No.
Trying on every mask will never allow you to discover which one will be best for you. So, how do you know?
Your respiratory therapist will ask you questions that will help select the best mask to begin with. Which position do you sleep in? Do you breathe through your mouth due to nasal passage problems? If the mask feels reasonably comfortable in the office, chances are good that it will work for you at night. Your respiratory therapist is experienced with all of the masks and interfaces they carry. Listen to your provider.
How many times have you tried on a pair of shoes, walked around the store only to discover that they weren't as comfortable as you had thought after you've taken them home?
Just like you need to "break" in those new shoes, the same applies for your new mask. The rule of thumb is to wear it every night for at least a month. After a month, you'll have a pretty good idea if the mask is the best one for you. If not, there are many more to try! back to top
November: Should I Use My CPAP If I Have a Cold?Flu and cold season is upon us. People frequently call to ask if they should continue to use their CPAP if they have an upper respiratory tract infection. For many people, continuing to use their CPAP while they have a cold is a comfort. The warm humidified air can help with nasal congestion and ease inflamed nasal passages. For others, cough and nasal secretions make continuing to use CPAP impossible.
Our best advice is to try and use your CPAP. If you are too uncomfortable, discontinue CPAP until cold symptoms improve and then try again. Contact your doctor or CPAP counselor if you have symptoms that last more than seven days and prevent you from using CPAP. More frequent washing of your mask and hose while you have a cold is indicated. We recommend weekly washing on a routine basis, but if you have a cold, it makes sense to wash your mask and hose daily until symptoms resolve. back to top
October: Must "C" TV
Having trouble adjusting to your CPAP mask? Try wearing the mask while watching a movie or sporting event on television. Focusing on the television can actually help distract you from the mask and can work to diminish the new sensations. This technique can help you have success more quickly. This same technique can also work for someone who has been having difficulty getting used to CPAP over a period of time. This approach helps the mind to have a "new experience" and reframe the sensations of CPAP. In a way, it's like starting all over again but this time on the right foot. Remember, it's the actual waking experience of CPAP that takes getting used to; we have no experience of the mask while sleeping. The moment we go to sleep with CPAP we begin breathing normally and sleeping deeply. Experience and the latest studies suggest that finding a measure of comfort with CPAP therapy is easiest done early on when you are new to CPAP. The sensations of the CPAP mask and the flow of air are new sensations that take some getting used to. Whether you are brand new or just "new again", try this simple technique and get the sleep and good health you deserve. back to top
September: The Early Bird Sleeps BestExperience and the latest studies tell us that patients who learn, early on, how to have success with their CPAP therapy will have the best sleep and overall experience with CPAP. Good habits formed early tend to endure. Of course the opposite is also true. Bad habits that are allowed to go on without help or change tend to get worse. For the best sleep, energy and health--spend time early on getting comfortable with and using CPAP. Don't put off getting started or stop if you have difficulties at first. Get all the help that you need up front before habits are formed. Don't wait and tough it out. Take advantage of opportunities that can help you prevent bad habits and create early and long-term success. Keep your regular appointments with the CPAP counselors and respiratory therapists or come in between appointments if you are having problems. They will provide you support and expertise in getting you over any hurdles at the beginning. Try the CPAP Success Group and Sleep Awareness groups for support and education. Getting off on the right foot early on will lead you towards CPAP success, and the successful use of CPAP is positively life changing. back to top
August: Don't Leave Your CPAP at Home!For many of us, the summer season means an overnight trip or two. Even if it's just one night, don't leave your CPAP at home. Recent research has shown skipping even one night of CPAP can bring a return of excessive daytime sleepiness. Below are some CPAP travel tips. When flying out of town, ease the boarding process by taking along a letter from your physician stating that your PAP is a medical device and can be carried onto the plane. In addition, go to the Department of Transportation's website at dot.gov and print out "Steps Taken to Ensure New Security Requirements Preserve and Respect the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities" fact sheet. This may help expedite the security process. If you are traveling outside the United States, most PAP models automatically convert to the electrical current in your destination; however, ensure that you bring along a plug adapter appropriate for the country you are visiting. In all cases, always check your unit manual to be sure your device can handle international current. Many international airlines have seats available with electrical outlets. This will allow you to use your PAP device for longer or overnight flights. For those of you that are campers, or spend time on your boat, there are battery operated machines available. Some PAP machines can be plugged into a cigarette lighter with the proper adapter. Check your unit manual to see which kind of adapter you will need. Unfortunately, because it is considered a luxury item, the adapter is not covered by insurance. Enjoy your summertime travel! back to top
July: When is a Leak not a Leak? When you think you have a leak, sometimes what you are really experiencing is the exhalation port of your mask expelling air. Leaks are frequently a major complaint heard in PAP therapy. New patients starting on PAP therapy often confuse the air coming out of the front of the mask with a leak. All PAP interfaces, whether it be a mask (both nasal and full) or nasal pillow device, have an exhalation vent in order for the expired air to be pushed out of the system. Without this vent, you would end up breathing in your exhaled air, which contains a high level of carbon dioxide. So, even if it sounds loud or your bed partner complains of it blowing in their face, never block this exhalation vent. back to top
June: Can CPAP Improve Your Love Life?
Many patients report that their relationship with their significant other improves after sleeping more soundly as a result of treatment of sleep apnea with CPAP. Partners of CPAP patients experience the positive effects that CPAP treatment can offer as well. After years of being awakened by their bedmate's snoring, gasping for breath or flailing in the bed, they were able to return to the bedroom they once shared as a couple. Even spouses that expressed difficulty adjusting to the noise of the CPAP device admitted that it was still better than being awakened by the heavy sounds of snoring. Knowing you are improving the sleep and health of those who mean the most to you in addition to improving your own health is great motivation to continue your CPAP use. Your better-half will thank you! back to top
May: April Showers Bring Fragrant May Flowers......But for those suffering from allergies, spring can be a season filled with sneezing, itching and coughing. Being a PAP user has its own set of challenges which include trying to keep from sneezing or coughing while wearing your PAP device. Not only do allergies affect overall sleep quality, they increase the restriction in your nasal passages which makes it even more difficult to breathe through just your nose. What can you do to lessen the effects of the season? Along with an array of anti-allergy medicines, using an allergy filter along with the normal filter can help. The allergy filter is usually made from the same ultra fine material as a hospital grade high efficiency particle (HEPA) filter and is designed to collect much smaller particles. It blocks microscopic spores from being drawn into your PAP device and ultimately into your nose. Ask your PAP provider for one that fits your specific PAP device. These filters are not washable and must be replaced when they become discolored. During heavy pollen times they may need to be replaced more frequently than every few months. Talk to your PAP provider for other ways to help you battle seasonal allergies so that you, too can look forward to the springtime. back to top
April: Take it Here, Take it There...Take it Anywhere! Did you know that traveling to different altitudes can require a greater PAP pressure? Some CPAP/Bi-Level units will automatically adjust the pressure while others need manual adjustments before and after traveling. Your patient manual for your unit should outline this information and guide you to making the right adjustment for the correct altitude needed.
Traveling outside of the US shouldn't be a problem for PAP users either as most models automatically convert to the electrical current. Just bring along a plug adapter. In all cases, always check your unit manual to be sure. Flying? Most international airlines have a number of seats available with outlets. This will allow you to use your PAP device for longer or overnight flights.
For those of you that are campers, or spend time on your boat, most units today have 12-volt battery capability using an inverter and/or a cigarette lighter adapter. Check your unit manual to see which kind you will need. Unfortunately, because this is considered a luxury item, the adapter is not covered under insurance. Even if you are only going away overnight, always take your PAP with you. Why deprive yourself of a safe and restful sleep?
back to top
|