While a 4-week trial can help address initial concerns, the need for a reliable support network becomes even more critical once the trial period concludes and you've invested in your own CPAP machine.
At CPAP Victoria, we understand the challenges people face when starting CPAP therapy. We recognise that ongoing support is crucial for the long-term success of treatment. Our commitment extends beyond the trial period, offering continuous assistance and guidance to ensure optimal therapy outcomes.
Navigating the intricate world of CPAP therapy involves more than just using a machine. The proper setup of equipment and choosing the right mask can significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment. Our team of trained CPAP Consultants is dedicated to guiding you through this process, providing personalised advice to enhance your comfort and compliance.
To ensure that your CPAP machine continues to deliver optimal therapy, regular check-ups are essential. We encourage yearly machine checks conducted by our experienced consultants. This proactive approach allows us to identify any potential issues early on, ensuring your equipment operates at peak efficiency.
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, your CPAP machine may require repairs. At CPAP Victoria, we offer a seamless warranty process to minimise disruptions to your therapy. In the event that your machine needs repairs, we provide a free trial machine loan. This ensures that you can continue your therapy without any interruptions, emphasising our commitment to your well-being.
Beyond our extensive support services, CPAP Victoria operates across 13 clinics, available six days a week. Whether you prefer assistance over the phone, through email, or in-person at our clinics through scheduled appointments, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the entire lifespan of your machine. With CPAP Victoria, you can trust that we'll be by your side, committed to ensuring your CPAP success.
In the world of CPAP therapy, having a strong support network is not just beneficial; it's imperative. CPAP Victoria goes beyond the conventional trial period, offering continuous guidance and assistance to individuals navigating the complexities of CPAP therapy. With our dedicated team of CPAP Consultants, yearly machine checks, and seamless warranty support, we strive to empower you on your journey to better sleep and improved overall health. You don't have to face the challenges of CPAP therapy alone – CPAP Victoria is here to support you every step of the way.
Enquire about our 30 Day Risk-Free CPAP trial
Call us now for a consultation. 1300 750 006
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The physical design of the AirSenseTM 11 exhibits a sleek and refined appearance compared to its predecessor. While both machines prioritise user-friendliness, the AirSenseTM 11 introduces a more modern interface with a larger, high-resolution colour touchscreen for intuitive navigation.
A significant leap lies in the connectivity department. The AirSenseTM 11 integrates with ResMed’s MyAir app, offering users enhanced features such as:
Personal Therapy Assistant This includes in-app videos and troubleshooting guides to take away the overwhelming process of starting therapy.
Test Drive This allows users to test their mask seal at different pressure settings.
Care Check-In These check-ins give users the option to provide regular feedback on how they are feeling about their therapy.
The AirSenseTM 11 comes with built-in cellular technology, allowing it to receive remote software updates. This ensures users can access the latest ResMed technology from the convenience of their own home. These updates might bring new features aimed at helping users stay comfortable and committed to their therapy for the long term.
In alignment with an increasing emphasis on sustainability, the AirSenseTM 11 introduces eco-friendly features, notably incorporating a 65 Watt power supply as opposed to the AirSense 10's 90 Watt power supply. This environmentally conscious design not only benefits the planet but also contributes to potential savings on your electricity bill.
The ResMed AirSenseTM 11 represents a significant evolution in CPAP technology, building upon the foundation laid by the AirSenseTM 10. With its refined design, enhanced therapy features, improved connectivity, and environmental considerations, it stands as a testament to ResMed’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design in sleep apnoea therapy.
In the end, the choice between the AirSenseTM 10 and AirSenseTM 11 may hinge on individual preferences, with the AirSenseTM 11 offering a more modern experience and advanced features for those seeking the latest in CPAP technology.
Call us now to enquire. 1300 750 006
]]>However, even with the new technology, people still have CPAP therapy side effects. These problems can be prevented if the CPAP user learns about the problems that may occur. Some of the most common side effects of CPAP therapy are: effects on the esophagus; gas in the stomach; congestion and sinus infection; dry mouth; mask discomfort; too much noise; and tendency to pull off the mask while sleeping. Below are two of the side effects.
Effects on the Esophagus
As reported by users, the most common esophagus side effects are acid reflux, vomiting and nausea. These side effects are due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), where the muscles at the end of the esophagus do not properly close, thereby allowing the content of the stomach to flow into the mouth or throat. Due to the continuous high pressure delivered by CPAP, GORD can be aggravated. This happens when the CPAP high pressure air is swallowed into the esophagus. This opens the muscular valve of the esophagus, allowing the air to flow into the aerophagia (stomach) to flow back from the source. All is not lost though as treating GORD will prevent the flow of air to the user’s stomach, which effectively stops the vomiting and nausea.
Managing the negative consequences is easy enough.
Gas Bloating
Air in the stomach is very uncomfortable and at times quite painful. This condition is called aerophagia and is very common experience for CPAP users. The discomfort usually goes away but for some, it does not if they have GORD. The solution is to switch to a BiPAP machine and make sure that there is no air leaking through the mouth. It is also advisable to switch to either a nasal mask or pillow mask. It will also help if a user trains himself to sleep with his tongue in contact with the back of his front teeth and the mouth’s roof. This will help keep the air in the upper airway and prevent the user to swallow air.
Next we will discuss the other problems and their solutions to side effects of CPAP therapy. Meantime, if you have questions regarding CPAP therapy please call us anytime.
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CPAP Claustrophobia Explained
CPAP claustrophobia is a natural occurrence at the beginning of a patient’s CPAP treatment. The patient may seem to struggle to breathe each night while undergoing therapy. This causes the production and circulation of adrenaline or stress hormones through the patient’s body. It is therefore necessary to eliminate or clear the stress hormones out of the patient’s system. Is this possible while one is wearing a CPAP mask that actually triggered the patient’s claustrophobia?
There are certain fears that could lead to CPAP claustrophobia. A person who is troubled with the idea of something on his face might have trouble sleeping with a CPAP mask on. A person who thinks that it is possible for the head strap of a CPAP machine to strangulate him would definitely have a problem sleeping with a CPAP mask on. The diminished vision line when a mask is worn could also trigger fear of sleeping with a CPAP mask on. The weight of a CPAP mask may be worrisome for some, while there are those that feel they cannot breathe when they tried on a CPAP mask.
Ways to Diminish CPAP Claustrophobia
It is possible to diminish or eliminate CPAP mask use-related anxiety and claustrophobia by observing certain practices.
Use CPAP mask that are vented as this is a sure protection against asphyxiation. A full face CPAP mask without any vents could cause the build-up of carbon dioxide inside the mask as the patient breathes out during therapy. The exhaust vents are designed to eliminate carbon dioxide more so when the CPAP machine turns off due to power failure. In the event that the exhaust vents are blocked while the patient sleeps, his natural body reflexes will prod him to open his mouth, and move to take the mask off.
It is best to think that a CPAP machine and mask is really pushing air into the patient and not the other way around. Using it on a daily basis will eventually diminish a patient’s fear of using a CPAP mask. Another way of adjusting to a CPAP mask is to wear it during the day, and practice breathing through the mask as one reads or relaxes.
A full face CPAP mask causes CPAP claustrophobia. In this case, using a nasal pillows or nasal masks is a better option. However, not every OSA patient will find a nasal mask effective more so if the patient is a mouth breather during sleep.
It is also to his benefit if a patient learns to accept that CPAP therapy is a necessity to improve his quality of life. The idea is to persevere with the CPAP therapy even if hurdles are met during initial use. It takes time to get used to CPAP therapy. In no time at all, a patient will eventually adapt to CPAP therapy and mask!.
Call us now!
]]>Traditional CPAP machines have been around for decades, and while they're effective in treating sleep apnea, they can be cumbersome and difficult to use. However, with advances in technology, smart CPAP machines have emerged that offer a range of benefits, including remote monitoring and smartphone app integration.
Smart CPAP machines offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing healthcare providers and sleep specialists to track patients' therapy progress without the need for in-person appointments. This remote monitoring is made possible through wireless connectivity, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Some smart CPAP machines even have cellular capabilities, allowing for real-time data transmission from the machine to the provider.
Remote monitoring offers several advantages, including:
Increased convenience: Patients can receive feedback and guidance from their healthcare providers without the need for in-person visits, saving time and travel expenses.
Improved adherence: With remote monitoring, healthcare providers can quickly identify any issues that may be affecting therapy adherence and provide timely intervention.
Customised treatment: Remote monitoring allows for personalised treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's needs.
Smart CPAP machines can also be paired with smartphone apps, allowing patients to monitor their sleep data, adjust their machine settings, and receive personalised coaching tips. Some popular CPAP machine apps include:
Lowenstein prisma APP: This app offers a range of features and functionality for Lowenstein Prisma CPAP machine users, and can also be paired with Apple Watch for added convenience and control.
ResMed myAir: This app offers users access to personalised sleep data and coaching tips.
Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle: This app tracks therapy data, provides personalized coaching, and offers a remote control functionality.
Philips Respironics DreamMapper: This app allows users to track their sleep data and view personalised feedback and coaching tips.
The advantages of smartphone app integration include:
Enhanced therapy: Patients can track their sleep data and make adjustments to their CPAP machine settings to optimise their therapy.
Improved adherence: Smartphone apps offer reminders and coaching tips to help patients stay on track with their therapy.
Greater convenience: Patients can easily access their sleep data and therapy information from their smartphone, making it easier to manage their treatment on-the-go.
Smart CPAP machines offer a range of benefits over traditional CPAP machines, including remote monitoring and smartphone app integration. These features offer enhanced therapy, improved adherence, and greater convenience for patients, as well as personalised treatment plans and real-time monitoring for healthcare providers. If you're currently using a CPAP machine and want to upgrade to a smart CPAP machine give us a call today 1300 750 006.
]]>Choosing the Right Mask
There are four general categories of masks available in the market today and they are:
Caring for the CPAP Mask
It is best to clean your CPAP mask every morning, after a night’s therapy. It is important to remove the oil left in the mask through skin contact. It is best to use warm water and baby soap or shampoo to clean the mask. Do not use soaps with lotion and antibacterial soap as they will break the mask’s silicone cushion, and coat the mask causing it to lose its seal. Before using the CPAP mask, make sure to clean your face to improve the mask’s seal.
Replacing CPAP Mask
It is recommended to replace the mask cushion every 3-6 months. After every 12 months, the whole mask system should be replaced. Mask cushions usually deteriorate in about 6 months of regular use as they become too soft to effectively hold a seal. The strap of the headgear also loses its elasticity that you must progressively tighten it more to achieve an efficient seal. When the mask’s seal is compromised, air leaks happen, thereby reducing the efficacy of the CPAP therapy. Replacement parts are available at CPAP Victoria.
]]>Light effects the natural bodily processes that lead to you feeling drowsy and going to sleep at night as well as those that cause you to remain alert and wakeful during the day. This blog post examines some of the ways that light can either disrupt or repair your natural healthy sleep cycle. Wearable light emitting glasses are discussed as some of the easiest and most reliable therapies for repairing disrupted circadian rhythms. Understanding your own sleep cycle and how light therapies work can be the first step in improving the quality of your sleep.
The circadian rhythm is often referred to as your ‘internal body clock’. It is a cyclical biological process that drives and regulates your 24-hour sleep-wake rhythm. The term derives from the word circa, meaning ‘approximately’, and diem, meaning ‘day’, because the circadian rhythm repeats approximately every 24 hours.
Light is one of the factors which impacts on your circadian rhythm. The absence or presence of light hitting the retina causes signals to be sent to an area in the brain called the hypothalamus. From there signals are sent to the pineal gland which causes the secretion of either the hormones cortisol or melatonin into the circulatory system.
These two hormones play a major role in both healthy and disordered sleep habits. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal system and plays a role in keeping you alert and active during the day. Melatonin on the other hand has been called the ‘sleep hormone’ and causes you to become drowsy when its levels in your body peak. Typically, melatonin levels begin to increase in your body towards the end of the day, peaking around midnight and then dropping off rapidly towards the morning. It is this waxing and waning of melatonin, driven by your circadian rhythms, that causes you to become drowsy and sleep during the night and naturally wake during the day.
Light can impact on your circadian rhythm and sleep cycles, for better or worse. Usually daylight has the effect of triggering a suppression of melatonin, allowing you to wake and be alert during the day. As the sun goes down and the light dims, this naturally triggers melatonin release which is part of the process of becoming tired and going to sleep at night. However artificial light that is not in synch with the natural day-night cycle can interfere with your circadian rhythms and disrupt your sleep. For example, research has found that artificial light from e-book readers caused a delay in the time it takes to fall asleep compared to reading a regular non light emitting book.
For those people who have difficulty getting to sleep at night, good sleep hygiene would often include avoiding artificial light from electronic devices close to bedtime as this can disrupt your circadian rhythm and melatonin levels and deteriorate the quality of your sleep.
However, light can also be used to repair disrupted sleep cycles. For example, when your patterns of healthy sleep are impacted on by jet lag, shift work, or if you are suffering from insomnia, the exposure to bright light at certain times of the day can return you to a normal healthy sleep pattern. Natural light can be used to regulate your sleep cycle. However light boxes have also been employed to regulate sleep habits. More recently, wearable light emitting glasses, discussed below, have proven highly effective in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Exposure to bright light in the morning can be thought of as tricking your body into thinking it has already consumed a significant portion of daylight, bringing forward your circadian sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to around 60 minutes of bright light shortly after waking can result in you waking earlier in the morning over time. This can be useful for people with sleep onset insomnia or a delayed body clock, who have difficulty falling to sleep at night and problems with waking overly late in the morning.
However, exposure to bright light in the evening will have the opposite effect. This perhaps can be thought of as tricking your body into thinking that the day is being extended, pushing your circadian sleep-wake cycle back, resulting in later waking the following day. This can be useful for people who have a body-clock that is set overly early. These people may have problems with drowsiness and falling asleep too early in the day, but then wake very early the following morning. In these cases, exposure to around 60 minutes of bright light in the evening just before bedtime can result in pushing your sleep-wake cycle back allowing you to sleep and wake up later, over time.
Light therapy can also be useful for situations when a person’s lifestyle either requires a changed sleep cycle or causes an unwanted sleep cycle, for example in the cases of jet lag or shift work. Usually, light therapy is most effective when used on consecutive days over a period of time. The length of time required can be discussed with your doctor or a sleep consultant.
Research has also found that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be responsive to light therapy. Seasonal Affective disorder is a condition in which people suffer seasonal related depressive symptoms. Typically, this occurs in the winter and has been associated in part with the reduced sunlight occurring over the winter months. Some light therapy devices can be used in the mornings to help to treat SAD and reduce these depressive symptoms.
Light therapy can simply involve getting up earlier than usual and going to a brightly lit environment. Light boxes have also been employed to increase bright light exposure.
However light boxes can be inconvenient to use as they require a period of time-consuming restricted movement which can discourage people from adhering to the therapy.
More recently, portable wearable optical light devices have overcome many of the obstacles associated with the use of light boxes. For example, the Re-Timer is a pair of glasses frames which emit light over various different frequencies into your retina. Because these devices are lightweight, portable and don’t have lenses or obstruct your vision, they can be used when going about your daily activities. For example, 60 minutes of light therapy in the morning can be achieved by wearing the Re-timer ‘glasses’ while still going about your usual morning routine of getting ready for work or preparing and eating breakfast.
The Re-Timer is the product of Australian and international research and has been found to be effective in adjusting the body-clock so that the wearer can achieve an earlier, or later sleep-wake cycle, depending on their needs.
When we fall asleep easily and wake feeling refreshed in the morning, it can be easy to forget that there are a number of complex biological processes that need to be working properly to create and sustain a natural healthy sleep cycle. If you are a person who suffers from insomnia or has a sleep cycle that is out of synch with your preferred lifestyle, achieving balanced circadian rhythms and a healthy sleep-wake cycle can be an elusive goal.
Understanding how light impacts on your circadian rhythms can be the first step to improving the quality of your sleep. If you are interested in a light therapy such as the Re-Timer, or are interested in getting a better understanding of how light therapy could benefit you, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with one of our consultants at CPAP Victoria today.
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As you fall asleep, the muscles in your throat and upper airways can relax so much that your airways can partially or completely close. This can lead to snoring or even an obstructive sleep apnoea- an episode of choking. This choking or sleep apnoea can happen up to hundreds of times an hour, leading to a poor quality of sleep and exhaustion on waking. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnoea. The CPAP machine and mask provide a gentle positive airway pressure which keeps your throat and upper airways open during sleep, allowing users to have an uninterrupted great quality sleep and to wake feeling refreshed.
While many people take to CPAP therapy easily, others do struggle to get used to the CPAP machine and mask and this can lead to low levels of use or a failure to get the full benefits from the therapy. If you are a CPAP user who is still struggling to get used to using a CPAP mask and machine, what can you do?
There are a number of different reasons that some people take longer than others to get comfortable with their CPAP therapy. One of the most significant issues that can make it difficult to fall asleep easily when using CPAP therapy is the lack of comfort with the mask. If this is the case for you, check with one of our consultants and let them know exactly what it is that causes the discomfort. They will be able to suggest a mask that may be a good solution. Is it soreness on the ridge of the nose? the volume of air being vented? or the obstructive feeling arising from wearing the mask? If it is the obtrusive bulkiness of the mask that is keeping you awake, switching to a nasal mask may be a good solution, provided you breathe easily through your nose at night. A nasal mask can be less obtrusive and much easier to get used to than a full-face mask. They also have less mask to face contact area, reducing the likelihood of mask air leak. Many of the newer masks such as the ResMed n30i, the Philips DreamWear UTN, or the Fisher & Paykel Evora are designed to sit just under your nose instead of enclosing your nose like the older masks. For those people troubled by soreness on the ridge of the nose caused by the older style of mask, these under the nose (or utn) masks can provide a much more comfortable therapy.
A noisy machine or mask can be another reason why some people take longer than others to get used to CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine is not silent. However, when working properly the newer CPAP machines and masks should be largely quiet. One of the biggest causes of CPAP related noise is air leaking from the mask. When the seal between your face and the mask is broken, air leaks out and this can give you the sense that the machine is ‘blowing a gale’ and sounding like a gale too! Often CPAP users will want to reduce the pressure of their machine to solve this problem. However, simply refitting the mask is usually all that is required. This can eliminate the noisy air leak along with the feeling that the machine is blowing at too high a pressure. This can allow you to easily get back to sleep again. To re-fit your mask, turn the machine off and then on again to return it to a low air pressure. Then pull the mask away from your face and let it fit back on, as the masks are designed to create a seal when the pop back on to the face. Then gently tighten the straps without overtightening, to stop any remaining leak.
Keeping your CPAP machine updated can also help with the ease and comfort of use. Some people found that breathing out against the incoming air delivered by the older CPAP machines could be hard to adjust to. Newer CPAP machines have a feature called expiratory pressure relief (EPR) or Flex that will synchronize the air pressure to your breathing patterns. This allows the air pressure to ease off slightly as you breathe out and return the pressure slightly as you breathe in, making the overall experience more comfortable and easy to adjust used to.
If the pressure of the incoming air continues to cause discomfort and discourage your CPAP use, a BiPap or VPAP machine may provide an even further level of comfort and ease. BiPap and VPAP are two different names for the same type of machine. These are machines that provide variable or bi (two) different levels of air pressure, one for inhalation and another for exhalation. These machines are typically far more comfortable and easier to get used to than a regular CPAP machine. While some BiPap machines are reserved for specific respiratory conditions, others such as the DreamStation BiPap auto or the ResMed Lumis S100 can be used by anyone who usually uses a CPAP machine or has received a regular diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. If the pressure of the air being pumped by your CPAP machine is causing you discomfort and keeping you awake, it may be worth talking with a CPAP consultant about the possibility of using a bi-level VPAP/BiPap machine. A prescrition from a specialist is essential for VPAP/BiPap therapy.
Research has also found that the very initial period of making healthy lifestyle changes can be difficult to get through because the benefits of the healthy change may not yet have become apparent. This is the case from beginning jogging or yoga to dietary change and is also the case with beginning CPAP therapy too. In these situations, positive feedback on your healthy lifestyle change can provide great motivation to continue. For example in some cases, choking episodes or apnoeas could have been happening as many as a hundred times an hour before CPAP use, but drop dramatically to below 5 in the first week of CPAP therapy. This can happen even before you feel the full benefits of CPAP use in terms of improved quality of sleep. So, asking your CPAP consultant to let you know how your apnea levels have reduced during CPAP use can be a great motivator to get through the initial learning period.
If you have tried many of these things and still struggle, in some cases speaking to your sleep physician about temporary use of a sleeping pill to help get off to sleep can be enough, just to get into the habit of CPAP use.
With a little perseverance and help from our CPAP consultants, most people will arrive at a place of comfort and ease in their CPAP therapy. Many of our patients report that after a few weeks of not quite getting used to CPAP therapy, they eventually become so comfortable with their CPAP mask that they wake one morning thinking that they must have taken their mask off, only to discover it is still on! If you are having any difficulty getting the full benefits from your CPAP machine and mask, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our CPAP consultants today!
]]>Spring can be a time when airborne respiratory viruses left over from Winter and the increased Spring allergens in the air can make the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices a little trickier for some people. Both winter and spring have been associated in some cases with higher apnea levels. Dr. Walter at the Monash Institute of Medical Research has suggested that this may be because both the flu and hay fever can lead to a slight inflammation in the tonsils which increases obstruction in the airways during sleep. Being aware and treating the complications that hay fever and the flu can cause those with OSA, can increase the likelihood of you continuing with good quality CPAP therapy and a great sleep in the Spring months.
In Australia, the higher levels of pollen in the air in Spring and Summer also lead to an increased occurrence of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever affecting about 18% of the population. Complications of untreated allergic rhinitis are similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea with symptoms including sleep disturbance, daytime tiredness, headaches and poor concentration. Furthermore, the congestion or runny nose arising from these conditions can make it difficult to use a CPAP mask and this is especially the case for those using a nasal or nasal pillow CPAP mask.
For those who have difficulties with CPAP use in the spring due to asthma or other allergy-related respiratory disturbances, there are several things you can do to make your sleep, your life, and your CPAP therapy a little easier. If you are allergic to grass pollen, the Australian Society of Clinic Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends avoiding being outdoors on high pollen days and avoiding going out during or just before thunderstorms when the high winds will stir up pollen in the air. Nasal sprays from the chemist are also a great way to clear up nasal congestion before putting on your CPAP mask. However, prolonged and ongoing use of certain nasal sprays can lead to tissue damage inside the nose in some cases. Some nasal sprays also contain corticosteroids and long-term use can cause nosebleeds, or headaches, and other side effects. So, you should always consult your doctor regarding the use of products. Natural methods of nasal decongestion such as saline solution nasal sprays can also be useful and can be used on an ongoing basis. For some people, immunology can also be effective in creating long-lasting improvements in allergy-related symptoms. However, it is always essential to consult your GP regarding these treatments.
Another simple trick for those who find the use of a nasal CPAP mask difficult due to nasal congestion is to have a full-face mask (mouth and nose) in store for those surprise nights where you just can’t breathe through your nose. Yes, the full-face masks are a little bulkier. But for many people, this is far preferable to not being able to use the CPAP mask at all until your nose clears. In cases of mild congestion in the nasal passages, essential oil vapour can clear your airways and help to solve the problem too. Essential oils such as eucalyptus oil should never be put in the water chamber of your CPAP machine because these oils can damage your CPAP machine and cause your water chamber to leak. However, there are products such as the Vapour Clear which use essential oils on a small pad placed just outside of the CPAP machine’s air inlet. In this way, the vapours from the essential oil can be breathed in, to clear your nasal passages without causing damage to the machine or water chamber.
If you are unsure about how an allergy or cold may be affecting your CPAP therapy, it is always a good idea to speak with your GP or one of our helpful CPAP consultants! So, although some additional challenges come with spring, there are several ways you can overcome these difficulties and continue with effective CPAP therapy and a great night’s sleep! Plus, one benefit that all CPAP users can look forward to with the warmer weather is saying goodbye to all that condensation in the mask and tube that can happen in the colder winter months!
Written by;
Cameron Tyler Ph.D.
]]>The study was led by Dr. Quentin Lisan and conducted at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center. Dr. Lisan said that the benefit was sustained even after factoring the usual co-morbidities of sleep apnoea such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Previous studies regarding the connection between CPAP therapy and longevity was not established since those clinical trials were simply too short. Based on this recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery journal, longevity benefit only appears from six years onwards of CPAP therapy.
According to sleep medicine expert Dr. Clete Kushida of Stanford University, sleep specialists across the globe find some difficulty in persuading obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients to use CPAP devices. The result of this study will help doctors convince patients with sleep apnoea not to hesitate at the idea of undergoing CPAP therapy wearing a mask on a nightly basis, and probably for the rest of their life. Dr. Kushida said that in the USA alone, there are over 55 million Americans aged 40 and above who snore and suffer nighttime awakenings due to OSA. As supported by previous researches and clinical studies, untreated sleep apnoea leads to a higher risk of patients developing co-morbidities such as stroke, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and more.
CPAP is the leading remedy for obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring. However, can this treatment really extend the life expectancy of users?
The French team sourced their respondents from the U.S. National Institutes of Health data base. The said 1990 data base is comprised of over 6,400 Americans who are 40 years old and older. Monitored by the US institute for decades, Dr. Lisan and his research group chose 392 severely obese OSA patients from the data base, of which four over five of the participants were male. About 81 of these patients used CPAP for more than 11 years, while the remaining 311 patients did not. The French study proved that CPAP users of more than 1 years cut their odds of dying by two-thirds, as compared to non-CPAP machine users. This is definitely good news to obese OSA patients. Dr. Lisan and his group told concerned sleep doctors and therapists that CPAP therapy should be encouraged and pursued to obese patients.
According to Staten Island University Hospital’s Dr. Homere Al Mountran, the new findings reiterate a published sleep study published in The Lancet. This study monitored over 1,600 OSA patients for more than 10 years. Director of Center for Sleep Medicine’s Dr. Steven Feinsilver said that the latest data regarding the connection between long-term CPAP use and long life for patients adds credence to the established fact that obstructive sleep apnoea is a public health issue, and that CPAP therapy is the leading treatment for such.
]]>A person with OSA has a narrow airway or a collapsed airway during sleep. This condition causes the oxygen level to decrease, triggering the brain to briefly nudge the sleeping person to wake in order to re-open the collapsed airway. This event happens hundreds of time during sleep, not only disrupting the person’s sleep but also increases the body’s stress that could lead to co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart attack.
How CPAP Machine Works
CPAP machine operates by blowing air into a person’s throat through a mask. The air pressure is so adjusted as to prevent the airway from collapsing or narrowing. Some of the major benefits of undergoing CPAP therapy are uninterrupted nighttime sleep, decreased daytime sleepiness and fatigue, lower blood pressure, improved concentration and focus, decreased risk of heart attack and stroke, and more.
Here some of the important things to consider to maximize CPAP use and lifespan.
CPAP machines remain to be the best option for OSA patients. It is best to see a sleep specialist if you have been exhibiting symptoms of sleep apnoea.
The study was led by Dr. Quentin Lisan and conducted at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center. Dr. Lisan said that the benefit was sustained even after factoring the usual co-morbidities of sleep apnoea such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Previous studies regarding the connection between CPAP therapy and longevity was not established since those clinical trials were simply too short. Based on this recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery journal, longevity benefit only appears from six years onwards of CPAP therapy.
According to sleep medicine expert Dr. Clete Kushida of Stanford University, sleep specialists across the globe find some difficulty in persuading obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients to use CPAP devices. The result of this study will help doctors convince patients with sleep apnoea not to hesitate at the idea of undergoing CPAP therapy wearing a mask on a nightly basis, and probably for the rest of their life. Dr. Kushida said that in the USA alone, there are over 55 million Americans aged 40 and above who snore and suffer nighttime awakenings due to OSA. As supported by previous researches and clinical studies, untreated sleep apnoea leads to a higher risk of patients developing co-morbidities such as stroke, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and more.
CPAP Therapy and Longevity
CPAP is the leading remedy for obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring. However, can this treatment really extend the life expectancy of users?
The French team sourced their respondents from the U.S. National Institutes of Health data base. The said 1990 data base is comprised of over 6,400 Americans who are 40 years old and older. Monitored by the US institute for decades, Dr. Lisan and his research group chose 392 severely obese OSA patients from the data base, of which four over five of the participants were male. About 81 of these patients used CPAP for more than 11 years, while the remaining 311 patients did not.
The French study proved that CPAP users of more than 1 years cut their odds of dying by two-thirds, as compared to non-CPAP machine users. This is definitely good news to obese OSA patients. Dr. Lisan and his group told concerned sleep doctors and therapists that CPAP therapy should be encouraged and pursued to obese patients.
According to Staten Island University Hospital’s Dr. Homere Al Mountran, the new findings reiterate a published sleep study published in The Lancet. This study monitored over 1,600 OSA patients for more than 10 years. Director of Center for Sleep Medicine’s Dr. Steven Feinsilver said that the latest data regarding the connection between long-term CPAP use and long life for patients adds credence to the established fact that obstructive sleep apnoea is a public health issue, and that CPAP therapy is the leading treatment for such.
Call us now for more information.
Possibility of Bacteria Growth
A new CPAP machine and all its components come out of the package sterilized. All metal and plastic parts are initially free from harmful bacteria that may cause upper respiratory infection. However, when the machine is put into use, bacteria from the user will remain in the mask and tubing. The user will be at a very low risk of developing a new infection if he’s the only one using the machine. However, if at least two persons use one CPAP machine, the risk of acquiring harmful bacteria or virus from the other user is higher.
Reports by doctors found in scientific journals about CPAP machines indicate that there is zero incidence of acquired upper respiratory infection due to CPAP machine usage. However, an actual study or research regarding the CPAP therapy and the risk of developing respiratory infection is yet to be initiated. In connection, there are reported cases of eye irritation and ulceration due to possible air leak when using CPAP mask.
A recent research also pointed out that regular use of CPAP machine reduces inflammation and the risk of developing nasal passage infection.
Possibility of Mold Growth
CPAP machines include features such as heated tubing for moist and warm air that help decrease the incidence of dry mouth and nose for users. Heated tubing may actually deter the risk of infection and improve the user’s tolerance to CPAP therapy. However, the warm and humid environ of the heated tubing is perfect for fungal, mold and yeast growth.
Hazardous organisms in the CPAP machine tubing could be blown directly to the user’s lungs. This could lead to airway and lung irritation, which may subsequently develop to pneumonitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
The growth of dangerous organisms in the CPAP tubing may be prevented with proper cleaning, and the use of a humidifier.
Proper CPAP Care
Bacteria and mold growth are highly preventable. All one has to do is clean and maintain his CPAP machine. This way the risk of developing bacterial, viral and fungal infection is greatly minimized.
The first step is to make sure the CPAP machine and its parts are cleaned daily, or after each use, with dish soap and hot water. In some cases, depending on the environment and usage, a weekly cleaning will suffice.
If the user has cold, cough or flu, thoroughly cleaning the device, tubing and mask with soap and hot water is a must. Basic hygienic practices will also help eliminate bad odor from developing.
Thoroughly drying the machine and its parts after cleaning is a must-do. Water or moisture in the equipment must be wiped dry after each use. It is best to use heated tubing and humidifier to decrease condensation.
Replace machine parts based on the recommendation of the manufacturer. Clean filters will surely reduce the spread of possible virus or bacteria within the device. Mask cushions and filters should be changed every two months, while masks should be changed every three months.
It is best to use distilled or purified water for the humidifier if local water supply is not 100% safe.
Sharing of CPAP masks is not tolerated as this could spread possible infection.
Do not buy used CPAP machine and parts more so tubing and mask.
Call us at CPAP Victoria for consult on CPAP therapy, and available products.
The study shows that non-compliant patients are 3.5 times more probable to be readmitted to the hospital within a span of 30 days. These non-adherent patients are 2 times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital for cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and atrial fibrillation which are closely related to untreated obstructive sleep apnoea.
Dr. Behrouz Jafari is the lead study investigator and the director of Veteran Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System in Long Beach, California. He mentioned that prior to this study, no one has considered the role of non-compliance to CPAP therapy in relation to 30-day hospital readmission regardless of illness. The study aimed to find out the importance of CPAP therapy in decreasing hospital readmissions. Dr. Jafari is also a professor at University of California, teaching pulmonary and critical care medicine.
The study results were published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine’s February 2018 issue. The subjects of the study are 345 patients diagnosed with sleep apnoea. They were all hospitalized at a Veteran Affairs medical facility starting from January 1, 2007 up to December 31, 2015. Of the 345 patients, 72% were white, and 95% were men. The average age of the 183 CPAP therapy compliant patients is 66 years, while the 162 non-compliant patients had an average age of 62. In both groups, the apnoea was severe.
CPAP compliance or adherence of patients should at least be 70%. Based on the definition of Medicare, adherence is undergoing CPAP therapy for at least 4 hours for a consecutive period of at least 30 days. The results of the study were adjusted based on the subjects’ sex, age, race, body mass index, medications, comorbidities and living conditions.
The severity of apneas is defined by the number of times one stops breathing during sleep. According to Dr. Praveen Rudraraju, if person experiences less than 15 apnoeas an hour the condition is mild. If he experiences from 15 up to 30 apnoeas an hour, the condition is moderate, whereas apnoea episodes over 30 in an hour is considered severe.
CPAP therapy is the gold standard in the management and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Disrupted sleep leaves people fatigued and lethargic during the day. Continuous disrupted sleep over the course of months and even years will ultimate lead to health complications detrimental to the patient, possibly even endangering his life.
Why do some OSA patients refuse to comply with therapy?
There are a number of things to consider for noncompliance of patients. Patients might feel uncomfortable with the way the pressure feels or with wearing the mask. Some may feel claustrophobic and may panic when CPAP machine is turned on.
The important thing is for patients to allot time to get used to mask, pressure and therapy itself. Adjustments are doable for the comfort and ease of patients. Adherence to CPAP therapy will not only improve a patient’s condition but may well save him numerous trips to the hospital.
Do you need help addressing your sleep apnoea?
Call us NOW! 1300 750 006
]]>Coping with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not easy. Getting used to a standard CPAP machine for nightly therapy at home is initially challenging. Traveling with a standard CPAP machine could be quite difficult. Well, this concern is no longer current due to the innovation of a portable CPAP machine.
Design and technology innovations from leading CPAP manufacturers made it achievable to have the same kind of home-based CPAP therapy using a portable mini PAP machine. Traveling with a CPAP machine has become easier.
Tips Prior to Your Travel
It does not take loads of preparation when traveling with a portable CPAP machine. However, there are a few things that you should take care of before your travel date.
If you are traveling by plane, make sure you have a printed copy of clearance from your airline. Having one means your machine is in compliance with the regulations and rules of the carrier. This will facilitate ease in dealing with check-ins and X-ray machine, TSA agents, and flight attendants. Always carry a medical certificate that you require CPAP therapy.
Depending on your preference, you can check-in your travel CPAP with the rest of your luggage if you’re traveling by plane. However, CPAP machines are considered medical devices so even if you bring one in the airplane cabin, it is not considered as a carry-on bag. And, it is best to bring your device on the plane in case of lost luggage.
Newer model CPAP machines are more compact and light and comes with a travel case. Commonly called “mini”, this variant is even easier and more convenient to bring when traveling. The ResMed Ultimate Airmini Travel is a fine example under this category.
International traveling should not be a problem with regards to voltage and outlet adapters since almost all newer models have universal adapters and 110/220 voltage. Nevertheless, it’s best to bring the right adapters and plugs to avoid inconvenience. As a precaution against power outages or if you are going to a place where electric supply could be a problem, it is best to rent or buy an extra batter pack for back-up. The Transcend CPAP P8 has a battery pack with a 16-hour battery life.
If you are traveling to another time zone, make sure you update the time and date of your machine to ensure that your sleeping time will be recorded accordingly. Change back the time and date once you are home.
Make sure you also bring extra supplies such as cushions to avoid inconvenience. If there’s a chance that you will be using your CPAP in-flight, make sure your plane seat has a power outlet.
In case of machine breakdown, it is best to have a copy of your prescription if you need to buy supplies. Or you can just ask your seller for recommendations in your destination just in case.
Call us NOW at 1300 750 006 for more information.
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Is CPAP therapy worth the trouble and initial inconvenience?
Important benefits of CPAP Therapy
There are sleep apnoea patients prescribed with CPAP therapy that can’t seem to cope with the machine. Sure there are alternative ways to manage sleep apnoea, but they might not prove to be effective to the patient. CPAP therapy has its benefits and they should be prioritized instead of the inconveniences.
Daytime Sleepiness: Excessive daytime sleepiness will be gradually eliminated and replaced by daytime alertness. The patient will no longer nod off to sleep in the middle of daytime activities.
Calm and Rested: Because the patient will be getting enough sleep, he will no longer be easily annoyed or irritated, and instead be calmer rested during the day.
Headache and Memory Loss: Lack of sleep triggers headaches, negatively affects concentration and memory. With a full night’s sleep thanks to CPAP therapy, the patient’s headache episodes will diminish, his concentration more focused, and no significant memory loss.
Hypertension and Heart Problems: Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnoea is linked to an increase in sympathetic activity of the central nervous system during the night. This causes the diastolic and systolic blood pressures to increase. Hypertension may cause cardiac arrhythmias which could potentially cause atherosclerosis which is the formation of plaque on the inner walls of arteries. CPAP therapy can decrease or eliminate hypertension due of sleep apnoea thus reducing or cancelling the use of anti-hypertension medication. With normal blood pressure, the threat of tachycardia and potential myocardial infraction is greatly reduced.
Depression and Weight Gain: Chronic lack of sleep may cause depression, weight gain, and even sexual problems. As CPAP therapy will manage a patient’s interrupted sleep, improved quality of life, reduction in weight and improved sexual activity are in the offing.
CPAP Therapy Lowers Risk of Diabetes: Medical studies have indicated that sleep deprivation and poor quality of sleep are linked to the development of resistance to insulin. People suffering from sleep apnoea have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance. Diabetic patients afflicted with sleep apnoea may find it hard to control diabetes if their sleep apnoea remains untreated.
GERD is controlled: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also associated with sleep apnoea, as the ailment is caused by an increase in negative intrathoracic pressure that is the result of breathing against a closed or narrowed airway. Patients with or GERD will likely benefit from using CPAP machine as their airway is kept open by the machine.
CPAP Prevents Excessive Urination in the Night: Anti-diuretic hormone is secreted in bigger amounts during the deeper stages of sleep. So, frequent urination during nighttime is less likely to happen.
Call us now for consultation.
1 300 750 650
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Why Does CPAP therapy cause running nose and sneezing?
When CPAP-processed air enters a person’s nasal cavity and throat, the air naturally dries, consequently making the temperature drop, thereby cooling the throat and nasal cavity. The dry and cool CPAP air can lead not only to sneezing and runny nose, but to sore throat as well. For some, the condition might last for a few days or a week; but as they acclimatize to the therapy the condition goes away on its own. For others, the condition of runny nose, sneezing and sore throat does not diminish even after being on CPAP therapy for weeks.
There are many factors that could cause the condition. To get to the root of the problem some of the factors to consider are:
It is also important to know if the user is a mouth breather or not, and if water is retained in the CPAP hose after each overnight use.
Solutions to the Problem
Heated Humidifier: Since CPAP air becomes dry during therapy, this condition is more aggravated if the patient is using an unheated humidifier. Obviously, using a heated humidifier is the answer if this is the case. The water in the CPAP reservoir is warmed by the heated humidifier. The warm air produced is mixed with the general air flow, effectively warming and moistening the air flowing into the user’s mouth and nose. There is no one humidity setting that will work for everyone. It is up to the user to experiment with the air temperature setting that will suit his needs.
HEPA Filter: In some cases, the culprit may be allergens. If the user is on a full face mask, the material could be an allergen. CPAP filter only filters big particles from the air. Pollen and other dust mites cannot be filtered by CPAP filters. If the runny nose and sneezing seem to be reactions to allergens, it is best to see call on one’s sleep doctor and primary care doctor for initial assessment. A HEPA filter on a CPAP machine is one precaution for allergic reactions to CPAP therapy.
Sinus Irrigation: One way of getting rid of congestion is by doing sinus irrigation or rinse. Doing this will clear one’s nose of mucus, making it easier for the CPAP user to breathe. Sinus irrigation will also clear the nose of any allergen or germs that could irritate the lining of the nose. It is best to consult with an ENT initially. There are sinus rinse kits available over the counter.
Clean the CPAP machine every after use. Wash each part of the equipment thoroughly more so if one has sinus problem or runny nose. It is best to change the water of the humidifier daily, air dry it, then fill with distilled water.
Call us at 1300 750 600 for consultation.
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Features of the AirMini™ include:
ResMed AirMini™ is a turnkey solution for a comfortable and efficient therapy on the go. The device and inclusive setup pack, the downloadable AirMini™, and improved AirFit™ masks definitely provides patients the best CPAP therapy anywhere they go.
AirMini™ application makes it quick and easy to control the device from any SMART device. Accessing and choosing CPAP therapy mode, EPR and Ramp, and pressure is made simple and fuss-free.
Compatible CPAP Masks and Set up Packs
AirMini™ Travel CPAP only works with three ResMed masks. They are:
A setup pack is required to connect the mask to the CPAP machine. There are three available setup pack versions to match one of the compatible masks. Each version comes with a HumidX waterless humidifier, tubing, and mask connector. The mask connector has a disposable waterless humidification specifically designed for both dry and normal environments. Moisture from the exhaled breath of the patient is utilized in the waterless humidification system to pass the pressurized air over, and efficiently increasing humidity for inhalation. It is required to change the humidifier filters 30 days after opening.
Travel Accessories
ResMed offers a number of AirMini™ travel accessories for patient’s convenience. Offered is DC converter so the CPAP machine can be powered up by direct current, and a travel bag designed to carry not only the machine but the mask and other accessories. For portability the bag has a removable suitcase and shoulder strap. Also available is protective hard case to house the AirMini™ CPAP machine only. Angle bracket and wall plate are parts of a mount system with pads to easily position the CPAP machine while being sued. For US and EU version, included is a 20W AC adapter for the power supply.
Call us now for more information.
1300 750 006
]]>Unlike a CPAP machine, a BiPAP machine provides both adjustable inspiratory and lower expiratory pressure. The inspiratory pressure facilitates easy breathing for the patient while the expiratory pressure makes patient exhalation easier. Generally, BiPAP machines have three operational modes and they are:
A qualified physician is required to determine which mode is best for the patient.
BiPAP and CPAP machines are both used for the treatment of sleep apnoea. However, there are differences in their functions. A CPAP machine delivers continuous positive pressure to help control sleep apnoea. This pressure is fixed and is based on the results of the sleep study of the patient. There are CPAP machines with auto adjusting pressure.
BiPAP machine is considered more technologically advanced and is recommended for people who cannot tolerate CPAP machine treatment. The inhalation pressure of a BiPAP is similar to a CPAP but the exhalation pressure or EPAP is not. For some, it is difficult to breathe against constant pressure and this is where BiPAP is helpful as exhalation on this machine has a lower pressure to allow patient to breathe easily. The drop in exhalation pressure is most helpful for CPAP patients prescribed with a 15 cm pressure or higher. BiPAP exhalation pressure can go down as low as 4cm, thus preventing straining of the patient and allow a more natural and comfortable experience.
BiPAP therapy is prescribed to treat sleep apnoea on people with low oxygen levels or high pressure settings. This type of machine is most often used on people whose sleep apnoea did not get better on CPAP therapy. Patients with cardiopulmonary disorder such as congestive heart failure will benefit from BiPAP therapy. The same therapy is recommended for patients with neuromuscular disorders or lung disorders. Patients who suffer from ventilator impairment such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive thoracic disorder, and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome will benefit most from BiPAP therapy. Patients diagnosed with central sleep apnoea who are unresponsive to CPAP therapy are recommended to switch to BiPAP therapy under a physician’s care. In most cases, patients who use BiPAP do no step down to using CPAP unless there are great and significant changes in their sleep apnoea diagnoses.
BiPAP machines may become the standard treatment for sleep apnoea because of good compliance rates of patients using this machine, compared with CPAP. Based on blood gas levels and clinical status, this therapy seems to be more effective. BiPAP machine can deliver Bi-Flex, and C-Flex which is the brand of expiratory pressure relief of BiPAP technology, not only monitors the patient’s airflow during exhalation but also reduces the pressure based on the patient’s needs. The pressure is increased at the end of the expiration to prevent the airway from collapsing.
If you feel that CPAP therapy is not working for you 100%, call us now for a consult regarding BiPAP therapy.
Call us at 1300-750-006
Bi-level PAP machines are breathing devices similar to CPAP machines. This type of breathing machine uses bi-level positive airway pressure for patients with obstructive or central sleep apnoea. Basically, a BiPAP machine delivers air under higher pressure when the patient inhales, then delivers lower pressure air when the patient exhales. It was designed for patients who have difficulty exhaling against CPAP pressure.
BiPAP machine is recommended for:
Just as a CPAP therapy is not for every patient with sleep apnoea, so is BiPAP therapy. Who are then qualified to use BiPAP machine?
Advantages of BiPAP Therapy
The use of BiPAP machine for the effective treatment of all types of sleep apnoea is a possibility what with its numerous benefits.
It seems that the compliance rates of patients with BiPAP machines are excellent. It has been observed that in terms of improvement in blood gas levels and clinical status, BiPAP therapy is quite effective. C-Flex is new BiPAP technology termed expiratory pressure relied. This gadget monitors the patient’s airflow while exhaling, reducing the pressure based on the patient’s requirement. At the end of the expiration, the pressure is readily increased to stop airway collapse. An example of this technology is the Philips Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex System One REMStar 60 Series with Heated TUBE Humidifier.
Patients with central sleep apnoea that is linked to cerebrovascular accident, or cardiac failure can be treated with BiPAP. Patients suffering from COPD are best treated with BiPAP therapy.
Disadvantages
Incidence of central apneas may occur with BiPAP titration. This is probably due to the increased lung volume when the air for inspiration or IPAP is higher than the air used for expiration or EPAP.
BiPAP machines are a bit more expensive than standard CPAP machines. This could be a disadvantage for some as PAP machines are not exactly cheap.
As with regular CPAP machine, BiPAP mask may leak air. It may cause general discomfort such as rhinitis, nasal congestion and dry nose.
BiPAP machines are usually built small to fit standard bedside night tables. They run quietly enough so as not to disturb your sleep, your bedmate and the rest of the household. Most BiPAP models come with humidifiers.
Call us at CPAP Victoria now if your CPAP therapy seems to be ineffective.
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Negative Effects of Mask Leaks
There are two primary types of CPAP mask leaks: mask seal leak and mouth leak. A CPAP mask seal leak is the most common type of leak. In this instance the air coming from the machine leaks between the patient’s face and his mask.
A CPAP mouth leak is evident when the patient sleeps with an open mouth. In this case, the therapeutic air pressure does not enter the lungs and is just wasted.
Both types of leaks will negatively affect CPAP therapy.
First, any significant mask leak could exceed the patient’s capability to maintain the prescribed CPAP pressure. It could damage the sensors ability to detect current episodes, thus preventing the CPAP machine’s algorithms to respond accordingly to present conditions. Leaks, no matter how small, can disturb the user as leaking air can get in his eyes and produce loud sounds that can wake him up. Any leaks coming from the mouth may increase the airflow through the upper airway and possible dry out the user’s mouth and nose that could lead to other conditions.
Preventing CPAP Leaks
A full face mask occupies a large surface of the face so it does have more area to consider for a tight fit. However, it is easy enough to adjust a full face mask to prevent possible leaks. Below is a video that shows how quick and easy it is to fit a full face mask to prevent air leaks.
It is best to get a CPAP mask that best fit the user to prevent leaks. CPAP mask can be a full face mask, a nasal mask, or a nasal pillow mask. The choice of mask depends on the user so fitting the mask before buying it is a must.
While lying down, the mask should fit comfortably on the user. If there are minor leaks around the mask’s outer cushion, running one’s fingertip quite forcibly along the seam between the user’s face and the outer cushion should eliminate small leaks.
If the CPAP leaks around the eye area, lifting the mask a fraction off the user’s face and refilling it with air is the first step in this process. Once the mask is filled with air, sliding the mask upward near the bridge of the nose should seal minor leaks.
CPAP mask leaks near and around the nose can be fixed and sealed simply by twitching the nose, puckering one’s mouth, or wiggling one’s jaws back and forth. These quick and defined movements can seal minor leaks.
Now, if the leaks are more noticeable even after doing minor fixes, have the CPAP machine, mask and hose looked over by a qualified professional.
Call us now at 1300 750 006.
Residual sleepiness is one of the signs of CPAP resistant syndrome. Two other causes of this syndrome are: unseen problems that affect CPAP therapy, and other conditions that are unrelated to CPAP therapy.
What are these unseen or hidden problems that decrease CPAP sleep quality?
These discomforts must be addressed for an efficient and comfortable CPAP therapy. We will discuss pointers on how to remedy these problems on next week’s blog post.
What factors unrelated to CPAP could cause CPAP resistant syndrome, or low sleep quality?
CPAP therapy is the recommended treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. However, it is not for central sleep apnoea, a form of sleep disorder wherein the brain lacks the efficiency to command the body to breathe. In some cases, a person could have a combination of central and obstructive apnoea episodes. If this is the case diagnosing the disorder even after a sleep study could be very difficult. An unusual sleep pattern can be traced through one’s sleep data, and should only be interpreted by a qualified physician. A bed partner can easily check if his/her partner still stops breathing in sleep even when using a CPAP machine.
There are medications that can make a person in CPAP therapy feel sleepy at daytime. These medications are sedatives and antidepressants. Since depression is a common co-morbidity of OSA, some patients under CPAP therapy take antidepressants. This group of drugs can affect one’s quality of sleep and therefore cause daytime sleepiness. Some of these medications are:
It is best to consult with a doctor if you are taking any of these medications and undergoing CPAP therapy.
Next week, we will discuss on how to eliminate CPAP leaks and how to make a CPAP mask more comfortable to wear.
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These symptoms are not to be taken lightly as the group of OSA symptoms generally affects quality of life, impairs a person’s ability to remember and concentrate, and even increases the risk of vehicular accidents. A successful CPAP therapy treatment is achieved when the AHI reads between 5 to 15 with no associated symptoms, or an AHI reading of below 5. When this is met, residual sleepiness should not be a concern.
A study in the United States indicated that 1 out of 10 OSA patients experience considerable daytime sleepiness even if he undergoes CPAP therapy and his AHI reading is normal. This situation is quite a dilemma for most sleep doctors and otolaryngologists their objective of managing and treating OSA patients is not completely resolved. In connection, doctors recommend that OSA patients with suspected residual sleepiness take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or ESS to evaluate their level of daily sleepiness. Scoring 10 or higher in the ESS indicates a sleeping problem. This test can also be used to check if an OSA patient undergoing CPAP or APAP therapy has improved.
Common Cause of Residual Sleepiness
What causes residual sleepiness?
Incorrect Titration - One of the most common causes of residual sleepiness is incorrect CPAP titration. However, this should no longer be a concern for new CPAP device users as machines with customized air pressure settings are no longer prescribed. OSA patients now use auto-adjusting CPAP or AutoPAP machines which automatically adjust air pressure based on the program set by a sleep doctor or otolaryngologist. There is no need to check in overnight in a sleep lab for a CPAP titration study as the latest CPAP machines use exclusive algorithm to establish AHI incidences. The gathered data is stored in the CPAP or APAP computer, downloadable by a sleep professional so as to gauge the progress of the patient.
APAP users who experience excessive daytime sleepiness could be referred to a traditional in-lab study to determine if there is additional date not recorded by the APAP computer. For example, electrodes attached to the legs can identify restless leg syndrome, and EEG tracings detect and identify arousals.
Poor CPAP Compliance – Residual sleepiness could develop if a patient’s CPAP compliance is inadequate. Compliance can be defined as the number of days and hours a patient undergoes CPAP therapy. Most patients are prescribed to undergo CPAP therapy 5 days a week, for 4 hours. This means wearing the CPAP mask 4 hours totals 20 hours each week, which is about half of what most young adults and adults require.
Some OSA patients are minimally compliant in the sense that they do use the CPAP or APAP machine correctly by do not adhere to the minimum length of treatment per day. There are those who seem to view CPAP as a magic pill that allow them to grab a good night’s sleep in 4-5 hours. The truth is a patient can be fully compliant but still miss deep sleep. How? If his REM sleep occurs between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., but he wears (and sleep) between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. then residual sleepiness could be experienced.
Next week’s post will be continuation of Residual Sleepiness.
If you think that you have a sleeping problem, call us at 300 750 006!
]]>Humidification and Mouth Leaks
One of the most common problems of CPAP users is air leaks from the mouth. This happens because the user’s mouth is open during the therapy because the CPAP airflow is causing nasal irritation. Studies indicate that mouth leaks are correlated to lack of humidification or inefficient humidification. Another possibility of air leaks from the mouth is that the nasal membranes cannot readily tolerate the increased airflow, causing the nasal and airway passages to become dry. To compensate for the dryness, the user opens his mouth to breathe. The air from the CPAP naturally takes the path of least resistance and therefore leaks out of the user’s mouth. Since the air leaks through the mouth, the user will have swollen nasal passages and mouth dryness in the morning.
This problem is easily addressed by proper humidification. If the user still naturally through his mouth while sleeping, a chinstrap can effectively hold the jaw so that the user’s mouth is closed. In some cases, it is better to use a full face mask to ensure that the mouth and nose are both covered.
Options for Mouth Breathers
There are CPAP users who are naturally mouth breathers due to small nostrils, deviated septum or because of chronic allergies and sinus conditions. One of the best options is using a full face mask or a hybrid mask because these masks can effectively cover the nose and mouth so it won’t matter whether one breathes through his nose or mouth. For those who prefer to use nasal mask, nasal prong or nasal pillow mask, using a chinstrap to hold the jaw and mouth closed could prove to be quite effective. Oral mask with heated humidifier best suits mouth breathers with blocked nasal passages.
Dry Mouth in the Morning
If a user experiences dry mouth in the morning after a night’s CPAP therapy in spite of using a heated humidifier, it is a sign that he breathes through his mouth. If he uses a nasal mask during therapy, breathing through his mouth renders the humidification process quite useless. The CPAP therapy becomes ineffective.
To determine whether the user breathes through his mouth, he must first make sure that the mask is not leaking. A 6 -9 month old CPAP masks is more likely to leak so it is best to replace it. If the CPAP mask is new, the leak could be due to incorrect fit. In this matter, it is best to ask the help of CPAP Victoria to help in finding a perfect-fit mask.
If the mask is new and does not leak, securing a chinstrap to keep the mouth closed during sleep is recommended. If the chinstrap does not solve the dry mouth in the morning problem, the user should try special CPAP masks for mouth breathers.
Dry Eyes in the Morning
CPAP air can easily leak from the mask to the user’s eyes during sleep. The air leak can easily cause the eyes to dry out. Why does air leak through the mask to the eyes? Because the mask is ill-fitting, or too long, or too big for the user’s nose.
It is best to determine the size of the mask for best fit. A CPAP mask with an adjustment at the bridge may prove efficient. Some users opt for nasal cushion or nasal pillow mask to avoid air leaks and possible dry eyes in the morning after therapy.
If you have questions regarding CPAP masks, call us at 1300 750 006.
]]>Though the rainout won’t readily affect the efficiency of the CPAP machine, a rainout will nonetheless the humidification. Here are some tips on how you can reduce rainout.
CPAP Hose
Do you need a CPAP hose? Condensation happens when warm air emitted by the heated humidifier cools down as it travels through the CPAP hose. If you wish to maximize usage of your heated humidifier, you need a CPAP hose as insulating the hose will effectively maintain the temperature in the hose and thus ensure that the air’s moisture content is maintained to a minimum. The insulating hose cove will not in any way deter the function and performance of the CPAP hose. It will even add a little weight to the hose, making it easier to handle and position. Examples of these wraps or covers available at CPAP Victoria are ResMed Tubing Wrap and SlimLine Tubing Wrap.
Rainout Reduction Features
CPAP manufacturers such as ResMed and Philips Respironics have developing and innovating ways to minimize humidifier rainout for optimum humidification.
are included at the heated tube end to ensure the highest level of humidity with no condensation or rainout. Philips Respironics’ System One Humidity Control Technology to reduce the occurrence of rainouts. The system analyzes relative humidity, ambient room temperature and airflow from the tube to the user’s mask, and then adjusts it accordingly.
Heated Hose
ResMed has come up with a heated CPAP hose to do away with hose insulation or cover. A heated CPAP hose features copper coils wrapped around or embedded in the hose. The coils conduct steady temperature through the length of the CPAP hose. Rainout is eliminated and the user is assured of a comfortable and optimum humidification process. An example is ResMed Airsense 10 ClimateLineAir heated tube which is compatible with Airsense 10 Elite, Airsense 10 Auto and Airsense 10 Auto for Her.
Check out the links for more information on these products.
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There are several things you can do to prepare for a trip abroad with your CPAP machine. You might want to check out a previous post about CPAP power solutions for this information. Below are more useful tip you should know when traveling abroad. Note that CPAP therapy should be done each night, no matter where you are. Even when abroad.
Here are some tips to help you when you travel.
Make sure that you remove the water from the humidifier if you will take it with you. Water left in the humidifier chamber can go or be tipped into the CPAP machine and therefore damage it.
When going through security at the airport or any transport terminal, security personnel are most likely to inspect the CPAP machine separately. Make sure you stay with the CPAP so you can watch security personnel handle your machine. See to it that all accessories of the machine such as mask, cords, filters, chamber and batteries are placed back in the bag.
To facilitate quick and no-fuss inspection of your CPAP machine through security, identity or label the machine as medical equipment. In connection, it is best to carry a medical alert card in your person identifying you as a patient with obstructive sleep apnoea.
If you brought along a battery, see to it that you have the necessary parts and accessories to safely power up the machine on batteries. Do not forget to bring an international adapter plug in the event that you need to plug the machine in a wall socket.
Do not forget to pack your power cord. If possible, bring an extra. Cases of people leaving behind their cellphone charger at home or in the hotel are very common so are cases of CPAP owners leaving their power cord.
It is best to bring extra masks and parts such as filters and batteries as these can be easily misplaced or left behind. This will ensure that you can proceed with your nightly therapy without fail.
In the event that you lose or left behind any part, you can call us for help from anywhere, any time!
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Battery-powered CPAP Machine
Most batteries operate on a 12-volt DC current. For a CPAP machine to work on DC power, you will need an inverter to change the current from DC to AC before the current powers up the machine. The down side of using an inverter is that it will consume half the battery life. It is a good thing that with most CPAP machine brands, there is no need to use an inverter to convert the current from DC to AC. Using a simple power cord to plug the CPAP into a cigarette lighter plug should do. How will you know if your CPAP machine will work without an inverter? On the side or at the back of the machine, there should be a DC power outlet with an opening in the center.
The best battery to use is deep-cycle marine type of battery. This is heavier than a standard battery as it provides power for a longer period. A CPAP machine with a cycle of 10cm H2O powered by a deep-cycle marine battery will last for three nights before needing to recharge.
Portable battery packs are also available to power a CPAP machine with a cycle set of 10 cm for about 8 hours. CPAP Victoria offers CPAP battery kits which include the necessary cables and battery. You should take note though that some CPAP machine brands require specific battery packs to operate.
Using CPAP machine Overseas
Will your CPAP machine operate in other countries? Of course! More so if the particular country has the same AC current as your home country. If not, you can always use a battery pack or a power converter. Take not thought that it is best to carry an adapter to plug your CPAP power cord into an outlet overseas. You can buy various adapter plugs to make sure that you can plug your CPAP machine into a different power outlet or socket.
Before you travel abroad, it is best to check the voltage and type of socket of your destination so you can buy the necessary adapter. It is best to bring spare parts such as filter, mask, tubing and headgear to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Bring a battery pack and a spare if possible.
Before you pack your CPAP machine make sure there is no water in the humidifier. If the machine has to go through airport security e.g. X-ray, make sure you stay with the machine as security personnel are most likely to inspect it part by part. It is best to tag your CPAP machine as a medical equipment to facilitate easier security check. Carrying a medical card indicating you have obstructive sleep apnoea is a good idea.
If you need a CPAP machine part when abroad, you can always contact us at CPAP Victoria so we can take care of your needs.
]]>All CPAP machines that are data capable not only shows the number of hours you used the machine but shows pertinent information such as its leak rate, AHI, and average air pressure if using an APAP machine.
There are three ways to view or accessed vital data released by CPAP machines. Based on its brand and model, information may be accessed through the machine’s display screen, SmartCode, and other external software.
Machine’s Screen Display – There are CPAP machines with screens that display gathered data. The advanced tracking on display allows for quick review of therapy metrics. There is no need to login on websites to get information regarding your therapy’s leak rate and AHI, allowing you to make adjustments on the mask’s fit if needed. Depending on the brand and model of the CPAP machine, it is possible to view a summary or average value of your therapy in 1, 7 or 30 days or more.
Examples some of this type of CPAP machines are:
SmartCode – This is basically a “code” that is accessible through the machine’s screen display. The difference is that the code is entered or keyed into the CPAP machine’s product page of CPAP seller’s website before a summary report is generated. The SmartCode is capable of showing therapy data from 1, 7, 30 and 90 days. The IntelliPAP Auto Adjust is the lone machine capable of SmartCode. Sample reading is shown below.
Other External Software - There are other CPAP machines that are designed to accommodate external software that can be used for downloading data for more comprehensive analysis. What makes this more practical than the SmartCode is that all nights of CPAP therapy are accessible to you and your doctor. It is also possible to view and analyze each hour of therapy for every night’s usage. This way, your doctor is more equipped to analyze your therapy. Your doctor will be able to determine when you have more sleep apneas, or when you begin to breathe with an open mouth during therapy. There are some external software available to patients but in most cases, external software are sold by manufacturers to sleep professionals only.
If you wish to buy a CPAP machine, call us at CPAP Victoria.
Tel: 1300 750 006
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