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Tip of the Month: Have Your CPAP Supplies Checked and/or Replaced
It's the start of a new year, so why not start it off by making sure all of your CPAP equipment is in good condition and your CPAP/Bilevel machine is running well?
Mask cushions and pillows can become softer with use resulting in a less effective seal. Often this part is less expensive to replace than the whole mask, and it is so key to maintaining good therapy. Also check your headgear strap and make sure it is not over-stretched. Sometimes simply cleaning it by hand with a mild soap and letting it air dry will improve it's elasticity for awhile.
It is important to have the pressure output of your machine checked. At EZ CPAP we offer that service for free, or you can order your own manometer from our website or retail store to check your machine yourself. It takes only a couple of minutes in our office, so drop by with your machine if you are in the area!
Finally, check your tubing for tears and over-stretched cuffs, and replace filters as needed. Tears in the tube result in leaks and therefore less pressure. And over-stretched cuffs may not hold to the mask or machine effectively.
Anytime you are not sure whether or not something should be replaced, feel free to call or stop by with your equipment. We would be more than happy to examine your supplies and help you determine what does and does not need to be replaced.
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 Are you interested in connecting with others with sleep apnea? Visit www.sleepguide.com, a forum of patients and sleep professionals. SleepGuide.com is a safe place to learn from others' experiences with PAP therapy and share your experiences too! The staff members of EZ CPAP are regular contributors to the forum as patients and professionals.
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Articles of Interest
If It Sounds Too Good to be True, Guess What!
Sleepwellandlive.wordpress.com posted an article in January of 2009 as a follow-up to their examination throughout 2008 of various "alternative" sleep apnea treatments. For example, they evaluated OTC pain relievers whose manufacturers claim that they help people sleep, and found that every product contains the same "sleep-inducing" ingredient, Benadryl. In their effort to debunk myths about products claiming to "cure" sleep apnea, sleepwellandlive.wordpress.com provides a list of warnings about falling prey to advertisers' claims. For the original article, click here.
Americans Do Not Recognize Sleep as Important to Their HealthSleepApneaInfo.com sponsored a nationwide survey of 2,442 American adults which found that 62% of those polled believe that diet and exercise are more important than sleep for maintaining a healthy life. In addition the survey found that 58% of employed American adults experience daytime sleepiness! The results of this survey show that there is a huge need to educate Americans on how important getting good sleep is to their overall health. It is especially important for those with OSA to recognize this since untreated apnea leads to more serious health problems like cardiovascular disease. For the full article, click here.
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Featured Product of the Month
A very unique product has become available: the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by SeQual Technologies. The pad is made of a gel that comfortably and effectively clings to your face and provides a barrier between your skin and the CPAP mask, eliminating sores. It can also help prevent mask leaks by filling in the gaps between mask and the asymmetries of most faces.
For a limited time we are offering a discount for those trying the Comfort Care Pad for the first time! See the coupon at the bottom of this newsletter for more information!
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