We all hate spending money to replace things.  However, to keep things running properly and keep ourselves safe, it must be done.  If you don't replace old, worn tires you risk having a dangerous blow-out on the highway. 

The same is true for CPAP equipment!  While there may not be an immediate danger looming, such as a blow-out, old and worn CPAP equipment negatively affects therapy.   

Just looking at your mask, for example, it might appear to be in good condition.  However, if you find that you must tighten your headgear more and more because you are not getting a good seal, the mask cushion may be too soft from wear.  The headgear straps might be stretched out and the Velcro not sticking as well as before.   

People often come into the store with 1-2 year old masks that have yellowed with age and the headgear over-stretched complaining that they just don't feel as well rested as they did when they first got the mask.  Without a good fit and seal, CPAP therapy is not as effective.

Filters are another item that need to be replaced periodically.  When is the last time you checked the filter on your machine?  This is where air is drawn into the machine and where dust, pollen and other particles are collected to prevent damage to the electronics inside the machine.  We usually recommend that filters be changed when they turn gray in color, but you can change them more frequently if you wish.

Check the status of your CPAP tubing as well.  The cuffs that attach to the mask and the machine stretch over time and may not stay attached.  One of our patients shared their experience with old tubing:  The cuff had become so loose that it fell off of the machine during the night.  He awoke to find his mask on his face but no air pressure being delivered.  Also check for wear and small holes in the soft spaces between the coils of the tube.  The most commonly worn spots right at the cuffs where the tubing flexes the most with movement.   

If you have questions about replacing any part of your CPAP equipment, please feel free to call us at 877-392-7270 or send an email inquiry to customerservice@ezcpap.com.  

"Snuggle Up With the Perfect Pillow"

There is more to getting a good night's sleep than just using your CPAP machine every night.  So we were very excited to see an article posted by WebMD that addressed the importance of finding the right bed pillow for maximum comfort!  Although you are sleeping better with the use of CPAP you may still be waking with other problems such as neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness and even sneezing or wheezing.  

There are several specialty pillows on the market designed for CPAP users.  People often ask us if these specialty pillows really work.  Whether or not these pillows "work" is very subjective.  They seem to work very well at accommodating the mask, however, do not always provide the most comfort overall.

The article on WebMD essentially recommends that you do a little research before choosing a pillow.  Body alignment, personal sleep style, pillow stuffing options, and specialty pillows are all discussed to give you a place to start your research.   

To read this article, click here.  

Being Sleepy Causes Overeating

WebMD reported on a study that shows the sleepy people tend to overeat and do not make wise food choices.  In fact, when allowed to eat anything they wanted, those who participated in the study ate approximately 300 calories more when sleepy compared to when they were well-rested.  And most of those calories came from fat!

So, if you are trying to shed those extra pounds it is important to get enough quality sleep every night.  If you are using CPAP and still sleepy during the day, it's time to get your equipment evaluated or see your sleep specialist.

For the original article, click here.