Therapy Tips
CPAP Mask Fit For most people, finding the right CPAP mask is the biggest obstacle to complying with CPAP therapy. If the mask is uncomfortable or painful, or it just does not fit correctly so that a good seal is maintained, using CPAP can be a nightmare.
If you are one of those people who is struggling with your mask, we have a few suggestions: - Find a local provider with skilled staff that is willing to let you try masks on in their facility before you purchase one.
- Find a local provider who is willing to help you with the mask you are currently using! So many times we only have to provide a little coaching on how to adjust a mask so that it works like a dream. We can often see what adjustments can be made for a better experience--adjustments you may not be aware of or cannot see yourself.
- Consider having 2 or 3 masks to alternate between throughout the week. Sometimes overuse of a particular mask can leave sore spots on your face or head. Having another style available gives you a break from the pressure points of one mask without having to sacrifice therapy.
- Ask your provider if they honor manufacturer guarantees. Some manufacturers will replace the mask for free if it is returned within 30 days. Then you are free to choose a new mask without cost to you or your provider.
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Articles of Interest ResMed Launches a New Mandibular Repositioning Device
ResMed, Inc., known for its very high quality PAP devices and exceptional masks, recently acquired the French-based Laboratories Narval. With this acquisiton, ResMed has launched its newest product, the CC Narval, which is a madibular repositioning device.
A mandibular repositioning device, also known as an oral appliance or dental appliance for sleep apnea, repositions the lower jaw and keeps the tongue in a more forward position so that it does not fall back into the airway and block airflow.
While ResMed does in fact acknowledge that PAP is still the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, adding this product to their line of sleep apnea therapy products will provide non-compliant patients with another option.
The CC Narval is unique in its design which was developed to avoid the dental and TMJ side-effects associated with the use of other oral appliance products.
For more information regarding the CC Narval, click here. AMA Adopts Policy to Recognize Effects of Light  Exposure on Sleep As reported in Sleep Review Mag, "The natural 24-hour cycle of light and dark helps maintain alignment of circadian biological rhythms along with basic processes that help our bodies to function normally," said AMA board member Alexander Ding, MD.
Exposure to excessive light at night has the potential to disrupt sleep, make existing sleep disorders worse, and increases the risk of driving accidents. By acknowledging the impact that light exposure has on our natural wake-sleep cycles, the AMA increases our awareness of the potential health and safety hazards which accompany poor sleep, and supports the need to develop alternative night lighting technologies to reduce this impact.
To read the original article, click here.
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PAPillow and Accessories
EZ CPAP recently added a new CPAP pillow to its line of available products, and we invite you to check it out!
 The Double- Edge PAPillow originated in 2002 and has made sleep more comfortable for thousands of people with sleep apnea/snoring, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders. It is made in the USA and features many valuable qualities:
- Hypoallergenic, synthetic down provides soft neck support that does not clump or flatten
- Outlasts traditional polyester fiberfill pillows
- Unique patented shape which supports the chin and allows for comfortable CPAP mask positioning and less air leakage
- Quilted side panel which prevents pillow edge collapse
- Soft, cool 100% cotton knit pillow case included
- Pillow case is machine washable and dryer safe
In addition to the Double-Edge pillow, PAPillow offers a  smaller, crescent-shaped version they call the Mini Edge PAPillow. The Mini Edge provides all of the same features as the Double Edge, just in a smaller version ideal for travel, children, and adults who enjoy a smaller pillow.
For more information about the PAPillow and accessories, click here.
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