Ez CPAP

December 2012
Dedicated to helping you get a good night's sleep....
Greetings!
Bella on Woman
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter!  We hope that the information provided here is helpful for you, and although we specialize in positive airway pressure therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, we encourage you to call us whenever you have any questions about sleep, sleep disorders, and treatments.  Our knowledgeable staff is here to help and point you in the right direction if we do not have the answers that you need!
 
Therapy Tips
Soapy Bucket and Sponge Equipment Cleaning Recommendations
We are frequently asked about the best way to clean the various parts of PAP machines and masks.  First and foremost, we recommend that you check with your product manual or the manufacturer for specific cleaning guidelines.  If you do not have access to a manual or the manufacturer, we recommend the following general guideline:

Warm, soapy water is the best choice for most parts, including the tubing, mask seal/headgear/frame, and water chamber.  However, it is important to use a very mild soap that does not have perfumes added.  We recommend using Ivory liquid or a baby shampoo.  And rinse well.  Let all items air dry protected from direct sunlight, as sunlight can deteriorate the product materials.

Many people also wonder how often they should be cleaning their equipment.  Below are some general guidelines that we provide to our customers:

Daily
  • Mask seal (cushion or pillows)

Weekly

  • Tubing
  • Humidifier reservoir
  • Foam filter   
  • Mask frame/headgear 

There are several "wet wipe" products available for easy daily mask cleaning.  These wipes are designed to clean the seal without causing any damage to the silicone material. Citrus II Wipes  

 

If you are concerned about disinfecting humidifier reservoirs that cannot be opened, we recommend submersing them in a solution of white vinegar and water, vinegar 1 part: water 3 parts.  If you decide to wash this type of reservoir with soap, it is very important to use liquid Ivory or a baby shampoo, and rinse extremely well.   

 

Soap and/or vinegar will not remove mineral deposits from the inside of any chamber, so it is of utmost importance that you be using distilled water only in the reservoir when using the machine.  Temporary use of bottled water during travel is usually not a problem.  

 

Foam filters (the ones that look like little black sponges) are washable.  Be sure to let them air-dry and re-install them only when they are completely dry.  Any moisture making it's way into the machine can damage the electronics inside.

 

If you have any questions regarding the cleaning of your PAP equipment, please give us a call! 

 

 

 
In This Issue
Therapy Tips
Featured Product
Articles of Interest
Quick Links
 
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Featured Product

Transcend II CPAP 

Transcend CPAP Back Are you in the market for a teeny tiny CPAP to make travel easier?   

 

The Transcend II CPAP made by Somnetics is the smallest, lightest- weight CPAP available!

 

Weighing less than 1 pound, this little CPAP is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.  It does not use a traditional humidifier, so no need to worry about finding distilled water wherever you are.

 

The Transcend II can be used without humidification, or there is a optional HME (heat moisture exchange) humidification system that can be added.  The Transcend II by itself can be used with any CPAP mask.  If adding the HME system, only certain mask styles are supported.

 

In addition to its small size, the Transcend II can be operated by battery and/or electrical cord.  Somnetics offers two battery options:  one night and multi-night.  Both options are rechargeable!

 

At this time the Transcend II CPAP System is available by special order only when purchasing from EZ CPAP.  If you have questions about the product or would like pricing and ordering information, please call us at 877-392-7270! 

 

 

 
  Articles of Interest
Sleep Affects Pain Threshhold Back Pain

According to a recent study published in the journal Sleep this month, getting extra sleep may help you withstand pain more effectively.

The test subjects were 18 mildly sleep-deprived individuals who spent four nights either getting their normal amount of sleep or being allowed an extended sleep time of 10 hours each night. 

Results showed that those who were allowed 10 hours each night over the four nights were more alert during the day and experienced far less pain sensitivity.  The reduction in pain sensitivity was even greater than in test subjects who were given codeine and then underwent the same pain sensitivity test in a previous study!

For more information or to read this story in US News, click here.  

 

New Medication for Insomnia on the Horizon
Insomnia
So far the approach to treating insomnia has been educating people on practicing good sleep hygiene and providing a variety of sleep-inducing medications.   A new drug, suvorexant, is currently being developed which acts on the brain chemicals called orexins.  Orexins are responsible for regulating wakefulness.

For more information regarding this medication, please click here. 
Sleep well!
 
Melinda Hertel, CMA (AAMA) 
Manager
Ez CPAP
 
Transcend CPAP System
For a limited time we are offering a 10% discount on the Transcend CPAP System.  Available by special order only, so give us a call today!

 

Expires 12/31/2012