CPAP Wipes

 

As bad as it, I have to admit that don't clean my CPAP as often as I should.  We can explore the list of why you should in another post! I did find these mask wipes that on mornings when I am being lazy I can grab and quick wipe off the silicone parts of the mask. I have even used it to scrub the head straps. These are carried by my CPAP supplier but I actually got my on Amazon.com for less money.

Nice to have handy for lazy days or travel. 

Odd Side-Effect from My CPAP mask

I am not particular about too many things in my appearance - meaning I don't need to have the trendiest outfits or name brand clothes. One of my favorite things to fuss over, however, is my hair. Several months ago I switched hair dressers because no matter how I asked to have my hair cut, it seemed like it always ended up looking the same after a couple weeks. So I tried a new gal and really like how she cut my hair. Eventually, I started thinking the same thing about her - why does my hair always end up looking the same after a couple weeks?

I was lamenting my frustrations to a friend one evening over wine and she thought this crazy thought that maybe my CPAP head strap was breaking off my hair leading to my hair always feeling like it was cut the same way.  So we came up with the idea for me to sleep with a night cap on under my CPAP head gear.  I found one on-line for a few bucks and thought  - hey why not!

I am several weeks into my hair cut and have been wearing the night cap every night. I finally am feeling like I am getting my hair to grow past my temples and into a nice smooth bob! Maybe it is all in my head, but for a few bucks worth a try if you want to give your hair a little protection from those head gear straps!!

Supply Quality

Quality CPAP supplies are essential to good therapy.  About 6 months ago the sleep center where I get my supplies changed to a different manufacturer for the tubing that goes from the power unit to the mask.  The tube was much lighter weight and felt quite flimsy.  The first time I got this replacement tubing it developed a hole in the plastic after a couple weeks of use. I had to order a replacement.
Last month I began feeling very tired during the day.  I just thought work was maybe a little more stressful than normal and didn't think too much about it.  After about a week I noticed that I could hear more air flowing through the tubing than normal. Upon closer inspection, I could see that the tubing had been stretched at a certain point along the tubing and the plastic had little pin holes along the wire coil of the tubing.  Knowing that I would have to call the next day for a replacement, I pulled an old length of tubing out of a closet that I had kept as a "just-in-case" something happened my current tubing (very foresightful of me!!). It was the old thicker tubing that had been in use before the sleep center changed suppliers.
After 2 days, of using the old tubing that didn't have wholes, I could tell I slept better at night as was less tired during the day. When I called in to order my new tubing, I asked the sleep center if I could order the old tubing.  Yes! It was possible, it just wasn't part of their normal stock and would cost me a few extra dollars to order in.
I have the new tubing.  I have asked the sleep center to mark my chart that I only want the brand of the heavier duty tubing.  It may cost a little more, but I think it will hold up much better than the flimsier new brand of tubing.  I have had several good nights of sleep!
Your CPAP supplier may not be as accommodating as mine. However, this is a good reminder to monitor the quality of the supplies you are receiving.  If the goods are inferior, ask for a different brand or maybe even switch suppliers.  A few extra bucks, no problem - because your life really does depend on it!

A-Fib in sleep apnea

Now that I get sleep with my CPAP machine, I notice nights when, for whatever reason, I didn't get a good night of therapy.  I may feel dehydrated upon waking, have a headache, and sometimes if I overdo it during the day my heart feels a little flippy.  I ran across this interesting Q&A and thought I would share here:

Q: I have atrial fibrillation and have been shocked twice to get me back to normal rhythm. However, in each case, I went back into atrial fibrillation within a few weeks. I do snore and my doctor recommends a sleep test. He says if I have sleep apnea, that could be why I go back into the abnormal rhythm.

A: Your doctor is probably correct. The incidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation in untreated sleep apnea is probably four to five times normal. There are several reasons. First, during the apnea the heart and especially the atria are stretched like a rubber band. Oxygen levels drop and pressure in the arteries leading out of the heart increases severely. This combination of factors leads to electrical instability and can results in atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is very important that you get tested for aleep apnea. If you do indeed have sleep apnea, with treatment you might be able to stay out of atrial fibrillation.

http://azdailysun.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/columnists/sleep-well-cpap-machines-adjust-for-altitude/article_45d183e8-04b1-5e7e-a95c-a2fba2da0935.html

Helpful Website

This website has really great review information of various sleep apnea masks on the marker, plus helpful hints for dealing with leaks!

Consumer">http://www.cpaphelpdesk.com/">Consumer Guide to CPAP Masks - CPAP Full Face Mask, Nasal Mask & Nasal Pillows.

get some zzz's - No. 5 Herb Tea

A wondeful, wonderful tea before bed.  You can find on Amazon or many other web sites. One of my favorites!  Valerian is a very nice sleep aid.