Like any medical treatment, whether it be oral medication or physical manipulation, the body experiences both positive and negative side effects. Though most of these side effects are manageable, sleep apnea sufferers using CPAP machines will benefit from the experience with preparation, and knowing what to expect. In this article, we outline the common side effects of using a CPAP machine and how to manage your environment to counteract the more persistent symptoms. CPAP machine side effects include: Stuffy, clogged and irritated nasal passage Due to the dry air pushing through the CPAP machine, most sleep apnea sufferers will attest to a dry, stuffy nose after the initial usage of the device. For those who suffer from allergies, such as hay fever, may find their condition worsen, or cause some scabs in the nose and bleeding. The best way to approach this symptom is by combining the CPAP use with an air humidifier, and a nasal spray for your allergies. Generally, the inclusions of these additions rectify the issue. Headaches Especially during the first period of use, sufferers complain of head pressure and even headaches. While some of that sensation may be due to the unusual feeling of wearing a mask at night, it may be due to unreleased pressure from the mask itself. The release of pressure is normally through the body, usually the ear, but blocked ears can stop this process, causing the pressure sensation and headaches. If you are sick, you may need to spend time sleeping without your mask, but you are best to consult your physician about this when the time occurs. Claustrophobia For some sufferers, the idea of wearing a mask every night, substantially covering the face, can induce uncomfortable claustrophobic feelings. Thankfully, this specific side effect tends to ease with use, as patients who’ve sustained prolonged CPAP use describe the sensation lessening over time. These particular symptoms require users to exercise patience, as this is simply part of the transition period of using the machine. Noise adjustments Depending on your specific machine, you may find yourself adjusting to a light humming or vibration sound, which can keep light sleepers awake. Once again, this is a side effect that requires patience and time to work through, as getting used to the sound will occur over time. However, during your transition phase, aim to place the machine as far from you as possible, or speak to your specialist about other CPAP models available. Most CPAP machine symptoms are usually short term, and, as sleep apnea sufferers will happily attest to, don’t last longer than a week or two. For a short time required to adjust to the machine, the benefits far outweigh the fine-tuning required.

For every sleep apnea sufferer and CPAP machine user, obtaining a relaxing night’s sleep is their main priority, although it’s virtually impossible to realise in the persistent summer heat. Those who aren’t lucky enough to have air conditioning in their homes, or specifically in the bedroom, need to look to other solutions to keep cool during the night. We outline the best ways to stay cool at night, sharing with you easy to implement tips for keeping away the heat that aggravates your condition and prevents comfortable sleeping. Utilise a fan Though you may not have access to air conditioning, pedestal and ceiling fans are an extremely cost-effective alternative. Positioning the fan near you will keep you relaxed while pushing the warm air away from your body. However, what you want to avoid is placing the moving air directly in front of your face, as this can cause a blocked nose and dry mouth easily. Combined with a humidifier, the fan should efficiently work to keep you relaxed without the dry mouth symptom. Open the windows As the air temperature drops overnight, fresh, cold air is easily accessible through open windows. Especially where your CPAP machine is stored, the bedroom temperature needs continual regulation, so you need to prioritise effective cooling during the coldest parts of the day. Keeping the windows open during the night is best if it doesn’t provide any distractions; for houses on main roads or near loud, high-density areas, this solution may offer more distractions than relaxation. Cold shower Going to bed hot won’t help you relax or stay comfortable throughout the night. A quick yet efficient cooling technique is taking a cold shower before bed, which will help lower your body temperate while washing away sweat, dirt and grime. Washing your face is particularly essential for CPAP users, to avoid mask damage and disintegration, so adding this step in shouldn’t disrupt your sleep hygiene routine. Hydration CPAP users particularly need to concentrate on adequate hydration during the warmer months, to avoid a dry mouth while mask sleeping, as well as maintaining proper health and nutrition. Cold or ice water also helps you to keep cool and replenishes water loss from excessive sweating. Lightweight linen The summer months aren’t the time to use any of your heavy linen; avoid sleeping with blankets, thick sheets, and linen made of silk, satin and polyester. These fabrics don’t breathe efficiently, and trap sweat easily, which results in night time perspiration and smelly linen.

After a visitor to your doctor and the prescription of a CPAP machine, suddenly you’re thrown into a world of medical jargon that can be confusing and bewildering. Though most specialists aim to make this process as seamless as possible, there are occasions when the terms used that won’t make sense. In this article, we debunk some of the most used medical terminologies about CPAP machines and treatments, helping you understand your treatments and equipment better.

CPAP

Most specialists will refer to the continuous positive airway pressure as CPAP; we commonly know these as the personal machines found in the home, supporting your breathing during the night. What this machine aims to do is provide you with continuous pressure to your upper airway, which keeps it open during sleep, allowing you to breathe normally.

Cushion or Pillow

The use of the terms cushion and pillow often confuse CPAP users, as these reference everyday household items used for sleep. However, these terms specifically address parts of the CPAP machine, the area that contacts the face which is on the seal of the mask. This cushion is essential to the mask’s operation, as it seals the air in and keeps the apparatus stable on the face.

Events

Medical professionals often use the terms ‘events’ to describe many types of episodes or occasions when the patient suffers from their condition. There are generally two types of events for sleep apnea sufferers. The first is apnea events, in which the patient stops breathing during sleep, usually for more than ten seconds or longer. The second refers to mask events, when the mask disconnects from the face, becomes broken, or breaks during use. Events may also reference any other issues you have with your condition or the CPAP machine, and may not be about anything specific.

Types of mask

When discussing your CPAP machine with your doctor and technician, they will refer to different types of sleeping masks, typically asking your preference for your style of sleeping. To avoid confusion, here are the definitions of each mask, to help you learn what each one is: A full-face mask – this refers to the CPAP mask that covers your nose and mouth entirely. Contrary to the name, it doesn’t cover your entire face, being your eyes, ears and forehead. A nasal mask – this CPAP mask covers just the nose, allowing breathing through the mouth to continue. A pillow mask – the type of CPAP mask that sits on the base on of the nose.

One of the most common side effects of using a CPAP machine is a dry mouth; some sleep apnea sufferers will attest to the dry mouth sensation occurring almost immediately after their first use. What results is a struggle to sleep, leading to other respiratory problems and comfort issues further down the track. In this article, we share with you our simple solutions to managing this common CPAP machine symptom, explaining the ways to address this issue through easy behavioural changes.

Consider a new CPAP mask

One of the most straightforward solutions for a dry mouth is reviewing your specific mask choice. There are many mask options available to suit different styles of sleeping and airflow, and it might be worthwhile investigating an alternative. However, if your mask isn’t fitted correctly, or isn’t sized accurately for you, consider having a customised mask created for you, one that addresses your dry mouth concerns and that fits comfortably on your face, much like that of our ApneaSeal technology. In some cases, the issue stems from a broken mask, leaking air and causing the dry mouth feeling. Leaking may be caused by ill-fitting a mask, as we just mentioned, but may be due to a broken strap or cracked apparatus. Regular servicing and maintenance of your machine and mask will allow you to address these issues, as will thoroughly cleaning of the mask frequently.

Try an air humidifier

For the perfect sleeping environment, sleep apnea sufferers enjoy using air humidifiers every night. With added moisture to the air from the humidifier, the dry mouth symptom eases quickly, and most users find the issue efficiently managed through this method. Some CPAP machines are fitted with inbuilt humidifiers, saving you the cost of buying a separate humidifier for your bedroom. An inbuilt humidifier isn’t typical for all devices to have this feature, so you will need to check with your supplier.

Increase your hydration

With your mask and CPAP machine in perfect working order, and after regular use of an air humidifier, if a dry mouth persists, this may be due to your fluid consumption. Dehydration can occur without adequate water consumption, or from prolonged periods of sweating, from exercise, caffeine consumption, or alike activities. Though some sleep apnea sufferers don’t like to consume a lot of liquid before sleep, to avoid uncomfortable bathroom breaks, CPAP users are encouraged to rehydrate adequately to prevent the dry mouth sensation. A persistently dry mouth isn’t ideal for any CPAP users, and if your issue persists, you’re best to consult your doctor about other options for you.

Sleep apnea and napping seem to go hand in hand; as the sufferer experiences decreased levels of energy from a miserable night’s sleep, napping seems the only way to survive each day. Though it can seem like a reliever of fatigue, napping can often cause more harm to your sleep apnea than good. In this article, we divulge everything you need to know about napping and sleep apnea, providing you with an understanding of why most sleep specialists are wary of napping, especially in the beginning. Avoid napping at the start During the adjustment period for new CPAP users, napping can play havoc with the machine’s ability to help manage the condition properly. What napping does is reduce your sleep debt; while you may want to make up the amount of sleep you’ve missed, high sleep debt will help you fall asleep faster with a new CPAP machine. As a result of the nap, you are extending the adjustment period with your machine, making it harder to fall asleep with your new set up. Don’t forget your CPAP machine Sleep apnea nappers tend to forget about their critical sleep device during a short nap, often failing to see the need for the machine for such short sleep. However, the physical sleep process doesn’t differ between a short sleep (nap) and a long one; your biomechanics are experiencing the same breathing issues no matter what the sleep duration. Neglecting to wear your CPAP mask during a nap can be extremely detrimental to a sufferer’s condition, and highly advised against by most sleep specialists. Consider your location and sleep set up Some people can nap in moving vehicles, or on the couch in front of the television, meaning they aren’t in their usual bedroom surrounds. Sleep apnea sufferers need to be particularly wary of napping outside of their typical sleep environment, as this can cause poor sleep, extended sleep debt, and exacerbated symptoms. When choosing to nap, sleeping in your bedroom is best, along with your routine bedding and sleep comforts, and, as we mentioned before, with your CPAP machine. Though sometimes it can’t be avoided, like in the case of travelling, it’s best to replicate your sleeping environment as closely as possible. Understand why you need to nap and address it The need to nap usually occurs due to increased sleep debt. Addressing the root cause of the added fatigue is critical for sleep apnea suffers – with a CPAP machine and eight hours of quality sleep, if napping is still necessary, lifestyle adjustments may need to be made. Such modifications may include dietary overhauls, increased exercise, and changes to the CPAP machine specifically.

There is no denying the love for our furry friends, and most dog and cat owners will attest to their company at night. While they bring much-needed comfort, for the disturbed sleeper suffering from sleep apnea, navigating the experience of sleeping with a CPAP mask, pets can feel like the last thing you want to have around you at night. In this article, we discuss the value and disadvantages of letting your pets sleep on your bed, specifically addressing how it affects those with sleep apnea and the possibilities of exacerbating the condition. Poor Sleep Hygiene For every sleep apnea sufferer, sleep hygiene is one of the most crucial lifestyle aspects to establish. Sleep hygiene involves regulating lifestyle habits that impact your sleep; this can be anything from adequate exercise, modified diet, or creating a bedroom set-up that induces sound sleep. Pets, however, often don’t fit into proper sleep hygiene in the bedroom, as they add an uncontrollable factor to manage during the night. Such nightly events can be simply moving around the bed, disturbing your sleep pattern or even waking you for bathroom breaks or alike needs, disrupting your sleep cycle. Creature comfort advantages As animals provide creature comfort, providing a sense of relaxation, stress relief, and emotional support, sleeping with our pets can help the sleep process. Some owners find having the animal near them provides the comfort we just mentioned, and can easily forgive any mild disruption to their sleep hygiene. Pets owners who co-sleep with their animals often find changing their routine, after their diagnosis of sleep apnea and CPAP machine prescription, can be counterintuitive to their sleep routine. As they have co-slept with their animals for so long, changing the routine would play havoc with their night time cycle. Disruption to CPAP machine Playful animals, especially cats, are known for chewing on cords, and clawing and scratching furniture, and your CPAP machine is not immune to these attacks. While you may enjoy their company as you sleep, some animals should be kept away from your CPAP machine, protected accessing it to avoid damage, excess dirt and grime build-up, and potential mishaps where the device is at risk. Healthy Pets for better sleep If co-sleeping with your pet isn’t up for negotiation, it’s essential your pets are healthy and clean. Especially for sleep apnea sufferers, prioritise regular bathing for your pet, adding in more routine vet checks, and increased attention to clearing litter trays and hair removal around the bedroom.

Microsleep may sound harmless enough, but it is a potentially dangerous condition usually caused by medical issues such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are wondering how microsleep could be affecting you, we’ve put together a quick guide to the condition.

What is microsleep?

Microsleep is defined as periods of sleep that only last a matter of seconds. People who experience microsleep may find that they doze off in the middle of an important task. Indeed, they can briefly fall asleep almost anywhere, including whilst driving. This is what makes microsleep potentially dangerous.

Symptoms of microsleep

The symptoms of microsleep are not always obvious and a sufferer may not even realise that they have been asleep for a brief period. Warning signs to look out for include: – Failing to respond to information – Dropping the head – Staring blankly on a regular basis – Experiencing body jerks – Blinking slowly – Being unable to remember the immediate past

When does microsleep happen?

Microsleep can occur at any time of the day, although it is most likely to occur during hours when you are normally asleep such as the early morning.

Why does microsleep happen?

Microsleep primarily occurs due to a lack of sleep or failure to get enough high-quality sleep. These issues can be caused by a number of medical issues, including sleep apnea. This is because sufferers of sleep apnea are often woken up several times during the night thanks to blockages in their upper airway. This can impact both the amount of sleep they enjoy and their ability to achieve high-quality deep sleep.

How can microsleep be treated?

The best way to avoid microsleep is to treat the underlying causes of your sleep apnea by opting for a CPAP mask and making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and stopping smoking. You can also make a few simple changes before bedtime including: – Avoiding caffeine before bed – Keeping your bedroom cool – Turning off any lights in or surrounding your bedroom. Remember, always try to aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to stay feeling your best.

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that many people live with; it is a disorder wherein breathing stops and starts during sleep. One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring through a full night’s rest but still feeling tired in the morning. If this sounds like you, perhaps see a professional who can help diagnose the problem. Sleep apnea – also spelt apnoea – is a common condition that many people have heard of without knowing what it is. Read on to find the answers to some common, and not so common, questions. How does sleep apnea sound? Generally, sleep apnea can be characterised as sounding like an intense snore. Some even report it as sounding like snoring – but if you were choking at the same time. Can sleep apnea be cured? It can – but the measures to do so, significant weight loss and surgery, are generally viewed as last resorts. Instead, most people trial with CPAP devices or other oral appliances. While these appliances don’t cure the disorder, they can help alleviate the symptoms. Surgery is done by either repositioning or removing excess throat wider in order to widen the throat and make breathing easier. How is sleep apnea diagnosed? When raising initial concerns with a doctor or your GP, bring someone that has witnessed your sleeping habits with you if possible. From there, sleep apnea diagnoses happen in a number of ways. You may be referred overnight to a sleep disorder centre, where you can be monitored by a professional. Other tests that may need to be done include home sleep tests and nocturnal polysomnography. Why treat sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is linked to many health problems, some of which can be fatal. Such issues include high blood pressure, insomnia, a general struggle to breathe, and in some cases even death. This is why, if you think you have sleep apnea, you should make effort to go and get it diagnosed; this way, if you do have sleep apnea, you can seek the appropriate help you need. ApneaSeal aims to revolutionise the treatment for sleep apnea. By capturing the unique contours of each client’s face, we can create a CPAP mask individually tailored to get the best night’s sleep that everyone deserves.

Ask anyone to describe the average sleep apnea sufferer, and they will probably describe someone male, ageing and overweight. In some ways, this is a reasonable response. A recent study showed that around six percent of women experience moderate or severe sleep apnea compared to 13 percent of men. It is also well-established that older people are more susceptible to developing sleep apnea. However, it is important to remember that sleep apnea sufferers come in all sizes, races, ages, and genders. Women, in particular, are an underdiagnosed group when it comes to sleep apnea, with many suffering a variety of symptoms for many years without any medical assistance. Why does sleep apnea go underdiagnosed in women? One of the reasons that sleep apnea is often missed in women is that they tend to present with symptoms that are not considered to align with classic sleep apnea. Furthermore, a man who shares a bed with a woman with sleep apnea is much less likely to mention it compared with the other way around. Doctors are also less likely to ask women whether they have related symptoms. Even women who do not snore particularly heavily or often may have sleep apnea. They may present with a range of other symptoms including: – Restless legs – Insomnia – Fatigue – Depression – Morning headaches – Difficulties concentrating – Heartburn during the night – Fibromyalgia – Night sweats – Dry mouth on waking – Stress and feeling overwhelmed – Frequently urination during the night – Obesity – High blood pressure Women who are going through menopause are thought to be between three and four times more likely to experience sleep apnea compared to those who are premenopausal. Women who are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy are also at a higher risk of developing the condition. According to the National Sleep Foundation, women with sleep apnea are often misdiagnosed as having chronic disorders such as anemia, diabetes, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hypothyroidism. Many are also dismissed as simply having hypochondria. This means that many women with sleep apnea are treated with medications that are unlikely to help such as pain medications and antidepressants. If you are a woman who experiences any combination of the symptoms described above, it is worth asking your doctor to investigate the possibility of sleep apnea.