We All how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep, in many ways is the foundation of every good day. However, some people struggle to obtain that good night’s sleep due to sleep apnea. In fact, sleep apnea is present in as many as 18 million Americans. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can provide that good night’s sleep after all.

Fifty percent of sleep apnea patients prefer nasal pillows. These are the smallest of the CPAP masks and lay on the upper lip while blowing pressurized air through two delicate nasal tubes that embed into the nostrils. Another fifty percent prefer nasal masks which fit over the nose, covering the ranges from the extension of the nose down to the upper lip. They come in a variety of sizes so it’s easy to find an ideal fit. There are also CPAP masks that cover the nose and mouth and all, or part, of the face with side straps that keep the veil set up. Some half and half face veils cover the mouth and have nasal prongs that fit into the nostrils.

If you thinking you might be suffering from apnea, it is important to get that checked as soon as possible. Two to four percent of all Americans have undiagnosed sleep apnea and those people face a risk of stroke that is four times as likely as those who are not afflicted; they are also three times as likely to have heart disease. Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to keep up with treatment. About half of all people prescribed CPAP machines stop using them after a few weeks and at least 80% say they don’t use it enough to keep them safe. Doctors say that sleep apnea patients should use CPAP machines for at least four hours every night, seventy percent or more of the time during a thirty day period in order to get the best results.

When looking at CPAP masks, it is good to take into careful consideration the size and style that you want. You should get something that’s comfortable, fits well, and is going to hold up over time. Sleep apnea may not seem like a big deal at first but it can lead to major health issues so it’s important to find a treatment that works for you and isn’t too much of a hassle. That way, you can be one step closer to a great night’s sleep!

The post What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea and Its Treatments appeared first on Health and Fitness Tips.

Continuous positive airway pressure. In those four words is held the meaning of life for many people around the globe who suffer from sleep apnea and other illnesses that interrupt regular breathing during sleep time. Thousands die each year from sleep disorders where improper breathing leads directly to death.

Thankfully, there have been many strides made to advance the technology that will make sleeping not only possible but something to look forward to. Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP as it is widely known can be maintained through the use of a number of different types of machines that you can find on the market these days.

Roughly 18 million Americans suffer from some form of discomfort that sleep apnea causes. The good news is that many of these troubles can be alleviated by the use of a simple sleep apnea machine. You can find a quality sleep apnea machine online for a very affordable price and in addition to the machine itself you can find CPAP replacement parts that could be vital in addressing your sleep concerns.

The reason that CPAP replacement parts can become an issue is that as with any machine, part or all of it will break down over time. It is good to understand what parts of the machine could break down first and have some CPAP replacement parts on hand in case it does.

Imagine you have a quality machine and it serves you needs quite well for a lengthy period of time. Suddenly and without warning, your machine has a part that has gone bad and keeps the machine from functioning properly. If you need to wait for a replacement part to get to you, you might be trying to sleep without the machine for several days or even weeks. Why would you want to put your health on the line like that?

People who have sleep apnea and allow it to go untreated will have a risk of stroke that is four times greater than those who have not been diagnosed with the disorder. In addition, those same people who are four times more likely to have a strike are also three times more likely to have heart disease. The heart does not function properly when someone is having difficulty with sleep apnea issues. When you have a CPAP machine that can regulate your breathing when you sleep, this takes the pressure off of your heart and helps your body function the way it is supposed to while you are sleeping, giving you the chance to restore and rest.

Obtaining a CPAP machine if you have been diagnosed with a sleep apnea condition can return your life to you in ways you never thought possible. At the same time, having a few spare CPAP replacement parts is always a good idea to ensure you maintain that healthy sleep.

The post CPAP Replacement Parts Can Literally Save Lives appeared first on Health and Fitness Tips.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning a CPAP machine, and cleaning all filters keeps your machine running at its best, but what happens when your machine runs correctly and you still experience problems. In order to gain full CPAP machine effectiveness, users must use the machine every night while they sleep. Follow these tips to help with three common problems CPAP machine users experience when using their machine.

Dry and Stuffed up Nose

If you constantly suffer from a dry nose, or a nose that constantly feels stuffed up then see about using CPAP machines with a heated humidifier on it. These heated humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidification on the device. Patients over 60 are five times more likely, compared to younger users, to require a heated humidifier. Nasal saline spray used just before bedtime and before you put the machine on your face helps as well. Ensure that your mask fits well and snug, because any leaks can lead to this issue. If after the above tips don’t help and the problem persists then talk with your doctor. They can prescribe a nasal steroid to help with dryness.

Dry Mouth

Another common problem experienced by those who use CPAP machines, is a dry mouth. Those who breath through their mouth at night may experience even worse symptoms when using CPAP machines. Try using a chinstrap when using your machine to help you keep your mouth closed while sleeping. If this option does not work then a full face mask might work better.

Difficulty Wearing the Mask

If you have trouble wearing the mask while you are sleeping, there are a couple of things that you can do to help make it more comfortable and help you to adjust. Try wearing the mask for a short period of time while you are awake. Slowly begin wearing the mask longer and longer, such as while you are watching television. Once you become accustomed to wearing the mask, start wearing it during waking hours with the air pressure on. Once you become accustomed to wearing the mask with the air on while you are awake begin to wear it while you are asleep. It can take several weeks to get used to wearing the mask, but getting used to it is the first step.

Approximately 80% of patients who are currently using a CPAP machine do not use it often enough to keep them safe while sleeping. According to studies, approximately half of the patients who are prescribed a CPAP machine quit using the machine altogether within one week to three weeks. Follow the above tips to overcome common CPAP machine problems so that using your machine is more comfortable and that the machine does the job.