Category: CPAP Machines

What are the signs that indicate when to use a humidifier and when not to use it? Should I refrain from using it during the warmer months of summer and limit my use to the cooler months of fall and winter? Should I continue to use my CPAP humidifier during the winter as well? Does it actually assist with my treatment for getting me to sleep? These are some of the most typical questions that people who use a CPAP machine often ask.

Why Should You Make Use of a CPAP Humidifier?

The addition of humidification to CPAP therapy does not treat or cure obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), but it does assist with the negative effects of CPAP treatment. If you are currently receiving therapy with CPAP and are finding that it causes nasal dryness, congestion, or discomfort, then adding humidification to your routine may help reduce the severity of these symptoms.

The increased flow of dry or cold air through the nasal passages may be the cause of some of the sensations experienced in the nose. The addition of humidity to a sleep apnea machine during sleep treatment has two purposes: first, it adds an extra layer of comfort, and second, it helps the nasal passages adjust to the significantly increased airflow.

The quantity of moisture that is present in the air is referred to as humidity, and it is mostly affected by the temperature (how warm or chilly the air is) of the environment. The ambient temperature is what ultimately decides the quantity of moisture that exists in the air. In most cases, warmer air contains a significantly greater amount of moisture than air at lower temperatures. The relative humidity is an essential component in comprehending and evaluating the significance of CPAP humidification with regard to patient comfort while undergoing treatment. Learn more about coping with using a CPAP machine.

Using Humidifier in the Summer 

Some people do not require the use of a humidifier during the summer months because the air is significantly warmer than it is during the winter months. This indicates that less moisture is required for the relative humidity to reach 100% (warm air = more humidity); consequently, some people do not need to use a humidifier during the summer months.

Use a CPAP Humidifier to minimise nasal irritation

During the warm summer months, the following are some scenarios in which a humidifier for a CPAP machine may be required:

• If turning on the air conditioner in your bedroom causes the air to become cooler and drier, you may need to turn on your humidifier in order to feel more comfortable.
• If you reside in desert-like environments (with no humidity in the air).
• If the temperature outside appears to be lower than it is within. Because low humidity may make it appear much cooler than it actually is, which is a clear indicator that you will need to use the humidifier, you will need to be sure that you have it turned on.
• Mouth breathing or a leak in the mask might be the cause of the issue. This loss of air causes a significant loss of humidity, which in turn leads to a greater number of problems.
• Your body might just require more hydration. You are not the same as the next patient, which means that you will not require the same level of humidity as they do. Because of this, you will not be receiving the same treatment.
• You may suffer from seasonal allergies and require humidification to relieve your congestion as a result of these allergies. Full-face CPAP masks are helpful in this regard as well.

Using Humidifier in the Winter 

Because the air is significantly colder during the winter months in comparison to the summer months, the relative humidity of the air must include a greater quantity of moisture in order to achieve 100% (colder air = less humidity). Take notice that this is before you use a humidifier with your CPAP machine. When you add the CPAP to the mix during the winter months, the increased flow of air causes the humidity level of your nasal passages to be even lower than that of the room you sleep in. This is especially true if you suffer from a condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Using CPAP Machine Humidification and Its Benefits 

It is estimated that up to forty percent of CPAP users suffer from nasal congestion as well as dryness of the nose and throat. It is possible for these symptoms to be severe enough for individuals to be unable to continue their therapy. Humidifiers designed for use with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems give both moisture and warmth to the air that is supplied by these systems. This alleviates feelings of dryness and congestion, which, in turn, will lead to an increase in the overall degree of comfort experienced and compliance.

Studies have shown that increased nasal resistance can lead to an increase in mouth breathing, which is something you want to avoid doing since it can cause more dryness and irritation in the nasal passages. The significant rise in nasal resistance that causes people to breathe through their mouths and causes leaks may be avoided with heated humidification. In addition, the total advantages of your sleep therapy will increase as a direct result of this.

At Air Liquide Healthcare, we provide amazing CPAP machine and accessories options for people to treat their sleep apnea condition, if you want more clarity and professional advice about this condition, you should book a consultation session with our sleep specialist today!

Some people may feel anxious or concerned about starting CPAP therapy, and that’s okay. When told they need to keep a CPAP machine by the bed and wear a mask to manage their sleep issue, many persons diagnosed with sleep apnea feel a combination of relief and aggravation.

On the one hand, if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may feel some comfort from knowing that your collection of symptoms has a name and a treatment plan. These symptoms can include a sore throat, daytime sleepiness, headaches, concentration problems, brain fog, and other similar concerns. When you first begin CPAP therapy, you may notice an immediate improvement in your quality of sleep, your energy levels, and your overall health.

On the other hand, adapting to the discomfort of a cpap machine and using it nightly for the rest of one’s life is a major lifestyle change. The bedroom is the most private place in the house, yet you still need to bring in some form of durable medical equipment. The bulky CPAP machine and its accompanying tubing and face mask are points of attention that won’t go unnoticed.

Now, every time you take a trip, you’ll need to pack your CPAP machine, too, so be prepared to allocate some additional room in your bags. Visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-apnoea for more about CPAP therapy.

If you’ve never used any kind of medical equipment before, it’s normal to feel a little out of sorts while you adjust to these new routines. Using a CPAP machine and mask during the first several weeks or months of treatment might feel like an invasive intrusion, disrupting long-established routines and rituals.

Not Able to Adjust to Wearing the CPAP Mask?

For some patients, the most challenging aspect of CPAP therapy is not the machine’s fit or the hassle of finding a suitable location. CPAP therapy might be difficult to adjust to for some people because they are having a hard time accepting that they have sleep apnea on an emotional or mental level. Learn more about Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Some people with apnea may experience shame or guilt when they realise they require a machine to help them get some rest each night. They would rather not be labelled as having sleep apnea because of the stigma it brings.

In this article, we will discuss some of the more prevalent psychological obstacles that prevent people from using CPAP and provide counterarguments to help you change your mind and start benefiting from the therapy.

First, “I Appear to Be Very Ill When Using the CPAP.”

Bringing a piece of tube-connected durable medical equipment home and setting it up next to your bed can be intimidating and upsetting, even for a person in generally good condition. Upon first glance, you could associate it with hospitals and breathing machines. 

However, it is important to remember the widespread nature of obstructive sleep apnea in the Australia and elsewhere. Those who suffer with OSA are not alone. About 15% of the adult population in Australia has been diagnosed with OSA, and an unknown number suffers from some kind of sleep apnea that has not yet been identified. Sleep apnea is quite prevalent, but with the appropriate treatment, it is easily treatable.

In reality, apnea is not a disease but rather a fairly common and curable sleep disorder. However, you run the risk of being ill if you don’t use the CPAP as prescribed. Damage to the brain, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, the risk of stroke, diabetes, and depression are just some of the consequences of untreated sleep apnea over time.

Keep in mind that you can always store the CPAP machine away in a drawer when it’s not in use, so it doesn’t have to take up valuable space next to your bed. However, continue to make use of it.

Second, “Apnea Is Only Found in Fat People.”

Hearing that you have sleep apnea can be as devastating as hearing that you are overweight to some people. There are in fact three distinct forms of apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.

Obese persons are more likely to have OSA because of the extra fat in their neck and throat, but being overweight is not a prerequisite for developing the illness. Apnea affects people of all sizes. Some drugs, alcohol use before bed, cigarette usage, and specific sleeping postures have all been linked to OSA.

It might even be completely out of your hands. It’s possible that your nasal passageways, jaw, or throat anatomy increases your risk of obstructive sleep apnea. It’s also possible that you have excess tissue in your soft palate, which closes down your airway when you’re sleeping. Your issue might also have genetic underpinnings or be related to the onset of menopause.

One must remember that obstructive sleep apnea is only one type of the disorder. When your brain stops sending signals to your diaphragm, you have central sleep apnea. It has nothing to do with body mass index unless your BMI is high and you also have another ailment that is associated with central apnea (such as heart failure or chronic kidney failure). There are a number of potential causes of central sleep apnea, including neurological disorders, other medical conditions, drugs, and even elevation changes.

Keep in mind that the chance of developing apnea is affected by a wide variety of circumstances. Hearing that you need to use a CPAP machine while you sleep is not always a reflection on your size or your dietary and exercise routines.

However, if you are overweight, the CPAP mask might help you in your quest to improve your health. Gaining a healthy amount of sleep is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight. If you have trouble staying at a healthy weight, think of the CPAP as a fitness tool on par with a treadmill or exercise cycle. Using a CPAP isn’t anything to be embarrassed about; rather, it’s a sign that you’re taking charge of your health and taking preventative measures.

Third, “It’s Embarrassing to Fly While Using a CPAP.”

There is no doubt that carrying a CPAP machine on a plane as carry-on luggage may be a hassle.

Before you pack your gear, make sure to verify the authority’s regulations. If you plan on using a CPAP machine on the plane, remember to bring your prescription and the necessary equipment.

Passing through security should go well as long as you’re well-prepared. Hundreds of CPAPs are screened by X-ray and by hand every day by TSA employees. Before boarding the plane with your CPAP, find out if you need special clearance from the airline. If you feel self-conscious about using the device while in flight, you may always cover yourself with a blanket or a hooded sweatshirt.

Fourth, I’m Old Because I Use a CPAP

It’s true that folks over the age of 40 are more likely to develop sleep apnea (men more than women). After age 60, the prevalence rate skyrockets.

An indicator of age, CPAP use is still not conclusive evidence of oldness. Actually, if you begin therapy and start sleeping better, you may feel and look younger than you are. You will probably improve your health.

What you look like and how you feel after the worst night’s sleep might give you some insight into how you could feel about your appearance as you age. Just try to picture it happening on a regular basis.

Related: Comparison Between Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini CPAP Machines