Month: August 2022

Professional tips from LASIK experts

On August 14, 2022

Astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness can all be treated using LASIK, or perhaps laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, which happens to be a kind of vision correction surgery. Following eye surgery lasik, ninety % of individuals are in a position to see clearly without using contacts or glasses, based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology, but there are several post-surgical recovery suggestions that you need to be cognizant of prior to the process.

When considering eye surgery lasik, the healing time period is pretty light – usually one day or perhaps 2 – before individuals are able to continue the majority of the normal activities of theirs, based on Dr. Eric Donnenfeld of New York Faculty Medical Center in Manhattan, who’s clinical professor and a surgeon of ophthalmology at the university ‘s medical center.

Dr. Donnenfeld explains that healing following laser vision correction may take a few months before the total visual result is achieved:

More eye surgery lasik healing guidance from the pros contains the following: The course of your healing is driven by the events which came about before to your operation. – In an interview with WebMD Connect to Care, Amir Moarefi, MD, a refractive doctor based in Beach that is long, CA, states the preoperative evaluation is regarded as the essential component of the eye surgery lasik recovery. Based on Moarefi, “you be careful about these places which you contact where you do not take a seat with a surgeon in advance and the surgeon never ever examines the medical history of yours and stuff as that.”

When you are available in for the first appointment of yours, your ophthalmologist is going to take a corneal topography, likewise referred to as a 3d map of the eye of yours. Based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this’s particularly essential since eye surgery lasik reshapes corneal tissue throughout the process.

Additionally, Donnenfeld explains, “advanced wavefront technology is employed to map out the cornea, and then extra products are utilized to evaluate the and function of the interior and back of the eye.” Your eye examination will determine whether you’re a great prospect for LASIK and whether you need to explore alternate choices for fixing the vision of yours.

Provide transportation – Since you won’t have the ability to generate using eye surgery lasik, you are going to need to organize for transportation after the procedure. During the operation, the doctor of yours may prescribe medication which might result in blurred vision and affect the driving abilities of yours. Be sure you’ve a designated driver who can help you in getting home after the treatment is finished.

Sleep is important – eye surgery lasik patients are generally advised to go for a rest observing their procedure. “That laser incision you develop might make you possess a different body perception, like a lash in the eye of yours. Even though it might seem counterintuitive, Moarefi explains that the better you keep your eyes shut, the quicker they are going to recover and also the happier they’ll think.

The application of eye drops is crucial – Following having LASIK surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that individuals be provided with eye drops to lessen dryness after the process. It was recently found in Visual Science and investigative Ophthalmology that about half of eye surgery lasik patients experience dry eyes a week after surgery, which twenty % to forty % of eye surgery lasik patients experience dry eyes 6 weeks after surgery. If your dry eye remains or causes discomfort, it’s essential to talk to the doctor of yours.

Your eyes will age – Many individuals think that their eye surgery lasik has worn off years after they’ve had corrective surgery. This’s not the situation. Nevertheless, it’s a very fact of life that as you grow older, the eyes of yours will start to age also.

Lance Kugler, MD, a refractive surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska, tells WebMD Hook up to Care that eye surgery lasik is a fixed process which doesn’t stay away from the consequences of aging. “That’s a regular misconception that folks have.” They feel that their eye surgery lasik has used off. “The lens within the eye changes in individuals in their 40s, and also as an outcome, they’ll need reading glasses,” Kugler explains.

Do not make use of some cosmetics, perfume, and cologne.

In case you would like to use makeup on the morning of surgery, stay away from doing this since it might hinder the medications and lasers which will be used. On the morning before surgery, it is also essential to stay away from using any scented products, like scents or perfume. These products have the potential to interfere with quality of the air, and that is absolutely managed by devices that regulate temperature, moisture, and purity, among other items.

Prepare yourself mentally for the reality you are going to be awake during surgery.

Before having LASIK surgery, you’ll be offered a sedative medicine that will help you loosen up. Laser eye surgery, on another hand, is done while the individual is awake, unlike other kinds of methods. Get ready since the concentration of yours will be needed. A lot of people are uncomfortable with the concept of being awake, however, it can be enjoyable to witness what’s going on right in front of the eyes of yours.

Find out more about post-operative care

Pay attention to your post-surgical instructions. They were produced to guarantee you heal as completely and quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Ideally, you finally have a clear knowledge of what to expect when preparing for eye surgery. With regards to planning for laser eye surgery, there are not lots of measures to do. With the exception of consuming just a little snack before arriving. A common issue is whether or not you might consume before getting laser eye surgery. Indeed, you are able to! This’s unlike many methods where you’re placed under general anesthesia. Keeping foods in the system of yours will help with the absorption of the pain medicine that’s administered shortly after surgical treatment to help lower discomfort.

You have come to the point when you have either planned surgery or perhaps are still in re-search stage, with a couple of additional issues regarding laser eye surgery along with the recovery process to check. We get our eye surgery lasik patients a few suggestions to guarantee that their recuperation can be as painless and easy as they can, whether they’ve previously chosen surgery and continue to be in the method of figuring out if you should move forward.

Safety tips to use before and after LASIK

By admin

On August 14, 2022

In LASIK Surgeon, lasik surgery

While LASIK laser eye surgery is extremely successful, it’s crucial that you simply stick to any advise offered to you by the physician of yours and do all required to make for your recovery and operation. In order to enable you to get started, we have developed a list of valuable information and tips for planning for and also recovering from eye surgery lasik.

Recommendations for eye surgery lasik preparation Take proactive steps to make for your laser vision correction treatment. This’s among the greatest methods to make certain that your surgery and recovery are smooth. Thankfully, there are a number of methods to prepare for the appointment of yours. Learn more professional tips from LASIK experts.

Arrange for time off from work Although there’s minimal downtime necessary following LASIK laser eye surgery, you need to plan on taking a while off work. While you may possibly be in a position to go back to exert effort within 24 hours following eye surgery lasik, various other individuals might demand few days before their vision is sharp enough to go back to work. Your LASIK doctor is going to be in a position to advise you on the quantity of time you need to prepare to be from work during the procedure of yours.

Going back home You’ll be permitted to go back home rapidly after your eye surgery lasik treatment, though you won’t have the ability to get anywhere until your LASIK surgeon gives the all clear. In a great world, you need to organize for a good friend or maybe loved one to get you home and stay along with you until your vision gets better slightly. Sort this out before the visit of yours.

Beauty products are not allowed.

On the day of the operation of yours, the face of yours ought to be entirely makeup free. Furthermore, you need to abstain from applying other items and moisturizers.

Organize your clothes meticulously.

While your eye surgery lasik place of work is not likely to look like a runway, it’s nonetheless a good idea to organize your outfit properly. This’s because many individuals are told to not use something that will require them to pull their hair securely over the heads of theirs for fear of obstructing the vision of theirs. Wherever feasible, choose a button down shirt.

While LASIK laser eye surgery is incredibly profitable, it’s essential you stick to some information given to you by the doctor of yours and do all achievable to get ready for your recuperation and procedure. We have collected a set of useful information and ideas for planning for and also recuperating from lasik eye treatment to help you started out.

Suggestions for lasik eye surgery preparation

Prepare for your laser vision correction therapy by taking proactive measures. This’s among the best methods to ensure that your surgery and recovery are smooth. Fortunately, you can find many options for preparing for the appointment of yours.

Make plans to take some time off from work.

Although there’s minimal downtime after LASIK laser eye surgery, you need to rely on missing some work. While you may possibly be in a position to go back to exert effort within 24 hours of lasik eye surgery, others might need a few days before their vision is sharp adequate to function. Your LASIK doctor is going to be in a position to advise you on the length of time you should expect to avoid from work during the surgery of yours.

Getting back home You are going to be ready to go back home shortly after your lasik eye surgery, though you won’t have the ability to get anywhere until your LASIK surgeon gives the all clear. In an ideal situation, you would have a good friend or maybe loved one drive you stay and home with you until your eyesight gets better significantly. Make a note of this before the visit of yours.

Don’t touch the eyes of yours.

While it’s usual for the eyes of yours to feel irritated and uncomfortable after lasik surgery, you need to stay away from touching them since this might enable germs to get into and set your eyes vulnerable to illness. Some individuals like to sleep with a mask or maybe goggles on to stay away from unknowingly touching the eyes of theirs.

Rest

For the very first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure, you need to stay away from any task which demands prolonged high levels of concentration, like reading or even utilizing a laptop. We suggest you use any chance to rest, since this’s when people heal the most fast.

Take some medication exactly as directed.

Following LASIK laser eye surgery, you might receive eye drops to work with. These elements aid on the recovery process and create the very best outcomes. In order to enhance the benefit of yours, be sure you are taking these medications based on the timing and also dose suggested by your lasik eye surgery practitioner.

Stay away from sports

You must take a rest from this particular exercise, whether you want contact or maybe only sports. This’s mainly because that even small injuries are able to have a destructive influence on the eyes of yours and also the result of your respective lasik eye surgery therapy. This’s true also while swimming with goggles. Restart the sport of yours only after your eye doctor has granted you the all clear.

Follow your surgeon ‘s instructions.

As with everything medical, it’s crucial that you strictly follow your surgeon ‘s advice. They’re dedicated to aiding you in following the very best vision. If you’re uncertain about something, don’t hesitate to request clarification.

Contact lens wearers might find it incredibly challenging to make for LASIK surgery. You’ll be advised to not use contact lenses before LASIK procedure. The period of time you have to stay away from them is governed on the substance of theirs. When you use soft lenses, you have to refrain from using them for five to seven days ahead to your pre-operative exam and operation. Toric lenses have to be eliminated for 10 to 14 times if utilized to treat astigmatism.

You’ll be instructed just how long you must quit using other kinds of specialized lenses before surgical procedure at the initial session of yours. Many people are perplexed why you need to quit utilizing contacts before to lasik eye surgery. That’s an excellent question! Contact lenses are able to alter the form of the cornea, the front surface area of the eye, and that is essential for lasik eye surgery calculations. When you are available in for the first call, question just how long you must go with no contacts before having lasik eye surgery.

Why Is it Necessary to Stop Wearing Contacts Before Lasik Eye Surgery?

Can contact lenses be utilized before LASIK eye surgery? In a nutshell, no. Adhering to the consultation of yours, you need to stay away from using contact lenses until your dilated pre op exam and surgical procedure. This can bring the standard shape of the cornea of yours. Contact lenses, regardless of how healthy you look after them, harbor bacteria. This bacterium might boost the danger of disease, that is one more motive to stay away from using contact lenses before lasik eye surgery.

Will I work with contact lenses after laser eye surgery?

During the postoperative time, the result is normally no. They’re dehydrating and could harbor bacteria which impede recovery. The aim is the fact that after you have recovered entirely, you will not need them any longer. When you do, you ought to be able to wear them with no incident the majority of the time. You’ll, nonetheless, call for a new prescription and also a brand new fitting.

Is it important to use glasses before lasik eye surgery?

Can it be important to use glasses after lasik eye surgery in case you didn’t wear contacts before? It’s determined by the prescription of yours and also the extent to which you depend on corrective lenses. If you’ve an impressive prescription, it can be hard to stop from using contacts before for your lasik eye surgery appointment. Nevertheless, it’s essential you don’t wear contact lenses in the months preceding the procedure of yours in an effort to run properly. Should you want new glasses, ensure you get them.

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

By admin

On August 12, 2022

In Sleep Apnea

A physical airway obstruction produces breathing pauses that characterize sleep apnea. This obstruction could be a larger tongue, huge tonsils or adenoids, a limp soft palate, or even a deviated nasal septum.

These blockages halt breathing, causing the body to fear and partially wake up to restore regular respiration and need to use sleep apnea machine. These apneic episodes can occur up to 100 times each hour in the most severe instances! Since all these occur when you’re unconscious, how can you tell if you have sleep apnea?

Related: Curing Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Your doctor may assess your symptoms, which you can offer with the assistance of someone who shares your bed or household, if possible. A doctor will almost certainly refer you to a sleep disorder facility. A sleep specialist can assist you in determining whether you require additional evaluation.

An evaluation frequently includes monitoring your breathing and other physiological systems while sleeping at a sleep clinic. Home sleep testing may also be an option.

The following tests are used to detect sleep apnea:

Polysomnography during the night: You are linked to equipment that measures your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep throughout this test.
Sleep tests at home: Your doctor may give you simple tests to perform at home to diagnose sleep apnea. These tests often take your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns into account.

If the results are abnormal, your doctor may be able to recommend treatment without requiring additional testing. However, because portable monitoring equipment does not detect all types of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend polysomnography even if your initial results are normal.

To investigate the causes of central sleep apnea, you may require a doctor who specializes in the heart (cardiologist) or a specialist who specializes in the nerve system (neurologist). If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out nasal or throat blockage.

Treating Sleep Apnea

To combat this illness, your doctor may merely recommend lifestyle modifications, such as decreasing weight or quitting smoking, for milder forms of sleep apnea. If you have nasal allergies, your doctor will advise you on how to treat them.

If these methods do not help your symptoms, or if your apnea is moderate to severe, a variety of alternative therapies are available.

Certain devices can aid in the opening of a clogged airway. However, a patient may require surgery in some circumstances.

SLEEP APNEA THERAPIES

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, a machine that supplies air pressure through a mask while you sleep may be beneficial. The air pressure provided by CPAP (SEE-pap) is slightly higher than that of the surrounding air and is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.

Although CPAP is the most frequent and reliable technique for treating sleep apnea, it can be difficult or uncomfortable for some people. Some people abandon the CPAP machine, but most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps on the mask to get a comfortable and secure fit with practice.

To locate a comfortable mask, you may need to try many different types to locate a comfortable mask. If you experience troubles, don’t stop using the CPAP machine. Consult your doctor to determine what modifications you need to improve your comfort.

If your weight changes, the CPAP machine’s pressure settings may need to be modified. However, contact your doctor if you are still snoring or if you start snoring again despite treatment.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

This newly certified airflow device learns your typical breathing pattern and stores it in a built-in computer. After falling asleep, the machine applies pressure to restore your breathing rhythm and prevent breathing pauses.

In certain cases, ASV appears to be more effective than other forms of positive airway pressure in treating complicated sleep apnea. However, it may not be a good option for patients with severe central sleep apnea and advanced heart failure.

You’ll probably read, hear, or see TV commercials for various sleep apnea treatments. Before attempting any treatment, consult with your doctor.

Other Airway Pressure Monitors

If using a CPAP machine proves to be an issue for you, you may be able to utilize a different type of airway pressure device that regulates the pressure automatically while you sleep (auto-CPAP). Some units provide bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP). Oral appliances produce more pressure when inhaling and less pressure when exhaling. Wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open is another possibility. Although CPAP is more reliable than oral equipment, oral appliances may be easier to use. Some help to open your throat by pushing your jaw forward, which can help with snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Your dentist can provide you with various equipment, or you can check out some of the equipment listed here. You may need to experiment with many gadgets before finding one that works.

Once you’ve found the proper fit, you’ll need to see your dentist frequently during the first year and then regularly to check that the fit is still good and reassess your indications and symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery is normally reserved for when all other therapies have failed. Before considering surgery, you should try other therapy options for at least three months. However, it is a good first option for a small percentage of people who have particular jaw structure abnormalities.

Surgical alternatives could include:

Tissue extraction
Shrinkage of tissue
Repositioning of the jaw
Implants
Stimulation of the nerves
Tracheostomy
Surgical removal of swollen tonsils or adenoids
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery

Nasal Masks

With this device, the air pressure is supplied through the nose mask. It could be beneficial if:

Your doctor has advised you to use a high air pressure setting.
In your sleep, you move a lot.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustment

Self-care may help you deal with obstructive sleep apnea and potentially central sleep apnea in some circumstances. Consider the following suggestions:

Exercise: Even without losing weight, regular exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Most days of the week, try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk.
Avoid alcohol, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills: These loosen the muscles in the back of your throat, making breathing difficult.
Get rid of unwanted weight: Even a small weight decrease may help reduce throat congestion. Sleep apnea may disappear in some situations if you return to a healthy weight, but it may reoccur if you gain weight.
Sleep on your side or abdomen: When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate might lay against the back of your throat, obstructing your airway. Attach a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top to prevent rolling onto your back while sleeping. There are also commercially available devices that vibrate when you sleep on your back.
Avoid smoking: If you smoke, search for resources to assist you in quitting.
Avoid medicines that make you sleepy.
Do not drink four to six hours before going to bed.
Avoid driving if you are drowsy.

Curing Pediatric Sleep Apnea

By admin

On August 12, 2022

In Sleep Apnea

Pediatric sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes children to stop breathing while sleeping. Children are affected by two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea (central apnea).

Much like adults, children also suffer from sleep apnea with similar if not more consequences than their adult counterparts. Before considering the cure for these children, let’s briefly overview sleep apnea treatment.

Distinguishing Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric Sleep apnea is of two types. A blockage in the back of the throat or nose causes obstructive sleep apnea. The other type, central apnea, happens when the section of the brain that controls breathing malfunctions. It does not provide regular signals to the breathing muscles to breathe.

The frequency of snoring is one distinction between the two types of apnea. Snoring is common in people with central apnea but more common in people with obstructive sleep apnea. This is because snoring is associated with airway blockage.

Sleep apnea, snoring, or another type of nighttime breathing issue affects between 7% and 11% of youngsters. Approximately 90% of them may go undetected.

Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common in both children and adults than central apnea. It usually begins between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. According to a 2014 study, 1 to 5% of children suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children

Aside from snoring differences, the symptoms of obstructive and central apnea may be similar.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea in children include:

A lot of snoring
Coughing or choking while sleeping causes breathing interruptions.
Sleep terrors caused by inhaling through the mouth
Bedwetting
Sleeping in unusual positions

However, sleep apnea symptoms do not simply occur at night. If your child experiences a disturbed night’s sleep as a result of this disorder, they may experience exhaustion, difficulty falling asleep, and difficulties getting up in the morning.

Infants and young children with sleep apnea, particularly those with central apnea, may not snort. In this age group, restless or interrupted sleep is sometimes the only indicator of sleep apnea.

Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea in Children

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, causes protracted periods of disrupted sleep, resulting in chronic daytime weariness.

A child with untreated sleep apnea may struggle to pay attention at school. This might lead to learning difficulties and low academic performance.

Some children develop hyperactivity, which leads to a misdiagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies have demonstrated that sleep-disordered breathing can generate symptoms comparable to those seen in ADHD and that treating sleep apnea, if present, can significantly reduce these symptoms.

Untreated sleep apnea causes growth delays, cognitive disabilities, and heart difficulties in more severe cases. Children with untreated sleep apnea may struggle socially as well. These consequences are likely to improve if sleep apnea is adequately treated.

Untreated sleep apnea can also lead to excessive blood pressure, putting people at risk of stroke and heart attack. It may also be linked to childhood obesity.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Children

If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, consult a doctor. Your pediatrician may recommend a sleep specialist.

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms, perform a physical examination, and, if necessary, schedule a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea correctly.

Sleep research

Your youngster will spend the night in a hospital or sleep clinic for the sleep study. A sleep technician wears test sensor and measures the following parameters during the night:

Breathing patterns and brain wave activity
Oxygen saturation, heart rate, muscle activity

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

If your child’s doctor suspects that he or she has a heart condition, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) may be scheduled in addition to the sleep study. The electrical activity in your child’s heart is recorded throughout this test.

Note: Consult a doctor if your child matches the criteria for sleep apnea and exhibits hyperactivity or indicators of behavioral issues.

Treating Sleep Apnea in Children

There are no standardized criteria for treating pediatric sleep apnea. A doctor may choose not to treat mild sleep apnea without symptoms, at least not straight away.

Some children outgrow sleep apnea, so their doctor may keep an eye on their condition to see if it improves. They must balance the advantages of doing so against the potential of long-term problems from untreated sleep apnea.

Initial therapies for children with obstructive sleep apnea include diet and surgery. Initial therapies for children with central apnea include diet and treatment of underlying problems. Other options include;

Changes in Lifestyle

Your child’s doctor may recommend physical activity and diet to address sleep apnea if he or she is obese.

Surgery

When swollen tonsils or adenoids cause obstructive sleep apnea, both the tonsils and adenoids are usually removed surgically to open up your child’s airway.

According to a 2016 study, adenoid removal was just as beneficial as tonsil and adenoid removal for a child who was under the age of seven, did not have childhood obesity, had moderate, rather than severe, obstructive sleep apnea, and had tiny tonsils.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy

Your child may require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy if his or her sleep apnea is severe or does not improve with initial treatment.

CPAP therapy involves your child sleeping with a mask that covers their nose and mouth. The mask is linked to a CPAP machine, which supplies a constant flow of air to keep their airway open. CPAP can alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea but cannot cure it.

Mouth Appliances

Oral appliances are also available for children with obstructive sleep apnea to wear while sleeping. These devices are intended to hold the jaw forward, maintain the tongue in place, and keep the airway open. CPAP is generally more effective, but youngsters tolerate oral appliances better and are more likely to use them every night.

Oral appliances do not benefit every child, but they may be an option for older children who have stopped growing facial bones.

Device for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)

A noninvasive positive pressure ventilation device (NIPPV) may be more effective for children with central apnea. These gadgets allow you to program a backup breathing rate. This ensures that a youngster takes a certain number of breaths every minute, even if the brain does not send a signal to do so.

Apnea Detectors

Infants with central apnea can benefit from apnea alarms. When an apnea episode occurs, the alarm goes off. This awakens the infant and brings the apneic episode to an end. If the infant outgrows sleep apnea, you can turn off the alert. Outside of a hospital environment, apnea alarms are almost never suggested.

Other resources:
Side effects of CPAP masks therapy
How Resmed Airsense 10 CPAP Machine Can Help Treat Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms
How to Avoid Rainout, Water, and Moisture in Tubing And Masks of Your CPAP Machine

Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Sleep Apnea Machine

Side effects of CPAP masks therapy

By admin

On August 9, 2022

In Buy CPAP Machines, CPAP Masks

Although it has a few potential negative effects, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, is generally safe. The most frequent complaints are related to air pressure or discomfort from the mask itself, and these problems may often be resolved by adjusting your machine’s settings or your mask’s fit.

Don’t make these modifications on your own since CPAP is a prescription treatment with many factors to take into account or you might encounter negative consequences.

CPAP Masks Leaking Air

Air leaks are by far the most typical CPAP-related complaint. Air may leak around the edges of the CPAP masks if it does not fit snugly, particularly if you change positions while you sleep.

Leaks are more likely to occur with larger CPAP masks, such as those that cover the mouth and nose. Leaks might hinder your treatment by decreasing the amount of pressure applied, or they could be loud and wake up your bed mate.

By utilizing a nasal mask or nasal cushions, air leakage may be minimized. Changing the pressure settings for your CPAP masks might sometimes assist if the fit is a problem for you.

If there is too much air pressure, the extra air leaks out of the mouth or around the edges of the mask. Before making any changes, talk this over with your doctor.

Skin rashes or marks

If your CPAP masks doesn’t fit correctly, it might leave markings on your skin and cause sores or even ulcers, particularly around the bridge of your nose. A rash or skin irritation may also occur in those with sensitive skin, particularly when latex-containing CPAP masks are used.

These symptoms may be alleviated by mask liners, barrier lotions, relaxing the mask, or a better-fitting mask.

Dryness of the Mouth or Nose

Leakage is often accompanied by dryness in the mouth or nose. This might cause nosebleeds or possibly harm to your teeth and gums. A parched mouth or tongue might result from opening your mouth wide.

An over-the-counter nasal saline spray might assist if your nose is dry.

You may avoid drying out by using heated humidifiers and heated tubing. You may use a chinstrap or a full-face mask that covers your nose and mouth to prevent your mouth from opening.

Difficulty in exhaling

When you first begin utilizing CPAP treatment, you could find it challenging to breathe out against the pressure even when it is simple to breathe in. Over time, this could get better, but the effort can also keep you up at night.

It may be beneficial in certain circumstances to ramp up from a lower starting pressure or include a function that makes exhaling simpler. It could be required to lower all pressures. Bi-level treatment, which involves breathing in at one pressure and exhaling at a lower pressure, may be necessary in rare circumstances.

Swallowing Air

Aerophagia, the act of ingesting air, is common (literally “air eating”). Aerophagia may be to blame if you wake up with air in your stomach.

Among the signs are: bloating, farting, and burping.

Swallowing air may indicate excessive CPAP pressures. The extra air may enter your stomach via your esophagus rather than your upper airway.

Reduced pressures might aid in avoiding this. The usage of wedge pillows when sleeping, GERD and heartburn drugs, and bi-level therapy are further therapies for aerophagia.

The emergence of central sleep apnea

Some persons may begin to have bouts of the breath holding associated with central sleep apnea after beginning CPAP treatment. If central apneas did not account for the bulk of your breathing disruptions before to commencing CPAP but now account for more than five occurrences per hour, you may have complicated sleep apnea. 4

Sometimes, this goes away with time, and it could be treated by by reducing the CPAP pressure. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) therapy, in which the air volume and speed may be adjusted to vary based on your demands, may sometimes be necessary as a change in treatment.

Facial growth issues in children

Children who use CPAP should be closely watched to prevent midface development issues brought on by the pressure of the mask over the nose.

Nasal cushions and other modern mask designs may lessen this danger.

Claustrophobia

When wearing a mask, some individuals feel constrained or contained. If you take the time to gradually become used to wearing the mask, this usually gets better with time.

Talk to your healthcare professional about claustrophobia remedies if you have difficulty using your CPAP masks due to claustrophobia.

Loud Sound

For the person you sleep with in particular, the noise might be disruptive to sleep. Even though the technology being utilized now is far quieter than it was in the past, it can take some getting used to. Overall, snoring, which is highly frequent with obstructive sleep apnea, is more difficult for spouses to get used to than the predictable sounds of CPAP.

Sex Drive

Some individuals may object that wearing CPAP masks is uncomfortable and could reduce sex desire in one or both partners. If this is a problem, it is important to openly discuss it with your spouse in order to determine when you will wear it and how to prevent having bad sentiments about the CPAP masks.

Changing the CPAP setting

The CPAP machine’s pressure settings may sometimes need to be changed if your obstructive sleep apnea risk factors change. This may be essential for a number of reasons, including:

Weight fluctuations:

Losing weight may cause issues with air swallowing, mask leaks, or difficulty breathing out against the pressure. Being overweight increases your chance of developing sleep apnea. It could help to reduce your CPAP pressure. A modification in CPAP pressure may also be necessary due to weight increase.

Allergies:

If you suffer from environmental allergies, effective therapy with drugs or nasal sprays may be able to lower your need for pressure by enhancing nasal airflow.

Surgical procedures:

You may need different amounts of CPAP treatment after having a tonsillectomy, a nasal septoplasty, or soft palate or tongue surgery.

Substance abuse:

Smoking may make sleep apnea and snoring worse. Alcohol use just before night might relax your muscles and make your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms worse. Your pressure requirements can decrease if you stop using any of these drugs.

Medication:

Drugs like benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants may make your symptoms worse. If you stop using them, your need for pressure can decrease.

Keep in mind that your settings should be adjusted by your healthcare practitioner. Making the decision on your own might be risky.

Read this before getting those CPAP masks

By admin

On August 8, 2022

In CPAP Masks

Approximately 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, which has varied degrees of severity. CPAP treatment, which employs continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to assist the patient in maintaining regular breathing patterns while sleeping, is one strategy for reducing the symptoms of the illness.

A CPAP machine has numerous elements, some of which may be adjusted so that you can have the most effective and sleep apnea comfortable treatment possible. While some alternatives allow for visual customization, it’s more crucial to choose cpap masks that fits your sleep preferences and other requirements.

We have a guide detailing the various CPAP masks, but it is worthwhile going through the key distinctions between the two most common choices, full-face CPAP masks and nasal pillows.

CPAP Full-Face Mask

You usually picture the full-face mask that rests over the patient’s airways and is pretty bulky and huge when you picture the classic CPAP machine configuration. The fact that this is a non-invasive solution that rests on the face rather than within an airway makes it ideal for anybody who sleeps on their back or has claustrophobia, even if some patients find these CPAP masks to be unpleasant.

For those who mouth breathe or have allergies that make it difficult to breathe through the nose, full-face CPAP masks are also beneficial. Patients who need a high air pressure setting for their CPAP treatment may also benefit from a full-face mask because of the structure’s ability to create a tighter seal.

Patients should be advised that full-face CPAP masks may move about during active sleep, induce eye dryness from air leaking from the top of the mask, and be challenging to use when wearing glasses.

Due to their smaller size and wider range of view, nasal pillows are a common option for those with low to moderate air pressure needs. As opposed to nasal pillows, which sit at the nose opening and allow airflow that way, full-face CPAP masks make it impossible to read or watch television before going to bed.

Nasal pillows can provide active sleepers additional mobility without running the danger of compromising the seal. Another thing to think about is facial hair since nasal pillows work better for those with facial hair because they are less likely to obstruct airflow.

The disadvantage of a nasal cushion is the direct passage of pressurised air into the nostrils, which in some people may be uncomfortable and in others can lead to nose dryness and bleeding.

The good cannot exist without the evil. These fundamental principles of life are applicable to CPAP therapy. Here are eight strategies to help you adjust to CPAP therapy more easily, so you can sleep better and enjoy therapy more.

Leaks

A mask leak is irritating in and of itself, but the dampness and rubbing of the mask on your skin also causes skin chafing and rashes. Replacing the cushion on your specific mask usually solves the problem of a leaky mask.

Soreness

When starting their CPAP treatment for the first time, many patients report feeling sore. But your CPAP just has to be broken in, much like a nice pair of shoes. Additionally, if your face features are more pronounced, the mask may not suit you as well. Many CPAP users experience pain on the bridge of their nose, which is often where the top of the full face mask lays. Try the a nasal pad, which acts as a barrier between the mask and your nose’s bridge, to eliminate this difficulty. Another choice would be to get a smaller or bigger mask depending on the size and form of your particular face. Try a nasal pillow mask instead of a full-face mask if you find that it gives you a lot more movement for individuals who have trouble falling asleep.

Claustrophobia

Billy Bob Thornton, an actor, is the only person who has ever been documented to have a clinical dread of old furniture, yet there are literally millions of instances of claustrophobia worldwide. There are several strategies for CPAP users, especially new ones, to get over their claustrophobia. You might, for example, attempt certain breathing techniques to make donning a mask seem less confining, suffocating, or restrained. Another choice is to use a nasal pillows mask or a less-obtrusive full-face mask like the Amara View, which enables you to free up most of your face save for the tube.

Facial Hair

Before beginning CPAP masks therapy, you didn’t think your beard was all that cool, did you? In fact, CPAP therapy might be a bit unpleasant even if you have a five o’clock shadow. To get the most out of your CPAP therapy, you don’t have to give up your characteristic scruff or stockpile; all you need is a mask with a stronger seal. However, the Roll Fit Cushion, which enables the mask’s bottom to fit precisely under your chin’s contours, is its finest feature. The straps on this mask also make it quite simple to custom fit the mask, allowing you to choose your ideal comfort zone. Don’t let your CPAP masks deprive your beard of its championship title since it has undoubtedly faced off against many opponents, including your wife, mother, and employer. Choose the simpler nasal pillow CPAP masks if you seal your mouth when you sleep.

The mask does not remain in place in a straight line and does not fit well.

When it comes to the fit of your CPAP masks, it should never be too tight or too loose; rather, it should fit securely but comfortably, much like a great pair of socks that has just been purchased. There are a variety of potential causes at play if your mask does not fit you properly and securely. Check to see if you can change the headgear; it’s possible that it wasn’t set up to accommodate the size of your head in the first place. This is the easiest problem to solve.

Final thoughts

With this, you should have enough that’ll help you make a good buying decision.

Problems and side effects associated with CPAP masks

By admin

On August 8, 2022

In CPAP Masks

Most CPAP masks users would agree that utilizing the CPAP masks has its own set of issues and adverse effects. We’ll be addressing some of the major issues and negative consequences related to CPAP masks in this post.

While elbows are a component of the mask, tubes may snag them.

The L-shaped connection used in full-face mask designs is called an elbow connector. It’s simple to assume a new cpap mask won’t fit since they often feature easy release options that leave part of the mask within the tube. In actuality, a portion of the mask is still in the tube. You’ll believe your mask and tube aren’t connected if you neglect to remove a piece from an old tube or if you acquire a new mask but the old one’s still in the tube.

You’ll probably need to buy a new mask if you lose or break the elbow. It’s also important to routinely change your mask and tubing to prevent stretching. Every three months, CPAP tubes and mask frames are covered by insurance companies to be sure they have proper seals.

Short tubes, not CPAP tubing, are a component of the mask.

The small tube that often comes with nasal pillow or nasal cushion CPAP masks is frequently mistaken for the main CPAP tube. You’ll discover that these, however, are much too short and cannot be attached to your CPAP. To put a new mask into your tubing, you must first remove the short tube.

All CPAP masks are compatible with oxygen adapters, but not all tubing.

Oxygen adapters enable people to bleed oxygen into their CPAP masks and connect between the mask and tube. They work with all CPAP masks and common tubing without exception. However, there can be limitations on the kind of adaptor you require if you have hot tubing.

The heated tube is specially designed with an oxygen port already built in. It also includes:

A smart algorithm called auto-titration will automatically modify your therapeutic pressure.
Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) lowers pressure when you exhale to prevent high pressure mask leaks.
Humidification: A heated tube and 7 levels of humidity make sure you don’t dry out.

Make sure you have all the components of the CPAP masks before attempting to connect a CPAP mask and tube. If your tubing is too old or loose, it may be the cause of your new mask’s (with its associated connection) failure to attach to it.

Another frequent problem is that when you attempt to disconnect the mask, old elbows or connection pieces remain in the tube, making it hard to insert a new type mask into the tube.

Signs That a CPAP Needs to be Replaced

You may need to weigh the advantages of replacing against the return on investment if a client is renting a CPAP. However, because insurance often covers a large portion of the expense, it is to everyone’s advantage to keep your consumers aware about any signs that could suggest a new unit is required. The machine has to be checked if snoring intensifies or if they have a recurrence of the symptoms. It is important to report any changes to warning lights or sounds as soon as possible.

It is not advisable to discard used CPAP masks in the garbage. You must manage them with a qualified electronics recycler, just as any medical electronic waste.

The 7 most typical side effects of CPAP masks (and Ways to Avoid Them)

For treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), CPAP therapy is regarded as the gold standard since it is secure, non-invasive, and most importantly, successful. But it does carry the possibility of adverse consequences, just like any other therapeutic choice.

Although most CPAP side effects are minor, some individuals find them to be so inconvenient that they stop using the device to treat their sleep apnea. Fortunately, these symptoms are also simple to address, so try the suggestions below before giving up on CPAP.

The most frequent issues brought on by using a CPAP have been listed, along with solutions or techniques to prevent them.

Side Effects of CPAP and Solutions

Congestion of the nose

Nasal congestion or irritation is one of the most frequent adverse reactions to CPAP treatment. These symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, a burning sensation, or nosebleeds.

Dry, pressured air passing through the sinuses causes nasal congestion, which may be especially prevalent in those who have regular sinus infections.

How to Avoid It

Use a nasal saline spray to moisten your nasal passages for temporary relief.
You should think about utilizing a CPAP humidifier for long-term care.

Your airflow is humidified with moisture to reduce dryness and calm irritability. A heated humidifier provides additional comfort by subtly warming the air while it moisturizes for a more organic sensation.

Dry Mouth

Mouth breathers often experience dry mouth or a dry throat upon awakening, which, like nasal congestion, is brought on by inhaling dry, pressured air.

Due to “mouth leak,” it may also occur to persons who use a nasal pillow mask or nasal mask, but it happens more often to those who use full face CPAP masks. When you sleep with your lips open, mouth leaks happen because when you exhale, air pressure escapes through your open mouth.

How to Avoid It

A CPAP humidifier will supply moisture to soften your airflow, regardless of the style of mask you select.
If you use a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, think about adding a chinstrap. CPAP chinstraps are intended to be worn in conjunction with your CPAP machine and help keep your mouth softly closed while you sleep.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes when you awaken are a strong symptom of a mask leak. As you sleep, the departing air rushes over your face and dries your eyes. Given that the quantity of leaking might vary depending on your sleeping position during the night, you might not even realize it.

How to Prevent It

Check to see that your mask fits correctly before continuing. Since your face shape varies when you lie down, recheck the fit while in your favourite sleeping position.

Verify that your headwear is neither excessively tight or too loose. Although it goes without saying that slack straps might create air leaks by preventing your cushion from properly closing, an excessively tight fit can also result in leaks.
Hold the cushion just above your face if your kind of mask needs it to inflate so that the CPAP pressure may build up.

It could be time to replace your mask if it leaks even after being reinstalled. Replace your cushions every 2-4 weeks, your mask frame every 3 months, and your headgear every 6 months to maintain the efficacy of your sleep treatment.

Gas, Burping, and Bloating

Aerophagia, a condition where one swallows air, is more likely at higher pressure settings. Continuous positive airway pressure might end up diverting into your esophagus when breathing against it becomes challenging. Bloating, burping, stomach discomfort, and gassy passage are signs of aerophagia.

How to Prevent It

Discuss changing your pressure settings with your physician or sleep expert. Without the guidance of a medical professional or sleep expert, you should never try to change your pressure settings.

Other resources:

How Resmed Airsense 10 CPAP Machine Can Help Treat Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms
How to Avoid Rainout, Water, and Moisture in Tubing And Masks of Your CPAP Machine