Everyone who has sleep apnea knows that individual approaches to the management of this issue can dramatically improve comfort and performance in using CPAP devices. In Canada, there are many accessories and additions that can be incorporated in order to customize your CPAP device. This guide will look at some of the most common accessories and how they can enhance your night with the CPAP equipment.
- CPAP Masks
In this case, the mask is one of the most important elements of the management of the disease with the help of CPAP therapy. There exists a considerable difference in the general comfort and efficacy of different masks. There are several types of CPAP masks to choose from, including:
- Nasal Masks: Nasal masks are fixed to the wearer’s forehead and cover the nose which is suitable for users who breathe through their nose and do not find full-face masks comfortable.
- Full Face Masks: These masks are designed to cover both the nose and the mouth area, so the users who mostly breathe through the mouth or have blocked noses are most suitable to use them.
- Nasal Pillows: Nasal pillows seal on the nose via a soft nose pillow and are suitable to those looking for a light touch, low profile mask.
Masks come in different materials and kinds, and each kind has different sizes and styles that are applicable, but it must fit right to the face and be comfortable.
- CPAP Humidifiers
Dry air is not comfortable at all and what is worse it triggers a dry throat, or nasal irritation among other complaints. For example, integrating a CPAP humidifier can easily enhance comfort by adding moisture in the air that your specific CPAP machine blows. A large number of latest models of CPAP machines that are commercialized in Canada, have built-in humidifiers. Where there are no integrated humidifiers in many of these machines, there are portable heated humidifiers and you can incorporate them.
- CPAP Heated Tubing
Heated tubing can be very useful in such a case and should be incorporated especially in cold areas or regions with little humidity. This accessory reduces formulation of rainout in the tubing, a situation that is not only uncomfortable but interferes with your therapy. The hose also has heated tubing which keeps the air warm along the length of the hose to ensure that the blowing air is also warm.
- CPAP Cleaning Supplies
Another point that needs attention is the need to keep the patient clean if the therapy is to be effective. Cleaning accessories include anti-bacterial and anti-mold cleaning wipes for CPAP machines as well as cleaning solutions for equipment. Therefore, it becomes important to clean your mask, tubing and the humidifier on a regular basis to avoid infections and boost efficiency.
- Suitcasees and Carry-ons
Rolling cabs or travel bags that have been specially intended for CPAP machines are suitable for frequent travellers. These cases usually have sections for the machine, mask, and accessories; thus, you can transport your equipment securely. Some travel cases also come with battery packs or converter for the proper functioning of your CPAP machine in different places.
- CPAP Battery Packs
Any traveller or anyone who has had a power failure needs a CPAP battery pack as a complementary item. Battery packs are an important accessory in the CPAP machine to use when the regular power source is not available. There are many batteries that are meant for particular CPAP brand and models and are capable of lasting longer, for extended travel or camping.
- CPAP Chin Straps
An uncomfortable effect of using a nasal mask would be mouth breathing, for which a chin strap is effective in preventing. This accessory ensures that the position of your jaw is restrained to enable pressure of air to be maintained through the mask. Chin straps are also flexible with variety of sizes thus comfortable to wear.
- CPAP Pillows
A wide variety of CPAP pillows available in the market has specific shapes and has figured out spaces where the CPAP masks comfortably fit and no space for mask leaks. These pillows relieve the pressure on specific areas and ensure that your mask stays in place while you are asleep.
Conclusion
Tools and additional features allow adjusting the therapy process with a CPAP device to improve its efficiency and make the therapy more comfortable. Fifty different choices can be made available to Canadians to adjust their particular CPAP machine including masks and humidifiers to travel bags or even batteries. Proper accessories will go a long way in making the use of a cpap machine effective and more comfortable to give you the needed sleep and extreme health.
