Tag Archives: cpap machine

The DreamStation 2

Philips Respironics is back with a brand new, sleek and lightweight design. The DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP was introduced into the CPAP market recently and has been causing some commotion (in the best way possible) amongst sleep apnea patients.

DreamStation (left) and the DreamStation 2 (right)

Compared to its predecessor, the DreamStation 2 is 29% smaller and 32.5% lighter; it is also 22% smaller and 16% lighter than the leading competitor. This new machine is a dark grey/black color and weighs 2.29 pounds compared to the original model that is a bright white color and weighs about 3 to 4 pounds. The exact dimensions of the new model is 10.78” (length) x 6.24” (width) x 3.34” (height) making it closer to the size of the DreamStation Go (travel size) than the original DreamStation machine offering the best of both worlds to patients – a smaller, almost travel size unit, that is billable through medical insurance providers.

Of course, the machine comes with the basics: a user manual, carrying case, power supply and cord, tubing, and a disposable and non-disposable filter. The DreamStation 2 is compatible with both Respironics and ResMed masks (just like the other CPAP machines on the market!), so you won’t have to worry about transitioning to an unfamiliar mask. It comes in the CPAP option as well as Auto CPAP. The new model still incorporates all the great features of the original model as well: RAMP settings, dream mapper, and an easy to use, colored touch screen.

The DreamStation 2 seems to be what all CPAP users are talking about right now, and I can see why. It works wonderfully, is user friendly, and is so incredibly small! I anticipate this being the hottest item of the year!

Please see the following link for a short ‘how-to’ video: Philips DreamStation 2 CPAP Setup and Use – YouTube

Dream…Wisp

If you’re a CPAP user I’m sure you have heard of the Dreamwear mask at this point – either the original mask, the nasal pillow mask, or the full face mask. The product has been pretty successful in the CPAP industry and has quickly become a favorite among many patients. It seemed as though Respironics has the ideal mask created, and there was an option for everyone. However, it looks like they are always striving to do outdo their best work, and looks as if they have accomplished their goal with this new mask – the DreamWisp.

Yep, you guessed it the dreamwisp mask incorporates the best qualities of the DreamWear and the wisp mask. According to the website, the “DreamWisp was designed to help you sleep comfortably with every turn. Combining DreamWear’s top-of-the-head tube design with the Wisp’s minimal contact nasal cushion, DreamWisp gives you the freedom to sleep in any position through the night.”

The mask is easy to attach and simple to adjust, making it easily convenient. It has magnetic clips that allow for quick attachment and detachment. In studies done prior to launch, it seems that patients were happy with the seal the cushion provides. This mask also come in handy for those who like to read or watch television prior to going to sleep as it does not obstruct the view in any type of way; it is also good for patients who wear glasses.

The mask comes in petite, small, medium, large, and extra large sizing. It also has two additional connector options in case the patient needs a larger frame. It is made up of silicone, polycarbonate, polyurethane foam, nylon, spandex, polyester, magnet, and acetal. It has multiple exhalation ports which allows for a quieter environment and is compatible with any pressure – 4 through 30.

The mask seems to be easy to use and will be a hit among the patients.

Caffeine: your best friend or worst enemy?

If you’re like me, coffee is the language that you speak in the morning. It is more than just a beverage; rather it is a concoction that brings me to live. It is the peanut butter to my jelly, the milk to my cereal, and the creamer to my coffee, but I dare not drink it past a certain time of day… Unless I want to be up late all hours of the night when I am supposed to be sleep. Coffee has its pros and cons, the cons sometimes outweigh the pros, but at the end of the day, it gives me life – and that is what is most important.

Pro: Alerts and boosts your mood. If this wasn’t an obvious observation of the phenomena that is coffee than what are you doing with your life? Scientifically speaking, caffeine imitates adenosine – a molecule that your brain releases to help you wake up – creating a boost in your system which is why it may seem as through you are more alert than before. This also help put you in a better mood…Thank the lord for that because I am definitely not a morning person; don’t talk to me until I’ve had some type of coffee in my system.

Con: It pumps adrenaline into our systems which can lead to irritability. The pituitary gland in our brains reacts with the caffeine and sends adrenaline into our bodies. While adrenaline might come in handy when say you are running for your life, it does not work out to well if you are stuck in an office all day. This leads to your irritability. This is not something that I experience often, so it was interesting to learn about.

Pro: Improves memory. Studies have shown that caffeine is linked to improve certain types of memory. Got a big exam coming up? Drink a cup of joe and study – straightforward information only, though; studies have shown that caffeine help you remember that particular information better. Keep in mind that this is only effective for those who are not already dependent on caffeine.

Con: Stays in your system for about 5 – 6 hours. This is the main reason why I do not consume any type of caffeine after 3 p.m. I will not be able to sleep; I don’t care what science says about it being out of my system. It is a lie and it is still in my system, hence I am unable to sleep… Other than this one teeny detail, science is correct.

Pro: Associated with a longer lifespan. There have been recent studies that link constant coffee drinkers to a longer life. I’ll take another cup, please!

Con: Causes heartburn. Caffeine has been shown to increase the acid levels in your stomach which can lead to you having heartburn. I’m just tryna wake up, man, why you gotta cause so many problems in my life.

There are a few other situations that caffeine seems to cause, although I am not too sure if it falls under the pro or con category. Caffeine is technically a drug; it can curb your appetite for a short period of time; and it can interact with certain medicines to encourage them to work faster. If you’re trying to diet than I supposed drink a few cups of coffee everyday can help – if you don’t mind the ulcers (this was a joke, you should laugh. If you are trying to diet, please do it the healthy way!). As for interacting with certain medicines… If you have a killer headache, caffeine has been proven to increase the rate at which aspirin takes effect, so that’s a good thing, right? But then again, what do I know?

So, caffeine… Friend or foe? I guess it really depends on what time o f day you consume it. That being said, I don’t think you can ever convince me to give up coffee. We have a love-hate relationship, but it works for us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Find more information at https://www.sciencealert.com/what-caffeine-does-to-your-body-and-brain

Sleep Apnea can cause what…?

At this point we know that there are numerous things that can cause sleep apnea, and that sleep apnea can cause numerous other conditions as well. With as much as I have learned about this disease – for a lack of a better word – what I have recently discovered is the most surprising; there have been a few different studies that have linked sleep apnea to cancer.

While the research linking sleep apnea to cancer is not as pronounced as the link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, it is most definitely something to take under advisement and treat said condition.

There have been two different studies conducted – one in Spain and the other in Wisconsin. Both studies followed a number of patients that suffer from breathing issues, like sleep apnea. The results from the study conducted in Spain showed that about 65% of the patients who suffered from the most severe form of sleep apnea were at a higher risk of developing cancer. The study in Wisconsin was conducted among government workers, and the results showed that those with the most breathing abnormalities had five times the risk of dying from cancer compared to their counterparts that do not have any breathing abnormalities. There was no specific type of cancer linked, they study was a general observation of the link between sleep apnea and cancer.

Renowned scientists have said that more research is needed when linking the two together – something more sustainable. However, there have been a few animal studies that have shown some connection between low-oxygen environments (similar to what someone with sleep apnea would experience throughout the night while sleeping) and the progression of cancerous cells at a rapid pace. Another study conducted at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that “the more severe a person’s breathing problems at night, the greater likelihood of dying from cancer.”

As if not wanting to get a solids night sleep was not enough, I would think that this is would be the deciding factor to see your physician concerning your possible sleep apnea symptoms. I know in this day and age a new study is done every other day linking everyday, simple things to cancer. Most people I know choose to ignore said studies, but this one is not something that we should ignore.

Find out more about the studies here: https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/sleep-apnea-tied-to-increased-cancer-risk/

Sleep8

Whoever came up with the phrase ‘the bigger the better’ obviously did not have CPAP machines and supplies in mind. We live a life of luxury and want things as convenient as possible; in this case, that means, we want to be able to breathe (hence the CPAP machine), but we don’t want to lug around some big bulky machine. We want something small and travel friendly. And heaven forbid, we actually have to lift a finger and clean the darn thing ourselves. Rather, we want a machine to do all the work for us, and of course, that too, needs to be small and travel friendly. Well, friends, I have the answer to your problems: the sleep8 machine.

The Sleep8 kills more than 99% of bacteria that can lead to mold, sinus issues, and upper respiratory infections. It is easy to use, with just one click one a button, you are good to go, and it was designed with silence in mind. Along with that, the Sleep8 is the smallest sanitizing machine on the market. It is comprised of three components – the machine, the sanitizing bag, and the power cord. The machine itself can fit in your hand, so traveling with it will not be an issue as it will take up a limited amount of space. The bag can be folded to take up less space, again, for your convenience.

The unit is easy to use. Simply unzip the bag and turn it inside out to find the round valve on the inside. You are going to want to connect your tubing to that valve. Your tubing, mask, and water chamber will be inserted into the bag before sealing the bag shut and connecting it to the device. Please note that all items should be completely dry before inserting into the bag. Once the bag is connected to the device, press start on the machine, and viola, your work is done. Your supplies will be sanitized in a matter of minuets.

Of course, you should still replace your supplies on a regular schedule like you would with any other sanitizing machine. The Sleep8 machine only sanitizes after all, it does not perform miracles and cannot prevent ware and tear. Sleep8 also advises to wait a few minutes after the sanitation process is complete before opening the bag to remove your supplies. The machine uses ozone to sanitize your supplies, so please be mindful of that before opening the bag! They do advise of a “smell” right after the process is completed – comparing it to that smell right after a heavy rainstorm… okay?

Patients who have already uses the Sleep8 machine have raved about it. They seem to really like and want others to get in on the experience as well.

Find more information here on how to use the Sleep8 machine.

Purchase the product here.

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