Sleep Bytes & Blog

Traveling with your CPAP this Holiday Season? Hey Sleep Warrior,  As the holiday season unfolds, our thoughts often turn to gathering with family and friends, which usually means travel. Airports become a hive of activity, filled with the excitement and sometimes the stress of the season. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there's a silver lining: ensuring you get the quality sleep you need with your trusty CPAP machine. Notice how it's becoming a common sight? More and more travelers are moving through terminals with their CPAP machines. It's a testament to their dedication to good sleep, and whenever I spot them, I'm filled with a sense of pride. I want to run over and give them a high five for taking their sleep health seriously! And here's some good news for you CPAP users: the machine doesn't count as an extra piece of luggage. That's right, it's a medical device, so you can bring it along without affecting your baggage allowance, which means more room for those holiday extras. But travelers beware! In the sea of people, there's an ocean of CPAPs that could easily be mixed up in the holiday travel rush - why? because most CPAP carrying cases look alike.  So, to help you stand out from the crowd and keep your travel as smooth as your sleep, I've put together three important tips. These are the same suggestions I give my patients, ensuring their travels are nothing but restful. Tip #1Make your CPAP stand out by tagging it with something unmistakably you. Whether it's a colorful ribbon, a sticker, or a custom tag, this personal flair will ensure your CPAP never gets swapped or lost in the shuffle. This helps on conveyor belts and overhead bin space. It's a simple step for peace of mind. Tip #2Remember the extension cord – in hotel rooms and guest bedrooms, you never know how far the nearest outlet will be from your bed, and you'll want the CPAP setup to be hassle-free – I know how those first nights can be filled with late-night fun! An extension cord is a small addition to your luggage, but it's a big relief when you find that the plug isn't right by your bedside. Tip #3Arrange for distilled water – If you're staying with friends or family, ask them to pick up a jug of distilled water in advance. They're likely making a store run for your visit, and having it ready when you arrive will allow you to relax and catch up instead of running errands. In hotels or if distilled water isn't immediately available, using tap water temporarily is generally okay for short periods. It shouldn't harm your machine if it's just for a night or two. I wish you safe and smooth travels and may the airline computer systems be glitch free!  Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

 Should you use your CPAP during a cold?  Hey Sleep Warrior! With cold season just around the corner, I tend to get lots of questions about using a CPAP machine while battling a cold. Should you or should you not use your CPAP while sick? That is the question!  The short and sweet answer? Probably... but it depends. One of the biggest factors determining if you should use your CPAP during a cold is - you guessed it - how congested your nose is. With just a touch of congestion, your CPAP can save the day (or night!). It blows air past the blockage, ensuring you sleep comfortably. The pressure actually helps to open up your nasal passages. Hooray! A quick tip: You may need to turn up the humidity on your machine. Keeping your nose moist can prevent further congestion. Dryness is not your friend when you're already stuffy. However, if you're feeling like there's a brick wall inside your nose, using your CPAP might feel like a challenge. It's okay to give it a rest for a night or two. During these times, nasal rinses or Breathe Rite strips can be handy tools to help you breathe easier. Use caution if you reach for Afrin-type nasal sprays - I recommend using these in only one nostril at a time and for only 2-3 days (or nights) max - otherwise you run the risk of serious rebound congestion. If you are using your CPAP,  remember: HYGIENE FIRST!! Wash (or at least rinse) your mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber daily. The last thing you want is those pesky cold germs planning a reunion. Of course, these are general guidelines we're discussing; your personal experience might differ. If in doubt, ALWAYS, reach out to your sleep provider. They can offer advice tailored just for you.  Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week! 

Does CPAP increase the risk of respiratory infections?  Hey Sleep Warrior, Today I’m discussing an important question: Could the use of your PAP device increase the risk of respiratory infections? A question not without gravity, especially in a time of global respiratory pandemics. When CPAP first came out, there was concern that drying out of your airways would decrease the mucosal barrier to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. So, a humidifier was added to decrease the drying out. Then, there was concern that the humidifier, along with a heated tube carrying moist air, may harbor pathogens that could be blown into your airways. It’s no wonder there is speculation and concern around this topic.  So, I did some digging into the research, and the medical consensus is that using a CPAP won’t give you a respiratory infection.   One study that came out just this month sought to explore this very question. It investigated if there was an increase in respiratory infections before and after starting PAP therapy among adults with OSA. 482 adult patients undergoing PAP titration at a large academic sleep center were closely monitored. Researchers compared the frequency of reported respiratory infections for two years before and two years after participants began using PAP therapy.  The findings? There was no significant association between PAP therapy use and increased respiratory infections. A relief, indeed, for those who rely on these devices for a restful night’s sleep. So, what does this mean for PAP users and those considering starting PAP therapy?  Again, the medical consensus is that using a CPAP won’t give you a respiratory infection.  However, bacteria and other organisms can grow on the different parts of your machine - namely, the mask, tubing, and humidifier chamber- and we do know that people have developed various infections from inadequately cleaned machines.  So, it is important to regularly clean your device, especially during the cold and flu season.  In conclusion, I believe that untreated sleep apnea, particularly moderate to severe OSA, poses a significantly higher risk of leading to an infection than any potential risk from using a machine. However, it's essential for users to maintain their machines' cleanliness to ensure safety.  Stay tuned for next week's discussion on whether or not to use your machine during an active respiratory infection. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week!  Citation of study discussed in today’s video:Gavidia R, Shieu MM, Dunietz GL, Braley TJ. Respiratory infection risk in positive airway pressure therapy users: a retrospective cohort study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(10):1769–1773.  https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.10670

CPAP Accessory Alert: Feline-Friendly Fix from Gloria! Hey, sleep warriors! I'm back this week with my favorite guest, my mom, Gloria. Thanks for being here, Mom. And we also have an important guest, Harley the Cat. Hey Harley. Hey. So, we're talking today about my mom's newest CPAP accessory, which is her tube holder and tube cover. So, why don't you tell us a little bit about this accessory, Mom, and what you're using it for, and how you like it? I, of course, ordered these online, but I was reading about the cover, and you can buy a heated cover. They are available, but this particular one is not heated, and the information about it said that it helped to protect your tube from the cat. And since I have Harley the cat, and he is always very interested in this tube, and would like to put his claws in it and bite it a little bit. So that is what made me decide to go ahead and order the cover just so I could try and see if it would help protect it from Harley. Has it been working? I think so, yes. And you had no choice of colors? They just sent this color, and also it has a full-length zipper in it, and that's what allows you to put it on and take it off. Okay. So, if you need to wash it, it's easy to remove? Yes, easy to remove, and I like it. I would order it again. Okay. Well, let's see it in action. Thanks for being here. I'll see you next week.

Using CPAP but still feel sluggish? Hey, Sleep Warriors! If you're a sleep apnea patient using a CPAP machine or other sleep apnea therapy effectively but still feel tired during the day, there could be more to the story. Sure, inadequate total sleep time or incorrect pressure settings can play a part. But today, I’m delving into something less talked about: Your body's natural circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock that tells you when to sleep and when to wake up. Some of us are night owls. Others are early birds. Yet, many of us sleep not when our body wants to, but when life demands it. Sleeping out of sync with your circadian rhythm might be the reason you're not feeling your best. Maybe you're struggling to fall asleep, or perhaps you're waking up too early. Life, work, and other responsibilities can influence our sleep schedule. But remember, our circadian rhythms impact our functionality during the day too. Feeling a mid-afternoon dip in energy? It's a natural part of our body's rhythm. To understand your natural sleep-wake cycle, think back to a time you were on vacation. After catching up on lost sleep, when did you naturally feel sleepy? When did you wake up without an alarm? If you're unsure, it might be time to observe yourself without the constraints of daily life. Use this information to set a sleep schedule that feels natural. Try sticking to the new schedule for a few weeks and see how you feel.  And if you can't remember a time when you were without the constraints of daily life - well, it’s time for a vacation – doctor’s orders!  Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

ResMed vs. Respironics CPAP Machines Hi Sleep Warriors, We're excited to introduce the newest edition of our Sleep Tech Byte video series. This episode shines the spotlight on the longstanding rivalry between ResMed vs. Respironics CPAP machines. If you've ever been baffled by the unique terminologies each brand employs for what seems to be the exact same feature, you're not alone! Our latest video demystifies these terminologies, explaining the similarities and differences between these two industry frontrunners. Beyond the lingo, we venture deeper into the world of CPAP innovations, assessing both brands in terms of recent advancements, their reputations, reliability, and yes, which one might make your wallet a tad lighter. Plus,  we'll take a closer look at the aesthetic differences that set them apart and explore some of the common "bells and whistles" they offer to enhance your sleep therapy experience. Don’t miss out on this enlightening comparison. Join us as we decipher the world of CPAP machines, helping you make informed decisions.

Should you use CPAP during naps?  Hey sleep warriors! Should you or should you not use your CPAP during naps? That is the question.  The other day, my very compliant patient, who is new to using CPAP, asked me, "Dr. Hutchison, do I need to use my CPAP during naps?” Well, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. First off, I assured her that once she has adjusted to using her CPAP nightly, and if she was getting enough hours of sleep, she will likely not NEED to nap as much as she did prior to CPAP. That being said, even with CPAP, you may occasionally need or want a nap.  Now, this sleep byte isn’t about when it’s okay and not okay to nap – you can check out my other Sleep Byte on napping for that. Rather, if you do decide to nap, should you use your CPAP?  So, here are some things to consider when deciding if you should use your CPAP or decide to skip it: How long do you plan to nap? I suggest you determine this before you close your eyes - set an alarm if you must. For example, a healthy nap duration is about 20 minutes. For this short time, it’s probably okay to not use your CPAP. However, if you plan to sleep for an hour or more, then I recommend putting it on. Where do you plan to take your nap? Short, healthy naps are generally done outside the bedroom, so your brain doesn’t mix up a short rest with your long sleep. So, if you’re napping in a chair in the living room, it’s unlikely that you have your CPAP handy.  Lugging your CPAP from room to room can be cumbersome, and cords strung across walkways can be downright dangerous. So, for the short nap in the chair, CPAP probably isn’t necessary. On the other hand, if you are napping in your bed and your CPAP is right there staring at you, go ahead and put it on. In this location, your brain is used to sleeping with your CPAP, and hey, the quality of your nap will be improved. My third and final tip for deciding about using your CPAP during your nap depends on your overall acceptance of CPAP in your life. Some people love their CPAP and can’t imagine trying to sleep without it - if this is you, by all means, use your CPAP during all sleep opportunities - at night and during a nap - even a short one. However, if you don’t really like your CPAP but you use it because you care about quality sleep and other health benefits, then giving yourself a break from CPAP during a nap may be beneficial for the overall relationship.   As a reminder, and as with all of my videos, this is my general opinion and not specific to any individual patient. Talk to your doctor if you have specific questions about napping and your CPAP, especially if you have very severe sleep apnea.  Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

Are there other options beyond the traditional CPAP machine? Today I’m excited to introduce you to the most common non-CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: oral appliance therapy, or OAT for short. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted mouthpiece that advances the lower jaw and tongue forward to keep the airway open during sleep. Its key feature is that the degree of movement can be titrated - meaning it can be adjusted to more or less protrusion of your lower jaw. Advantages of oral appliance therapy include its portability, its ease of use, and of course, there is no mask. The disadvantages include the potential for jaw soreness and teeth movement, along with overall reduced effectiveness when compared to nightly CPAP use. The best candidates for oral appliance therapy include people with mild or moderate sleep apnea, those who are not obese - meaning normal weight or mildly overweight, and those whose sleep apnea is worse when sleeping on their backs. In order to be fitted for an oral appliance, you need to see a sleep dentist. These are dentists with specialized training and experience in sleep apnea. There is a wide range of prices for the appliances, but they usually run between $2,000 and $3,000 US dollars + plus visits with the dentist for adjustments. Fortunately, if your sleep study shows that you have sleep apnea, most medical insurance do cover some or all of the costs. If you do choose oral appliance therapy to treat your sleep apnea, and if you have anything more than mild sleep apnea, it is important that you repeat your sleep study with the device to be sure it is effectively treating your apnea. If you’d like to get more information on oral appliances and hear about other non-CPAP treatment options for OSA, join me for a FREE sleep workshop titled Non-CPAP Treatments for Sleep Apnea on May 9th at 4:30 PT / 7:30 ET, where I will discuss several non-CPAP treatments for sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, and surgical options, including Inspire. I’ll also answer any questions you may have in a Live Q&A over Zoom. Sign up HERE

Free Upcoming Workshop Hello, sleep warriors! I’m Kenny McCollum with KimberlyMD.com. Are you struggling to understand the complexities of sleep apnea treatment? Maybe you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and you're on a quest to find the most effective solution. Don't miss out on an incredible free opportunity to enhance your understanding of sleep apnea treatment and take control of your sleep health. We will be having a free workshop, "The ABCs of PAP Therapy: APAP vs. BiPAP vs. CPAP"  on Tuesday, April 11, at 7:30 pm Eastern time and 4:30 pm Pacific time. In this workshop, sleep experts will unravel the mysteries behind these 3 prominent types of positive airway pressure devices. From the comfort of your own home, you'll be guided through an engaging and informative learning experience covering the functionality and unique features of each therapy. Our experts will also be available to answer any questions you may have during the interactive Q&A session following the presentation Simply visit KimberlyMD.com to reserve your spot in the online workshop. Again, that’s the "The ABCs of PAP Therapy: APAP vs. BiPAP vs. CPAP"  on Tuesday, April 11, at 7:30 pm Eastern time and 4:30 pm Pacific time.  It's time to take the first step toward a better night's sleep. See you there!