Sleep Bytes & Blog

CPAPpalooza is back! As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s the perfect time to refresh your CPAP therapy with our upcoming CPAPpalooza in October. Starting on October 1st, we’re back with four weeks of interactive, community-driven sessions to help you tackle common CPAP challenges and master your sleep therapy. This time, we’re enhancing the format so that every Sleep Warrior can share more deeply about their journey and connect with others. Join Kenny and me every Tuesday at 4:30 PM PT for a deeper dive into CPAP therapy. From expert tips to personalized mask-fitting advice and understanding your CPAP data, we’ve got you covered. Space is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot today and join a supportive community dedicated to helping you succeed with CPAP. REGISTER HERE: https://www.kimberlymd.com/cpappalooza

🤧 How To Manage Allergies and CPAP Therapy Are you tired of allergies keeping you awake at night? As we head back into allergy season, many of you might find that your CPAP therapy is a bit more challenging. Sneezing can be a hot mess when you have a CPAP mask on, and when your nasal passages are congested, it can make it difficult to breathe through your nose, leading to mouth breathing and, subsequently, dry mouth. This not only affects your comfort but can also reduce the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. First, 3 easy solutions:  Consider over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines: These can help reduce allergy symptoms and include medications such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec. Be cautious, however, if you have high blood pressure. Some antihistamines can increase blood pressure or interfere with blood pressure medications, so it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. Nasal Sprays: Saline sprays can help clear out your nasal passages and other nasal sprays, like steroid-based ones such as Flonase, can reduce inflammation and congestion when used regularly. I recommend avoiding nasal sprays such as Afrin, since these can cause rebound congestion when they wear off. Again, ask you healthcare provider what is safe for you. Keep Your CPAP Machine Clean: Regularly cleaning your CPAP machine, mask, and tubing is crucial, especially during allergy season. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate and exacerbate your symptoms. Using a CPAP cleaner or mild soap and water can help maintain hygiene. CPAP Filters: Ensure your CPAP machine has a clean filter. Some machines have specialized allergy filters that can help reduce the amount of allergens entering your airway. Ask your medical equipment company or check online to see if these are available for your machine.  Now, some unexpected tips for using CPAP with allergies:  Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head elevated – with extra pillows or a wedge - uses gravity to help reduce nasal congestion. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mucus thin and reduces congestion. Shower before bed: Showering before bed removes pollen from your hair and skin, which can minimize allergen exposure during sleep. Who knew?? . By taking these steps, you can manage your allergy symptoms and continue to benefit from your CPAP therapy, ensuring a good night's sleep even during allergy season. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week!

First 'Ask the Expert' Q&A Thank you for all the amazing questions you’ve submitted. To kick off the program, I’m excited to share answers to the following questions you’ve asked: Can I take melatonin if I use CPAP? Is an oral mandibular device a substitute for CPAP? How well does it work, and how do I know if it's working? Can it be used in combination with CPAP? Can I use mouth tape if I have asthma? Can I occasionally reuse the water in my humidifier chamber if I poured too much and didn't use it all? I've received so many great questions that I’ll be compiling them into more extended Sleep Bytes soon.  If you have one, then please submit your CPAP or Sleep Apnea Questions here.

Dry Eyes and CPAP Have you been waking up with dry, irritated eyes since starting your CPAP therapy?  You're not alone. Today, I’m going to explore three common reasons why your CPAP might be causing dry eyes and what you can do about it. Reason 1: Mask Leakage The first and most common cause is mask leakage. If your CPAP mask doesn't fit properly, air can escape and blow into your eyes, leading to dryness and discomfort. To fix this, make sure your mask fits snugly but comfortably. You might need to try different masks or adjust the straps for a better seal. Consider using mask liners or a nasal pad (such as the Gecko) to reduce leaks and enhance comfort. Reason 2: Vented Airflow Sometimes, the vented air coming out of the CPAP mask blows up the cheeks and directly on the eyes. This can be very annoying. Try adjusting the mask so that the angle of the vented air blows away from the eyes. There are also some masks that have these holes around in a circle (such as the Evora nasal mask), which diffuse the air blowing up towards your eye. Other times, just angling the mask differently can prevent air from blowing directly on your face, and that’s the only adjustment you need. Reason 3: Airflow through Tear Ducts Lastly, it's possible that air is blowing from inside your nose through your tear ducts into your eyes. There is a connection between your eyes and your nose - this is why we get the sniffles when we cry. And while this is a less common cause of dry eyes, it can be quite annoying and difficult to treat. One thing you can do is talk to your provider about lowering the pressure in your mask. Alternatively, trying a different mask that blows air at a different angle might help alleviate the issue. If you're experiencing dry eyes, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and solutions. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

Can I Die In My Sleep From OSA? Do you have questions about sleep apnea or CPAP therapy that you want answered by a specialist? Well, now you can! I’m excited to introduce a new monthly Q&A session with me, Dr. Kimberly, a neurologist, CPAP expert, and educator, and Kenny, an experienced sleep technologist and CPAP user for nearly 20 years. Here’s how it works:Simply enter your questions on the form on our website, or at the link below, and we’ll compile them into an extended Sleep Byte video each month. This way, you get the information you need, directly from a trusted source. Plus, by participating, you'll also receive my weekly sleep tips delivered straight to your email. So, what are you waiting for? Submit your questions today Submit your questions here.

Can I Try CPAP Again? Options After Compliance Failure If you or someone you know has ever received a nasty note from your medical equipment company stating that you need to return your machine or else pay up, you are not alone! In fact, some studies show that up to 40% of CPAP users don’t stick with it (just so you know, I’m hoping to change that!). And this isn’t your medical equipment company trying to be mean; this ‘use it or lose it’ mentality is just enforcing your insurance company's requirements. In fact, if your DME company bills your insurance for a machine that you aren’t using, then they are committing fraud!  There can be many reasons why someone doesn’t meet these inflexible requirements, or sometimes people just need more time. So, if this has happened to you, you might be wondering, "Can I try CPAP again?" Well, the answer is a resounding “yes, you can!”, so listen up for what needs to happen and how you can make your second attempt more successful. First, you’ll need to see your provider to discuss your ongoing symptoms - this can be your PCP or a sleep provider.  Next, if it has been less than 5 years since you returned your machine, your insurance company will likely require you to spend the night in the sleep lab to try again. But don’t fear – during that night, the technicians will be on hand to personally help you and they will likely try a BIPAP machine instead of CPAP. BiPAP offers different pressure settings for inhalation and exhalation, which can be more comfortable for some users. If it has been more than 5 years since you last tried, then you can likely just repeat a home apnea test followed by a new prescription for CPAP.  So, once you get your ‘second chance’, what can you do to increase your chances of success?  The first thing I recommend: try a different mask. The right mask can make a world of difference. Masks come in various styles and sizes, so take some time to educate yourself on mask types and if possible, go into your medical equipment company for a fitting. Also, new masks are being developed regularly, offering more comfort and better fit. So there is a good chance there are more options now than the last time you tried.  #2: Prepare Your Mindset. A positive mindset is crucial. Approach CPAP therapy with a readiness to overcome obstacles. It’s normal to face challenges, but with determination and the right support, you can conquer them. #3: Get ready with my CPAP 101 online course. This course is designed to help you prepare thoroughly. I cover all the necessary steps leading up to and including night one with your new CPAP. From setup tips to troubleshooting common issues, this course is your comprehensive guide and is available right now on the KimberlyMD.com website for only $49. #4: Explore Accessories. Accessories can greatly enhance your CPAP experience. If you have a problem with CPAP, someone has had that problem before and there is likely a solution created around it.  From mask liners for pesky leaks to hose management systems and the SomnoSeal for dry mouth, there are many products to make therapy more comfortable and effective. In fact, I discuss many of these in my weekly Sleep Bytes! Remember, CPAP therapy is a journey, and it’s okay to need a second try. With the right approach and resources, you can find success and enjoy the benefits of better sleep. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week. 

APAP vs. CPAP: Which One is Right for You? Last week, we explored the differences between CPAP and BiPAP machines. And continuing with our ABCs of PAP therapy, Today, we're focusing on Auto-CPAP and what makes it unique. Auto-CPAP, also known as APAP or Automatic Positive Airway Pressure, is designed to adjust the pressure settings throughout the night based on your needs. Instead of maintaining a single pressure, Auto-CPAP machines can increase or decrease the pressure within a set range.  For instance, your machine might be set to a pressure range of 6 to 15 cm of water instead of a fixed pressure, at say, 12 cm of water.  But how does it work?  The machine continuously monitors your breathing and adjusts the pressure to respond to apneas or hypopneas. If you are having apneas, the pressure increases. If you go for some time without apneas, the pressure lowers. This can be helpful because it is normal for your apnea to get more severe at certain periods during the night, such as when you're in REM or dreaming sleep, sleeping on your back, or after consuming alcohol. The benefit of this technology is twofold: you receive the optimal pressure when you need it most, and you often experience a lower average pressure throughout the night, which can enhance comfort. This dynamic adjustment helps ensure effective treatment without unnecessary high pressure all night long. One thing to keep in mind is that while Auto-CPAP aims to minimize apnea events, you might still experience occasional apneas. After all, it is these apneas that tell your machine to increase the pressure. So, it's essential to check your machine data regularly to ensure your residual AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) is below 5, indicating good control of your sleep apnea. Most new CPAP machines are equipped with Auto-CPAP capabilities, offering flexibility to set a fixed CPAP pressure if needed. This versatility makes Auto-CPAP a popular choice for many users. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week!