Sleep Bytes & Blog

Mask Fitting Tips What are the sizes of the masks?  The basic three sizes are really just small, medium, and large. Some masks do have a medium-wide size.  Some masks have an extra-large, and some masks have an extra-small size, so you can kind of look out for that. You can take a stab in the dark and order a medium for most males and a small for most females. I would recommend taking a look at the mask-fitting video to get some good pointers. Right? Because you don't want to waste your mask on the wrong size. However, if you get your mask and you feel like it's leaking or it's uncomfortable, or it's pushing on a certain area of your face, then you may want to reach out to your medical equipment company, and they can send you either a different size or a completely different mask. How would somebody know if they had the wrong size mask?  When it's the wrong size, it's going to be uncomfortable, it's going to push on your face weirdly, or it will blow on one side or leak. When you are evaluating the comfort of a CPAP mask, you'll need to look at the cushion of the mask and the headgear. If you have fit issues, a nasal pillow mask will leak, and a poorly fitting nasal mask is going to hit your nose and can cause some skin breakdown.  If the mask is too large, it's also going to leak either around your nose or even up into your eyes.  If it's a full-face mask, those fit issues are really obvious and often leak right into your eyes. You usually don't even have to turn the pressure on your machine, but simply hold your mask over your face to identify the poor fit.  It's typically very obvious. I have heard a lot of patients talk about some irritation or air blowing in their eyes.  If you want to dive into more details about mask fitting and the available solutions, you can take the CPAP 101 class. Essentially, there are three primary sizes of the different masks, and it is super important to have the right fit for you.  To ensure you have the right fit, you can either talk with your medical equipment company to help you with the sizing or you can get more support from the KimberlyMD team.

Find CPAP Success With Online Groups Hi everyone. I'm Dr. Kimberly, and this is my fantastic colleague, Kenny McCullum, a skilled sleep technologist. Hello, CPAP Warriors. We are here with some incredible news that we can't wait to share with you. That's right, Kenny. We are excited to announce the launch of a brand new community support group called CPAPpalooza. CPAPpalooza is all about bringing together CPAP users like you from every stage of the CPAP journey. We believe in the power of support, and that's why we're creating this wonderful space to connect, learn, and grow together. Our mission is simple. To make your CPAP journey smoother and more enjoyable, we'll be chatting about a variety of topics that are essential to your CPAP experience. Each week, we'll focus on a specific theme to help you overcome common CPAP struggles with your favorite CPAP hacks, masks, and styles, and understand CPAP data better. But CPAPpalooza is much more than just a support group. It's a celebration of you and your commitment to better sleep and well-being. Absolutely. And guess what? We'll be meeting weekly on Zoom video calls so you can join us from the comfort of your own home. CPAPpalooza will be a warm and welcoming space where we encourage you to share your stories, experiences, and tips. After all, each of us brings unique insights that can help one another. We want to make sure you get the most out of your CPAP machine therapy, and we'll be here to answer any questions you might have. So whether you're new to CPAP or a seasoned user, we want you to be a part of CPAPpalooza And to ensure an engaging and interactive experience, we'll be limiting the group size to just 25 members. That's right. So if you're interested in joining us for CPAPpalooza, don't wait and grab your spot today. You'll find the registration details below this video. We can't wait to meet you all and create lasting connections within the supportive community. Together we'll celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and ultimately rest easier, knowing we are not alone. Join us for CPAPpalooza and let's make this journey even better together. We'll see you soon. Bye everyone.

New Test Results for Recalled CPAP Machines Revealed by Philips Respironics - Updated 2023 Hey, Sleep Warriors!  Philips Respironics released testing results this week on their sleep therapy (aka CPAP) devices – and the good news is that they found that their recalled devices are safe for most users. The tests focused on the sound-abating foam used in specific CPAP and BIPAP machines - the machines that were part of the voluntary recall in 2021.  Results showed that emissions from the foam are within safe limits and unlikely to harm patients. Visual inspections confirmed that significant foam degradation is rare in used devices. The percent of devices that showed foam breakdown was 0.5% in machines that were not exposed to ozone cleaners and 9% in those that had used ozone cleaners.  These results were put out by Philips, the manufacturer of the device. The FDA is reviewing the results and will be drawing its own conclusions, so stay tuned for that! Over 4.5 million devices have been fixed globally, and about 2.4 million in the US.  If you haven’t registered and replaced your Respironics device, it’s not too late - you can do so HERE (https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update) The recommendations for the voluntary recall haven’t changed, nor has their guidance for patients using their recalled devices, and that is that you should speak with your medical provider about the risks of using a recalled machine vs the risk of stopping use and leaving your sleep apnea untreated or trying another treatment option.   As a reminder, Ozone and UV light cleaning products should not be used on sleep therapy devices. In conclusion, Philips Respironics will continue testing their devices and provide updates in the future. Reference: https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2023/20230724-philips-respironics-pe-pur-testing-results-and-conclusions-available-to-date.html  

How long does it take to get used to CPAP?  Kenny, when you were first starting on CPAP, what was your first mask? The very first mask I used was 20 years ago. I know it was a long time ago. It was by a company called Respironics. It was a green mask and the profile, the equivalent of a profile light. But that's not what they called it back then. It was huge and was the equivalent of wearing a brick on my face. So, they've come a long way. They've definitely come a long, long way. I remember the machine more than I remember the mask. The machine was an old REMstar Respironics machine. It was the equivalent of sleeping next to a small vacuum cleaner. I remember thinking, how on earth could anybody possibly do this? What do you mean by "do this"?  Well, many of my patients also wonder how they can do CPAP and how long will it take for them to get used to CPAP. It's one of the stories I tell in the clinic when I'm working with patients one-to-one because so many people worry about how they will get used to CPAP. It took me a month and a half to wear my CPAP mask for a full night. Since I'm somebody that really believes in CPAP and because I know it works and can share all the tips and tricks, I want patients to know that it took me a while too. Love that. I'm so glad that you shared because I know in the clinic, patients are constantly asking me like, "How long is it going to take for me to feel comfortable with my mask and with my CPAP?" And at the first visit that we have, after they start, a lot of times they're not where they want to be. So just remember, that it does take time, perseverance, and patience. It's so sticking with it is a very important concept. It's different for everybody and even for a CPAP expert.

What Is Your Optimal Sleep Duration? Hey Sleep Warriors, Have you ever wondered if you're getting the right amount of sleep? It's natural to be concerned about not getting enough rest, but did you know that getting too much sleep can also have its drawbacks? Sleep plays a crucial role in our memory, mood, and overall well-being. A recent study has shed light on the importance of finding the perfect balance when it comes to sleep duration, particularly for individuals over the age of 50. I invite you to watch my latest video, where I delve into this fascinating topic and explore the ideal amount of sleep for optimal functioning. Discover how you can achieve the sweet spot that will enhance your cognition and boost your daily performance.

No distilled water for your CPAP? For this week’s Sleep Byte, I am bringing back my favorite guest and CPAP user, my Mom!  Once again, Gloria will be asking the question. This week, the topic is distilled water, and what do you do if you don’t have any on hand.

New Sleep Accessories - 3 More! Hey sleep warriors! Today, I have more incredible finds to share with you from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine national meeting in Indianapolis. These three additional products caught my attention, and I can't wait to tell you all about them. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for another round of fantastic sleep accessories that will take your sleep experience to the next level! Let's dive right in, shall we? As a reminder, I want to make it clear that I don't receive any kickbacks for discussing these products, and you can find all of them online. Ready? Let's go! First up, say goodbye to those pesky strap marks with the Pad-A-Cheek Strap Covers. If you use a CPAP machine, you know how those morning marks can be a bit of a nuisance. But fear not, because Pad-A-Cheek has got your back! Their strap covers provide extra comfort and protection, ensuring you wake up without any strap imprints on your face. Trust me, it's a small investment that can make a world of difference. Check out Pad-A-Cheek online and say hello to mornings free of those strap marks! Next, I have the Snugz and Easy Foam Pro mask liners. These little wonders are here to put a stop to those pesky mask leaks that can disrupt your sleep. Snugz and Easy Foam Pro mask liners are two different styles of liners that enhance the seal of your CPAP mask and minimize leaks out of the sides of your mask. Both are available online, and there are different styles and sizes for different mask types - such as nasal masks and full face masks. Finally, you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep without the whistling and discomfort of mask leaks. And finally, I'm thrilled to introduce you to an essential tool for all CPAP users—the CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush. Cleaning your CPAP equipment is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring optimal performance. With the CPAP Tube Cleaning Brush, you can easily reach those hard-to-clean areas inside your CPAP tubing, keeping it fresh and free from debris. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your equipment but also promotes healthier sleep. You can find this handy brush online, and trust me, it's a must-have accessory for every CPAP user. If you’ve ever used a brush to clean a reusable straw or narrow bottle - you know what I mean! And there you have it, my friends! These incredible sleep accessories are my top picks from the Academy of Sleep Medicine national meeting. I hope you enjoyed learning about them as much as I did. Remember, all of these products can be found online, and I receive no kickbacks for sharing them with you. So go ahead, explore, and make your sleep experience even better! Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week!

Discover Exciting New Sleep Accessories Hey sleep warriors! Last week was an absolute blast for me as I had the pleasure of attending the American Academy of Sleep Medicine national meeting in Indianapolis. Let me tell you, it was a thrilling experience! This meeting always leaves me feeling inspired, with its perfect blend of the latest sleep science, exciting new products, and invaluable sleep resources. Hooray! Today, I'm going to share with you three of my favorite finds from the event. Now, before we dive in, I want to make it clear that I don't receive any kickbacks for discussing these products, and you can find all of them online. Ready? Let's go! First up, we have ASAP, the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners. This incredible organization is dedicated to raising awareness about sleep apnea and providing education to those affected by it. They have a number of online resources, including patient stories. They are also working with primary care providers to help increase awareness of sleep disorders and the significant impact they have on people’s lives. Check out their website for free information or join their group to be part of the movement. Their website is apneapartners.org. Next on the list, we have the Sleep Noodle. Now, this nifty device is similar to another product I like, the Slumberbump. It is designed to keep you off your back while you sleep. Over time, these positional devices can train people to avoid back sleeping. There are many reasons why you may want to avoid back sleeping, and the Sleep Noodle is a simple, yet effective solution that encourages side sleeping. You can find this sturdy little accessory online, including on Amazon. Now, let's shed some light on another remarkable product—Luminette Light Therapy glasses. These glasses are a game-changer when it comes to waking up quickly and combating jet lag. By mimicking natural sunlight, Luminette helps regulate your body's internal clock, making early mornings and time zone changes a breeze. So, if you're a frequent traveler or just want a boost of energy in the morning, give Luminette a shot. I have a pair and find them especially helpful in the dark days of winter. I wear them for 5 minutes right when I get up to help set my circadian clock for the day. They are a little pricey at $199 a pair, but I have had mine for years with no problems. You can find them at myluminette.com  - you may wonder how you ever lived without them! Stay tuned next week when I will continue sharing some of my favorite finds from the annual Sleep Meeting. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week.