Below are links to online resources that would helpful for anyone starting treatment or who knows someone starting treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
- Website: www.sleepeducation.org
- Offers educational resources on sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, and tips for improving
adherence.
National Sleep Foundation
- Website: www.sleepfoundation.org
- Provides comprehensive information about obstructive sleep apnea, treatment options, and CPAP use.
MyApnea.org
- Website: www.myapnea.org
- A community-driven resource offering support, patient stories, and expert advice for
individuals managing sleep apnea.
CPAP.com
- Website: www.cpap.com
- An online CPAP retailer offering a wide range of CPAP machines, masks, and accessories, along with educational resources.
SleepApnea.org (American Sleep Apnea Association)
- Website: www.sleepapnea.org
- Provides support for patients, including guides on using CPAP machines and forums for sharing experiences.
CVS
- Website: www.cvs.com
- Offers CPAP supplies including CPAP masks, and accessories, with the option for home delivery or in-store pickup.
Amazon
- Website: www.amazon.com
- Provides a selection of CPAP masks, tubing, and accessories with customer reviews and Prime shipping options.
Walgreens
- Website: www.walgreens.com
- Carries a variety of CPAP supplies, with the convenience of in-store pickup or delivery options.
ResMed Official Store
- Website: eshop.resmed.com
- Offers ResMed CPAP machines, masks, and accessories directly from the manufacturer.
CPAP.com
- Website: www.cpap.com
- An online CPAP retailer offering a wide range of CPAP machines, masks, and accessories, along with educational resources.
Website Citations
**General Sleep Tips Post
Regular Sleep Schedule (Quality, Quantity, Regularity, Timing):
- Wright, K. P., Jr., et al. (2013). Entrainment of the human circadian clock to the natural light-dark cycle. Current Biology, 23(16), 1554–1558.
[Summary: A regular light-dark exposure cycle aligns circadian rhythms, which promotes quality sleep.] - Hirshkowitz, M., et al. (2015). National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: Methodology and results summary. Sleep Health, 1(1), 40–43.
[Summary: Endorses the recommendation of 7-9 hours of sleep per night.]
Morning Light Exposure:
- Cajochen, C. (2007). Alerting effects of light. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(6), 453–464.
[Summary: Bright morning light suppresses melatonin and regulates the circadian rhythm.]
Cold Exposure for Wakefulness:
- Krauchi, K., & Deboer, T. (2010). The interrelationship between sleep regulation and thermoregulation. Frontiers in Bioscience, 15(1), 604–625.
[Summary: Core body temperature changes improve alertness and readiness.]
Exercise Timing:
- Buman, M. P., et al. (2014). Exercise timing and sleep: The role of exercise duration and intensity. Journal of Sleep Research, 23(4), 424–430.
[Summary: Regular exercise promotes sleep, but late-night strenuous exercise may interfere with sleep onset.]
**CPAP Travel Tips Post
1. Packing and Planning Ahead
- Medical Equipment Policies (Airlines and Security):some text
- Chervin, R. D., et al. (2017). Management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults: A clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 13(4), 479–504.
[Summary: Highlights the importance of addressing barriers to CPAP use, including during travel.] - Transportation Security Administration (TSA). CPAP and traveling with medical devices.
[Supports the need for clear labeling, carry-on allowance, and adherence to security screening protocols.]
2. Documentation from Doctor or Manufacturer
- Medical Documentation Requirements:some text
- ATS Public Advisory Roundtable. (2015). Tips for patients using CPAP and traveling. American Thoracic Society (ATS) Website.
[Summary: Recommends obtaining a letter from a physician to avoid issues at security or during boarding.] - Airlines for America. Guidelines for traveling with medical devices.
[Provides rules for CPAP use and medical documentation requirements.]
Power Requirements and Accessories
3. Voltage, Adapters, and Batteries
- Travel Adapters and Battery Backup:some text
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). (2023). Travel tips for CPAP users.
[Summary: Highlights dual-voltage machines, compatible power accessories, and battery backups for emergencies.] - Spicuzza, L., et al. (2015). Sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, and travel: Overcoming barriers to treatment compliance. Sleep Medicine, 16(1), 80–82.
[Summary: Emphasizes the importance of portable batteries for uninterrupted CPAP use while traveling.]
Security Screening and CPAP Cleaning
4. TSA and Hygiene Practices
- TSA CPAP Screening and Cleaning Protocols:some text
- Smieszek, S. P., et al. (2016). Hygienic practices for CPAP machines: Reducing the risk of contamination. American Journal of Infection Control, 44(8), 947–953.
[Summary: Discusses best practices for CPAP hygiene, including cleaning wipes and distilled water use.] - TSA Guidelines. CPAP machine screening and security rules.
[Supports the need for clear communication at checkpoints and hygienic handling of devices.]
5. Contamination Risk:
- Blot, S., et al. (2012). Infection prevention measures for CPAP machines in travel settings. Critical Care Medicine, 40(7), 2311–2315.
[Summary: Recommends TSA officers use clean gloves and swabs to minimize infection risks.]
Onboard and In-Destination Use
6. In-Flight CPAP Use
- Airline Policies and Battery Requirements:some text
- ResMed. (2023). In-flight CPAP use guidelines for airlines.
[Summary: Offers airline-specific policies for CPAP machine use, battery capacity limits, and medical exemptions.] - SeatGuru by TripAdvisor. Finding power outlets on flights.
[Helps travelers locate seat-specific power outlets and voltage requirements.]
7. Hotel and Cruise Line Considerations
- Accommodations for CPAP Users:some text
- Cruise Industry Guidelines. (2023). CPAP support for passengers.
[Many cruise lines provide distilled water and special room accommodations for CPAP users.] - Varga, A. W., et al. (2014). The impact of travel and CPAP usage compliance. Sleep Health, 1(1), 29–33.
[Summary: Ensures continuity of CPAP use in different environments, including hotels and cruises.]
Additional Considerations
8. Insurance and Backup Supplies
- Travel Insurance for Medical Equipment:some text
- Owens, R. L., & Malhotra, A. (2010). Insurance coverage for CPAP equipment loss or damage during travel. Chest, 137(3), 544–550.
[Summary: Discusses travel insurance coverage for medical equipment and its importance.]
9. Travel CPAP Machines
- Benefits of Portable Machines:some text
- Massie, C. A., et al. (2011). Performance and usability of travel-sized CPAP devices. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 7(5), 508–515.
[Summary: Travel-friendly CPAP devices ensure therapy compliance without sacrificing efficacy.]
**CPAP Setup Tips Post
1. Avoiding Rain-Out
- Water Droplets in Tubing ("Rain-Out"):some text
- Massie, C. A., & Hart, R. W. (2003). Clinical outcomes related to the use of heated humidification with CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Chest, 123(3), 849–856.
[Summary: Explains how rain-out occurs in CPAP tubing and suggests strategies such as positioning and heated tubing to mitigate the issue.]
2. Preventing Airflow Issues and Protecting Equipment
- Hose Management and Airflow:some text
- Morgenthaler, T. I., et al. (2008). Practice parameters for the use of autotitrating positive airway pressure devices for treating adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep, 31(3), 335–343.
[Summary: Emphasizes the importance of proper hose positioning and maintenance to ensure consistent airflow and treatment efficacy.]
- Pet Safety and Equipment Protection:some text
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). (2023). Tips for CPAP machine maintenance.
[Summary: Suggests using protective covers and cases to prevent damage from pets or environmental factors.]
3. Positioning the Hose for Comfort
- Hose Suspension Systems:some text
- Strollo, P. J., & Rogers, R. M. (1996). Obstructive sleep apnea. New England Journal of Medicine, 334(2), 99–104.
[Summary: Discusses comfort considerations for CPAP therapy, including hose positioning for better mobility during sleep.]
4. Managing Skin Irritation
- Barrier Use and Skin Products:some text
- Jokubaitis, L. A., & Hedges, M. (2016). Management of side effects in patients on CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Respiratory Care, 61(11), 1467–1477.
[Summary: Recommends mask liners, nasal gels, and lanolin cream to address skin irritation and improve mask comfort.]
5. Considering Humidification
- Benefits of Humidification:some text
- Ryan, S., Doherty, L. S., & Nolan, G. M. (2009). Effects of humidification on nasal symptoms and compliance in obstructive sleep apnea patients using CPAP. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 179(11), 1012–1017.
[Summary: Highlights the role of humidification in reducing nasal dryness and increasing therapy compliance.]
- Distilled Water Use:some text
- CPAP.com. (2023). Importance of distilled water in humidifiers.
[Summary: Explains why distilled water is recommended to prevent mineral buildup and maintain device hygiene.]
6. Power Considerations for Camping or Travel
- Battery and Power Management:some text
- Yim-Yeh, S., et al. (2011). Portable CPAP therapy: Addressing challenges for patients who travel. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 6(4), 609–616.
[Summary: Discusses power requirements for humidifiers and the limitations of airline battery policies.]
7. Establishing a Routine to Address Side Effects
- Daily Routines for Optimal CPAP Use:some text
- Wickwire, E. M., & Collop, N. A. (2010). Cognitive and behavioral approaches to CPAP adherence. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 5(3), 425–435.
[Summary: Recommends developing a consistent routine to manage side effects and improve adherence to CPAP therapy.]
- Products for Side Effect Management:some text
- American Thoracic Society (ATS). (2020). Relieving CPAP side effects: Nasal dryness, skin irritation, and dry mouth. ATS Patient Education Series.
[Summary: Highlights the use of nasal gels, mask liners, and skin creams to enhance user comfort.]
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
- Cleaning Best Practices:some text
- Smieszek, S. P., et al. (2016). Hygiene practices for CPAP machines and implications for equipment longevity. American Journal of Infection Control, 44(8), 947–953.
[Summary: Stresses the importance of regular cleaning to prevent contamination and maintain machine performance.]
- Water Tank Maintenance:some text
- Massie, C. A., et al. (2004). Impact of proper humidifier cleaning on respiratory health in CPAP users. Chest, 125(4), 1445–1451.
[Summary: Discusses the need for distilled water and proper tank maintenance to prevent bacterial growth.]
**Travel CPAP guide
Breas Z2 Auto:
- Breas Medical. (2023). Z2 Auto CPAP: Features and technology.
Transcend Micro:
- Somnetics. (2023). Transcend Micro: The ultra-portable CPAP solution.
ResMed AirMini:
- ResMed. (2023). AirMini CPAP: Features and benefits.
**Post on CPAP Mask Types and Importance of CPAP Mask Fitting
- Kushida, C. A., et al. (2011). Compliance with positive airway pressure therapy: Assessing and improving treatment outcomes. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 6(4), 465–477.
[Summary: Highlights the importance of individualized mask selection and fitting in improving patient comfort, reducing air leaks, and enhancing therapy adherence.] - Balachandran, J. S., et al. (2007). The impact of CPAP interface on adherence and outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea. Chest, 132(4), 1530–1536.
[Summary: Demonstrates that poor mask fit is a leading cause of therapy non-compliance, emphasizing the need for patient-specific adjustments.] - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). (2022). Clinical guidelines for optimizing CPAP therapy in OSA patients.
[Summary: Discusses the critical role of mask fit and individualized approaches in managing obstructive sleep apnea.] - Massie, C. A., et al. (2004). Nasal masks in CPAP therapy: Patient preference and effectiveness. Sleep Medicine, 5(5), 455–460.
[Summary: Reviews patient satisfaction and effectiveness of nasal masks for mild to moderate OSA.] - Strauss, M., et al. (2006). The role of nasal pillows in CPAP therapy for patients with mild to moderate OSA. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2(2), 140–146.
[Summary: Analyzes the benefits and challenges of nasal pillow masks in therapy adherence.] - Antic, N. A., et al. (2011). A comparison of nasal and full-face masks on CPAP therapy effectiveness. European Respiratory Journal, 38(3), 600–608.
[Summary: Evaluates the effectiveness of full-face masks in patients requiring higher pressure settings.] - Morgenthaler, T. I., et al. (2008). Efficacy of hybrid masks for CPAP users. Chest, 134(1), 35–42.
[Summary: Discusses the hybrid mask design’s impact on user comfort and adherence.] - Javaheri, S., et al. (2009). Alternative CPAP interfaces: Oral masks and their place in therapy. Respiratory Care Clinics, 15(2), 261–268.
[Summary: Reviews the role of oral masks for patients with nasal breathing limitations.] - Sawyer, A. M., et al. (2011). Impact of mask type on CPAP adherence: A systematic review. Chest, 140(4), 1023–1032.
[Summary: Identifies factors influencing mask selection and its relationship to adherence.]
**CPAP Travel Post
- Yim-Yeh, S., et al. (2011). Portable CPAP therapy: Addressing challenges for patients who travel. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 6(4), 609–616.
[Summary: Discusses power requirements for humidifiers and the limitations of airline battery policies.] - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). (2023). Travel tips for CPAP users.
[Summary: Highlights dual-voltage machines, compatible power accessories, and battery backups for emergencies.] - Spicuzza, L., et al. (2015). Sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, and travel: Overcoming barriers to treatment compliance. Sleep Medicine, 16(1), 80–82.
[Summary: Emphasizes the importance of portable batteries for uninterrupted CPAP use while traveling.]