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Having Trouble Sleeping While Pregnant? Keep Tabs On Your Eating Habits

Experiencing some difficulty falling asleep (and staying asleep) is not uncommon for women who are pregnant. There are, however, some ways that you can make falling asleep harder on yourself. We’re talking about binge eating.

Some eating disorders in the United States can be linked to sleep patterns, such as feeling the need to eat to go back to sleep. For some, this eating pattern may also occur while they are not aware of it, such as when sleepwalking. For others, it is defined as “night eating syndrome” –– which refers to having to eat or feel full before being able to sleep.

What is the difference between late-night snack cravings and night eating syndrome? Here are a few ways you can assess if you’re suffering from the latter:

  • Lessened appetite for breakfast or morning meals
  • Inability to fall asleep once waking up in the middle of the night
  • Eating the bulk of your daily food intake after normal dinner hours

While binge eating as it relates to sleep can affect both men and women, it’s more common with women. This is particularly important to note for pregnant women, as they can be susceptible to binge eating during and after pregnancy. This can interrupt sleep patterns (especially if you feel the need to eat to go back to sleep) and negatively impact your overall health through the increased intake of calories. Disrupted sleep can also result in less deep sleep, more hours spent awake in the middle of the night, additional discomfort and breathing issues.

Ways to Avoid Binge Eating at Night

Thankfully, there are some techniques you can use to curb nighttime food cravings. The sleep experts at My CPAP Club have compiled a list of ways to avoid or treat night eating syndrome. They include:

  • Stress management instruction (if sleeping patterns are anxiety-related)
  • Prescribed medication
  • Limiting caffeine intake
  • Treatment at a monitored sleep lab (for observation of brain pattern and activity)

If you’re pregnant and experiencing difficulty sleeping or wrestling with binge eating at night, the solutions you need start at My CPAP Club. Call us today at 1-888-272-7050 or contact us online with this or any other sleep disorder questions.

CPAP Full Face Masks vs. Nasal Masks

How do you know what type of CPAP mask would best fit your needs while treating your obstructive sleep apnea? At My CPAP Club, we offer two types of masks for CPAP therapy, including:

  • Nasal masks. If you are looking for a CPAP mask that covers just your nose, that is easy to wear and maintain, and has versatility and a minimal design, this might be the mask that you need to treat your obstructive sleep apnea. This option is ideal for individuals who may feel claustrophobic with a full face mask on at night, but it may leak if not fitted properly.
  • Full face masks. This type of CPAP mask covers both your nose and mouth and is known to prevent mouth leaks. Full face masks offer peace of mind while you sleep at night and deal with your obstructive sleep apnea. However, if you have claustrophobic tendencies, this may not be the best option for you.

  • Getting the Most Out of Your CPAP Full Face Mask or Nasal Mask

    Full Face Masks vs. Nasal MasksUsing the right mask is essential to the success of your treatment. You need a mask that is comfortable and fits properly. It should form a good seal on your face so that air doesn't leak (this would be uncomfortable and make your therapy less effective). A nasal mask that covers the nose is the most common choice among individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

    However, some people breathe through their mouth when they sleep. In this case, a full face mask that covers both the nose and mouth is the best option. 
Another option would be a nasal mask and chinstrap, which will prevent the jaw from opening during sleep and still provide you with effective CPAP therapy.

    If you are still unsure of what CPAP mask is the right option for you, contact My CPAP Club today at 1-888-272-7050. We would be happy to explain our different mask types and answer any questions you may have.

    CPAP Maintenance: Taking Care of Your CPAP Machine & Mask

    Your CPAP machine and mask will be one of the biggest investments you make to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, so why not consistently maintain them to make sure they are always working at their best? To help make your transition into CPAP therapy as easy as possible, we are here to give you some simple maintenance tips so you can finally have that good night’s sleep you’ve been dreaming about.

    The only care you are required to provide for your CPAP machine is to clean or change the filters at the air intake of the machine to keep the internal parts from accumulating dust. 
In addition, we recommend keeping the area around your machine clean and removing all dust. This will ensure that you continue to receive optimum air quality. Keeping the air intake of the machine unblocked from curtains, bedding and papers will prevent reduced airflow to your machine.

    With most CPAP machines, it is easy to spill water from the humidifier into the machine and cause damage. Therefore, if you have a humidifier, avoid picking up your machine when the humidifier is attached. Instead, empty the water from the chamber every morning.

    Cleaning Your CPAP Mask & Hose

    There are many methods available for making sure your CPAP mask and hose are clean on a daily basis. Most manufacturers of CPAP masks include cleaning instructions in the packaging. Alternatively, we recommend that our patients use a solution containing one part white (distilled) vinegar and two parts water. Simply soak your masks for 15-20 minutes, and then dry it on paper towels. This is a great, inexpensive way to disinfect your mask and hose.

    Drying Your CPAP Hoses After Cleaning

    After cleaning your CPAP tubes and hoses in warm water (don't use soap in the water or you may be blowing bubbles out of your tube!) and rinsing them thoroughly, you can dry them by leaving them alone for a while or using one or more of the techniques listed below.

    • Spin the tube gently. The centrifugal force will pull the water to the outside of the tube.
    • Tie a fishing weight to a nylon string, paper or cloth towel, or other fabric and pull it through the tubing.
    • Set a hair dryer on low and blow it through the connector hose (you can even duct-tape it to the end if you’d like to leave it there for a while)
    • Place the hose in a freezer for a couple of hours. The droplets will freeze and fall off the hose surface when you flex it from the outside.

    We recommend having two hoses so you can rotate them as necessary.

    Replacing Your CPAP Supplies

    Use the following as guidelines to replacing your CPAP supplies, as they adhere to most insurance carriers' requirements:

    • Once a month. We recommend replacing your face cushion/nasal seal cushion, nasal pillows and device filters once a month.
    • Every three months. It is important to remember to change out your CPAP mask (excluding headgear) and tubing every three months.
    • Every six months. Changing out your headgear, chin strap and humidifier water chamber every six months will keep your CPAP gear working like it should.

    Contact My CPAP Club for More CPAP Maintenance Tips

    In order to get the most out of your CPAP machine, mask and supplies, you must properly clean and maintain them. Don’t hesitate to reach out to My CPAP Club at 1-888-272-7050 for more tips and tricks on proper CPAP maintenance.

    Finding Solutions for Common CPAP Problems

    When you begin CPAP therapy to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, you may encounter some CPAP machine and mask issues. My CPAP Club is here to provide solutions to some of the most common problems our patients face when they first try out their CPAP machine and mask.

    Problem #1: Leaky Mask

    Every face is designed differently, and no mask can seal 100% of the time, as air looks to escape every nook and cranny. However, you’ll want to get the best fitting mask and adjust your headgear properly to have the best seal while you lay down for the night. Also, before using your equipment, make sure your face is clean and free from moisturizers, makeup, or creams. This will prevent your mask from slipping throughout the night while you sleep.

    Problem #2: Water in a CPAP Mask/Tubing

    If you often wake up with water in your CPAP mask or tubing, your humidifier is on too high. Start at the first setting (1) and gradually increase as necessary each night.

    Problem #3: Dry Mouth

    If you use a full face mask and turn your humidifier up all the way, and are still experiencing dry mouth, try adding a chin strap to your headgear. This is often helpful under these circumstance because it will prevent you from keeping your mouth open and having more moisture evaporate. Additionally, your doctor may need to adjust some of your medications if he or she feels that it may be contributing to your dry mouth.

    Problem #4: Nose Cuts

    If you are experiencing a cut on the bridge of your nose while using your CPAP mask, this means your mask is probably too tight, and we suggest that you loosen it a bit. Also, put some zinc oxide, a band-aid, or skin tape on the affected area, but do not discontinue your CPAP therapy. However, if your sore continues to worsen, contact your physician. You may need to return to your local CPAP clinic for another mask that is more comfortable and has a better-fitting style.

    Problem #5: Excessive Sneezing

    If you feel yourself sneezing a lot since you have started your CPAP therapy, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the cleaner you are using. We recommend trying an alternate cleaner. Also, if you are using humidity, try using distilled water. You may also be allergic to the materials in your CPAP mask.

    Contact My CPAP Club with Other CPAP Issues

    Are you experiencing a CPAP issue that is not stated above? Reach out to My CPAP Club today at 1-888-272-7050. We would be happy to help you solve any problems you are having, so that you can finally have a good night’s sleep.

    CPAP Travel Tips from My CPAP Club

    Maintaining a nightly schedule with your CPAP machine and mask is sometimes difficult. So, what if you add to that the fact that you travel a lot? My CPAP Club is here to give you some tips about CPAP travel and how you can make treating your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on-the-go as easy as possible.

    Flying with Your CPAP MachineIt is important to remember that if you suffer from OSA, every time you sleep, your airway is obstructed and your oxygen drops, while your heart, brain, lungs and other bodily systems are strained. This is why we recommend you continue your CPAP therapy whenever – and wherever – you sleep, even if you are just going out of town for one or two days.

    Flying with Your CPAP Machine & Mask

    Here are some tips for flying on an airplane with your CPAP mask or machine:

    • Don’t check your CPAP machine, because it can easily get broken. Rather, take it with you on the plane; it will not be counted as one of your “carry-on” bags. It is also a good idea to put a copy of your prescription in your CPAP bag, so it's always handy if you need it.
    • Call your airline ahead of time to find out if they have any instructions or special procedures for bringing your CPAP machine on the plane with you and for getting through security.
    • Most airlines do not allow passengers to use their CPAP devices during flights. If you need to make special arrangements, call your airline ahead of time.

    Driving or Camping with Your CPAP Machine & Mask

    If you are planning a camping trip or spending a lot of time on the road, we recommend following these tips for dealing with your CPAP machine:

    • If your machine has the ability to run off of 12V (check your owner's manual), then you will be able to run your machine off of a battery or by plugging it into the cigarette lighter adapter in your car / RV if you purchase the proper cables.
    • We sell battery adapter cables for those who wish to bring their CPAP machine with them while camping in the wilderness. You’ll find these in our online store.
    • A 12V deep cycle marine battery or a motorcycle battery are recommended for the longest life between charges. The life span of the battery depends on its rating and what your pressure setting is on your machine.
    Worried about how travel will affect your CPAP machine routine? Contact My CPAP Club today at 1-888-272-7050 for more tips on CPAP travel.

    CPAP Therapy: What You Need to Know

    One of the most common questions customers ask us is, “What exactly is CPAP therapy?” CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure,” and it is considered to be the most recommended and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 
There are two parts to CPAP therapy:

    • CPAP machine. This connects to the CPAP mask and provides air at a constant prescribed pressure through a tube while a patient is sleeping.
    • CPAP mask. This allows patients who are suffering from OSA to maintain uninterrupted breathing while sleeping by holding open their airways.


    CPAP & HumidificationThe air pressure is determined during your sleep study, and your doctor will prescribe you a CPAP machine at that pressure. CPAP therapy is traditionally provided through a nasal mask or full-face mask that seals around the nose. However, more innovative and comfortable options are available, and advances in the delivery of CPAP therapy are continually occurring. 

For instance, CPAPs with FLEX or EPS technology offer you exhalation relief. APAP, BiPAP and Bi-Level machines offer various levels of pressure throughout the night and exhalation relief.

    CPAP & Humidification

    Humidification plays a big role in CPAP therapy in that it adds humidity, or moisture, to the CPAP air. This reduces nasal passage irritation and even bleeding caused by dryness. Also, adding moisture reduces possible swelling, excess mucus, congestion and sneezing, and makes patients’ sinuses less susceptible to bacterial infections.

    Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment by Contacting My CPAP Club

    If you are tired of living with obstructive sleep apnea, reach out to the CPAP experts at My CPAP Club by calling 1-888-272-7050. We would be happy to give you more information about CPAP therapy and how it can change your life for the better.

    How Sleeping Better Increases Productivity

    It’s no secret that eight hours of sleep a night is the ticket to a productive workday. However, it’s not just the amount of sleep that matters. That sleep needs to be restful, deep sleep, which means it must be largely uninterrupted. There are some steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the sleep you need to function at your best, and the benefits are well worth it — you’ll see!

    Why Good Sleep is Important

    We all know that rest and sleep are necessary, but it helps to know exactly why. Many of us lead stressful and busy lives, where we encounter a lot of new information each and every day. Our brains need time to process all that information and convert it from short-term memory to long-term memory. This can only happen when we are experiencing truly deep sleep. If you don’t get adequate sleep, your short-term memory bank can actually become overwhelmed to the point where you begin to forget things, like deadlines, meeting times or whether or not it’s your turn to pick the kids up from school.

    Beyond influencing memory, lack of sleep can also impact your decision-making abilities. The more sleep-deprived you become, the more energy your body pushes towards survival instincts, such as consuming food. However, your ability to discern between types of food or preparation techniques would become increasingly impaired. You are also much more likely to make mistakes — and not notice them — when you haven’t received an adequate amount of sleep.

    How Sleep Disorders Affect Productivity

    Different sleep disorders can impact your sleep in a variety of ways, but all of them lead to feeling drained and depleted of energy during the day. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), interruptions in your oxygen supply can startle you awake, making it difficult to fall back asleep. Loud, incessant snoring can interfere with your partner’s quality of sleep and cause them to wake you whenever they’re unable to sleep because of your snoring. And insomnia can prevent you from ever falling asleep or entering deep sleep.

    If you are being woken throughout the night or you are unable to fall asleep, your body is never able to enter REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep), which is a critical process that allows your brain to revisit all of your experiences from the day and come to terms with all of the emotional events in an unstressed state. Without this restorative process, your resulting emotional state will make you more likely to respond viscerally — and often irrationally –– to otherwise innocuous incidences during the day.  

    Sleeping More, Sleeping Better

    To get more sleep, you simply need to find ways to budget time during your daily routines. Instead of staying up an extra half hour to watch a TV show, try recording it on your DVR to watch over the weekend. Television before bed is a bad idea anyway, because the light emitted from the screen delays the release of the sleep inducing hormone, melatonin. This goes for any electronic device that emits a similar “glow,” such as smartphones and tablets. Try to keep the technology out of your bedroom, so that you can allow your brain to power down as you get ready for bed. Adopt this nightly routine, and you’ll find yourself asleep before you even know it.

    If you have questions about other lifestyle changes you can make to improve your sleep, get in touch today.