Top 10 Cities for Nebulizer Machines (Part I)

Some people think asthma is black and white — you either have it or you don't. But asthma symptoms can vary dramatically by external factors such as location and lifestyle, which can affect a patient's need for inhalers, nebulizer machines, and other respiratory supplies.

Let's take a look at the top 10 cities from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) “2010 Asthma Capitals” list:

10. Atlanta: The AAFA's no. 1 worst city in 2007, Atlanta has improved over the last couple of years, but still suffers from poor air quality, loose legislation on smoking, and an insufficient number of doctors specializing in asthma.

9. Augusta, Ga.: A hotspot for allergy-inducing pollen, Augusta is all the worse for its widespread poverty, high death rates related to asthma, and inadequate smoking laws.

8. Philadelphia: Philly is actually ahead of the game when it comes to smoke-free legislation, but the city's poverty rate and pollen score still landed it on this year's top 10 list.

7. Tulsa, Okla.: Even though it's dry, Tulsa has a surprisingly high pollen count, along with a high number of asthma patients and asthma-related deaths.

6. Memphis, Tenn.: If you have asthma in Memphis, you definitely need a nebulizer machine. This southern city has worse-than-average air quality and poverty rates, without many restrictions on public smoking.

Your Nebulizer Machine Checklist

If you're thinking about treating your breathing problems with a nebulizer machine, it's important to understand the different types of respiratory supplies you have to choose from.

Let's take a look at some common varieties of nebulizers and accessories:

Home Nebulizer Machines: Also called tabletop nebulizers, these models tend to be larger than portable nebulizers and are usually powered by a cord connected to an electrical outlet. These are typically the most affordable nebulizers.

Travel Nebulizer Machines: Made for patients with on-the-go lifestyles, portable nebulizers are more compact (and often more expensive) than their corded counterparts. Portable nebulizers are powered by rechargeable batteries and come with AC or DC adaptors.

Children's Nebulizer Machines: To make using nebulizers more pleasant for children, nebulizer machines and masks are available in a variety of whimsical designs, from pandas to dragons to fire trucks.

Accessories for Nebulizer Machines: Nebulizer machine accessories include replacement supplies like cups, masks, filters, tubing, and mouthpieces, which are sometimes available in kits for added savings. Additionally, patients preferring travel nebulizers frequently invest in carrying cases for their portable machines.

The Unsung Benefits of Respiratory Supplies

With so many serious health risks to consider, it's easy to discount the social and personal consequences of untreated sleep apnea. But sleep apnea doesn't just mess up your body — it messes up your entire life. That's why respiratory supplies are so important.

Many sleep apnea patients experience several apneas (lapses in breathing) every night, even if they don't remember them in the morning. And, as you might expect, interruptions in sleep can leave sleep apnea patients exhausted during the daytime, affecting both mood and level and productivity. It could cost you a promotion, or even a relationship.

How? The irritability, apathy, and lethargy associated with sleep apnea are socially isolating and can wreak havoc on personal relationships. These changes in mood are medical symptoms, but friends and loved ones do not always appreciate them as such. Worse, the daytime drowsiness caused by sleep apnea and other disorders is a leading contributor to car accidents and fatalities.

To avoid these detrimental effects, doctors recommend respiratory supplies like CPAP machines and masks to keep the airway open, thus preventing apneas and allowing for a good night's sleep.

Fisher & Paykel CPAP Machines: SleepStyle 608

Sleep apnea patients have come to expect great things from Fisher & Paykel respiratory supplies, and the SleepStyle 608 does not disappoint. This CPAP machine features a built-in humidifier with state-of-the-art technology, allowing patients to receive optimum levels of both moisture and heat.

How does it work? The SleepStyle 608 is designed with special heated tubing to prevent the loss of heat and moisture as air travels from machine to mask. Standard tubing allows condensation to build up, thus decreasing the level of humidity that the patient receives.

This technology is especially useful for patients experiencing mouth leaks, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and pain relating to increased resistance in the nasal airway. Fortunately, the SleepStyle 608's special heated tubing actually prevents nasal resistance, so that patients can sleep comfortably, even during mouth leaks.

Best of all, SleepStyle 608 CPAP machines can work in any kind of environment, as the machine will automatically adjust to changes in altitude. They are also compatible with a variety of voltage currents, making them great for travelers.

Our Favorite Respironics CPAP Masks

It’s hard to talk about respiratory supplies without talking about Phillips Respironics, one of the top manufacturers in the industry. Let’s take a look at three exceptional Respironics CPAP masks.

Respironics Comfort Full 2 Full Face CPAP Mask
This mask lives up to its name, providing full face coverage without sacrificing comfort. The product is lightweight and forms a solid seal, affording patients who breathe through the mouth the best in CPAP care.

Simplicity Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
This compact nasal mask touches to top of the nose – not the bridge – so that patients can wear glasses while using CPAP respiratory supplies. But even patients without glasses will enjoy this product’s convenient size and high level of comfort.

Total CPAP Face Mask with Headgear
Compatible with both bi-level and CPAP machines, this mask provides a noninvasive alternative to other styles. It’s ideal for patients that have experienced skin irritation or had trouble forming a seal with nasal masks, in addition to claustrophobic patients. As a full face mask, this product does not create painful pressure points, and its flexible seal promotes prime airflow while reducing leaks.

Ordering Prescription Respiratory Supplies Online

A lot of us are familiar with dropping off prescriptions at the local pharmacy counter, but what about dropping them off online? All BiPAP and CPAP machines are federally regulated so that they can only be sold to patients with valid prescriptions, and www.VentureResp.com makes it easier than ever to provide this information on the computer.

In fact, patients can provide their prescription info in three different ways:

Email: To transfer your doctor’s prescription via email, all you have to do is send a message to rx@ventureresp.com.

Fax: More into dialing? You can fax your prescription to 718-871-7515.

Let Us Call You: Select “Contact me about my Rx” on a product page, and we’ll use the contact information you provide during checkout to communicate with you about your CPAP prescription.

Plus, once you provide us with your prescription, you’ll never have to do it again for refills. Indicate “My Rx is already on file” when shopping for respiratory supplies, and we’ll find your information on our database instead of asking you to send in repeat information.

CPAP Machines: How to Choose the Right Tubing

Even the best CPAP machines and masks can suffer when assembled with inadequate tubing. If you’re looking for new CPAP tubing, it’s important to consider several factors:

Weight: Lightweight tubing is obviously advantageous to sleep apnea patients on the go, but infrequent travelers can benefit from light tubing as well. This is because heavy tubing can actually break your CPAP mask’s seal as you sleep, hindering its effectiveness.

Length: CPAP tubing is available in a variety of sizes, including 6-, 9-, and 10-foot hoses. Again, shorter tubes will be better for travelers, however sleep apnea patients with loud or bulky machines might prefer longer hoses to better distance themselves from their devices.

Flexibility: Sleep apnea patients rely on their CPAP machines every night, which means rigid, difficult tubing gets old fast. Investing in flexible tubing will make setting up your machine easier and prevent discomfort during sleep.

Compatibility: In a perfect world, every CPAP tubing product would be compatible with every CPAP machine and mask, however this is not always the case. Select models are, however, universally compatible with CPAP respiratory supplies.

Filters for Your Respiratory Supplies

CPAP machines require very little maintenance, but one responsibility you can’t ignore is taking care of your CPAP filters. These filters prevent dust and other impure particles from entering your machine, improving both your breathing and the function of the machine. Thus, it’s important to regularly clean and replace your CPAP filters. You can find your filters at the back of your CPAP machine next to the air intake.

Some respiratory supplies rely on foam filters, while others use a combination of foam and paper. Paper filters are disposable and designed to block allergens and other small impurities, allowing sleep apnea patients with sinus or allergy problems a better night’s sleep. If your machine uses both foam and paper filters, the foam should be on the outside to filter bigger particles before they can reach the paper. Paper filters should be oriented with their smoother sides facing in.

Cleaning: Foam filters are reusable and should be washed whenever they become discolored, which could be as frequently as once a week. Alternatively, paper filters are disposable, so you should throw them out once discoloration begins.

Replacing: Like sponges, foam filters for respiratory supplies will deteriorate after extended use, and you should replace them as soon as this process begins. If your paper filters are not discolored after 30 days, replace them anyway.

Choosing the Right CPAP Masks

If you’ve been searching for respiratory supplies, you might have noticed the huge selection of CPAP machines and masks available for sale. Sleep apnea patients have more CPAP products to choose from than ever before, accommodating their different needs and preferences.

Let’s take a look at some of the common types of CPAP masks:

Triangular CPAP Masks: These masks fit over the nose and are secured by straps that stretch around the back of the head. Triangular masks are popular for patients that breathe through the nose.

Oral CPAP Masks: For mouth breathers, oral masks are usually a better option. Breathing with your mouth is more likely to irritate the nasal passages and throat, so most of these masks should be used with heated humidifiers.

Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks: Ideal for sleep apnea patients who sleep on their sides, nasal pillow masks feature two tubes that wearers insert into the nostrils. These tubes continue over the patient’s hair, which means side sleeping will not interrupt the fit.

Finding the right respiratory supplies is very important, since CPAP masks and machines require a tight fit to maintain the necessary pressure. At the same time, CPAP masks that are too tight might cause pain and irritation.

Top CPAP Machines: The ResMed S8 Elite II

They say good things come in small packages, and that's definitely true for CPAP machines. The super-portable ResMed S8 Elite II delivers all the quality of a regular sleep apnea machine in a compact form, ideal of travelers or patients in search of a more discreet device.

Why do we love the S8 Elite II?

• It's quiet. The Elite's revamped motor creates only 24 decibels of noise from one meter away — a 75% improvement over the previous model.
• It's flexible. The Elite allows patients to choose between conventional CPAP and EPR (expiratory pressure relief) settings. EPR increases comfort by reducing air pressure when the patient exhales.
• It's travel-friendly. Besides for its compact size, the Elite is also specially designed to adjust itself to changes in altitude and DC voltages.
• It's smart. Equipped with a ResScan Data Card, the Elite makes it easy to track and monitor patient data.

The ResMed S8 Elite II is a great option for sleep apnea patients seeking assistance from respiratory supplies. See? Good things really do come in small packages.

Make the Most of CPAP Machines and Masks

Here's the thing about machines — they're only as good as the people that use them. Even a luxurious European sports car, for example, would suffer if its owner left the emergency break on while driving. Just the same, a top-of-the-line oven would produce an unsatisfactory meal if the chef substituted sugar for salt. CPAP machines and masks work the same way.

Although these machines are designed to facilitate night breathing by providing a stream of air, their function can be dramatically improved by a few simple steps on the part of the wearer:

Avoid muscle relaxants. Consuming alcohol or sleeping pills before bed might seem like the ticket to a good night's sleep, but these substances both actually increase the instances of apnea by relaxing the throat muscles.

Stop smoking (or smoke less). Cigarette smoke can inflame your nasal airway, leading to swollen tissue that gives the air less room to get through. If you're not ready to quit smoking, you should still see significant benefits by reducing your habit, especially at night.

Create a routine. Insomnia only aggravates sleep apnea, and one of the best ways to fight this condition is to maintain a relaxing bedtime routine. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and quiet, and force yourself to leave any worries or concerns for the morning.

Try these steps, and your CPAP masks and machines will work better than ever!

CPAP Masks Are A Godsend

My husband is a snorer and, boy oh boy, does he snore. When we have guests over they wake up the next morning and ask me where the landing strip is because they think they heard jet planes all during the night. I’ve been living with him for more than twenty years now, and so I’m kind of used to it, but still sometimes I wake up and slap him to get him to stop. Well finally I got him to go to the doctor for it, because the tiles on our roof started to fall off from his snoring.

It turns out he has sleep apnea, which apparently is pretty common for people our age. The doctor recommended cpap masks. He said that these cpap masks are very helpful because they allow your throat to open and for more oxygen to enter the body. This reduces the risk of cardiac arrest and heart attack. Now I knew snoring was bad news, but I didn’t realize it was this bad! Anyway, my husband bought cpap masks from ventureesp.com and although he looks like a scuba diver before bed, he sleeps like a baby, and for that matter, so do I.

My CPAP Machines Seem To Be Clogged, What Can I Do?

Picture this: You recently ordered a product from a selection of CPAP machines and masks to breathe better at night. You doctor gave you this suggestion to treat your sleep apnea, and you've already felt some good results. That is, until you started to notice that your machine seems to be clogged up.

If you're experiencing this problem, don't worry — CPAP machines do occasionally get clogged. Of course, it's important to take steps to correct this, since having a clogged machine is almost like having no machine at all.

Fortunately, unclogging your machine only requires two things: vinegar and water. This method is safe for almost all machines, but be sure to consult your manufacturer's manual first before trying it yourself.

To begin, fill your machine's holding tank with a mixture of water and vinegar and leave it to sit. After 30 minutes, rinse the tank with water and leave it open to air dry.

If your machine still seems clogged, this might be because you have neglected to regularly clean and maintain your respiratory supplies. Remember to clean your mask with a wet cloth and gentle soap every day, in addition to rinsing out your tubing with water and soap.

Wish You Could Sleep Soundly Once Again? Try CPAP Machines!

CPAP machines or continuous positive airway pressure isn't a new product, but it has come a long way since it was first invented almost 29 years ago. Now you can get all sorts of CPAP machines and CPAP masks depending on your specific sleep disorder. These aren't just for people that have sleep apnea either. Respiratory supplies can be used for anyone with any kind of a breathing problem such as asthma for instance. I know for myself, I don't have a sleep disorder (unless you count insomnia!), but I do and have had a deviated septum for quite a few years now.

I broke my nose when I was younger and since then I have the hardest time breathing. Since I’ve been a using a CPAP machine with a full face mask, I look like a hockey player in the second quarter, but I can also breath better while I sleep. THAT is what these machines can help you with.

It doesn't matter if its obstructive airway problems with sleep apnea, asthma, allergies, chronic sinus problems or a deviated septum, respiratory supplies can help you sleep long, deeper and better. Sleep is such an important thing. When you lack in sleep, as does most sleep disorder sufferers you can't concentrate, you’re tired throughout the day, you can even have mood swings from not getting enough sleep!

Try the CPAP machines and CPAP masks available at VentureResp.com and see if this is a "perfect fit" for you. Or you could talk to your ENT doctor to see what he or she suggests to you.

CPAP Machines Can Help You Sleep Easier

Around 50% of grownups over the age of 65 have some kind of sleep disorder and over 18 million people in the US over the age of 40 have sleep apnea. This particular sleep disorder leaves its victims without air for anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds each time it happens, and it can happen several times a night. The reason this can occur is that the airway is being blocked by an obstruction - usually something like the tonsils or tongue.

However, sleep apnea-like symptoms can also be caused by allergies and asthmatic problems. Most researchers suggest that sleeping a solid and uninterrupted sleep of 5-9 hours a night can benefit in clearer thinking and concentration. Therefore, when you don't get this amount of sleep it can end up causing problems - everything from nausea and scatter-brained thoughts, to mood changes.

This problem can be solved quite easily with the use of CPAP machines, also known as continuous positive airway pressure machines, which brings a slow and steady stream of air into your mouth. The use of CPAP masks and other respiratory supplies will help you sleep better and feel better with improved sleep patterns, and it will bring you peace of mind by getting rid of the fear you have of sleeping!

Help Your Sleep Therapy And Respiratory Supplies!

In order for the human body to function correctly during the day, we need a solid 7-9 hours of sleep. I know, I know - a lot of people that don't get this amount of sleep on a personal choice, just too much stuff to do, but there are also a lot of people that simply have no choice and CAN'T sleep this much. One of the reasons is called sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea used to be quite a rare disease, but nowadays it is becoming more and more prominent in not only children, but adults and elderly people as well.

Sleep apnea, is a form of interrupted sleep caused by an obstruction such as the tongue, nasal passages, or even the tonsils. In order to get rid of sleep apnea in natural way, you could try using respiratory supplies. These are breathing products such as CPAP machines and CPAP masks that are going to help you out through continuous positive airway pressure - a stream of airway pressure that floats into your throat and thus keeping whatever is obstructing the passage, clear.

CPAP Machine will help you sleep better, with no interruptions - more sleep, better health, more concentration! Other respiratory supplies that can be found at www.VentureResp.com include asthma, oxygen, and airway management products.

A How To Guide For CPAP Machines

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a device, which delivers compressed air to the respiratory tract, through a full-face mask, nasal mask, nasal pillow, or lip-seal mouthpiece. They are made up of three main components; a flow generator, which provides pressurized air, the hose, which routes air from the flow generator, and the interface, which delivers the pressurized air to the wearer's airway. While not the only option, CPAP machines are one of the most common and preferred respiratory supplies used to treat sleep apnea.

Though CPAPs have many uses in the medical field, their main use is for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea - a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. As the muscles of the upper airway relax and retract, the passage can sometimes narrow. In such cases, less oxygen is allowed to pass through, starving the body for air - momentarily disturbing sleep until the muscles once again contract and open the airway. Often times, those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are unaware of the symptoms, even when it seriously disturbs their sleep.

It is noteworthy to point out that CPAP machines do not work by forcing air into the lungs, but rather by providing sufficient pressure to keep the airway open. Designed to operate at a prescribed pressure (the titrated pressure), which is determined by a technician after conducting an overnight study, CPAP machines must be used in conjunction with a treatment plan set up by a qualified medical professional.

How Does The Technology Of CPAP Machines Work?

CPAP Machines restore quality to life for anyone struggling with breathing. Continuous positive airway pressure machines were developed to relieve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Mainly used for that purpose today, they are also found in hospital intensive care units for patients with congestive cardiac failure, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something blocks the trachea or windpipe, be it the tongue, tonsils, uvula, fatty tissue, or relaxed throat muscles. Breathing stops for up to 30 seconds at a time, with up to 400 occurrences a night.

Disturbed sleep is detrimental to health and an effective remedy has been found with the use of these machines. The machine connects to a mask with a hose through which compressed air flows. In turn, a predetermined air pressure is established which splints the tongue and pharynx to keep the airway open, preventing the apnea and often concurrent snoring. CPAP masks are constructed full-face or nasal only. Additional respiratory supplies available to increase comfort and effectiveness include a humidifier.

It is available with heat, which requires an independent power source, or without, in which air is forced through a water reservoir that is at room temperature. The possibility of mouth breathing when using a nasal only mask can be alleviated by use of an elastic chin strap. Cloth mask liners provide a better seal and minimize skin reactions. For side sleepers, foam pillows are available with cutouts to accommodate various masks. It is possible to regain a normal night's sleep with the use of new technology.

What Is A CPAP Machine And How Can It Benefit My Sleep Patterns?

CPAP is an acronym for continuous positive airway pressure, and they are devices that get used in the treatment of sleep apnea. CPAP machines can be used to treat both types of sleep apnea, which can affect patients. Many machines are basic boxes which have a small hose attached to a mask that the patient must wear when they go to sleep at night. There are many different types of CPAP masks available on the market, but I have often found the most comfortable masks to be those that cover both the mouth and the nose, as opposed to those that are only worn in the nose.

This is because CPAP masks that only go in the nose can often become dislodged during sleep, or they can cause your nose to dry out which can be a very painful condition. Of course, getting used to a CPAP machine is much different than sleeping without one, so it can be hard to get used to at first. What you should be aware of is that the machine is a life saving device. This is because with sleep apnea, you stop breathing multiple times each night, which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. If you have sleep apnea, you may have noticed waking up and gasping for air, or your partner may complain of you snoring loudly.

There are many respiratory supplies that can help treat this condition, but the CPAP machine is the best choice by far. This condition can cause lots of stress in the body, which increases the risk of heart attack and other prior existing health conditions. This is why it's so important to get a CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea, as the machine forces oxygen into your body when you stop breathing, so you can start breathing again and keep the oxygen levels in your body tightly regulated.

An Overview of CPAP Machines and How They Help Patients with Sleep Apnea

CPAP machines are used to help individuals with obstructive sleep apnea breathe during their sleep. This type of machine works by increasing air pressure in an individual’s throat so that his or her airway does not collapse. Some of these machines have masks that can be placed over the nose and/or mouth. The CPAP masks designed to cover only the nose are referred to as “nasal continuous positive airway pressure” or “NCPAP”, and are the most common.

While the individual sleeps, the CPAP therapy continuously blows air pressure into his or her airway through tubing, which results in uninterrupted breathing.

Some of these devices can be adjusted to fit the patient’s needs. Auto-adjusting PAP machines are modified to change pressure throughout the night depending on the patient’s sleeping patterns and positions. In addition to the machine and masks, other respiratory supplies such as tubing, filters, and chinstraps are required for this type of therapy. A physician must oversee a sleep study in order to determine the best type of therapy for a patient. The most common study is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and it involves a qualified professional watching over the patient while he or she sleeps.

The first half of the test involves the professional determining whether or not the patient actually has sleep apnea. The second part of the test involves using CPAP supplies to see how effective the treatment is for the patient, and if anything can be done to improve the effectiveness. CPAP is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Studies also show that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy lowers blood pressure and helps prevent heart problems for those with coronary artery disease. Moreover, CPAP decreases daytime sleepiness, therefore providing those with severe sleep apnea with more energy.