Why Do You Need a Silk Sleep Mask?

July 18th, 2010 by admin


Sleep masks have been quite popular amongst people who are traveling a lot, because of the fact that they allow you to block the light from the surroundings, and make you sleep better. Well you can use one even when you are at home, but then you won’t want to sacrifice on the comfort. Normally you should go with a silk sleep mask since they are comfortable, soft and with a high quality mask you will find soft seams that won’t leave marks on your face after use.

When you are at home, you don’t think that you would benefit from a mask like this, since you can use drapes and window blinds to make your bedroom quite dark. But when morning comes the sun is going to shine and light up the room, no matter what you do to prevent it. We sleep better in the dark, and if you have been feeling tired even if you are getting enough sleep, then it might be the quality of your sleep that is inadequate.

Covering your eyes when you sleep might just be the solution for you, and there is no better way to do that than to use a silk sleep mask. If the material is something as comfortable as silk, you are going to forget that you are wearing a mask in the first place, and it won’t feel hot and uncomfortable, but instead you will be sleeping like a baby – like you never thought you would.

Finding your own silk sleep mask can be quite a task, and for that reason I have put up a website that is giving you information and tips on how to find and choose your own mask without trouble.

Sleep Apnea Basics – Some Prevention Tips

July 16th, 2010 by admin


Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing while you sleep. Basically, once you have this condition, you miss a couple of or more breaths. Although it is largely about structural abnormalities – that is, some of the parts of your body are not working at optimum or are not designed properly – it can be prevented. Yes, there are things that you can do to still keep your body from breathing properly. Here are some of them:

1. Don’t lie supine.

Sleeping on your back (supine) increases your chances of developing sleep apnea. A very simple explanation of this involves gravity. When you lie on your back, the tissues on your throat “bow down” to the pull of the earth, as such, they block your airway, causing it to narrow.

If you are pre-disposed to sleep apnea and you want to stay away from the CPAP mask – in Toronto or elsewhere – try lying on your side. Studies reveal that this condition happens more (at least twice) to those who lie on their back than to those who lie on their side. By simply doing a simple “lifestyle change,” you are getting rid of that sleep apnea mask.

Still in relation to sleeping positions, you can try using a special pillow that elevates your neck at a certain degree. Sleeping “upright” helps generate more oxygen into your brain. Of course, with more oxygen, you are less likely to wake up just to suck in air. This is indeed a simple method in keeping yourself away from the sleep apnea mask.

2. Lose weight.

Obesity is a risk factor of sleep apnea. Therefore, if you are weighing beyond the limits, try losing weight. This approach would not only keep you away from a sleep apnea mask, but it will also help promote total wellness – both in your mind and body. A study conducted in 2000 contends that weight loss results to 26% reduction in risks of developing the condition. Whereas, those who gained weight increased their chances by 6 times!

Weight loss also reduces the incidence of snoring, a phenomenon that’s highly correlated with it.

3. Use Nasal Strips.

Breathe Right strips and other nasal strips are available over-the-counter. These strips are helpful in preventing snoring. Remember, snoring (at excessive levels, that is) is one of the signs of it. Therefore, once you are able to minimize snoring, you are also able to reduce your chances of ever using a sleep apnea mask.

4. Stay away from cigarettes and liquor.

Smoking worsens sleep apnea. So if you are a smoker, try quitting now. You must also avoid taking in alcohol at least 4 hours before sleeping as this also increases your chances of developing it. By having a clean lifestyle – staying away from cigarettes and liquor – you are doing yourself a favor, as you lessen your chances of ever needing a sleep apnea mask.

Prevention is better than cure indeed! If you are pre-disposed to it, might as well take the prevention tips discussed above. That way, you don’t have to deal with machines such as the Respironics CPAP machines – in Toronto or elsewhere. Most of all, you don’t have to worry about missing a precious breath!

CPAP Clinic – healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca
Frustrated at not finding that CPAP mask in Toronto or that sleep apnea mask – in Toronto or elsewhere? Worry no more. At CPAPClinic.com, you can find the mask that will fit your every need. Visit their site too for great deals on Respironics CPAP machines in Toronto.

Sleep Apnea Treatments – Avoiding Disaster

July 12th, 2010 by admin


If you think sleep apnea is not serious, think again. The condition has been to known to be the cause of complications like high blood pressure, heart failure, and fatigue. All of which can be fatal, if left unchecked.

Common Methods Of Sleep Apnea Treatments

There are common methods being used to treat the condition. Unfortunately, there is health risks involved in undergoing these treatments.

1. Dental appliance

- These appliances are similar to mouth pieces worn by athletes.

- Keeps the tongue and jaw from blocking the airway.

- Like any mouthpiece, it can be uncomfortable to use in long periods.

- Causes toothaches and pain in the jaw.

- Causes the excess production of saliva.

2. CPAP

- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

- Involves wearing a mask and hose connected to an air pump.

- Prevents the airway muscles from over relaxing and obstructing the airway.

- Causes the user to not get any sleep.

- Causes discomfort.

- Causes skin irritation on the face.

- Causes nasal congestion.

- Causes the mouth to dry.

- Causes headaches.

- Causes intestinal bloating.

3. Surgery

- The last resort of treatment.

- Surgery corrects physical obstructions to the airway.

- Involves surgery to the jaw, throat, tongue, or nose.

- Cost of surgery is expensive.

- Requires patients to go under the knife, which is a common deterrent.

- Involves a lot of pain.

Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments

For people who find the common treatments expensive, uncomfortable, invasive, and too painful to undergo alternatives are available. These alternatives cause no health risks and are a fraction of the cost of the more common treatments.

1. Altering the sleeping position

- Sleeping on your back stimulates the symptoms of sleep apnea.

- Sleeping on your side is ideal, and will avert the symptoms.

2. Sleep Apnea Pillow

- This pillow is designed to prevent the condition’s symptoms from occurring.

- Can be utilized in most sleeping positions.

- Promotes a more comfortable and full night’s sleep.

3. Singing

- Aside from entertainment, singing also strengthens the muscles in the airway.

- Involves constant practice to be effective.

- Entertaining activity to do.

4. Didgeridoo Blowing

- An ancient Australian aborigine wind instrument.

- Strengthens the airway muscles by means of blowing on the instrument.

- Involves little practice and a lot of fun.

Depending on your preference, each of these sleep apnea treatments can be effective. It’s just a matter of choosing the right treatment for you.

Marc MacDonald is a sleep apnea treatment researcher who specializes in cpap alternatives. For a free guide to 7 Apnea Treatments (with detailed descriptions & case studies), visit: http://ApneaTreatmentGuide.com/ApneaAlternativeTreatment/.