Thursday, July 8, 2010

3 D's of sleeping pills

After reading this, I hope you can still sleep well. Sleep-inducing medicines, popularly known  as sleeping pills, have a reputation of helping people get some peace and quiet at night.  Sleep deprivation is such a difficult condition to have since it literally zaps a person's energy to do the more important things in life, at work and at home.  Specifically, it is used by chronic insomniacs who desperately need to get that well-deserved rest.  Insomniacs often flip over the hundreds of cable channels each night hoping to get tired enough to sleep.  For them, it does not matter if they sleep in from of the t.v. as long as they do get to sleep eventually.  But t.v. surfing loses its effectiveness after a few nights, leaving the insomniac up and awake the whole night, and, yes, bone-weary the next morning. Manic workloads, job-related stresses, and the ever-toxic idea of work itself leaves a person with no other option but to trust the “fast” relief. Studies show that people who are prone to stress and other everyday worries are the ones who would most likely resort to the use of sleeping pills.  Other studies, however, also show that long-term use of sleeping pills could cause unwanted side effects or health problems.  People who often take refuge or rely mostly on these sedatives are more prone to negative effects and even life-threatening situations as:

*Degradation of activities

    Studies prove that continuous use of sleeping pills can reduce brain cell activity, affect short-memory term and cause hang-overs. The aftermath of taking these sedatives may seem manageable, but in the long run, these effects may escalate into more serious problems such us forgetfulness and lack of focus. You wouldn't want to report to your workplace with confused and groggy, right? Also, it's a bad thing to forget certain work errands just because of sleeping pills.              
       
*Dependence

    Just like how the body forms its natural defense through the production of antibodies, the body may also develop an immunity to the drug.  The frequent intake of a certain drug would lessen the potency of the active ingredients. Eventually, the user would have to take higher doses of the drug, and be open to the risk of developing a drug dependence or addiction. Sleeping pill addiction is, in fact, fast becoming a common health concern.                    

*  Death

    People who use sleeping pills have undeniably higher mortality rates than those who don't. Sleep apnea patients are advised to refrain from taking sleep-inducing pills. As sedatives, sleeping pills tend to lengthen the pauses in breathing when one is asleep.  This situation can jeopardize the health of people with sleep apnea.  Every year, many cases of death are attributed to the effects of these drugs.   

    As the saying goes, we can buy luxurious bed but we can never purchase a good night's sleep. This proverbial statement just proves that many people are really struggling to board another express train to Dreamland. And the struggle goes on.  For some people, a good night's sleep is like a rare commodity. The artificial inducement of sleep may be necessary but caution must always be exercised to prevent sleeping pill overdose.  Getting some “shut-eye” with the help of a pill or two need not lead to the sleep of death.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

OptiLife Mask with Headgear and pillows cushions and CradleCushionsTM P,S,M and S,M, Cradle Cuishions

I've tried more than six other masks and styles and always had a blend of problems until I used this mask. This mask has been comfortable and effective. Other masks made the bridge of my nose sore and leaked air. This mask seals at the nostril and doesn't need to be too tight. It took a little practice to get the straps at the right tension. Surprisingly it stays in place on my face even when I turn my head or sleep on my side. It's a relief to be able to do that. My wife says it's the quietest of the masks I've used. Another positive is that I can read because there isn't any blockage from a forehead brace or hose getting in the way. It's easy to clean and very easy to reassemble. In fact, the pillow cushions just slip on and off two small pegs that hold it in place. My nose and throat get a little dry so I use an attached CPAP humidifier to help but that is the most annoying problem for now. I find the built in chin strap works well but if it's too tight it will make the sealing of the pillow cushions more difficult. It has worked well for me and I tried "comfort gel" and all the others. This one has worked the best.

UPDATE:OptiLife Mask with Headgear and pillows cushions and CradleCushionsTM P,S,M and S,M, Cradle Cuishions



Product Description

OptiLife, the first mask in Respironics new MyLife series, fits your life and makes your life easier. OptiLife features a unique headgear design and a chin support band that allows it to be easily put on and adjusted with little effort and no buckles. In fact, OptiLife is so easy-to-use that the mask can be put into place with one hand. Plus, OptiLife is easy-to-clean and maintain, and it s durable enough to stand up to the real-world demands of daily use. Our updated OptiLife Mask Packs include more flexible tubing so that OptiLife stays secure even on active sleepers and cradle cushion options for a less invasive, more minimal contact interface. OptiLife Nasal Pillows provide a highly contoured pillow interface that fits comfortably into the nostrils for an easy, leak-free seal. Sizes available: Petite, Small, Medium, and Large. OptiLife Cradle Cushions offer a non-invasive direct seal interface that includes a generous landing area and deep arc for excellent comfort and seal. Sizes available: Small, Medium, Large and LargeNarrow. OptiLife has soft headgear straps on the cheek so it's great for side sleepers, and it has NO BUCKLES on so it's easy to adjust and won't cause sore spots. Each OptiLife mask comes with multiple nasal pillow and/or cradle cushion sizes so you'll be sure to get a robust, comfortable seal right out of the box.

SOURCE:OptiLife Mask with Headgear and pillows cushions and CradleCushionsTM P,S,M and S,M, Cradle Cuishions

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

10 Steps to Asthma Self Help

Managing asthma is not something your doctor can do for you all by himself. Asthma self help is an important part of treating and managing your condition so that it doesn’t take over your entire life. Your doctor may prescribe both daily medication and medication to take in case of an acute asthma episode, but the task of minimizing risk of asthma attack and taking care of yourself on a daily basis is largely up to you and your family. Learning some key asthma self help tricks can help you keep your asthma under control so that it doesn’t interfere with your daily life.

Because asthma can be caused, triggered or worsened by so many things, there are many things that you can do to lessen the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Your doctor will offer important suggestions in addition to medication to help you manage your asthma. Think of those suggestions as a personalized asthma self help plan. A major part of asthma self help involves avoiding asthma triggers. Some ways that you can help yourself if you or someone in your family has asthma include:

1.    The first and most important step in asthma self help is to follow your doctor’s orders. Don’t stop taking daily medication just because you feel better. If he’s prescribed daily peak flow measurements, be sure to follow instructions carefully and measure daily to monitor your condition.
2.    If you smoke, quit. Whether the asthma sufferer is you or a child in your family, cigarette smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers known.
3.    Keep the house dust-free – or as close to dust-free as possible. Dust is another common asthma trigger. Use a cylinder vacuum instead of an upright – preferably one that encloses the vacuum cleaner bag inside a solid canister to minimize pumping dust back into the air.
4.    If you can, remove carpets and heavy draperies. They’re dust-catchers that easily breed dust mites. If you can’t remove them, vacuum them frequently using a canister vacuum cleaner.
5.    Avoid using down feather pillows and comforters, and use a plastic cover on your mattress. Mattresses and pillows can harbor dust mites. The same goes for stuffed animals and other ‘soft’ decorations.
6.    Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf in cold weather. Cold air is another common asthma trigger.
7.    If your asthma is triggered by allergens, monitor the outside air quality daily. Avoid open fields and woodsy areas during peak pollen seasons, and take extra care when air quality is in danger ranges.
8.    Mold is another common allergen that triggers asthma. Keeping mold down is another important part of asthma self help care. Dry wet laundry immediately, and wash and disinfect bathrooms and showers regularly. Remove houseplants, as mold grows in their soil.
9.    Pet dander can also trigger asthma symptoms. If you can’t part with a pet because of emotional ties, at least keep it out of the bedroom to minimize your exposure to dander.
10.    Be aware of any food or ingested allergies, and avoid foods, medications and drinks that cause allergic reactions.

Sleepsonic Organic Sherpa Latex Speaker Pillow

The sleepsonic pillow is awesome! I use it to listen to "brainwave therapy programs" to help me sleep (Brainsync and Dr. Jeffrey Thompson). $134 seemed like a lot of money for a pillow and I was a little hesitant to buy it at first, but my earbuds had really been bothering me and I wanted something more comfortable. It turned out to be a fabulous purchase, absolutely worth the money, and I would recommend it to anyone. The sound is great, very clear. I showed it to a friend who completely loved it and now I'm buying him one as a gift.

It comes with a long cord with an inline volume control, so I can put my ipod far away from the bed and not worry about anyone rolling onto it in the night. You can sleep with just the pillow by itself (it's pretty small), or you can put it on top of your regular pillow or in your pillow case. The organic cotten sherpa cover is very cosy, and can be removed for washing
UPDATE:Sleepsonic Organic Sherpa Latex Speaker Pillow

Product Features

  • Listen in private while being available for other important sounds like phones, doors, and babies.
  • Detachable audio cable - adaptor fits Mp3, CD, DVD, & TV.
  • The Sleepsonic's portable size allows it to be used either alone or with an existing sleep pillow.
  • Natural cotton & 100% organic fabric for the pillow case is hand washable.
  • Speakers deliver hi-fi stereo sound with no batteries required - use with mP3 or CD player.
SOURCE:Sleepsonic Organic Sherpa Latex Speaker Pillow

Monday, July 5, 2010

Stop Snoring Snore Sleep Apnea Anti Snoring Device Custom Fitted ProSnore II Snore Appliance

Product Description

The ProSnore II appliance works by bringing the bottom jaw forward opening the airway and tightening the loose tissue at the back of the throat stopping the snoring. The appliance is custom fitted from an impression taken in the comfort of your own home. Once ordered we will ship an impression kit with all the materials needed and detailed instructions. After taking the impression you will then mail it straight to the dental lab for fabrication with the pre-addressed/prepaid dental mailing bag. Once the impression is received by the dental lab they will fabricate the custom fitted appliance within 1 to 2 days and ship it back. *Note* Attachment material has been modified to more of Velcro material*

UPDATE:Stop Snoring Snore Sleep Apnea Anti Snoring Device Custom Fitted ProSnore II Snore Appliance

Product Features

  • Lab custom fitted from a dental impression not boil and bite.
  • 1/3 the price Doctor's and Dentists would charge for the same thing.
  • Self Adjustable
  • *Note* Attachment material has been modified to more of Velcro material*
SOURCE:Stop Snoring Snore Sleep Apnea Anti Snoring Device Custom Fitted ProSnore II Snore Appliance

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Contour CPAP Pillow - Sleep Apnea Pillow - Sleep Snoring Apnea Pillow a Great Pillow For Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Breathing Pillow

Product Description

Can't fall sleep because your pillow doesn't give you the comfort you are looking for? Do you feel like you're not going to sleep tonight due to the fact you are wearing the CPAP mask? Picture yourself free from those discomforts and never ending nights when you can't sleep. Feel yourself waking up revitalized and ready to take over the world after a peaceful night sleep.The discomfort when wearing a CPAP mask can be the main reason why people can't sleep. The mask presses and rubs against your face and it won't let you rest comfortably. Also it can distort the mask therefore reducing mask usage and enhancing the problem of sleep apnea and snoring. The CPAP Multi-Mask Sleep Aid Pillow is designed primarely to bring the best support and comfort while reducingÃÂ pressure crack and discomfort from wearing the mask. It increases sleep pleasure and CPAP use with a large variety ofÃÂ styles and brands of masks. At last a CPAP Pillow MaskÃÂ that will help you sleep comfortable and giving flexible issues for CPAP users. This outstanding bed pillow is most fitted for CPAP users and its one of a kind design is guaranteed to fit any CPAP masks. Freeing pressure on the CPAP mask with molded cut-outs the CPAP Multi-Mask Sleep Aid will allow you to rest in any position you desire. Note return policy- pillows are not returnable once removed from sealed packaging.

UPDATE:Contour CPAP Pillow - Sleep Apnea Pillow - Sleep Snoring Apnea Pillow a Great Pillow For Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Breathing Pillow

Product Features

  • Comforts head and neck pain
  • Feel free to move in any way you want
  • Many ways to sleep; side back and stomach position
  • Improves neckà and spinal alignment
SOURCE:Contour CPAP Pillow - Sleep Apnea Pillow - Sleep Snoring Apnea Pillow a Great Pillow For Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Breathing Pillow