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    Why you should add a humidifier to your CPAP machine

    Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    humidifier-blog

    Fall brings a lot of great changes.  The temperature cools down a bit, football season begins, and unfortunately the air dries up a little.  If you use CPAP therapy, this dry air can have an impact on your CPAP machine, which in turn means that the quality of your sleep can be reduced.

    Why Add a Humidifier

    One of the easiest solutions to combat this problem is to have your machine fitted with a humidifier.  This will add moisture and help ensure your airway remains open, allowing the therapy to work as it is intended.

    Humidifier Maintenance

    Adding a humidifier will require some additional maintenance on your part, though.  A humidifier relies on water to moisten the air that passes through the water chamber, through the tube and mask and into your airway. That extra equipment needs to be cleaned. Some of those cleaning tasks need to be performed daily, others monthly. Some of these tasks include:

    1. Filling the water chamber every night
      The water chamber needs to be filled with distilled water every night. Distilled water will help prevent the buildup of minerals in your water chamber and air tube.
    2. Empty and wash the water chamber every morning
      You should empty the water chamber and wash it in warm water while using a mild detergent before rinsing. It should be left to dry throughout the day before you fill the chamber again with distilled water at night.
    1. Once a month you should inspect the water chamber to see if there is any damage to it. If there are any cracks or if the tub becomes cloudy from the buildup minerals, it should be replaced immediately. When cleaning the water tub, use a cleaning solution made up of vinegar and water and thoroughly scrub the tub.

    All of us at Brevard Medical Equipment wish you a happy holiday season!  Let us know if we can assist you with anything by going to our website or contacting us at 321-453-3370.

    Don’t Let Traveling with your CPAP Spook You

    Posted on: October 23rd, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    Brevard Medical Equipment is all about you enjoying your trip to Florida or your cruise vacation. The idea of traveling with your CPAP machine and accessories may be stressful with the thought of getting it through security and the airport. Have no fear, getting your CPAP through the airport is not as stressful as it seems, as long as you are prepared and well organized.

    Traveling with your CPAP machine can be a breeze.

    Traveling with your CPAP machine can be a breeze.

    Traveling by plane or car is a great way to explore the world, so Brevard Medical Equipment wants you to be prepared and have a wonderful trip. We have tips and accessories to accompany you on your vacation. As long as you are set for your trip, it will go smoothly with your CPAP machine and accessories.

    Tips for Traveling with your CPAP Machine:

    1. When you are preparing to get through security at the airport, let the officer know that you have a CPAP machine. Be ready to take the machine out of the case so it can be scanned. You are allowed to have your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag while it is being scanned. This is a good idea because this will keep it safe from germs.
    2. Invest in a good carry-on bag for traveling. Find a bag that is perfectly made for your CPAP machine, CPAP mask, and all the accessories. Finding the right bag will give you peace of mind knowing your CPAP machine and accessories are all in their place in one carry on.
    3. If you are a frequent traveler, consider getting a smaller machine like the Fisher Paykel ICON Auto CPAP. A smaller machine can fit in smaller places, like a carry on and operates quietly. It has a contemporary design so it is more appealing to use and travel with.
    4. No matter what time of the year it is, beware of germs and illnesses that linger in airports and hotels. CPAP Mask Cleaning Wipes can help your machine and mask stay clean throughout your trip. Travel size packets of wipes are great and don’t  take up much room.

    You can rest easy knowing you are taken care of while traveling with your CPAP machine and accessories. Brevard Medical Equipment wishes you safe travels and fun while on vacation this year.

     

    Travel Smart with your CPAP

    Posted on: April 17th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

     

    CPAP

    Don’t let your CPAP machine hinder your travel plans, enjoy your vacation with these easy travel tips

    Traveling with a CPAP machine isn’t as hard as you think.  Don’t think because you have one, it limits you to only using it in your home.  It is very common to see people carry-on their CPAP machines and supplies just like another bag. At Brevard Medical Equipment in Melbourne, Florida, we’re experts in helping patients get their CPAP equipment and other home medical equipment on board the leading airlines, cruise liners and trains. Let us help you today; but first, read our tips in this blog!

    The three most general ways other than driving a car to get to your travel destinations are planes, cruise ships and trains. The most common way to travel is by air and here are a few tips to travel smart with you CPAP:

    • Before scheduling a flight, make sure your CPAP machine is approved by certain airlines.
    • Make sure to reserve a seat in either first or business class to gain access to a power outlet called EmPower. Make sure to bring the right adapter!
    • Try to arrive two hours before your flight. With TSA (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions and security check-in, having a CPAP machine will make your check-in a little bit longer.
    • CPAP machines can be checked in and classified as checked luggage or carry-on items. Security will more than likely inspect your machine and supplies, and remove the machine from the travel case while not un-hooking the face mask or tubes. It will also be checked for explosive traces.

    Keep in mind if you are traveling internationally and have a newer machine, it will be compatible with different voltages you might come across.  Make sure to pack those universal power supplies. If not, you’ll have to run off the available power system.

    Brevard Medical Equipment hopes these tips will help with your next vacation. To set up oxygen or other medical supplies for your next trip, please contact Freedom Link.

    Where in the World is Your CPAP Machine

    Posted on: April 15th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

     

    CPAP travel tips

    These CPAP travel tips can make traveling though airports much easier.

    Your CPAP machine doesn’t move from where you sleep other than to get cleaned or repaired. What do you do in case you go on vacation or stay the night at a relative’s home halfway across the United States or world? If you need to travel by airplane, Brevard Medical Equipment can help provide you with some tips and tricks to get your CPAP machine and equipment through security.

    It is important to read your airline’s rules and regulations regarding how you can bring your CPAP machine on board and get through security.  If you tend to travel a lot, it may be smart to have a second CPAP machine that is more compact and easier to store.  Do not pack your equipment in your checked luggage.  In case of this luggage getting misplaced, you may not be able to continue your therapy for a few days.

    It may be that you get nervous walking up to security stations inside the airport.  There is no way of getting around security holding on to CPAP equipment.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are used to seeing CPAP machines and know how to check over them accordingly.  The CPAP machine itself will need to be taken out of your carrying case for inspection. Have the mask and tubing ready in-case they’d like to see those too.

    X-ray machines and containers are not the cleanest things.  Make sure to bring a clear plastic bag with you to place that in as it goes through the x-ray machine.  TSA officials will check your CPAP machine as a part of their Explosive Trace Detection.  We all know that won’t be needed as evidence and once it clears, you’ll be good to go.

    Brevard Medical Equipment hopes these tips will help you get through the airport a little smoother.  If you’re traveling soon, make sure to contact us about traveling with your CPAP machine or other home medical equipment! Happy Travels!