Author: Timothy Corlette

Wake up to the risks of Sleep Apnea

Wake up to the risks of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical disorder that can have dangerous consequences. It can cause difficulty concentrating, depression, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) are two common types. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often used to treat OSA and CSA. 

A sleep specialist can help diagnose and treat sleep disorders, including mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. A sleep study is needed to find out if a person has sleep apnea. Treatment may involve changing sleeping habits, using a CPAP machine, or surgery. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of untreated sleep apnea. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a sleep specialist right away to get the help you need.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea Australia is the most common type and occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep. This can lead to snoring and pauses in breathing. Central sleep apnea is another type. It is caused by the brain not sending signals to the breathing muscles. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Treating sleep apnea may include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or lifestyle changes. People at risk of sleep apnea include those with a narrower airway, obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and more. A sleep specialist can diagnose sleep apnea with a sleep study. Treating sleep apnea can help reduce daytime sleepiness, severe obstructive sleep apnea, moderate obstructive sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and mild sleep apnea in people with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder. It can be mild, moderate or severe. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is less common. People with Sleep Apnea may experience daytime sleepiness, memory and concentration problems. Treating Sleep Apnea is important as it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. 

A Sleep Specialist can diagnose the type and severity of Sleep Apnea. A Sleep Study is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for OSA. CPAP and other treatments can be used to manage Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be serious if not treated. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Memory and concentration problems can also occur. People with this disorder have either obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, or both. 

Treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), medications, lifestyle changes and in severe cases, surgery. 

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea.

A sleep specialist can diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Sleep studies are often used to diagnose and determine the severity of the disorder; mild, moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of people with sleep apnea. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Frequently disrupted sleep
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Morning fatigue
  • Irritability

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea.

Sleep apnea is an undiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can develop when the airway is blocked by the tongue or other soft tissue, which prevents air from entering the lungs. People with untreated sleep apnea are at risk for a number of dangerous health consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause the body to take short, shallow breaths, which reduce oxygen to the heart and lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries. 

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea.

Other risk factors include blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea can be treated with positive airway pressure, which keeps the airway open by applying air pressure to the throat. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can cause a number of health problems if left untreated. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. People with mild obstructive sleep apnea often experience loud snoring and difficulty falling asleep. 

Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include age, gender, neck circumference, and high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to further sleep-disordered breathing and emergent central sleep apnea. Treatment for sleep apnea includes positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances, and in some cases, surgery. 

CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) therapy is one of the most popular treatments, as it involves using a machine to maintain an open airway while sleeping. If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

It is important to seek treatment for sleep apnea as soon as possible to maintain healthy sleep and blood oxygen levels. Sleep apnea can impact your health negatively if left untreated and lead to high blood pressure, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and other chronic lung diseases. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, options for treatment may include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, bilevel-positive airway pressure, surgery, sleeping pills, and/or lifestyle changes such as losing weight. How is sleep apnea diagnosed? 

Clinical sleep medicine is the best way to accurately diagnose and properly treat sleep apnea. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, upper airway obstruction, falling asleep during the day, and daytime fatigue. These symptoms can help determine if preventative measures such as the use of a CPAP machine, oral appliances, or surgery are necessary to avoid the risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea.

The Importance of Getting Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have a negative impact on your health if left untreated, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are a number of treatment options available, such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and other airway pressure devices. 

Weight loss and exercises to strengthen upper airway muscles may help, as well as surgery to remove excess tissue in the mouth or throat. If you snore loudly, have trouble concentrating, or wake up after a restless sleep, you may be at an increased risk for sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders. 

CPAP therapy is a popular treatment option that uses a machine to help keep your airway open while you sleep, allowing for normal breathing and oxygen levels. Other treatments for sleep apnoea may include soft palate surgery, which can help to reduce breathing pauses, and emergent central sleep apnea, which can help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, metabolic syndrome, and a narrow airway.

Must Read:

The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Your CPAP

The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Your CPAP

This CPAP camping guide was written for anyone who uses a CPAP machine yet is nervous about venturing into going outdoors on vacation with the device.

Your next camping vacation doesn’t have to be ruined because you’ve been told you can’t go camping because of your sleep apnea; in fact, we’ll teach you how to make the most of it! There are essentially two ways to go about preparing for a camping trip while using a cpap machine. The two options are:

  • Do not set up camp anywhere else than near a power source.
  • Using a CPAP Battery to receive the treatment

We will examine the pros and cons of both in further depth below. So, let’s begin!

Camp With Electricity

Visiting a campground with electricity allows you to use your therapeutic equipment with more ease. You may find campgrounds and state parks that have power at every site if you look around. Anyone who uses a CPAP machine will appreciate the convenience of being able to plug it in.

If you’re using a heated humidifier with a battery-powered CPAP machine, you’ll notice that the battery will deplete much more quickly than it would without the humidifier. This will significantly cut into your therapy runtime. You may prevent this problem and obtain the full therapeutic advantages by plugging in.

Benefits: Powered campsites are popular because they are generally neat and tidy. They often have luxuries like a restroom, a shower, and Internet access.

Cons: There are a few downsides to using a campground that has electricity. On busy weekends, you may need to make a last-minute adjustment to your itinerary. They also draw a large number of people, so you won’t feel completely removed from the bustle of civilization, and they may get rather loud at peak times. A campground with electricity might not be for you if the best part of camping is being in a remote location, away from other people, or sleeping amongst natural beauty. In that scenario, you should look at other CPAP power options.

Taking Your Treatment Off the Grid 

CPAP battery packs extend your range, but they have a finite lifespan, so your time away from civilization is still restricted. The average CPAP battery pack can last for two nights before it has to be recharged. It’s a good idea to have extra batteries if you intend to hike or journey far into the woods or up a mountain. With two or three of them on hand, you can stay away from home for much longer.

It’s easy to think that skipping your treatment for a few nights so you can spend more time in nature would make your vacation more pleasurable, but know that bringing your therapy along will almost surely result in a more delightful trip. If you don’t bring your CPAP machine on your trip, you won’t get the restful sleep, heightened focus, boundless energy, and steady disposition that come with using it. Instead, you’ll increase your chances of developing hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and lessen the pleasure you get out of your trip overall. Although disassembling and reassembling your computer may be an inconvenience, you will be pleased you did it when you see the results.

Advantages: Many campers consider being “off the grid” to be the pinnacle of the camping experience, and this is impossible without a battery. Batteries allow us to go to any destination. Most are also APAP and CPAP compatible and have received approval for usage in air travel.

Alternative Power Sources for CPAP Machines

When you’re outdoor without access to electricity, you have two options for powering your CPAP machine:

  • A deep-cycle lead-acid battery can be used.
  • Making use of a CPAP battery pack

A deep cycle battery

Aside from being offered as batteries in car parts stores, deep-cycle batteries may also be found at most places that sell mobility scooters. While a cranking or starting battery (like the kind used in most personal automobiles) is made to discharge a huge amount of energy quickly before being recharged by an alternator, a deep-cycle battery is meant to supply continuous power over a lengthy period of time.

You may accomplish this in one of two ways:

  • Inverter Use
  • Use the machine’s DC cable to connect to a DC adapter.

Below, we’ll go into further depth on these topics.

Through the use of a Direct Current (DC) Adapter Cable

DC adapter cables link the battery’s positive and negative terminals via alligator clips. The electricity is then sent to a standard an outlet. Connecting the DC cord from your machine to the socket will allow you to use your device off of electric grid power supply. Some deep-cycle batteries already include a port, so you may connect them directly to your vehicle’s lighter socket.

Inverter Technology

The inverter takes the direct current (DC) from the battery and transforms it into alternating current (AC) that your device can use. You run the danger of ruining down your equipment if you don’t use this inverter. Make sure the inverter includes alligator clips so you can connect it to the deep cycle battery in your automobile. Then, you can just plug it in like you would with standard household current once the device converts the DC power.

However, there are downsides to using a vehicle battery to power your CPAP machine:

Vehicle batteries may be somewhat cumbersome. Vehicle batteries may be rather hefty; anyone who has ever had to change one will attest to this. Toting one about in a backpack for extended periods of time might be tiring. When packing for a lengthy camping trip, lithium-ion batteries are a much better option due to their small size and low weight.

Deep cycle batteries are not FAA-approved. Due to the hazardous and potentially dangerous compounds contained within deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, they cannot be used on a flight or packed in checked luggage. As a result, you won’t be allowed to bring one on an airplane with you. It might be challenging to recharge them as well. If you’re able to work around these restrictions, a deep cycle battery will make a fantastic addition to your camping gear.

Relying on a CPAP Battery Supply

Lighter and more reasonably priced CPAP batteries are contributing to the device’s rising popularity. Something to keep in mind with batteries is that there is no such thing as a universal battery. Some batteries are designed to accept direct current (DC) from certain types of machinery, but in most cases, an inverter will be required.

Air Liquide Healthcare simplifies calculating the power requirements of your medical device. Our website have section where you may get this data. Instead of trying to make any old battery work in your machine, it’s far easier to just plug in one that was made for it.

More to read: Wake up to the risks of Sleep Apnea

The Best Gifts for Snorers

The Best Gifts for Snorers

Giving someone the gift of restful sleep by helping them overcome their snoring is a gift to yourself. By our calculations, that means you get two presents for the price of one!

However, you should make sure that your anti-snoring equipment won’t endanger them if sleep apnea is the underlying reason of their snoring. Over-the-counter snoring solutions are a great benefit for everyone when snoring is brought on by temporary nasal congestion. When a person has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), their throat muscles compress into their airway, causing a snoring sound. As a result, snoring remedies may only be treating the symptom and not the underlying cause.

CPAP Pillows

As opposed to snoring pillows, which are meant to prop the head up, CPAP pillows are made to mimic the contour of a normal pillow while you sleep. The cut-outs in the pillow’s design make it possible for the CPAP mask and tubing to rest comfortably against the head and neck of the sleeper without the risk of the mask moving or the tubing becoming tangled.

The CPAPmax 2.0 from Contour Health is our top selection because it has four different height adjustments, a luxurious cushion material, and a breathable 3D mesh memory foam.

Nose Vents

Sleep Noodle

The Sleep Noodle may remind you of your father’s old fanny pack, but it’s actually an effective kind of positional treatment. By teaching you to sleep on your side, position treatment reduces the force of gravity on your airway muscles as you sleep.

The foam insert in the breathable mesh belt makes it easy to achieve and maintain the ideal position. There is no need for power sources, wiring, or medical prescriptions.

Packs of Nasal Strips

Adhesive nasal strips are a drug-free option if your partner’s snoring can be traced back to nasal congestion (and quietly). They keep the nose open with a gentle spring movement.

NightBalance by Philips

The Philips NightBalance is an excellent choice as a present for the tech-savvy person who snores since it provides more sophisticated positional treatment.

The NightBalance, which is about the size of your hand, has a belt like the Sleep Noodle that you wear across your chest to keep it in place. After detecting that you’ve rolled onto your back, the gadget will send gentle vibrations in an effort to get you back onto your side. Still, the tremors aren’t overly strong to keep you from getting some shut-eye. The Philips NightBalance is a prescription-only device.

Mask Liners for CPAP Machines

Your friend or family member is in for a real treat if you give them a set of CPAP mask liners as a present. The CPAP mask liner is placed between the CPAP cushion and the user’s face to prevent moisture build-up. This results in a better fit that is less likely to cause redness and discomfort due to heat build-up.

Liner masks may be reused or thrown away after use, and they come in packs that last anywhere from one month to six. They are often made for use with particular masks or mask types; browse our extensive inventory to locate a suitable fit.

The Best Gifts for Snorers

Nose Vents That Prevent Snoring

Nasal dilators are a great alternative to nasal strips for people who dislike the sticky sensation. You may think of them as a nasal strip for your nose; they prevent your nasal passages from closing when you sleep. However, they insert somewhat further within the nostril than nasal strips do.

Be on the lookout for vents constructed from medical-grade silicone rather than the cheaper hard plastic.

Wrap for SnuggleHose Tubing

When used with a tubing wrap, the hard plastic CPAP hose will never come into contact with the CPAP user’s skin (or that of their bed partner). A face full of CPAP tubing is the kiss of death when it comes to snuggling.

Condensation from a humidifier is another problem avoided with the use of a SnuggleHose wrap.

Wrap yourself in one of these soft, hypoallergenic blankets from SnuggleHose, which are secured with velcro for your convenience.

CPAP Cleaner

Those who suffer from repeated colds and nasal congestion might benefit greatly by using a CPAP sanitizer (or frankly, fail to keep up with the recommended cleaning schedule). Between cleanings, a CPAP cleaner eliminates 99.99% of germs, bacteria, and other pathogens.

The Clean-Z by Motif is a great option since it allows you to achieve hospital-level ozone sanitation without breaking the bank in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the Clean-Z is self-powered; it doesn’t use the CPAP machine to move the gas, so there’s no danger of ozone entering the CPAP machine and nullifying the warranty.

Swabs for use with CPAP Devices

Those who are familiar with the CPAP process know how tedious it may be to clean the mask every day. To quickly and easily clean your CPAP mask and other devices from grime, perspiration, dust, and oil, try using CPAP wipes.

The solvent-free solution used to create Motif is developed to be kind to your skin and CPAP equipment. The box of 62 candies is the perfect size for a holiday stocking.

When Snoring Isn’t the Only Issue

In all likelihood, your loved one’s snoring is more than just an occasional problem if you’re shopping for snoring-related presents. It might be an indication of Obstructive Sleep Apnea if they snore loudly and frequently during the night. Over 80% of moderate to severe instances of OSA go untreated, despite the fact that it is thought to afflict over 22 million Americans.

Perhaps the finest gift you could offer your spouse is to encourage them to have a sleep study and start using CPAP if they aren’t already. Find out how to take a sleep study in the privacy of your own home and what the warning signals are for sleep apnea.

More to read: How to Fix Common Issues with Your ResMed AirSense 10 Device

How to Fix Common Issues with Your ResMed AirSense 10 Device

How to Fix Common Issues with Your ResMed AirSense 10 Device

Sleep apnea can be treated with CPAP therapy, which consists of a machine, mask, and tubing. The CPAP machine you use to treat your sleep apnea may, like any other piece of technology, develop problems over time and require repair. If you’re having problems with your ResMed AirSense 10, we have some suggestions for you.

In 2022, one of our most popular cpap machines has been the ResMed AirSense 10, which is praised for its quiet operation and integrated humidification. The AirSense 10, like other CPAP machines, has an expected lifetime of five years, during which time users may have inquiries concerning the device’s capabilities.

Looking for ResMed AirSense 10 troubleshooting assistance? You’ve found it!

Issues with AirSense 10 and How to Fix Them

There might be a simple solution, such as refilling the water chamber or plugging in your gadget, or the problem could be more involved and need investigation. Problems with the ResMed AirSense 10 might affect compliance, therefore it’s crucial to diagnose and resolve them as soon as possible.

If Your Mask’s Air Pressure Is Either Too High or Too Low.

Even though the AirSense 10 has an AutoRamp mode, you may still need to tweak the pressure levels. While waiting for air pressure to build up, turning off the ramp function helps guarantee the pressure doesn’t drop too low, and enabling expiratory pressure release (EPR) helps reduce the pressure slowly so you can breathe against it more easily. Learn more for camping with Your CPAP.

Notice of dry mouth after use.

Air can leak out of a mask during sleep if you don’t use enough humidity or if the mask doesn’t fit properly. If you have a well-fitting mask, raising the humidity may help. Having a dry mouth upon awakening may be rather uncomfortable, so if you feel that your current mask isn’t providing the optimum fit, consider using a chin strap or switching to a full-face mask.

How to Fix Common Issues with Your ResMed AirSense 10 Device

Continuous emission of air from your CPAP machine.

If you are awake and the gadget is still operating, emitting the airflow. After 20 or 30 minutes, it should have finish cooling down to prevent condensation from forming in the tube. This is a common time for people to look for ResMed AirSense 10 troubleshooting guidance, as it is a seemingly random part of the daily routine including shutting off the device.

Leaking Water Chamber

If you use humidification to make your sleep more pleasant at night, this is an issue you just can’t ignore. An incorrect seal or damaged water chamber are the typical causes of a leaky water chamber. If you find any damage to your water chamber during an inspection, select “Broken Equipment” from the main menu. Be aware that every six months you will need to replenish the water in your chamber.

My gadget’s displays and buttons are flashing rapidly

A ResMed AirSense 10 with a blinking screen could seem to be experiencing some kind of catastrophic failure, but in reality, it might just be updating itself. Even if you find your system importing an update right before bed, you can be certain that it won’t take long until you can start using it.

My Therapy Records Aren’t Being Sent to My Provider

Built-in wireless technology in the AirSense 10 transmits your sleep data to ResMed’s mobile app, MyAir, so your doctor may see and adjust your therapy remotely. Check your Wi-Fi connection and make sure your smartphone isn’t in aeroplane mode if your therapy data isn’t being transmitted to your doctor. Keeping accurate records of your sleep treatment sessions relies heavily on a reliable WI-Fi connection. If the issue persists, double-check that data transfer is turned on for the gadget.

The mask or nosepiece keeps becoming wet

The ClimateLineAir heated tube in the AirSense 10 ensures comfortable temperatures and humidity levels, but you may need to adjust the climate control manually to get your ideal conditions. These measures should reduce the amount of water that accumulates, but the user manual you received with your purchase can provide more advice on how to prevent condensation.

Problems with Turning on the ResMed AirSense 10 Display

If the screen on your ResMed AirSense 10 is black and it won’t come on, the device is either asleep or the power has been cut off. Pressing the home button to switch your machine back on or checking that the power supply is connected at all places throughout the device are both simple solutions to common ResMed AirSense 10 problems.

Conclusion

If you ever need to check on a warranty or have repairs done on your system, having the device number and serial number on hand would be very beneficial. Both the device number and serial number may be found on the label on the back of the device, the former providing an extra degree of legitimacy and the latter of security. If you’re just starting out with CPAP, it might be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the most often encountered issues with the CPAP mask and how to resolve them.

Even if you’re having trouble with your CPAP machine or mask, it’s still important to continue using it as directed. Make sure to save this page for the next time you have a minor problem with your AirSense 10’s equipment, and feel free to ask any follow-up troubleshooting questions in the comments section. If you need help fixing your ResMed AirSense 10, visit Air Liquide Healthcare support on our website.

It’s All Right to Have Separate Territories

It’s All Right to Have Separate Territories

When Michael and I first started working on getting our dysfunctional relationship back on track, we opened up separate checking accounts. Neither of us talked to the other when we withdrew money from our joint account. If either of us felt angry about this, we just stuffed it. As a matter of fact we didn’t talk about money period because we didn’t know how to! We were so focused on each other, or as psychotherapists say, enmeshed, that neither of us knew where the other ended and we, as individuals, began. Separate checking accounts forced us to reclaim our individuality and discuss money matters. 

My closet was also a source of disagreement for years, because, to this day, periodically it becomes impossible to get into. 

I have clothes strewn in piles all over the floor and sometimes they appear to be creeping out into the bedroom! We’ve even referred to the disaster in my closet as “the creature”. During the early years Michael would go into my closet to straighten it up. Afterwards, I wouldn’t be able to find a thing. Instead of expressing my feelings about this, I would stuff them.

​I knew Michael was trying to help and I feared sharing with him how upset I really was when he went into my closet and moved my things around. My sloppy system worked for me and each time he would organize it the way he thought it should be, I was an emotional wreck because I couldn’t find anything. It was my responsibility to set limits and boundaries in our relationship by saying, ‘Please stay out of my closet.” 

It’s important to respect one another’s personal belongings and private items. It’s also important to speak up and communicate with one another when we feel we are not being respected or in some cases, violated with regard to our personal space and belongings. Mind-reading doesn’t work in a relationship and, in the long run, expectation of it causes misunderstanding and difficulty between partners in a relationship. Respecting each other’s boundaries is essential for a relationship to work.

More to read: Wake up to the risks of Sleep Apnea

It’s All Right to Say “No? to Sex

It’s All Right to Say “No? to Sex

There are times in every relationship when sex takes a backseat. During these “dry? periods we need to respect our mate when told, “No honey, not tonight.? To make our partner feel badly about not giving into sex builds resentments and kills intimacy. Kids, job pressures, illness and stress can bring the sex drive to a screeching halt. If we are concerned over a lack of sexual activity, it’s also our responsibility to speak up. 

When we are uncomfortable participating in particular sexual acts, it’s our responsibility to say “no?. If there is sexual difficulty, dysfunction, affairs, cyber-sex or pornography addiction in a relationship, it’s important for both partners to seek help with a good therapist, a clergy person, support group, or in some cases, intensive treatment.

With outside help, couples can slowly begin rebuilding the relationship. At times, it may be necessary to abstain from sexual activity altogether for a period of time, so that true intimacy can be developed between the partners.

​Learning how to be friends again can be an important part of the healing process. Trust has been lost and healthy communication is gone by the time most couples realize that the relationship is in trouble. Trying to be sexual with a partner we are upset with – when we don’t want to be, damages intimacy. Setting up sexual boundaries, rebuilding communication and trust provides the foundation for a healthy relationship. Initially it may appear that there is more disagreement going on than before and that things are getting worse. In reality this is a healthy sign because during this time issues are being resolved and boundaries are being set. Boundary building involves trial and error and conflict. It also indicates that both partners are taking care of themselves. Eventually the conflict levels out as a new and exciting relationship based on healthy intimacy emerges – including healthy sexual intimacy.

More to read: The Best Gifts for Snorers

It’s All Right to Have Fun in a Relationship

It’s All Right to Have Fun in a Relationship

In the early years, once Michael and I discovered our relationship was in trouble and in need of repair, neither of us knew having fun was a part of the rebuilding process. Couples need to take a break every now and then from the intensity of the healing process, just to learn how to enjoy each other and play. We always suggest couples have a date night once a week and take short vacations together. 

In our case, Michael and I had rarely taken vacations because we were both fearful of spending too much time together. In order to get reacquainted with one another, we started by taking week-end trips alone together to the seashore or the hill country. At first it was hard because we had to really talk to one another! There wasn’t anything to distract us from our relationship. Instead we had to work on communicating, listening, negotiating and really being there for each other. Eventually we began to really enjoy each other on date nights and mini vacations.

Today, we often take small trips for the sheer pleasure of just being alone together. We also continue to have a date night each week. One week Michael is responsible for planning our date while the following week, the way we spend our night out is up to me. We’ve had some great new experiences together and experimented with different leisure activities over the years. 

During the healing process, playtime brings a break of lightness into the relationship. Once intimacy is established together time keeps the relationship fresh. It’s important to remember that we are never too old to play and that learning how to enjoy life with a partner builds healthy intimacy.

More to read: The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Your CPAP

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén