(Issued June 2014) -- “Keep your mouth shut”, “Loosen up a bit,” and “Cheat as much as you can” were among the ‘10 Tips and Tricks‘ shared by a sleep expert during the recent monthly virtual support group ‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ (www.cpaptalklive), a community service of National Sleep Therapy.
Some 40 people from nine states who suffer from sleep apnea participated in the pioneering session designed to improve CPAP efficacy and help users gain a better night’s sleep. CPAP machines (pronounced see-pap, an acronym for continuous positive airway pressure) use gentle airflow to help keep airways open for uninterrupted sleep. In recent years, many workplace and highway accidents have been traced to sleep-deprived individuals. Many may not be aware that they have sleep apnea.
Following the session, one participant posted, “Your company has helped me immensely and I thank you for these sessions and for your assistance.”
Session moderator Eric Cohen, President and co-founder of National Sleep Therapy (NST) (www.nstherapy.com), was joined by NST clinicians, Liz St. John, a Respiratory Therapist (RT) based in North Carolina, and Jody O'Farrell, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who is based at NST’s Maine office. The next ‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ session will be on Wednesday, July 2, from 7 – 8 p.m. (ET)
Cohen’s advice to ‘Keep your mouth shut” was a humorous way to remind CPAP users that they can improve compliance by using a different style mask, a chin strap or heated humidification . “Loosening up a bit” reminded users not to wear their mask too tight and to consider using special pads if marks or sores appear. His tip “Cheat as much as you can” offered ideas on improving comfort, mainly for new users.
While some 18 million Americans have sleep disordered breathing, less than a quarter have been diagnosed, so most sufferers are not aware they have sleep apnea. Two common symptoms are snoring and chronic fatigue. CPAP is the first treatment choice and the most widely used for effective nonsurgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ conference calls – free and open to all -- are held on the first Wednesday of each month. All are welcome to join the next session Wednesday, July 2, from 7 – 8 p.m. (ET). Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187# . The innovative support group sessions, offered as a community service by National Sleep Therapy (NST) (www.nstherapy.com).
Snoring and chronic fatigue can be strong indicators of sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a health professional. Left untreated, symptoms of sleep apnea can include excessive sleepiness during the day, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or depression. Fatigue can lead to highway and workplace accidents.
To listen to the entire recording, visit National Sleep Therapy's YouTube channel.
By Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
By Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
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