Virtual Support Group for People with Sleep Apnea Draws Participants from 10 States

Thirty participants from 10 states joined in the November edition of ‘CPAP Talk - Live!, ’a one-of-a-kind, monthly free virtual support group designed for people suffering from sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea). Chronic fatigue is an epidemic in the U.S.: An estimated 18 million suffer from sleep apnea.

According to program host Eric Cohen, President and co-founder of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com), callers represented nearly all the New England states. Some even joined the conversation from as far away as Georgia and Florida. Many participated for the first time to discuss their sleep issues, share sleep and CPAP tips, and learn about latest equipment designed to help people with sleep apnea to get a good night’s sleep.

CPAP (pronounced see-pap) is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Doctors often prescribe CPAP therapy for patients with sleep apnea. Besides affording a good night’s sleep, CPAP use eliminates snoring so others can sleep better, too.

The November session stirred much interest, featuring the new SoClean device that simultaneously disinfects a CPAP patient’s mask, headgear, hose and water chamber in about 7 minutes. The device, invented by a CPAP user, sanitizes the system by eliminating mold, bacteria and viruses. It uses no chemicals or solutions.

Cohen says, “When you get up in the morning, you put your mask in the unit, close the lid, and your entire CPAP system is sanitized quickly and automatically. It's a super easy way to keep everything clean. A dirty CPAP can be a breeding ground for germs, increasing the risk of getting sick, decreasing the CPAP’s effectiveness.”

‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ is held on the first Wednesday of each month and is open to all. National Sleep Therapy provides the monthly program as a community service. For anyone interested in joining the conversation during the December 3rd session from 7 – 8 p.m. (ET): Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or use the cpaptalklive.com form. During each session, NST gives away a $25 gift card to one participant. For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.