For people suffering from sleep apnea, spring cleaning takes on extra meaning.
“A regular cleaning of your CPAP is nothing to sneeze at,” smiles Eric Cohen, co-founder and president of National Sleep Therapy(www.nstherapy.com) based in Norwood, Mass., and Concord, NH. “In addition to the traditional chore of ridding your home of stale air, dust, pet hair and germs that have accumulated all winter, Spring is an ideal time to do a complete cleaning and inspection of your CPAP equipment.” A CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) uses gentle airflow to keep airways open that enables deep sleep.
“CPAP equipment makers and health care professionals recommend cleaning your CPAP mask daily. It gets dirty since you’re breathing into it all night,” says Cohen. He says tubing and other accessories should be cleaned at least weekly, and he recommends a sanitizing product like SoClean that kills 99% of mold, bacteria and viruses on CPAP equipment.
Cohen says, “We recently had a customer call-in who was having irritation of his airway from dust in his CPAP. Make sure your filters are replaced regularly and that you keep your room and area around your CPAP free from dust, pet hair, and mold. During the session, we’ll talk about this and other ways to make sure the air you breathe is clean.”
Individuals who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea (and those who think they may have it) are invited to join the conversation during ‘CPAP Talk – Live!,’ a free, anonymous virtual support session, on Wednesday, APRIL 1, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET. ‘CPAP Talk –Live!’ is a unique, town-hall-style forums on the first Wednesday of each month. The session is hosted by Cohen who says anyone can participate. Each month, individuals from a dozen states participate in fun and informative discussions about CPAP devices and helpful hints to help others get the deep sleep they need. “Every month we all learn something new. It’s never the same show twice,” says Cohen.” Or you can just listen and learn. It’s like a gathering of friends.” (Just prior to each session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#.
Not getting enough sleep over a long period doesn’t just make you tired. It can lead to more serious health issues -- and even shorten your life. If sleep apnea is indicated during a sleep test, CPAP therapy can be prescribed by a physician.
Healthcare professionals often join in, offering their insights. Cohen says, “
During each session, NST gives away a $25 gift card to one participant. For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com. To participate: Use the link to register and ask a question to the group, or offer a special tip. To participate: Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187# and you’re immediately part of the group call. Send questions in advance via Facebook or use the cpaptalklive.com form.
- Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
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