Virtual Support Group Draws Sleep Sufferers from 10 States

'CPAP Chat’ Is in Its Second Year

Nobody slept through it.

Sleep sufferers from 10 states joined the fact- and fun-filled conversation during the February edition of ‘CPAP Chat,’ the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea, health professionals and anyone interested in the topic. Now in its second year, ‘CPAP Chat’ is free and anonymous.

While most participants were New Englanders, callers also hailed from as far as Texas, California, Florida and Nevada. Jody Breton, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) which sponsors the forum, joined guest host Stanley Hurwitz. A Maine resident, Breton has 35 years of clinical respiratory experience.

The discussion centered around proper CPAP equipment use and maintenance and issues related to mouth and nasal dryness, and skin irritation that can result from improperly fitting masks. Questions also focused on proper humidification, equipment sanitizing, and using CPAP in cold weather, and when you have a cold. Callers shared anecdotes about their sleep apnea and how spouses have dealt with their snoring, and how new, small CPAP units travel well on planes and ships.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the largest health issues facing America today affecting some 43 million people, yet the vast majority of sufferers remain undiagnosed. Snoring is a major indicator of sleep apnea, and is often the tipping point for people to have a sleep test. The therapy of choice is CPAP (pronounced see-pap), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, in which a steady airflow keep air passages open for uninterrupted sleep.

The March edition of CPAP Chat will be Wednesday, March 2 from 7 – 8 p.m. (ET). To participate, just prior to the session, call 1-800-204-6655, and enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . (Free sessions are the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm – ET. ) One participant in this session will be randomly drawn to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. For more info and to register to win a mask, visit www.cpapchat.org

Positive Airway Pressure Systems Side-by-Side Comparison Guide

Compare 8 positive airway pressure (PAP) systems side by side. *Click here to view the full matrix at a legible size.

Sleep Review’s PAP matrix compares features such as operating modes, dimensions, noise level, ramp time, data recorded, and features such as leak compensation for the following products: 3B Medical Inc Luna CPAP & Auto-CPAP, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare IntelliPAP AutoAdjust, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare ICON+ Series, Human Design Medical, LLC The Z1 Auto,Human Design Medical, LLC The Z1 CPAP, Philips Respironics DreamStation, ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet, and Somnetics International Inc Transcend Auto.

Find out about the latest product releases at www.sleepreviewmag.com/products.

Courtesy of Sleep Review Magazine.

What’s In Your Sleep Arsenal?


What do a contoured pillow, a 10-minute sleep device sanitizer, and a moisturizing /hydrating nasal gel have in common? They’re all used to help sleep apnea sufferers get a sound night’s sleep. And they’re certain to be among discussion topics – along with latest research on sleep -- during the February 3 edition of ‘CPAP Chat,’ the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea (or anyone who thinks they may have it). The free monthly session, now in its second year, attracts participants from many states who exchange sleep tips, ask questions of guest experts, and share sleep-related anecdotes.

The ‘CPAP Chat’ February edition will be held Wednesday, February 3 from 7 to 8 pm (ET). Sessions (www.cpapchat.org) are anonymous and open to all.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the largest health issues facing America today, yet the vast majority of sufferers remain undiagnosed. Approximately 43 million people suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring is a major indicator of of sleep apnea, and is often the tipping point for people to have a sleep test.



To participate in the February 3rd edition of CPAP Chat, 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 email info@cpapchat.org. (Free sessions are always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm – ET. One participant in this session will be randomly drawn to receive a $25 Amazon gift card, and one pre-registered participant will win a free ResMed CPAP mask. For more info and to register to win a mask, visit www.cpapchat.org

Nasal Congestion Keeping You Up at Night?

Patient Question of the Month:

I've been experiencing nasal congestion and discomfort at night while using my CPAP.  What can I do to alleviate this?
 
Answer:
About 50% of patients experience difficulties with stuffiness and congestion which is usually due to a nasal reaction to the airflow. These symptoms often decrease with continued use.  You might also experience: itching, runny nose, nose bleeds, and nose dryness.
 
Some treatments you may want to consider include:
  • Making sure your humidifier is working as it adds moisture to the air minimizing the irritation to the nasal lining. Saline nasal spray or gel can further help with moisturizing the nasal passages.
  • Using Nasal/Sinus Irrigations using prepackaged solutions and irrigation bottles (such as SinuRinse), or using something like a Neti Pot.
If these don't help, talk with your doctor about:
  • Nasal sprays (eg: Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort, Nasonex) which have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce swelling and congestion.
  • Oral antihistamines  such as Claritin, Benadryl or Allegra, etc as these can be especially helpful in individuals with allergies.
  • Oral Decongestants such as Sudafed.
What to do When You Have a Cold
CPAP use can be problematic when you have a cold, especially if nasal congestion and/or cough are severe. Decongestants can be helpful temporarily, but if symptoms are severe and refractory, then going without CPAP for a few days may be the only option.

Questions? Please call us at 888-867-8840 or send email to support@nstherapy.com.

Attacking Sleep Apnea: “It’s All About the Mask”

A large number of individuals with sleep issues from six states kicked off the new year by participating in the January edition of ‘CPAP Chat’ – the world’s only free monthly virtual support group for people with sleep apnea. In addition to the New England states, participants hailed from as far away as Nevada, Florida and Georgia.

‘CPAP Chat’ is a unique town hall style conference call where people with sleep apnea (or has an interest in the topic) share tips on how to get a better night’s sleep and learn about the latest sleep technologies and equipment.

Eric Cohen, ‘CPAP Chat’ host and president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) , welcomed guest Amy Michaud, a territory manager for ResMed (www.resmed.com) , a maker of devices for sleep-disordered breathing. She emphasized the importance of using a proper-fitting CPAP facial mask. “The biggest challenge for many patients is to find one that provides the perfect fit and seal without irritating the skin,” she said. “Unfortunately, there is no one size that fits all.”

Participants discussed ways to combat mouth dryness – often a result of using a CPAP mask – and learned of fellow patients’ success with Biotene gel or Xylimelt. Michaud talked about the new humidifiers whose water reservoir can last throughout the night. She also described the new ResMed AirSense 10 with a cloud-based patient management system so therapists can access nightly therapy data, troubleshoot and change device settings remotely. “It can be programmed to make the patient more comfortable and sleep more soundly -- which is everyone’s goal,” Michaud said.

Eric Cohen, an engineer who has invented and developed CPAP masks, knows the importance of how the mask is positioned on the face. “Tightening the straps too much can actually decrease the sealing performance,” Cohen says. “If you compress the cushion too much, you change its shape and ability to expand against your face, which is what creates the seal. This can also lead to red marks, sores, and even bruising and broken skin.” Cohen suggests that anyone who has any of these symptoms, or an ill-fitting mask, loud mask leaks, or is kept awake by a whistling or flatulence sound should first make sure they are regularly cleaning and changing their supplies, and then seek advice from a therapist if a new mask doesn’t solve the issue.

The Centers for Disease Control calls sleep apnea a national epidemic. Over 20 million Americans suffer from it, yet most have yet to be diagnosed. Often chronic fatigue can lead to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, even death. The Department of Transportation estimates drowsy driving is responsible for 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 injuries annually.

To participate in the next edition of CPAP Chat on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, from 7 – 8 pm (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 email info@cpapchat.org . (Free sessions are always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm – ET. One participant in this session will be randomly drawn to receive a $25 Amazon gift card, and a pre-registered participant will win a free ResMed CPAP mask. For more info and to register to win a mask, visit www.cpapchat.org

One of Your New Year’s Resolutions Should Be ‘More Sleep’

Free Jan. 6 ‘CPAP Chat’ Virtual Support Group Focus: Getting the Most from Your CPAP

“It’s All About the Mask”

Taking care of your sleep issues may be a good a New Year’s resolution to make sure your CPAP is as comfortable as it can be.

Eric Cohen, President of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) based in Norwood, Mass. and Concord, NH, says the start of the new year is the ideal time to address one often-overlooked, misunderstood condition: sleep apnea. “If you use a CPAP device to help you sleep better, this is a good time to update your equipment and make sure you have the best mask possible.” For example, he says there are new CPAP’s that send data to your iPhone to warn of air leaks and help fine-tune and improve sleep therapy. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most popular therapy prescribed for those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Cohen hosts ‘CPAP Chat,’ (www.cpapchat.org), a one-of-a-kind monthly virtual support group for people with sleep issues. Sessions are free, anonymous and open to all. During the January edition “It’s All About the Mask”– Wednesday, January 6 at 7 pm (ET) -- participants will be invited to discuss one of the most common CPAP usage issues- How to find the right mask. CPAP users will learn how to eliminate mask discomfort and marks on the face, and have an opportunity to ask about latest CPAP equipment and therapy With CPAP product expert, Amy Michaud from ResMed. CPAP users can learn about the latest CPAP machines and benefits, as well as myAir™, a new web program that syncs with the CPAP machine, tells users how they slept, and helps them stay on track during sleep apnea treatment.


Some 20 million Americans have sleep apnea, but only a small percent have been diagnosed. The National Sleep Foundations says adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Left untreated, chronic fatigue can lead to serious conditions such as anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, memory loss, and diabetes, as well as workplace or highway accidents.”

“For questions about sleep and CPAP therapy, make a New Year resolution to join the conversation January 6th at 7 pm (ET),’” says Cohen.

To participate in the next edition of CPAP Chat on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, from 7 – 8 pm (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 email info@cpapchat.org . (Free sessions are always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm – ET. One participant in this session will be randomly drawn to receive a $25 Amazon gift card, and two pre-registered participants will win a free ResMed CPAP mask. For more info and to register to win a mask, visit www.cpapchat.org.

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com