'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
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
‘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
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