For Many, Finding Out You Have Sleep Apnea Can Be A Rude Awakening

With CPAP Therapy, Thorough Training Leads to Patient Compliance

One of the country’s leading sleep therapy companies has proven that a multi-tiered training approach results in a dramatic increase in patient CPAP compliance -- accompanied by better sleep and an improved quality of life.

A few years ago, Eric Cohen, an engineer, inventor and president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) noted that there’s a dramatic improvement in patient compliance when they understand CPAP therapy, and are properly trained, monitored, and encouraged through self-reliance and awareness. “We encourage patients to take responsibility for their own care. Properly trained and engaged patients are about 84% compliant, versus the general average of about 50% who are non-adherent, getting less than 4 hours of CPAP use per night. Many who don’t receive proper guidance give up too soon.” Studies indicate and adult needs 6+ hours of sleep for reduced daytime sleepiness plus significantly improved memory and daily functioning.

CPAP is the most popular therapy prescribed by doctors for patients whose sleep test indicates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s estimated that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, though most have yet to be diagnosed. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues and accidents.

New NST patients are added to a computerized CPAP tracking system. They get a training course – including in-person set-up, a video and access to NST’s website with more tips. Using an iPad, Respiratory Therapists train every patient in a methodical manner. “Patients can log in and view their own sleep data. There’s a 22% higher compliance for patients who track their own data,” says Cohen.

Non-compliance can result in cancellation of CPAP insurance coverage. For example, under Medicare, after 3 months, if a patient doesn’t prove nightly usage, Medicare will not cover the cost. Then, if the patient wants Medicare to cover CPAP again, they must start with a new face-to-face evaluation. Cohen says, “Doctors don’t have 60-90 minutes to train a patient. Our set-up process maximizes engagement and retention. The result is patients who internalize the importance of CPAP and know how to use and maintain their machine. Using the iPad app, our RTs guide patients through each training stage until they’re comfortable with each section.”

Cohen hosts the popular monthly ‘CPAP Chat’ virtual support group – the only one of its kind – that attracts CPAP users and health care professionals from 10 or more states each night. Held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 – 8 pm (ET), sessions are free, open to all and anonymous. To join in: Just prior to the next session on Wednesday, November 4 at 7 pm (ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#.) To submit questions in advance or for more info, visit www.cpapchat.org

View this chart: Sleep duration recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation: https://sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/STREPchanges_1.png 

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com



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