CPAP Talk-Live December Topics: Gadgets, Apps, and Better Sleep

Can an iPhone really improve your sleep?

In movies and cartoons, people who snore are often used as punch lines and laughingstocks. But an affliction like sleep apnea really isn’t a laughing matter. Some 20 million Americans have sleep apnea -- but most have yet to be diagnosed!

A free group virtual support session, ‘CPAP Talk –Live!,’ for anyone who has (or thinks they have) sleep apnea is set for Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 6 – 7 pm (ET). The town-hall-style forums are held at the same time on the first Wednesday of each month, sponsored by National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com). Last month, 30 people from 10 states participated. (To participate: Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#.)

National Sleep Therapy President and session host Eric Cohen, says, “Snoring may indicate that an individual has sleep apnea, but chronic fatigue can be a more subtle red flag. A sleep test will tell, and, if confirmed, a physician may prescribe CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a device that uses gentle air flow to keep airways open to allow deep sleep.

Ignoring chronic fatigue can exacerbate high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and/or weight gain, as well as highway or workplace accidents. Untreated, lack of deep sleep can lead to a lower quality of life and even a shorter life expectancy.

Among topics of the Dec. 3 town hall-style forum will be:

- SoClean – User reviews of a new device that simultaneously disinfects the CPAP mask, headgear, hose and water chamber in about 7 minutes.

- A review of Smartphone apps that can monitor your sleep and/or help you sleep using sound or other relaxation techniques.

- New S+ unit – monitors and analyzes breathing and movements, give suggestions for better sleep.

Interested individuals may also send questions in advance either via Facebook or using 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. - Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

CPAP Users Stay More Alert, Have Better Focus on Driving - National Sleep Therapy Survey Reveals

Sleep Deprivation: A National Epidemic

Chronic fatigue is an epidemic in the U.S.: An estimated 18 million suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea), yet incredibly, a large majority of those afflicted have yet to be diagnosed. These people could be described as accidents waiting to happen, whether on the highway or at the workplace.

AAA found that one-third of drivers admit to having fallen asleep while driving at some point in their lives. Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment – similar to drugs or alcohol.

In an online survey conducted by National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com), a leading supplier of CPAP devices used to treat sleep apnea, 120 individuals with a history of sleep apnea who had begun physician-prescribed CPAP therapy: 48% reported they are able to stay awake more during the day; 40% reported they are better able to focus on driving and tasks; 28% report to have a better attitude; and 21% say they feel better overall. The online survey was developed by Eric Cohen, NST President and co-founder as a way to better appreciate the impact CPAP has on the company’s patient population.

One of the more dramatic examples of a sleep-deprived person who was doing his job while putting other people’s lives at risk is the engineer who began to doze, allowing his New York train to speed along at 80 mph – 50 mph above the speed limit – which led to a fatal derailment last year. Four people were killed and 61 were injured. National Traffic Safety Board investigators recently reported their findings: the engineer had severe obstructive sleep apnea that had not been diagnosed.

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Usually applied via a nasal mask, CPAP prevents apneas (temporary cessation of breathing) by keeping the airway open with a gentle airflow. Without CPAP therapy, the resulting chronic fatigue can lead to a host of serious diseases and a shorter lifespan.

Eric Cohen of National Sleep Therapy says, “We are constantly reminding people who think they or someone they know may have sleep apnea to ask their doctors to arrange a sleep test. The results of that test can determine if a person may need CPAP therapy in order to get a good night’s sleep.”

National Sleep Therapy has earned a reputation as an industry pioneer. The company sponsors a monthly free virtual support group -- ‘CPAP Talk Live!’ -- for people with sleep apnea and healthcare pros (www.cpaptalklive.com ), and offers live video support for patients. This past year, the company made the ‘Inc. 5000’ list as ‘One of Fastest-Growing Private U.S. Companies.’ For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.

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.

Investigators Determine Engineer in Fatal Train Crash Had Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

This week, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that last year’s fatal NYC train derailment was likely caused by the engineer who fell asleep at the controls due to an undiagnosed sleep disorder.

Those of us in the sleep therapy industry are always talking about the dangers of not getting enough sleep. Besides the serious health issues that can derive from chronic fatigue, thousands of lives and billions of dollars are lost annually due to sleep apnea.

The NY commuter train was traveling at about 80 mph -- 50 miles per hour faster than the speed limit when it rounded a curve and derailed about 7 a.m. on December 1, 2013. Four people were killed and 61 were injured in the derailment. NTSB investigators learned the engineer had severe obstructive sleep apnea that had not been diagnosed. With such apnea, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing drowsiness.

In addition to selling CPAP devices, one of National Sleep Therapy’s primary missions is to help people recognize and deal with their sleep apnea. It’s an ongoing educational process that we take seriously. We are constantly reminding people who think they or someone they know may have sleep apnea to ask their doctors to arrange a sleep test. The results of that test can determine if a person may need CPAP therapy in order to get a good night’s sleep. For more information: www.nstherapy.com

Photo Credit: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton

Patient Survey: CPAP Users Feel Better Physically and Mentally

Results of National Sleep Therapy Poll …

Getting enough ZZZ’s can make you less grumpy, give you more self-confidence, make you more creative – and even improve your love life!

These are some of the findings of a recent survey conducted among CPAP patients by National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com. Over 120 individuals with a history of sleep apnea who now use doctor-prescribed CPAP (pronounced see-pap) therapy responded to the survey which provides insights into why CPAP is so popular and why compliance with doctor’s orders is so critical.

It’s estimated that over 18 million Americans have sleep apnea and most have yet to be diagnosed. The resulting chronic fatigue can lead to a host of serious diseases, a shorter lifespan, and workplace and highway accidents. CPAP, pronounced ‘see-pap’, is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

The survey was devised by NST President and co-founder Eric Cohen. Respondents could check off as many benefits as they received from CPAP therapy, thus the figures add up to more than 100%. The survey shows:

- 48% are able to stay awake more during the day

- 40% drive / focus on tasks better

- 28% have a better attitude

- 28% are less grumpy

- 21% feel better overall

- 20% feel like themselves again

- 18% gained better control over hypertension

- 13% have a better memory

- 6% feel more creative

- 3% have a better love life

Several respondents noted that their migraine headaches had disappeared. Others said they no longer snore (a benefit for their partner), no longer need daytime naps, and they sleep through the night. The survey asked respondents for advice for new CPAP users. Comments included: “Don’t give up. Take the time to adjust. It’s worth the inconvenience.” “Be patient and relax. Use it faithfully.” It took me quite awhile to completely get used to wearing it, but now I wouldn't want to miss it because of my improved quality of life.

CPAP therapy is the ‘gold standard’ treatment of choice for people with sleep apnea. The therapy involves a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth with a device that gently blows air to keep the airway open during sleep. A sleep study can help diagnose apnea. Positive outcomes result when patients adhere to doctor’s recommendations and proper use of equipment. Many insurers require compliance in order to continue coverage.

National Sleep Therapy has earned a reputation as an industry pioneer. The company sponsors a monthly free virtual support group -- ‘CPAP Talk Live!’ -- for people with sleep apnea and healthcare pros (www.cpaptalklive.com ), and offers live video support for patients.. This past year, the company made the ‘Inc. 5000’ list as ‘One of Fastest-Growing Private U.S. Companies.’ For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.