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

Expert Advises Busy People: Simple Nutrition and Fitness Changes Will Help You Feel Better, Sleep More Soundly

Did you know that carbohydrate-laden snack you enjoy so much each night before going to bed turns into energy that can wind you up right before you should be winding down?

That was one lesson provided by fitness and nutrition guru Tim Mills during the October edition of ‘CPAP Chat’ – the world’s only virtual support group for people with sleep apnea and health professionals..

Individuals from 10 states with sleep issues joined in the unique town meeting-style forum to explore tips and tricks to help them get the deep sleep one’s body and mind need to rejuvenate and prepare for the next day. The session was hosted by Eric Cohen, president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com) based in Concord, NH, and Norwood, Mass.

For Mills this was a return visit follow-up to the Fitness Challenge he extended in July. Mills’ philosophy (http://timsfit.com/) includes simple, common-sense fitness and nutrition ideas whereby busy people can lose weight, feel better -- and sleep more soundly. Mills advises people to start with a range of simple changes which can have a dramatic impact and motivate them to do more. “Start small,” he advises. For exercise, he says walk faster, take the stairs, park a distance from your destination. On nutrition, Mills advises to: Cut out all sodas (“Diet soda can be less healthy than regular”); Eliminate fast foods (“Make your own healthy version”); Drink half your weight in pounds, in ounces of water each day (“If you weigh 200 lbs., drink 100 ounces of water.”)

CPAP (pronounced see-pap) helps people to sleep using air pressure to keep airways open which allows uninterrupted sleep. CPAP is prescribed by a physician following a sleep test. Some 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Early signs may be chronic fatigue and loud snoring.

The 20th edition of CPAP Chat is set for Wednesday, November 4 from 7 – 8 pm (ET). To join the conversation, just prior to the session (always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm - ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . For more info, visit www.cpapchat.org . CPAP Chat is free and anonymous.

-Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

Fitness Guru’s Challenge to Sleep Apnea Patients: "Small changes Make a Big Impact"”

Tim Mills is Featured Guest on Oct. 7 ‘CPAP Chat’ -- World’s Only Virtual Support Group for Sleep Apnea Patients

Two months ago, during his appearance on ‘CPAP Chat,’ the world’s only sleep apnea virtual support group, noted motivational fitness and nutrition guru Tim Mills challenged participants to take his ‘Fitness Challenge’ -- and report on their successes during the October 7 edition of ‘CPAP Chat.’

Prepping for the upcoming session, Mills says, “It will be fun and informative to see how many followed my advice about easy, common-sense dietary changes and a low-impact exercise regimen.” The founder of Tim Mills Fitness based in New Hampshire (http://timsfit.com/) says this is the first online group fitness challenge of its kind. He says, “A range of simple changes can make a huge difference and get people motivated to do more. It’s easier when you start small and work up to more.”

‘CPAP Chat,’ held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm (ET), is the brainchild of Eric Cohen of Wellesley, Mass., an engineer, inventor and co-founder of National Sleep Therapy, a New England firm that specializes in finding the right CPAP device for anyone diagnosed with sleep apnea. (www.nstherapy.com )

CPAP (pronounced see-pap) helps people to sleep using constant air pressure to keep airways open, which results in deeper sleep. CPAP is prescribed by a physician following a sleep test. Some 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Early signs may be chronic fatigue and loud snoring.

During the September ‘CPAP Chat’ session that drew participants from 10 states, Cohen led a discussion about latest compact CPAP devices and tips on traveling with CPAP in order to stay wide awake whether on a vacation or business trip. He described best practices for transport and use of CPAP units on planes, cruise ships and for camping. The group learned about long-life, solar, car and marine battery options. Cohen noted that insurance may cover the cost of a travel CPAP if the individual is eligible for a new unit. Other topics included Provent, a convenient option that goes over the nose and creates back pressure to treat sleep apnea, and oral appliances for those who can’t tolerate CPAP. Cohen noted that about 60% of CPAP users have dry mouth; participants recommended favorite remedies.

For those wishing to join the conversation on October 7, just prior to the session (always the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm /ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . For more info, visit www.cpapchat.org . CPAP Chat is free and anonymous. By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

Simple Lifestyle and Dietary Changes Can Help People Sleep Better, Live Longer Says Fitness Expert

Tim Mills Issues A Challenge to Sleep Apnea Sufferers

A series of simple lifestyle changes can help sleep apnea sufferers get more restful sleep – and improve their overall quality of life – and perhaps even extend their life.

Motivational fitness and nutrition guru Tim Mills, based in Concord, NH, feels so strongly about his philosophy that he’s challenging anyone with sleep issues to talk to him and commit to slight adjustments to their daily activities and eating habits. He’s offering a free 10-minute one-on-one call to help people get on the right track, then asking them to share their progress with participants in the free monthly ‘CPAP Chat’ virtual support group on Wednesday, October 7 at 7 pm (ET). To set a time, visit Mills’ website  at timsfit.com.

Among Mills’ typical lifestyle adjustments: Take the stairs whenever possible, park a little further from the store, avoid high calorie snacks before bed, and walk your dog a little farther and more briskly a few times each day. Mills says, “These simple changes can make a huge difference and get people motivated to do more. I say start small and work up to more.”

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been called a national epidemic with an estimated 20 million sufferers. Most of these people have yet to be diagnosed but endure chronic fatigue. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to anxiety, high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, diabetes, depression and dementia -- even marital tension and workplace and highway accidents. According to a report from Harvard Medical School, the economic cost of unmanaged OSA in the US is as high as $165 billion in lost productivity, accidents and errors. Research shows that regular deep sleep is a critical so the body and brain can repair and balance.

‘CPAP Chat,’ held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 – 8 pm (ET), regularly attracts people from some 10 states. Sessions are hosted by Eric Cohen, inventor/engineer and president of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com). CPAP Chat is free, anonymous and open to all. To join the conversation on Wednesday, October 7 at 7 pm (ET): Just prior to the next session call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#.) With questions about CPAP therapy and/or for the session, visit www.cpapchat.org . By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com

Yes, There Are Ways for Sleep Apnea Sufferers to Count Sheep While Traveling…

Unique Virtual Support Group Offers Sleep-Deprived Individuals Tips on Traveling with CPAP, Other Devices

People who have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep at home often find it’s even trickier to get that all-important shuteye when traveling.

Individuals with sleep apnea from eight states joined in the September edition of ‘CPAP Chat,’ the world’s only virtual support group for individuals with sleep apnea. One caller said she’s planning a vacation in California. Another will be visiting relatives in Scotland. A third, who travels for business, wanted to know which devices run on both U. S. and European current, plus alternatives to bringing his CPAP unit. CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, the preferred treatment by doctors who prescribe sleep apnea therapy.

During the recent session, host Eric Cohen, an engineer/inventor and president of National Sleep Therapy, discussed best practices for transport and use of CPAP units on planes and cruise ships and for camping, plus the latest in travel CPAP devices. He described long-life, solar, car and marine battery options. Cohen noted that insurance may cover the cost of a travel CPAP if the individual is eligible for a new unit.

Cohen described Provent, a convenient option that goes over the nose and creates back pressure to treat sleep apnea, usually prescribed for short term use. It’s inconspicuous and doesn’t require electricity or batteries. He said, “Even in patients for which Provent isn’t 100% effective, they will at least be getting a better night’s sleep than if they’re using nothing.” He said he knows of many patients using it successfully with their doctor’s prescription.

The group also discussed oral appliances for people who travel but can’t tolerate CPAP or have mild/moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances have limited durability and aren’t ideal as a long-term solution. Another topic: About 60% of CPAP users have dry mouth, and participants recommended three remedies.

Over 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, though 80% remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Chronic fatigue is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression, and is a factor in many traffic and workplace accidents. Studies also show that insufficient quality sleep can be as much a factor in obesity as too much food and too little exercise.

CPAP Chat, marking its second anniversary, is held the first Wednesday of each month, and is free and open to all. The unique town meeting-style conference call enables participants to ask questions, share tips, and get advice from noted sleep and health experts. The next CPAP Chat is Wednesday, October 7 from 7 – 8 pm (ET). Fitness and nutrition guru Tim Mills returns to see how participants have done with his ‘Better Health Challenge’ after their free, no-obligation 10-minute one-on-one consultation to help get on the right track. Anyone is invited to email him to set-up a call: timsfit@gmail.com . Those who take the challenge are invited to share their progress with the group.

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To join the conversation, just prior to the October 7 session at 7 pm (ET), call 1-800-204-6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or email info@cpapchat.org . For more info, visit www.cpapchat.org. 

 By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com