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

Do you Suffer from Dry Mouth?

One of the most common questions we get is "How Can I Prevent Dry Mouth?"

Mouth dryness when using a nasal mask is usually caused by air escaping through an open mouth. This can helped by using a chin strap, or if this is not effective, switching to a full face mask (which covers the nose and mouth).

In patients using a full face mask, some mouth dryness can also be felt especially at higher CPAP levels. This can be alleviated by use or increase in the heated humidification, and ensuring that there is not excessive mask leak.

In addition to these equipment changes, you may want to use oral tablets of gel that keep your mouth moist throughout the night. Two such products that patients swear by are Xylimelt tablets and Biotene gel. Both of which are slow-release saliva stimulants and oral lubricants that provide hours of relief from dry mouth. These can be found at your local Walgreens, CVS or other well stocked pharmacy.

It's Time to Take Advantage of Deductibles and FSA Accounts

If you need supplies and want to use your insurance benefit to pay for them, you might want to order them today. Many deductibles reset January 1. 

If you have an HSA or FSA account, you might have a "use-it, or lose-it "plan. Use your health benefit before it's gone.

 

This will be our last reminder of the year regarding deductibles and the new year. If you already filled out this form, there is no need to do it again.

 

If you haven't ordered anything for over 2 months and may need something in January, Feb, or March, you should order what you might need now before your large deductible takes effect and you have to pay for your own supplies.

 

Keep in mind: Ordering supplies can involve your sending compliance data, and NST getting a Prior Approval from your insurance company. Please allow sufficient time for all of this to be completed. We work like the Dickens to get your orders shipped asap, but receiving data and approvals can take some time.

 

If you want to order supplies, click the button and we'll check your insurance benefits and get your order going.

 

Thank you for choosing to work with National Sleep Therapy. We always appreciate it!