Here are a few CPAP troubleshooting questions and suggestions. When using CPAP you may encounter some problems

Problem: CPAP unit does not turn on.
Probable Cause: Power cord not firmly connected to the CPAP unit or the outlet. The CPAP unit may not be connected to a "live" outlet.
Remedy: Verify proper electrical connections and check to make sure the CPAP unit is plugged into a live outlet.

Problem: CPAP unit stops and starts
Probable Cause: Power cord not completely connected to the CPAP unit or the outlet
Remedy: Verify that the power cord is completely connected at the rear of the CPAP unit and at the outlet.

Problem: No air comes out of the CPAP unit when power is connected
Probable Cause: Voltage selector switch is set incorrectly or possible internal problems with CPAP unit.
Remedy: Make sure electrical line is 115V but your switch is set at 230V. If internal problems with your CPAP unit please contact Orbit Medical or your CPAP supply company.

Labels: CPAP

Is there anything more difficult to fall asleep to than someone by you snoring loudly? Snoring is a common occurrence and it is estimated that more than one-third of adults snore at least a couple of nights during the week. Doctors have said that about 25 percent of adults are routine snorers and almost as many as 50 percent of adults snore occasionally. Snoring can be a major annoyance, but it can also possibly indicate some serious health conditions.

Snoring occurs when air vibrates the relaxed tissues in the throat as you breathe and thus producing hoarse harsh sounds. Some ways to help stop snoring are by losing weight, sleeping on your side, use nasal strips, or surgery. Surgery is not the answer for most snorers but it is an option to the most serious cases of snoring.

Snoring is also associated with a potentially serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often linked to those that habitually snore. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops for short periods of time throughout the night. One of the best methods to treat sleep apnea is called CPAP (pronounced see-pap). CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. For more information on sleep apnea and CPAP go to Could I Have Sleep Apnea?

Light snoring can be a nuisance, but when snoring becomes loud and irritating it should be taken seriously. Seeking medical advice is the best step to evaluate whether your snoring can have serious consequences or not.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea

When using CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, there may be some questions you come across. I have put together a few of the most commonly asked questions from CPAP users:

Can you still use a CPAP with a cold?
Many people use a CPAP to clear up stuffy noses. To do this put the CPAP mask on and turn on machine. Take a few deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth for several minutes. Then breathe in and out through your nose. This should help clear your nose. If it doesn't work then repeat the process. Make sure to clean the CPAP mask after each use.

What is the purpose of the humidifier?
Humidifiers add moisture to the air to help you breathe from the CPAP. It will help prevent your mouth, nose, and throat from drying out.

Why does CPAP tubing have water in it in the morning?
Condensation forms in tubing when air from room is cooler then the air in the tubing. To prevent this, try to change the room temperature or tubing insulation. A helpful hint is to try routing the tubing over head board of the bed to the CPAP mask.


Here are also a few things to remember when using CPAP:

Do not use alcohol on the CPAP equipment
Alcohol can break down the sleep therapy equipment

Never immerse the CPAP machine in water
The electrical components will be damaged and user may get an electrical shock

Never plug CPAP into an electrical outlet being used by another appliance.

Never use an extension cord

If you have excessive gas or abdominal bloating when using CPAP
You may be swallowing air while using the equipment. To help stop this problem, elevate the head of the bed.

If you have any other CPAP related concerns or questions please feel free to comment to the end of this post and I will be happy to address them.

Labels: CPAP

It may be possible to qualify for an electric wheelchair through your insurance provider. Depending on your situation, your primary insurance provider may pay for a portion of the costs of the electric wheelchair. If you have a secondary insurance, you may be able to get the rest of the costs of the wheelchair covered as well. It is therefore important to see what your insurance may cover. Medicare and other private insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Horizon, etc. will sometimes help pay for wheelchair costs.

Insurance companies do have strict requirements to qualify for an electric wheelchair. All insurance providers are a little different, but there are some basic guidelines that most insurance providers use. First, there must be a medical condition preventing you from accomplishing daily tasks at home. A doctor generally has to fill out a prescription or other documentation which confirms your need for a motorized wheelchair. When pre-qualifying for an electric wheelchair if you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you might be a good candidate:

Do you have difficulty with mobility around your own home? Is it difficult for you to complete your daily activities? Are you mostly chair or bed bound? Do you use a manual wheelchair, a cane, or a walker?

If you answered yes to any of these questions and think that you may be able to qualify for an electric wheelchair then fill out this wheelchair mobility consultation form to find out. You will be quickly contacted and the insurance converge specialists will helpfully walk you through the process of qualifying through your insurance provider for the electric wheelchair.

Labels: electric wheelchairs, health insurance, medicare, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs

Medicare and Medicaid are two very different insurance programs; however, they are often mixed up. They are often confused probably because they are both government funded and their names are so similar. For those unfamiliar with the difference between Medicare and Medicaid there is a simple description to remember. To put it very basic but not totally accurate, Medicare is for the elderly and Medicaid is for those with low income.

Medicare is a federal government run benefit which pays for some medical services. Medicare covers people age 65 and over and sometimes the disabled. Medicare is considered an entitlement program and is not social welfare and so the benefits are more restrictive than Medicaid. Medicare provides a basic program of hospital insurance, visits to doctors, other health-care bills and a drug benefit program.

Medicaid is national health insurance program that is available to people of all ages who meet low income guidelines. Medicaid is a social welfare program funded jointly by the federal and state government, and is managed by the states. Medicaid provides a broader range of services than Medicare and pays for physician visits, prescriptions, home care, hospital services nursing home care, and other services. Those eligible for Medicaid are low-income parents, children, people with disabilities and seniors.

Labels: health insurance, medicare