Sleep Apnea is a relatively new illness with many possible negative side effects. For questions about sleep apnea and treatment see the CPAP FAQ. Do not believe for one second that Sleep Apnea is determined just by age, weight, or lifestyle. There are many people in their tewenties that have sleep apnea and some believe that they had it during early childhood. More and more younger people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea and it is even being linked to SIDS in some cases.

Fortunately, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy is advancing everyday in terms of technology and comfort. This is very positive for those that suffer from Apnea. We all know how terrible it is to go without proper sleep for at least one night. I can not imagine that terrible feeling for years and I can imagine the adverse effects on mental and physical health. If you think you might have apnea do some research, see your physician and improve your quality of life.

Here are some other common sleep apnea and CPAP questions:

Do only older people get sleep apnea? No, in fact anyone at any age can develop sleep
apnea. However, apnea is more common for individuals who are relatively unhealthy. For example apnea is common with obesity and smokers.

Can people die from sleep apnea? It is extremely rare to die directly from sleep apnea, even though oxygen is cut off from your brain, the brain inherently wakes you up in order to tell you to breath. Which leads to a slow and silent killer. The constant awakening is stressful on the heart and correlated with heart disease. Apnea sufferer's are always tired and therefore, lack the energy to exercise which again can lead to heart disease and obesity. Researchers and Doctors are documenting SIDS and Apnea in order to determine if there is any relation.

Are there many undiagnosed people with sleep apnea? Many people do not know they have sleep apnea and attribute the symptoms with other things. A 2000 census showed that one third of all people over 18 (who visit a primary care doctor) are at high risk for sleep apnea. Based on that census it could mean that around 50 to 60 million American suffer from sleep apnea.

What are some common signs of sleep apnea? Early on set signs of sleep apnea are: depression, lack of mental focus, fatigue, frequent naps, long recovery time from being sick, and snoring.

Is CPAP uncomfortable? Not nearly as much as it used to be, advances in technology has allowed CPAP to become much more user friendly. It may take some getting used to but if you haven't been sleeping and CPAP allows you to sleep throughout the night it should be a refreshing device.

Will a CPAP machine keep my partner awake? Again technological advances have brought CPAP therapy a long way. New machines are very quiet and will likely allow your partner to get more sleep than when there was no CPAP machine.



Here are some other CPAP resources: CPAP Questions, CPAP help, and CPAP problems.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea, sleep therapy

CPAP
The most effective and most common sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure therapy or CPAP therapy. As the name suggests this involves continuous airflow in order to keep the airway from collapsing. This is facilitated with a facemask connected to a machine that generates continuous air flow. Many new users find sleeping with a mask uncomfortable and difficult to get used to, however as this is the most effective option one should not give up after a few nights because it may take weeks or even longer to become accustomed to the mask. On the other hand, many users report that CPAP allows them to sleep so well that the mask does not bother them at all. You may go to these pages for more information on CPAP and sleep apnea.

Surgery
There are two surgeries to deal with sleep apnea; the first Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery completely removes the uvula in the esophagus. The other Laser-Assisted Uvulaplasty (LAUP) is a laser surgery on the uvula and is done in several steps. The latter is less invasive but, a relatively new procedure. Patients should explore all options and consult their doctor and a number of sources before undertaking any surgeries.

Lifestyle Changes
-If you are a smoker you increase your chances of developing sleep apnea as smoke cuts off your lung capacity. If you have sleep apnea it is a good idea to quit smoking.

-Avoid alcohol before going to sleep. Alcohol relaxes your breathing reflexes and can seriously worsen apnea.

-Being overweight affects your breathing not only when you sleep but during awake hours as well. When you have apnea and are overweight it can be extremely difficult to lose weight because you will simply lack the necessary energy to exercise. Do what ever you can to lose weight naturally. Exercise is a key to lessening the effects of sleep apnea.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea

Problem: Sore or dry eyes.
Probable Cause: The CPAP mask or headgear may be positioned improperly
Solution: Reapply the CPAP mask and readjust the headgear

Problem: Redness on the face where the CPAP mask contacts the skin
Probable Cause: It may be an irritation or allergy to mask material
Solution: Use a barrier between the skin and the mask, such as Cann Ease or Duoderm which is prescribed from a physician

Problem: Runny Nose
Probable Cause: Nasal reaction to air flow
Solution: You may need to increase the room humidity or you may need a humidifier to use with your CPAP unit

Problem: Cold nose
Probable Cause: Room air temperature is too cold. Air cools while traveling through the tubing
Solution: Reposition the tubing so that it runs under the bed covers to reduce heat loss

Problem: Dryness or burning sensation in throat or nose
Probable Cause: Air is too dry. The relative humidity is less than 40%
Solution: Increase the room humidity (or moisture in the air). Ask your physician about nasal sprays or gels. Make sure that you are keeping your mouth closed and take slow relaxed breaths through the nose. Try using a chin strap

Problem: Nasal, sinus, or ear pain
Probable Cause: Sinus infection or middle ear infection
Solution: Stop using the CPAP unit and contact a physician

Problem: Feeling of discomfort from the sensation of too much pressure
Probable Cause: Pressure above 12.5 cm/H2O may cause feelings of discomfort but are necessary to relieve sleep apneas
Solution: It may take up to four weeks to adjust to the CPAP sleep therapy system. Try to relax when using the unit. Take slow deep breaths through your nose with your mouth closed.

Problem: Pressure delivered seems significantly lower or higher than usual
Probable Cause: Possible unit malfunction
Solution: Call Orbit Medical or your CPAP supply company

Problem: Air from the unit seems warm
Probable Cause: 1.The filter may be obstructed by debris. 2.The filter or slotted vents on the front and back of the unit may be blocked by bedclothes, curtains, etc. 3.The room temperature is too warm
Solution: 1.Replace or clean the filter. 2.Move the unit away from bedclothes or curtains that block the flow of air around the unit. 3.Turn down the thermostat at night. Or try adding a second length of tubing to the circuit to allow the air to cool. You can also try placing the unit on the floor where the air may be cooler.

Problem: Air blows in your face
Probable Cause: The open side of the swivel connector is positioned wrong
Solution: Turn the closed side of the swivel connector toward your face

Problem: Unit seems too loud
Probable Cause: Patient is not used to unit; it may take a week or two to adjust
Solution: Make sure you are sleepy when you go to bed and make sure mask is fitted correctly

Labels: CPAP

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

The most widely accepted treatment of sleep apnea is called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy also known as CPAP. This is a sleep therapy designed to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea is when your airway closes completely during sleep and causes you to wake up repeatedly and prevents the proper amount of sleep. For more information on sleep apnea go to Could I Have Sleep Apnea? If you have significant sleep apnea, you may be a good candidate to consider CPAP treatment. Please talk to your doctor to find out.

CPAP utilizes a small beside device that delivers pressurized air through a small mask to your airway and keeps the airway open during the sleep. As you breathe the flow of air creates enough pressure to keep the airway open and does not require the machine to breathe for you. CPAP is considered the best non-surgical treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. This treatment is safe for adults as well as children. CPAP has been found to be almost 100 percent effective and will help reduce daytime sleepiness, reduce hypertension, improve heart function, and quality of life. Just remember, a CPAP device does not cure sleep apnea it helps treat it.

Orbit Medical uses the best equipment available including products from Resmed and Respironics. These CPAP machines are compact, reliable, and use heated humidification devices to make CPAP therapy more comfortable. For more information go to Orbit Medical's sleep therapy page. If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Orbit Medical can help you get a good night's sleep with a CPAP sleep therapy system.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea

What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing problem that can be a serious sleep disorder. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway to the lungs is blocked by the tongue, tonsils, fatty tissue in the throat or relaxed muscles in the upper airway. As a result of the blocked airway, people begin to snore or have difficulty breathing. Sometimes people stop breathing altogether for short periods throughout the night. Besides the risk of not breathing, sleep apnea causes you to wake often and does not allow you to be fully rested. For more information about sleep apnea, go to Orbit Medical's sleep therapy page.

Do I have sleep apnea?
Doctors have reported that about 18 million Americans have sleep apnea and people over the age of 40 are more likely to have it. Many times people do not even know they have OSA. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, forgetfulness, continual drowsiness during the day, fatigue after waking up, periodic stoppage of breathing during sleep, or frequent waking up during the night. If you suffer from some of these symptoms and think you might have sleep apnea, you should talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you get a proper diagnosis.

I have sleep apnea, so what?
Even though many people live normal lives without knowing they have sleep apnea, there are many risks that need to be taken into consideration. Some risks include heart and blood pressure complications, depression, mental confusion, fatigue, hallucinations, and increased risk of automobile accidents.

A common treatment for sleep apnea is called CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. The function of CPAP is to help keep your airway open during the night. This method uses a bedside device which delivers air through a special mask that covers your nose and mouth while you sleep. Treating your sleep apnea is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Orbit Medical provides the highest level of service to help you overcome sleep apnea. Please feel free to contact Orbit Medical for more information.

There are also some lifestyle changes you can do to help with OSA. You can stop drinking alcohol, stop taking sleep medicine, stop smoking, lose weight (if needed), and sleep on your side. If you would like to talk to others with sleep apnea you can visit American Sleep Apnea Association's Website to find a support group near you.

Labels: CPAP, sleep apnea

Welcome to Orbit Medical's new blog. For those of you not familiar with Obit Medical, we are a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company that has helped the lives of thousands of individuals with our products. We specialize in electric wheelchairs, HomeFill oxygen machines, and sleep therapy products. Here is a brief desciption of the products:

Electric Wheelchairs- Many types of Motorized wheelchairs that help regain independence to those suffering from decreased mobility.

In-Home Oxygen - Invacare HomeFill system; an in-home oxygen system that allows customers to easily fill their tanks up from a home concentrator by themselves.

Sleep Therapy products- CPAP and Bi-Level equipment to help those suffereing from sleep apnea.


We work with your insurance to help you receive these medically necessary products and offer free insurance filing, free delivery, and free setup. Please take a look at our website, www.orbitmedical.com and see what we can do for you. We hope to continue helping thousands of people regain their independence and receive the medical supplies they need for many years to come.

Labels: CPAP, electric wheelchairs, in-home oxygen, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs