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Ez CPAP Newsletter - April 2010

Dear  ,

Happy Spring!  With warmer temperatures comes the blooming of flowers and grasses that might cause allergies and congestion.  If you are one who suffers from allergies you should consider using a humidifier with your CPAP.  And if you already use a humidifier, try increasing the temperature to increase the amount of humidity you receive.  This will help keep your nasal passages open and much more comfortable.

We wish you a wonderful new season!  Be sure to take time to smell the roses!

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Q&A

If I "know" I have sleep apnea, do I have to have a sleep study?

Absolutely!  Sleep apnea is physiologically more complex than people realize.  Without a sleep study there is no way to know for sure that a person even has sleep apnea, let alone what to set the pressure at or what type of mask that person will need.

Often there are accompanying sleep disorders that would only be found/diagnosed with a proper sleep study.  I will use one of our patients as an example.  Our patient has obstructive sleep apnea, but her physician and she also discovered that she has a REM behavior disorder that may also contribute to her daytime sleepiness.  Since she is asleep (in REM sleep) when her REM behavior disorder occurs, she would never know that something else was disturbing her sleep.

Those people who intend to seek insurance coverage of their sleep equipment will definitely require a sleep study.  Insurance companies do not cover medical expenses unless there is a proven need for the expenses.  While there are many companies that sell sleep equipment without insurance contracts, such as EZ CPAP, those companies must still obtain a valid prescription from a physician to fill an order.  And ethical physicians will not prescribe without a proper sleep study.

Today there is the option of doing a home sleep study.  For those of you who absolutely refuse to sleep overnight in a sleep lab, you have a choice.  However, I have to say that  I would choose a lab-based sleep study over the home-based type because I appreciate having the qualified sleep technician there to observe, video tape and monitor diagnostic equipment. (We learn a lot from video tapes:  our patient's physician was able to compare our patient's  REM stages to the movements she made during those stages.)

Click here to see an example of a polysomnogram (sleep study).  To see what is involved in having a sleep study click here.  Feel free to pass this information along to someone you know who may need some encouragement!  


Send your CPAP or sleep apnea questions to Melinda at mhertel@ezcpap.com!
Therapy Tips :

Are you suffering with a dry mouth and/or nose from using CPAP?  If you are not already using a humidifier, invest in one.  Even if you have a machine that does not have a humidifier made specifically for the machine, there are "free standing" humidifiers that can be added to your CPAP.  A room humidifier is not adequate since the air blowing through the CPAP will not contain enough moisture once it reaches your body. 

If you are already using a humidifier try adding heat or raising your heat setting.  The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold.  With traditional tubing, you might experience condensation (or rain-out) as the moist air travels through the cooler tubing.  The result may be an accumulation of water in your mask.  While this will not cause you to drown, it can be noisy and is a sign that you are not getting the needed moisture to your tissues.

Currently there are two CPAP machines on the market that use heated tubing:  the SleepStyle 600 Series by Fisher & Paykel, and the new S9 Elite by ResMed.  Heated tubing makes a huge difference in the quality and amount of humidity that reaches your nose and mouth.  If unable to get adequate relief with a standard humidifier and tubing, consider purchasing a CPAP with heated tubing.Thermosmart Tubing

Breathing warm, moist air is more natural for you and warm air actually carries more water particles to your nose/mouth than cool or cold air.  Making a few minor adjustments will help ease the pain and discomfort caused by a dry airway and will ensure that you are reaping the full benefits of your positive airway therapy.

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Articles of Interest

Good News for Nappers!Sleeping Woman

NPR published an article online titled "Naps May Improve Performance Later in the Day".  According to researchers at the University of Berkeley naps could help your brain work better later in the day.  To read the complete article, click here.

Definite Relationship Between OSA and Diabetes

The University of Chicago conducted a study showing that there is a definite inverse relationship between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and glucose control in people with diabetes type 2.  Glucose control was worse for those patients with severe OSA.  For more details about the study,click here.

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Featured Product
CPAP Hose LiftHose Lift

If you struggle with your CPAP tubing getting in the way when you move, try the Hose Lift!  The base of the Hose Lift slips between the mattress and box spring, suspending the tubing overhead and behind you.  It is durable and portable, folding down to fit in a 6x8 drawstring pouch ideal for travel.

You have nothing to lose by trying the Hose Lift...Arden Innovations offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.  See details at the bottom of this newsletter for taking advantage of this guarantee. 

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Just a thought...

Does your insurance policy have a high deductible or co-pay, or does your current CPAP provider limit your product choices based on your insurance reimbursement? Consider purchasing your CPAP supplies  and submitting the bill to your insurance yourself.  CPAP providers who are not contracted with insurance companies are able to offer lower prices, which in turn will lower the amount your insurance company will apply to your deductible/co-pay.  And, you will get the products you want--the products that work for you.

For more information, please call 877-392-7270.
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Hose Lift