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Q&A
If I lose weight will my sleep apnea be cured?
The simple answer: not necessarily.
It is true that the more weight a person carries, the more potentially obstructing tissue he/she may have in the neck and surrounding the airway. However, there are many people who are very thin and have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Since there are many factors contributing to the syndrome of OSA, such as airway size, physical structure, and age, it would be foolish to say that only overweight people are at risk for it.
Losing excessive weight is certainly a healthy goal and in most people with OSA will reduce the number and severity of apnea events. Also with better health comes more energy and better quality of life overall. However, you might still need to continue using that CPAP.
The only way to be sure that weight loss has eliminated a person's sleep apnea is to undergo another sleep study once the weight loss is achieved.
Send your CPAP or sleep apnea questions to Melinda at mhertel@ezcpap.com!
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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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The Reggie White Foundation
Do you know someone who needs a CPAP but
he/she doesn't have insurance and cannot afford to purchase one? The
Reggie White Foundation may be able to help. The Foundation accepts
usable CPAP/Bilevel donations to distribute to those who are in need.
You
can visit the Reggie White Foundation online, or call
414-328-5622.
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Therapy Tips:
Do you struggle every night with getting your CPAP mask to seal? If so, you are not alone.
Almost every person, when first starting CPAP therapy, has trouble with their first, second, third, and sometimes many more, mask trials. Unfortunately, because used masks cannot be returned for obvious sanitary reasons, finding the right mask can become a costly, let alone aggravating, endeavor.
It is important to realize that most physicians prescribing your CPAP equipment do not have any experience with mask fit. In most cases, your prescription will reflect what was used during your CPAP study, or worse, will allow the equipment company to choose which mask is best for you. And usually, the mask that is "best for you" is the mask that brings the provider the most profit.
To help you with the mask selection process, we will share with you the basic rules for finding the right fit. The most important thing you can do however is be assertive and let your equipment provider know that you would like to schedule a time to try on a variety of masks at your prescribed pressure setting. If at all possible, try the masks lying down with a pillow. Ultimately, if you are not satisfied with your company's mask selection or if you feel that the fitter is not understanding your concerns, find a new company.
General Instructions for How to Fit a CPAP Mask:
1. Always adjust your mask with the machine running at full pressure. If you can, adjust the mask while lying down as well.
2. Always adjust both sides of the mask at the same time. In other words, if you are adjusting the bottom of the mask, adjust the right and left headgear straps at the same time.
3. Always adjust the mask from the bottom up. It is better to have the bottom a little tighter than the top to protect the bridge of your nose. Many masks are designed to achieve a good seal with minimal adjustment to the top.
4. Tighten headgear straps slowly and stop once the leak has disappeared. Use forehead adjustments as needed to stop leaks near the eyes.
5. If lying down, roll to one side. If the mask leaks, lift it up off of your face to allow it to inflate, then set it back over your nose. If it still leaks, adjust the headgear straps again just until the leak stops.
It is very important for you to understand that adjusting a mask too tightly can cause skin irritation and/or break-down. Having a mask too tight can also cause more leaking. If you are unable to stop the mask from leaking without over-tightening the headgear, it is very likely not the right mask for you.
On a final note, do not cut any parts of the mask to try to make it fit. And, do not use any creams or ointments on your skin that are petroleum-based. Petroleum-based products speed up the deterioration of the silicone cushions, contributing to leaks.
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Articles of Interest
 Appetite, Weight and Sleep
Excess body weight is a factor which increases our risk of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But, scientists are learning more about how lack of sleep contributes to increased appetite and weight gain. Researchers have found that hormone function, affected by sleep deprivation, is the cause. For more information, click here.
Sleep and Junk Food
Michael Breus, PhD, ABSM reports for WebMD that along with increased appetite and weight gain, people who are sleep deprived crave fast and fatty foods, snack more frequently, and eat out more often. Dr. Breus also quotes a study appearing in an issue of Sleep which shows a clear relationship between five or less hours of sleep on average and increases in visceral fat. To read the complete article, click here.
 What Increases Your Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Most of us who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea are aware of the health problems that can be caused by not treating the apnea. However, do you know what puts you at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea in the first place? An article posted by WebMD divides the known risk factors into two categories: those that you cannot change and those that you may be able to change. To learn more about what puts you at risk, click here. |
Featured Product
MirageTM SoftGel by ResMed
 The gel in the MirageTM SoftGel is like no other! This mask is super soft and squishy, conforming to the face without creating pressure points. The Microfit TM dial on the forehead support allows for easy and effective adjustment over the bridge of the nose. As the first of ResMed's ConvertAbleTM mask series, the SoftGel cushion fits on the same frame as the Mirage ActivaTM. So, it gives you the option of trying 2 masks with minimal out-of-pocket cost!
Four sizes are available: Small, Medium, Large, and Large-Wide.
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