October 2010

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Therapy Tips
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Q&A
CPAP
I have been on CPAP for 5 years, but lately I have been feeling tired during the day.  Should I have the pressure checked on my machine?

Yes.  Getting your CPAP checked for accurate pressure output is a great first step.  Any CPAP supply company should be able to check that for you and make adjustments to your CPAP so that it is producing the correct pressure.

If a pressure check/adjustment doesn't solve the daytime fatigue problem, there are other equipment factors that you need to consider.  For example, when is the last time you replaced your mask seal?  The silicone seal portion of every type of mask (cushion or pillows) does wear out.  Usually it will soften over time causing it to leak.  Leaks can reduce the effectiveness of your CPAP.  If you are needing to tighten your head straps to get a good seal, it is probably time to get a new cushion or pillows.

After making sure all of your equipment is in good condition, if you are still fatigued, see your sleep specialist.  There are many other factors which could be causing the problem.  A thorough re-evaluation by your sleep physician will help you target those factors.


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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Therapy Tips:
Keep Your Equipment in Top ConditionComfort Gel Cushion

Just like tires with worn tread need to be replaced periodically to keep your car running efficiently and safely, so do your CPAP supplies.  So often people come in to the store complaining that their CPAP is just not working like it did when they started therapy.  My first question is always "when did you last replace your mask?"  Almost every time, the person pulls out an extremely worn, dirty mask.  Question answered.

How often you replace supplies is up to you.  How important is it to you that you receive adequate pressure from your machine every night?  Worn masks leak and although some machines compensate for extra mask leak, if the leak is large enough you may not be getting enough pressure to keep your airway open.  Your leaky mask may also be disturbing your bed partner due to the sound of rushing air or worse, snoring. 

To get the most out of your mask, be sure to wash the cushion or pillows daily to remove oil, dirt and make-up from the silicone.  These things stick to the silicone making it slippery and soft and reducing its ability to seal.  Your skin can also become very irritated by a dirty mask.  If you do wash your mask regularly and are still getting leaks, it's time to replace the cushion or pillows, if not the entire mask.

For those of you who use health insurance to pay for your supplies it is important to know that most insurance companies will cover 2 cushions or pillows per month (only one if it's a full face mask).  Ask your mask supplier to put you on a regular reminder or mailing list if your insurance will cover regular replacements.  Having extra cushions or pillows at your disposal is a good idea in case you get a tear or other damage occurs. 

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Articles of Interest

Dad Watching Baby SleepCould Your Child Have Sleep Apnea?
Most people associate sleep apnea with  obesity and older age.  However, did you know that many children are at risk too?  The National Sleep Foundation sites two cases of children with symptoms that were indicative of sleep apnea.  If you have a child who is always sleepy or has behavioral problems at school, take a look at the list of symptoms that suggest possible sleep apnea in children and talk to your pediatrician.


Child Sleep Apnea May be Linked to Lower IQ Scores
Child Sleeping on Homework
According to an article posted on WebMD , new research suggests that children with sleep apnea score lower on IQ and standardized tests. Brain imaging of children with severe sleep apnea has shown that damage occurs in areas of the brain that are responsible for memory and learning.  At this time it is unknown whether or not that damage is reversible.  If a child exhibits daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, developmental delays, or is heard snoring, it is of great importance to discuss the possibility of sleep disordered breathing with the child's pediatrician.
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Featured Product
Fisher & Paykel Icon
"Stylish on the outside.  Smart on the inside."

Introducing... the new Icon Premo by Fisher & Paykel!  This compact, lightweight CPAP has a built-in alarm clock that can wake you to your favorite song! And with the trusted Thermosmart technology delivering optimum humidity, this CPAP is ideal for use at home and for travel.
  • Thermosmart Technology includes an advanced humidification algorithm and heated breathing tube for higher levels of humidity without condensation.
  • Non-heated tubing may also be used with the Icon.
  • Tubing connects to the back of the machine via a swivel elbow for easy movement.
  • SmartDial intuitive control dial allows for one-touch navigation of the Menu.
  • The one-piece water chamber is dishwasher safe and sits right in the middle of the CPAP unit!  No need to attach/detach the humidifier when traveling!
  • The alarm clock allows for less clutter on your nightstand and since it looks like a CD player people cannot tell that it is a medical device!
Come by the store or call for more product information and special pricing!


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Spend $25 and get a Snugglehose at 50% off of the regular price!Snugglehose
Color availability varies, but if you want to wait for a specific color we will order it for you!

Enter "snugglehose" in the coupon box at checkout.

Expires October 31, 2010