Therapy Tips:
Alternate Masks Most of us have struggled to find a mask that fits comfortably and actually seals. Unfortunately it ends up being a matter of trial and error for the majority of CPAP users. Once the "perfect" mask is discovered life is good. But what does one do when problems start to develop with the "perfect" mask? For some people, a well-fitting mask only works well for one or two nights before it starts to cause problems like skin irritation or facial/nasal pain where the mask places pressure. One solution is to have 2 or 3 different mask styles to alternate whenever one style starts to cause a problem. For example, we have a patient who uses a pillows-style, the Swift FX, for 2 nights in a row. By the second morning her nose and nostrils are sore from the pillows pushing against her nose all night. The third night she switches to an over-the-nose style, the Mirage Activa LT, to give her nostrils a break. After a couple of nights with the Activa LT mask, the bridge of her nose is sore, so back to the pillows-style. Most insurance plans will cover a new mask only every 6 months, so it may be necessary to purchase a second mask out of pocket if you decide that alternating would be beneficial. Whenever you get a new mask, provided the old one is still in good condition, keep the old one as a spare or to alternate as needed.
|
|
Articles of Interest
OSA Linked to Cancer Growth in Mice
It seems that the list of comorbidities associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is getting longer. Sleep Review posted an article regarding a new study that has linked the breathing interruptions of OSA with increased melanoma growth in laboratory mice.
The study was conducted by withholding oxygen for 20 second intervals, 60 times per hour for 6 hours a day (intermittent hypoxia) from a group of mice with melanoma tumor cells. The growth of these tumors was compared with that of a second group of mice with melanoma tumor cells that were not deprived of oxygen (control group). The results of the study showed that tumor weight in the intermittent hypoxia group of mice was almost twice that of the control group.
Scientists have concluded that additional studies regarding how tumors form, how cancer cells spread, and what types of cancer cells are affected when intermittent hypoxia occurs must be performed to gain a fuller understanding of the effect of OSA on cancer overall.
To read the original article posted by Sleep Review click here.
Night Owls Beware: Eating and Sleeping Late May Cause Weight Gain
Most of us have heard that eating after 8 pm contributes to weight gain. However, did you know that sleeping late may lead to weight gain too?
According to an article published by the National Sleep Foundation, staying up late, sleeping in every day and eating after 8 pm could increase the risk for weight gain.
A study was conducted which revealed that those who went to sleep at an average of 3:45 am, got up by 10:45 am and began meals with breakfast at noon consumed 248 more calories per day, with most calories consumed at dinner and later.
To read the article online, click here.
|
Featured Product
Hydrocolloid Strips
If you love your mask but are tired of of waking up every morning with a red mark across the bridge of your nose, or if you have developed a pressure sore on your face where your mask sits, try a hydrocolloid strip.
A hydrocolloid strip is basically a gelatinous waterproof bandage that seals a wound, retaining moisture and protecting from germs and dirt. It allows wounds to heal faster. But it can also be worn on intact, healthy skin to provide a barrier between the skin and the mask every night, preventing the dreaded red mark from appearing.
The benefit to using the hydrocolloid strip over other products is that it protects without lifting the mask and causing leaks the way other gel pad products can.
The strips are packaged as 2- 5" strips which can be cut to size for $2.50.
|
Did you know?
In addition to quality sleep apnea equipment, EZ CPAP offers many services to support you:
- CPAP and bilevel pressure assessments and appropriate adjustments
- Personalized treatment education and follow-up
- Mask fittings-try before you buy!
You can even try the mask lying down on a real bed! - Evaluation of current equipment fit and function
- Sleep physician recommendations
- Sleep health education
Call for an appointment, or just walk-in! Our hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30-5:00, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-4:00. We are open during lunch hours!
 | | Over 30 Masks to Try! |
|
|
For more online information on Provent you can visit the Ventus website at 