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Dedicated to helping you get a good night's sleep....
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| Greetings! |  Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! We hope that the information provided here is helpful for you, and although we specialize in positive airway pressure therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, we encourage you to call us whenever you have any questions about sleep, sleep disorders, and treatments. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help and point you in the right direction if we do not have the answers that you need!
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Therapy Tips
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Do Your Homework
"The person who gave me my equipment never told me that...." "I had no idea there were so many mask choices!"
We hear those words too often when helping people with their mask fit or troubleshooting problems with their CPAP machines. While it is concerning that so many people are not getting adequate information about what is available and how to use and care for their sleep equipment, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of becoming your own sleep health advocate.
We believe that it is the responsibility of the equipment provider to make sure that you have the correct equipment and know how to use it. However, as we have all experienced in life, we don't always get the best care or customer service. You have to be proactive about your health and do a little homework. We recommend reading the instruction manual that comes with your CPAP machine just in case the provider forgot to tell you something. Make sure you understand everything in the manual. If you have any questions, call your provider for help. Each manufacturer provides online information and phone numbers to call with questions as well.
When it comes to your mask, you need to be even more proactive. If the mask hurts or leaks you won't use it. Another statement that we hear frequently from people is that their equipment company told them that their insurance only covers one kind of mask. This simply is not true. Some masks are more expensive than others, and some insurance plans reimburse less than others. The equipment company is only looking out for their profit margin, not your therapy success.
There are so many mask styles available. Find a company that will spend the time letting you try on different mask styles before you select one. While you still might not find the perfect mask the first time, at least you have the opportunity to make
your own choice. Unfortunately for most people, sleeping with a CPAP mask takes some experience before finding the best option.
If you are struggling with CPAP therapy and having difficulty finding help, you can join an online forum or visit nationally recognized websites such as www.sleepapnea.org and www.sleepfoundation.org for information and helpful resources.
Some people adjust easily to using CPAP, while many others do not. And the quality of sleep testing varies greatly from lab to lab. The quality of your sleep test and the knowledge/experience of the physician ordering your sleep equipment can affect your experience with CPAP positively or negatively. If you are having trouble adjusting to your pressure setting or mask, we recommend seeking the help of a sleep specialist if you have not done so already.
Often physicians know very little, even less than you, about living with CPAP therapy. Do some research on your own to make sure that you are getting the equipment that you need for your specific problems and lifestyle. Did you know that there are several different types of positive airway pressure devices? Did you know that you should be replacing the mask cushion and/or pillows regularly to ensure a proper fit and prevent leaks? These are common topics discussed on many forums and websites.
Unfortunately CPAP therapy is not an exact science. Every person's experiences and needs are different. And there is just as much variance between healthcare and equipment providers' knowledge and experience. The simple message here is to be proactive and informed about your sleep health. If it's not working for you, ask questions!
The staff at EZ CPAP is available to help you. We are passionate about your success with CPAP therapy, and where we are not able to serve you we can point you in the direction of the resources that you need.
Please call 877-392-7270 with your questions--we are here to help!
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Featured Product
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DeVilbiss Healthcare IntelliPAP Series
DeVilbiss Healthcare offers a high-quality
line of CPAP, bilevel, and auto-adjust PAP machines at a more affordable price.
These machines are extremely quiet and starting with the IntelliPAP Standard Plus, include all of the options available in the higher-priced brands such as exhale pressure relief, event detection, automatic leak compensation and therapy data management. The humidifier can be removed for travel, making the IntelliPAP lighter and easy to carry. And the best part: DeVilbiss offers a 3-year warranty on their machines--compare with the 2-year warranty offered by other major brands! You can find more information on our website by clicking here. We carry the IntelliPAP Standard Plus and Auto Adjust models in stock and will gladly order any other model at your request. You may also click here to see a PDF comparison of the products.
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| Articles of Interest |
Sleep and Weight Loss  Researchers are finding that adequate sleep is as important a part of weight loss as eating right and exercising regularly. While calorie restriction and physical activity are still primary factors in achieving and maintaining weight loss, there is  evidence to support that lack of adequate sleep affects our perception of hunger and desire to consume food by increasing the secretion of certain hunger-regulating hormones.
According to a post in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), although there is more involved in weight gain/loss than simply eating, exercising and sleeping, physicians should be incorporating the sleep factor into their recommendations for treating  obesity.
Sleep Affects the Start of Puberty 
The many changes that children undergo during puberty are triggered by the brain. And there is evidence that it is during deep sleep, or "slow wave" sleep, that the parts of the brain that control the onset of puberty become active.
With the hectic schedules and electronic overload of modern life, it is important to ensure that children are getting adequate amounts of sleep, and in particular, deep sleep in order for healthy development to occur. This is especially true for those children who suffer from a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
To read more about the effects of deep sleep on the development of children, click here.
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Sleep well!
Melinda Hertel, CMA (AAMA)
Manager
Ez CPAP
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Purchase any DeVilbiss CPAP, bilevel or auto adjust machine and receive $50 towards a mask of your choice!
Please call to place your order: 800-780-8128.
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| Expires 11/16/12
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