Ez CPAP



June 2014
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!
 
Therapy Tips
Take Your CPAP!

We know, it's an extra thing to lug around when traveling.  But not using your PAP machine, even for just a few nights, can negatively affect how you feel on your long-awaited and well-earned vacation.  Many people who have traveled to Arizona but do not bring their PAP equipment end up coming to us to rent a machine while they are here because they just can't sleep well without it.

With that said, there are a few things you need to know before you pack your bags for your summer trip......

1.  DO NOT pack your PAP machine in a suitcase that you will be checking at the airport.  Baggage handlers and conveyor belts are not careful with your luggage and your machine can be lost, crushed, or damaged in so many ways.  Always carry your machine on your flight--it is a medical device so you are permitted to carry it in addition to your 2 allowed carry-ons.

2.   Triple check that you have packed all of the necessary parts to your CPAP equipment!  At EZ CPAP we sell a lot of power cords and masks/mask parts because people forget to pack everything.  

3.  Add an extension cord to your equipment just in case the only accessible wall socket is too far from your bed.  Also, if you are traveling out of the country, be sure to have a wall adapter for the different types of wall socket.  Most CPAP units automatically convert to accommodate differences in voltage, so you most likely do not need a converter.

4.  For those of you who enjoy a remote get-away, consider investing in a smaller, battery-operated CPAP.  There are a couple brands available on the market.

Have a safe and happy summer! 
In This Issue
Therapy Tips
Articles of Interest
Travel CPAP
CPAP Donations
Quick Links
  Articles of Interest
Night Owl or Morning Lark? 

A husband-wife team of scientists, Dr. Fu and Dr. Ptáček, are working to understand the genetics of differing circadian rhythms within the human population.  Dr. Ptáček's research focus is on those who rise early v. those who love to stay up late.  It is estimated that only 3% of the population are morning larks!  Dr. Fu is focusing on the rare group of people who seem to need less than 6 hours of sleep per night--only an estimated 1% of the population.    

Drs. Fu and Ptáček are hoping to develop drug therapies that will affect human circadian rhythms in hope of treating problems such as jet lag, or enhance other therapies used to treat certain conditions such as cancer.  Dr. Fu describes those who naturally need less sleep as being more optimistic and energetic. Understanding how this works could lead to therapies that would improve the quality of life of many individuals.  

To read more about this research, click here. 


 

CPAP Therapy Found to Rapidly Improve Arterial Tone and Blood Pressure
A recent study shows that high blood pressure in people who used CPAP regularly for a minimum of 3 months was significantly reduced in addition to reduced arterial tone and stiffness. Scientists were surprised to find that these positive changes were reversed even after only a few days of terminating therapy.

For more information on the study findings, click here.



 Travel CPAP
Z1 CPAP by HDM

We offer the option to rent the Z1™ CPAP with or without the battery pack!
You may rent just to try it out or to take with you on a trip--an alternative to purchasing your own!

If you rent first and decide to purchase later, your rental fee will go towards the cost of your purchase. 
 
For more information about renting the Z1™ CPAP, give us a call at 480-614-5281 or email us at customerservice@ezcpap.com.
 
The Z1 travel CPAP made by Human Design Medical is the simplest, smallest and quietest travel CPAP ever!

The Z1™ only makes 26 dBA of sound during operation.   It only weighs 10 oz. and can be plugged into an outlet or integrated with the rechargeable battery Power Shell™.  A great option for camping/backpacking, the Power Shell™ has also been approved by the FAA  for in-flight use!  

 

 

 CPAP Donations
Do you have a CPAP or BiPAP machine you are not using?  Or do you know someone who needs help obtaining a machine for themselves?

The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) accepts gently used machines and un-opened CPAP masks to their CPAP Assistance Program, in order to provide free equipment to those who cannot afford therapy.

If you are interested in donating, or if you or someone you know are in need of assistance, call 888-293-3650, or email the ASAA at  CAP@sleepapnea.org.   
 
Another great organization that takes donations is the Reggie White Foundation.  You can find more information at 
www.reggiewhitefoundation.org.
We are here to help with any problems you may be having with your PAP therapy!  We also love to hear from you when you have awesome ideas that make therapy easier and better.  Feel free to call or email us with your questions and suggestions!

Sleep well!
 
Melinda Hertel, CMA (AAMA) 
Manager
Ez CPAP
800-780-8128
customerservice@ezcpap.com