You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed therapy. As treatment begins, questions and challenges occur. Learn what you need to know about living with sleep apnea, overcoming treatment challenges, and more.

 

Attitudes and Expectations

Yes, CPAP therapy is challenging.  The challenge is to find the best combination of the 3 components which are CPAP device, CPAP heated humidifier and CPAP mask. Approximately 50% of all patients diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed CPAP therapy will abandon treatment or fail on CPAP. Learn how to be successful on CPAP. Read More

 

After the Sleep Apnea Diagnosis – Check list of things to ask your sleep doctor and CPAP provider

You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. For most patients, sleep apnea is for life and this is the time to be proactive in your prescribed treatment therapy. This is a critical time as you begin CPAP therapy and the information you will be receiving is important yet may seem overwhelming; your brain may be on overload. This is all new to you and so how will you know what questions to ask? Read More

 

The Difference between CPAP, AutoCPAP and BiLevel

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between CPAP, AutoCPAP and BiLevel devices? How do you know which one is the best for your treatment? Great questions and although the answers can be complex, it’s a good place to start your patient education after the sleep apnea diagnosis. All 3 are referred to as flow generators and are FDA controlled medical devices, which requires dispensing by prescription. Read More

 

Which Mask is Best for Me?

With dozens of CPAP masks available, which one is right for me? All of the mask types are explained in this article and I give you tips on choosing the best option for you. Read More

 

Mask Seating

Patients complain of leak and pressure point soreness on their face.  They have spent a small fortune trying a variety of masks and frankly are just frustrated and ready to give up.  When asked which masks they have tried and what their specific complaints are about each of them, they tick off a list of dual wall cushion masks. Read More

 

The Importance of CPAP Humidification

So what’s the big deal about using a CPAP humidifier? Why would you want to add another piece of equipment beyond the CPAP machine and mask? It’s just something else you have to buy, fill each night with water, clean, or add to your CPAP bag when you travel….why bother? Read More

 

More Information you Should Know about CPAP Humidification

I think it is important for sleep apnea patients who use CPAP therapy to have a thorough understanding of how and why it is necessary to use humidification.  Thanks to Fisher & Paykel who generously shared this information for me to pass on to you. Read More

 

Troubleshooting Guide for CPAP Use Problems

Get tips, tricks and find answers to common CPAP compliance issues such as mask leaks, pressure point soreness, PAP gas and more. Learn from an experience CPAP user. Read More

 

CPAP Tubing Tips

While your CPAP tubing may seem like an insignificant component of your medical equipment, it plays a vital role in comfort and accuracy of therapy delivery. Learn how to keep it functioning at its best. Read More

 

Overcoming the Challenges of Breathing on CPAP

Sleep apnea is a life threatening disorder that should be taken seriously.  For most of us, sleep apnea is “for life”.  CPAP treatment is the gold standard treatment and although it has its challenges, with proper follow up care, most patients can expect a resolution of restorative sleep and return to a fully energized lifestyle. Read More

 

Care and Replacement of CPAP Equipment

You are about to experience the beginning of a new and improved period in your overall health and well being that only quality sleep without the presence of apneas can provide. CPAP therapy is the cornerstone of sleep apnea treatment and with consistent use, you will benefit greatly. Read More

 

CPAP Titration

When sleep apnea is diagnosed during the overnight sleep study, a titration is then performed to determine the optimal CPAP pressure setting required to resolve apnea episodes. Sometimes the titration is performed during the second half of the overnight sleep study; this would be called a split night study. Read More

 

Mouth Breathing

Some people always have been and always will be mouth breathers due to their anatomical make up.  Some of us lack muscle tone causing the jaw to drop.  Others have chronic nasal congestion from allergies or other nasal anomalies and if one cannot breathe well through the nose, it may unconsciously forces us to mouth breathe. Read More

 

Aerophagia Causes and Resolutions

CPAP users who experience excessive belching, stomach bloating, stomach distension and agonizing gas pains may be suffering from aerophagia. It’s the medical term for the phenomenon when air enters the esophagus, goes into the belly and causes bloating. Read More

 

Nighttime Urination and Sleep Apnea

Nocturia (nighttime urination) is so prevalent in sleep apnea patients it has become a screening tool as significant as snoring.  A research study showed that over 84% of patients with sleep apnea reported frequent nighttime urination while 82% acknowledged snoring. Read More