Category Archives: Services

Health, News, Services

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Posted on by CPAP Store
25
Jun

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is when your airway closes during your sleep. This causes you to stop breathing, making your brain change the sleep stages. These micro-arousals, caused by the apneas, often go completely unnoticed by the person despite occurring up to 400 times a night, although partners or roommates are more likely to notice the splutter or loud snoring noise associated with them. It is the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea, more than the events themselves, that provide the clues about your condition.

Key Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Snoring
  • Feeling excessively tired during the day
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Lack of interest in sex
  • Irritability and a short temper
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Frequent toilet visits during the night
  • Headaches (particularly in the morning)

Statistics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA is more common in men than women, especially obese men who snore. Seniors are more likely to develop the condition – as are people with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. With the increasing age and obesity, the numbers of OSA cases is expected to increase in coming years.

The majority of OSA cases are undiagnosed but experts estimate that 10% of global population in adults have the disorder. Only a small number have been diagnosed and treated.

When the condition is not treated, people do not get the restorative sleep the body requires. Plus, there are consequences such as increased road traffic accident rates, cardiovascular events, and strokes.

  • 40% increased excessive daytime sleepiness
  • 2 times more traffic accidents per mile
  • 3 times greater risk of occupational accidents
  • 40% increased risk of depression
  • 1.3 to 2.5 times more hypertension
  • 1.6 times increased chance of stroke
  • 1.4 to 2.3 times greater risk of heart attack
  • 2.2 times higher risk of nocturnal cardiac arrhythmia
  • 3.9 times more likely to have congestive heart failure

CPAP Improves Sleep Apnoea Dramatically

Most people receiving CPAP treatment experience a dramatic improvement in their health and quality of life, and their health care costs return to normal levels. They showed significant improvements in driving, daytime sleepiness, cognitive performance, and mood. Also, work absenteeism was reduced.

If you snore loudly and show other signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, it is time to take an In-Home Sleep Test as the first step toward getting treatment.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.

Health, Services, Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea Test which is Right for You?

Posted on by CPAP Store
Sleep Apnea Test which is Right for You?
02
May

What is Sleep apnea, is a common condition that causes you to stop breathing for short intervals while you sleep. If left untreated, it can have significant health effects over the long term.

If your doctor thinks you may have sleep apnea, you’ll likely undergo a nighttime sleep test that monitors your breathing.

Let’s take a closer look at the test options that are available for diagnosing sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms.

Your doctor may ask you to complete one or more questionnaires to evaluate symptoms like daytime sleepiness as well as risk factors for the condition, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and age.

If your doctor suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep monitoring test. Also called a sleep study or polysomnography (PSG), it involves spending the night at a lab, clinic, or hospital. Your breathing and other vital signs will be monitored while you sleep.

It’s also possible to monitor your sleep in your own home. Your doctor might suggest at-home sleep monitoring if your symptoms and risk factors strongly suggest sleep apnea.

In-lab sleep study

In-lab sleep studies are used to diagnose sleep apnea, along with a wide range of other sleep disorders.

Many sleep studies generally take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you’re a night owl or morning lark, this time frame may not be optimal. An at-home test may be recommended instead.

You’ll stay in a private room designed to make you feel comfortable, much like a hotel room. Bring pajamas and anything else you usually need to sleep.

Sleep studies are noninvasive. You don’t need to give a blood sample. However, you’ll have a variety of wires attached to your body. This enables the sleep technician to monitor your breathing, brain activity, and other vital signs while you’re asleep.

The more relaxed you are, the better the technician can monitor your sleep.

Once you fall asleep, the technician will monitor the following:

  • your sleep cycle, as determined by your brain waves and eye movements
  • your heart rate and blood pressure
  • your breathing, including oxygen levels, breathing lapses, and snoring
  • your position and any limb movements

There are two formats for sleep studies: full night and split night.

During a full-night sleep study, your sleep will be monitored for an entire night. If you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, you may need to return to the lab at a later date to set up a device to help you breathe.

During a split-night study, the first half of the night is used to monitor your sleep. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the second part of the night is used to set up the treatment device.

Pros and cons of an in-lab sleep study 

In-lab sleep tests have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about your test preference.

Pros

  • Most accurate test available. An in-lab sleep test is considered the gold standard of diagnostic testing for sleep apnea.
  • Option to do a split-night study. Split-night studies allow for diagnosis and treatment in a single night, unlike both full-night and at-home tests.
  • Best test for certain types of work. People who pose a serious risk to themselves or others if they fall asleep on the job should participate in an in-lab sleep study to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This includes people who work as taxi, bus, or ride-share drivers, as well as pilots and police officers.
  • Best option for people with other sleep disorders or complications. In-lab monitoring is more suitable for people with other health conditions, including sleep disorders and heart and lung diseases.

Cons

  • Costlier than an at-home test. In-lab tests cost upward of $1,000. If you have insurance, your provider may cover some or all of the cost, but not all providers cover this test. Some providers require the results of an at-home test before you can take an in-lab test.
  • Less accessible. In-lab studies require transportation to and from a sleep lab. Depending on where you live, this may be time-consuming or costly.
  • Longer wait times. Depending on where you live and the demand for this kind of test, you may have to wait several weeks or even months to take the test.
  • Less convenient. Taking an in-lab sleep test is more likely to disrupt your work schedule or interfere with your daily routine and responsibilities.
  • Set sleep study hours. Many sleep studies take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you have a different sleep schedule, an at-home test may be a better option.

At-home sleep test

An at-home sleep test is a simplified version of an in-lab test. There’s no technician. Instead, your doctor will prescribe a portable breathing monitor kit that you’ll take home.

On the night of the test, you can follow your regular bedtime routine. Pay special attention to the instructions provided with the kit to ensure you correctly hook up the monitoring sensors.

Most at-home sleep apnea monitors are easy to set up. They generally include the following components:

  • a finger clip that measures your oxygen levels and heart rate
  • a nasal cannula to measure oxygen and airflow
  • sensors to track the rise and fall of your chest

Unlike an in-lab test, an at-home test doesn’t measure your sleep cycles or position or limb movements during the night.

Following the test, your results will be sent to your doctor. They’ll contact you to discuss the results and identify treatment, if necessary.

Pros and cons of an at-home sleep test 

At-home sleep tests have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about your test preference.

Pros

  • More convenient. At-home tests are more convenient than in-lab tests. You can follow your nightly routine, which might actually provide a more accurate reading of how you breathe when you’re sleeping than in-lab testing.
  • Less costly. At-home tests are approximately 21 percent Trusted Source of the cost of an in-lab test. Insurance is more likely to cover it, too.
  • More accessible. At-home tests may be a more realistic option for people who live far from a sleep center. If necessary, the monitor can even be sent to you in the mail.
  • Faster results. As soon as you have the portable breathing monitor, you can do the test. This may lead to faster results than an in-lab test.

Cons

  • Less accurate. Without a technician present, test errors are more likely. At-home tests don’t reliably detect all cases of sleep apnea. This can be potentially dangerous if you have a high-risk job or another health condition.
  • May lead to an in-lab sleep study. Whether your results are positive or negative, your doctor might still suggest an in-lab sleep test. And if you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, you might still need to spend a night in the lab to have a therapeutic device fitted.
  • Doesn’t test for other sleep problems. At-home tests only measure breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Other common sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can’t be detected from this test.

Test results

A doctor or sleep specialist will interpret the results of your in-lab or at-home sleep apnea test.

Doctors use a scale called the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) to diagnose sleep apnea. This scale includes a measurement of the number of apneas, or lapses in breath, per hour of sleep during the study.

People who don’t have sleep apnea, or have a mild form of sleep apnea, usually experience less than five apneas per hour. People who have severe sleep apnea may experience more than 30 sleep apneas per hour.

Doctors also review your oxygen levels when diagnosing sleep apnea. While there’s no accepted cutoff level for sleep apnea, if your blood oxygen levels are lower than average, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.

If the results are unclear, your doctor may recommend repeating the test. If sleep apnea isn’t found but your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend another test.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the severity of your sleep apnea. In some cases, lifestyle changes are all that’s required. These may include:

  • losing weight
  • using a special sleep apnea pillow
  • changing your sleep position

There are a number of effective medical treatment options for sleep apnea. These include:

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The most common and effective device for treating sleep apnea is a machine called a CPAP. With this device, a small mask is used to increase the pressure in your airways.
  • Oral appliances. A dental device that pushes your lower jaw forward can prevent your throat from closing while you breathe. These may be effective in mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
  • Nasal device. A small bandage-like device called Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy has been shown to be effective Trusted Source with some cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea. It’s placed just inside the nostrils and creates pressure that helps keep your airways open.
  • Oxygen delivery. Sometimes, oxygen is prescribed alongside a CPAP device to increase blood oxygen levels.
  • Surgery. When other treatments aren’t effective, surgery might be an option to alter the structure of your airways. There is a wide range of surgical options that can treat sleep apnea.

The bottom line 

Both in-lab and at-home sleep apnea tests measure vital functions, such as breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The results of these tests can help your doctor determine whether you have sleep apnea.

Polysomnography (PSG) conducted in a lab is the most accurate test available to diagnose sleep apnea. At-home sleep apnea tests have reasonable accuracy. They’re also more cost-effective and convenient.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.

Devices, Health, Research, Services

Avoid Illness with Routine Cleaning of CPAP components

Posted on by CPAP Store
Avoid Illness with Routine Cleaning of CPAP components
01
Mar

Risks of Infection Reduced with Regular Cleaning, Distilled Water Use

It is common when initially starting the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat sleep apnea to worry about the risk of infection from the device. You might ask, “Can CPAP make me sick?” Learn about whether you might be at risk of infection, including sinus infections and pneumonia, from using a CPAP machine. Review how to avoid this with proper cleaning steps on a regular basis and the use of filters, distilled water in a heated humidifier, and heated tubing.

The Dangers of Infection with CPAP Machines

First, the CPAP itself is initially a sterile device. The plastic and metal parts will not cause illness on their own, and germs will not be present there when the machine is new. Once you start using it, any germs inside the mask, tubing, or device are your germs. Therefore, you are at low risk of acquiring a new infection from a CPAP. The bugs whether they are bacteria or viruses are ones that you put there via breathing, and your body has already reached a truce with them. Though there may be a reasonable concern for potential infection from the use of CPAP equipment, there is little research in adults supporting such an association. Modern devices with the use of heated humidifiers, heated tubing, hypoallergenic filters, and improved design have not been well studied.
In fact, there are currently zero—yes, zero—case reports by doctors& found in the scientific literature of CPAP use contributing to an increased risk of upper respiratory infection like sinus infections or pneumonia.
There have been a few reports of eye irritation and ulceration occurring, possibly related to masks leaking air into the eyes, but the cause-and-effect relationship is not clear.
In conclusion, it is very likely that CPAP therapy simply does not cause higher rates of infection.

The Potential Risk of Warm, Humid Environments and Mold

The CPAP has some “creature features” to make it more comfortable to use. In particular, the heated humidifier and heated tubing may make the air more warm and moist. This decreases mouth and nose dryness, which may actually reduce the risk of potential infection, and improves tolerance to the therapy. (Inflammation along the airway often improves with CPAP use, in fact.) However, there are organisms that also love a warm, humid environment. In particular, fungus, yeast, and mold would love to hang out in such a place. If your CPAP is not kept clean and excess moisture is allowed to sit in the tubing or humidifier, you might be at risk of developing a fungal or yeast colonization. Dangerous molds could also establish themselves in the equipment. These organisms could potentially be harmful to you.
Large studies have not been performed, and cases of this occurring have not been reported in the literature, but the risk is likely extremely low. The use of a humidifier and adequate hygiene seems to reduce these risks. If water is left in the device for an extended period of time without use, mold is more likely to form. Therefore, the device should not be stored with water left in it, especially in an environment that might promote such growth (like leaving the CPAP in a shed or garage for months or years and then resuming its use).

How to Avoid Infection When Using CPAP

In order to reduce the theoretical risk of infection or exposure to unwanted fungi or molds, there are certain steps that you can take.
  • Make sure to clean your CPAP as often as you should with hot water and dish soap. The equipment manufacturers suggest daily cleaning. It is recommended that this be done at least weekly, depending on your environment. It is not necessary to use an expensive CPAP sanitizer device to reduce the risk of infection that is simply not there.
  • If you are sick with a cold or flu, clean your mask, tubing, and device thoroughly to remove mucus and other undesirable residual discharges from the illness. This basic hygiene can help to avoid any unpleasant smells from developing.
  • Do not let water or moisture remain in the equipment for prolonged periods and use a heated humidifier and heated tubing to reduce condensation. If you decide to stop using the treatment for longer than a few days, clean and dry it out completely. Modern devices are also able to circulate air to help dry out the tubing after use has concluded.
  • Use distilled water in the humidifier to reduce your risk of infection by amoeba in& certain regions such as Lousiana. If you don’t trust the local water supply, always err on the side of using distilled water. This can also avoid the accumulation of minerals inside the water chamber.
  • Replace your supplies, including machine filters, as often as you should. Filters have been shown to reduce the spread of bacteria within the device. Masks should be replaced at least every 3 months and filters should be changed from every 2 weeks to monthly.
  • Do not share your equipment with others to prevent the spread of infection. Do not purchase or accept used equipment, especially used masks and tubing.
By taking these simple steps, you can further reduce the risk of infection and ensure that you get the healthful benefits you expect from your treatment.
Sources:
Aly H et al. “Nasal colonization among premature infants treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.” Am J Perinatol. 2011 Apr; 28(4):315.320.
Gelardi M et al. “Regular CPAP utilization reduces nasal inflammation assessed by nasal cytology in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.” Sleep Med. 2012 Aug;13(7):859-63.
Harrison W;et al. “Anterior segment complications secondary to continuous positive airway pressure machine treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.” Optometry. 2007 Jul;78(7):352-5.
Ortolano, GA et al. “Filters reduce the risk of bacterial transmission from contaminated heated humidifiers used with CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea.” J Clin Sleep Med. 2007 Dec 15; 3(7)700-5.
Sanner BM et al. “Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on infectious complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.” Respiration. 2001; 68(5):483-7.