CPAP is the only treatment that is 100% effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea, but a lot of patients struggle with using the device properly and using it every night. CPAP works by blowing air into the air way to keep the airway from closing at night (this closure is called an apnea, learn more … Read More »
In this guest post, Dr. Eric Kezirian answers your questions about upper airway stimulation therapy with the Inspire device. Positive airway pressure therapy (whether CPAP, BPAP, APAP, or another form) is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (see the image of an obstructed airway to the right). However, some patients cannot tolerate or sleep comfortably … Read More »
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is the gold-standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, we know that it isn’t easy. Barriers to compliance with CPAP therapy include the discomfort of sleeping while wearing a mask, having air blown through your airway all night, the inconvenience of traveling with a CPAP machine and the cost of the … Read More »
1. You don’t have health insurance. This is a no-brainer. If you don’t have health insurance, but have sleep apnea, you will need to pay cash for your machine and supplies. If you’re having a hard time making ends meet, check out the organizations listed in this post that offer free or low-cost CPAP and … Read More »
Like iPhones, CPAP machines have changed a lot over the past few years. The latest models are even starting to look like Apple devices. These changes in the form and function of CPAPs serve very important purposes. (1) If a CPAP machine is more attractive and user-friendly, someone diagnosed with sleep apnea is more likely … Read More »
Sleep apnea is most often identified not by the person suffering with the disease or even their doctor. It’s usually a family member who realized there is a problem. The person sleeping does not hear his own snores, but his bed partner or family member in the next room does. Does your dad snore loudly or … Read More »
Are you enrolled in Medicare or have patients who are? We reviewed Medicare coverage for sleep studies here. In this post, learn about Medicare Part B coverage for CPAP and other PAP therapy (Part B covers certain doctor’s services, out patient care, medical supplies and preventative services). Does Medicare cover CPAP and other PAP therapy for sleep … Read More »
CPAP is hard. Proper education during the set-up and beyond is critical. Another key factor for success is support from your healthcare provider, family and friends, or other CPAP users (here’s our post about a study that shows patients with family support have better CPAP compliance). In this blog post we provide info about five … Read More »
For me, camping is all about sleeping outside- both the challenges and the rewards. It has taken our family years of trial and error to find exactly the right sleeping arrangements (10 person tent for the 5 of us, queen-sized self-inflating air mattress, flannel sheets, heavy down comforter and kids on their own cots). Camping is … Read More »
It’s important to know the basic about the different types of PAP (positive airway pressure) devices that are used to treat sleep apnea. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with sleep apnea or a more seasoned user or healthcare provider, this post outlines the basics of each of the devices. Our goal is to help you understand … Read More »
