Blog – Page 4 – Sleep Disorders

Getting a good night’s rest is a necessary end to any day. For some, that means the use of a CPAP machine. While these machines make sleeping easier for many suffering from sleep apnea, they can cause some issues. Knowing those issues can help distinguish between proper and poor sleep. This article will discuss the most common problems, such as CPAP dry mouth, and how to avoid them.

Problems Experienced by CPAP Users

Improper Fitting Mask

One common issue is a CPAP mask that does not fit properly. A mask that does not fit well can prevent proper breathing or dry out nasal passages. Consulting with a CPAP specialist is essential to ensure you use a suitable mask that fits correctly. For example, partial masks called nasal pillows are easier to adjust and are less awkward to keep in position. These masks are helpful for people with a pre-falling asleep routine, such as reading in bed, as they aren’t as bulky and difficult to wear while conscious. There are many other masks that you can find on our CPAP equipment shop!

Even with a suitable mask, it can take time to adjust to using a CPAP machine, making falling asleep and staying asleep tricky in its own right. In such instances, practicing wearing the mask to grow accustomed to its use may help. In addition, growing accustomed to wearing the mask while awake can help solve other issues, such as claustrophobia. By getting used to the mask, feelings of claustrophobia lessen.

Airflow Adjustment

Just wearing the mask to get used to it is not enough for some. Fortunately, many machines have a feature to increase airflow. This feature called a ramp feature, is especially useful for ensuring proper airflow to prevent issues with falling asleep. Too little airflow can impact people even when using a properly fitted mask or nasal pillow.

Dry Mouth

CPAP dry mouth can occur for some users, especially those who tend to breathe through their mouth. This issue can be resolved with a full mask fitted with a chin strap, which will help keep the mouth closed. In addition, some machines are equipped with a specialized heated humidifier to keep the air from drying out, reducing the risk of CPAP dry mouth.

Inconsistent Use

Regular use of a CPAP machine helps, as irregular use makes adjustment difficult and takes more time. For best results, use your CPAP every night, even when away from home.

With a properly fitted mask and sufficient preparation, sleep apnea can be defeated with a CPAP machine, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Do you use a CPAP machine but find it uncomfortable? There are solutions, and Parkway Sleep Health Centers can help. Our team of professionals can evaluate your needs and ensure you use the best machine and CPAP accessories for the best night’s sleep. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

People who have sleep apnea often use a machine to help them breathe while they sleep. Most people have heard about these machines, or at least one of them – the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). But there are other machines used. Another is called the BiPAP. So, what is a BiPAP machine?

The BiPAP Machine

A BiPAP machine, or a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine, helps to regulate breathing on two levels: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. It’s designed to force pressurized air through a BiPAP mask and into the upper airway. This forced air benefits those with respiratory problems or breathing conditions such as sleep apnea.

The machine provides two different levels of air pressure. One is for inhaling, which is known as IPAP, or inspiratory positive airway pressure. The other is for exhaling, also known as EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure. The air pressure for inhalation is notably higher than for exhaling. The higher pressure helps the tissue around the upper airway remain unblocked, reduces pauses in breathing and snoring, and can aid in regulating sleep patterns.

PAP Therapies

Everyone’s condition is different, and each individual needs specific treatment, but there is no shortage of PAP therapy options. Consulting a sleep specialist is the first step because a prescription is required to obtain a PAP device. Then, the specialist will determine the treatment option based on your specific condition.

Machine Options

These machines have many ways to help with sleep apnea and many other breathing disorders and respiratory issues. This high-pressure machine is often used to replace others unable to deliver sufficient air to the lungs. Sometimes CPAP, APAP, or ASV machines are not enough for some respiratory conditions – that’s when BiPAP machines are used.

The BiPAP machines have also benefited Covid-19 patients with acute lung function loss. While this machine isn’t a treatment for the virus itself, it does help to maintain consistent breathing patterns. This is called noninvasive respiratory support, and it keeps patients from having to hook up to a mechanical ventilator or utilize intubation.

The machine has a few other components as well. The device that pressurizes the air is where it all begins, then the air is fed through a hose attached to the machine, and on the other end is the BiPAP mask. These BiPAP masks deliver air through the mouth, nose, or both, depending on the one you have. We sell various BIPAP masks and accessories on our CPAP shop. Lastly, a filter purifies the air and a humidifier that heats it slightly as it funnels through the machine.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake in the morning but do not feel rested? You may have a sleeping disorder. Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. After an evaluation, our professional staff can recommend the proper treatment and the equipment for your CPAP device. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment.

CPAP machines are great for helping people with obstructive sleep apnea allowing them to get restful sleep every night. However, all that moisture in the facial mask and attached tubing are a breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid breathing in harmful bacteria, you must make sure that you know how to clean your CPAP machine.

Healthy Sleeping Tips: Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Regularly cleaning CPAP machinery will ensure that dust, mold, and dangerous microbes are removed from the mask, tubing, and humidifier tub. In addition, this regular cleaning will help to ensure that you are not breathing in harmful dust and debris, which can cause coughs, congestion, and other issues. A regular cleaning routine will also help to ensure that your CPAP equipment remains functional for longer, saving you money and the disruption involved in sourcing a new machine. If you have a mask that’s suffering in quality due to lack of cleanliness replace it with CPAP equipment from our shop! Luckily, daily cleaning of a CPAP machine is a simple and straightforward process that you should be able to fit into your schedule without any trouble.

How Often Should You Be Cleaning CPAP Machinery?

Most experts and CPAP manufacturers recommend that you should be cleaning CPAP machinery each day. However, many people can’t keep a daily routine, so at the bare minimum, you should make sure your CPAP machine is cleaned weekly.

CPAP Machine Cleaning Guide

Before you get started, you will need to gather some cleaning equipment to clean each part of the CPAP machine properly.

Equipment for Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Warm water that is drinking quality.
A mild, unscented dish soap.
White vinegar for cleaning the humidifier chamber.
A clean towel that is not abrasive and will not leave fluff on your machine.
A large enough tub, bucket, or sink to contain your CPAP tubing or hose.

Step 1 – Disassemble your CPAP Machine

Make sure that your machine is unplugged from the power source. If your device has a battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble the equipment. Then disconnect the air hose and tubing from your mask and the machine. You should also remove the water chamber from the humidifier, if applicable.

Step 2 – Cleaning Your CPAP Mask

Most CPAP masks contain three parts that can be disassembled for cleaning – the headgear, the frame, and the cushion. Separating these three pieces makes the cleaning and drying process more manageable. Wash each part with mild soap, and pay particular attention to the headgear and cushion, as these areas can quickly become stained by hair and face oils.

Step 3 – How to Clean CPAP Machine Air Tubes and Hoses

Clean the tubing and hoses with warm water and soap. Make sure to submerge the thing in a bucket or sink so that water flows through the whole interior of the tube. You should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you have a hose with electrical or heating parts.

Step 4 – Cleaning for a CPAP Machine Humidifier Chamber

Ensure the humidifier chamber is sanitized by filling it with warm water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water). Leave it to soak for a while so the vinegar can effectively clean.

Step 5 – Leave to Dry and Reassemble

Once you have washed each part, rinse them with soap-free water and leave them to dry. Check for any remaining soap bubbles and rinse thoroughly. Then set all the parts on the towel to air dry and hang up the hoses and tubing from a shower rail or doorway. Your last step is to carefully reassemble the parts of the machine once they are dry.

Cleaning CPAP machinery is not a complicated or time-consuming process; once you have done it a few times, you should find it easy and quick to do. Follow the steps above, and your equipment will be clean and safe to use for a long time.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you getting restful sleep every night? If not, Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Our professionals can find the source of your sleeping difficulties and recommend a treatment plan. If you already have CPAP equipment but you’re not comfortable sleeping with it, review our CPAP accessory shop! Contact us for an evaluation at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment, so we can help you have restful sleep.

By Staff
Date: December 5, 2022

Sleep is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind. When a person wakes up several times a night and feels too exhausted the following day to function well, they may have sleep apnea. To diagnose this condition, visit a physician or clinic specializing in sleep disorders for an evaluation to receive proper treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

There are two different forms of sleep apnea. The first is obstructive sleep apnea. This condition happens when the upper respiratory tract becomes plugged, decreasing or even stopping airflow. In this case, the brain signals a person to wake up so they can breathe properly.

The second type of sleep disorder, central sleep apnea, is when the brain does not send the proper signals to the lungs to breathe and is usually caused by health conditions affecting the chest muscles and the airway.

Why Would Someone Get Sleep Apnea?

Obesity is one of the causes, as it can narrow the airway. If the patient has never had their tonsils removed and they are large, they can block the airway when lying down. Changing hormone levels can cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common as people age. While lifestyle adjustments can help, these are long-term adjustments. Sleep apnea is affecting the patient now and needs to be addressed immediately.

Should Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

While sleep apnea is not a life-threatening condition, it can lead to some severe health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, getting this condition treated quickly is essential to prevent it from damaging one’s health in the long run.

How Can a CPAP for Sleep Apnea Help?

CPAP is short for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” While using the machine, the affected person wears a mask that makes breathing easier. As a result, their sleep isn’t interrupted, and they get a better night’s rest every night.

How to Be Diagnosed for Sleep Apnea & Get Help

If someone is worried about why they aren’t sleeping well at night, a sleep clinic physician can properly diagnose the condition. Usually this is done with a sleep study. Once there is a proper diagnosis, the physician can discuss a treatment plan with the patient. Most likely, this will involve lifestyle changes and using a CPAP for sleep apnea machine each night of the week. Patients new to sleep apnea are recommended to buy CPAP equipment at our shop to increase their comfort while resting.

Getting used to using a CPAP for sleep apnea machine requires a slight adjustment period, but it will be worth it. There can be no better gift than feeling alert, energized, and ready to start the day.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you constantly feeling tired after a night’s sleep? Have you been told you snore loudly or stop breathing while you sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Centers can help. Our professional staff can evaluate your sleep patterns, diagnose your condition, and prepare a treatment plan. If that plan includes a CPAP for sleep apnea machine, we can help you obtain a prescription and CPAP accessories. Contact us at 919-439-3463 and schedule an appointment today.

By Brandon Giegling
Date: September 6, 2022

By far, the most common question we get is, “How much does a sleep study cost?” And while the answer can get complicated, the honest answer is: an in lab sleep study can cost a patient with medical insurance anywhere from $0 to a few thousand dollars.

In lab sleep studies are sleep studies in which the patient comes into the facility or hospital to be observed and tested overnight for various sleep disorders. The cost changes based on the place where the testing is being done and the medical insurance of the patient.

Generally speaking, having a sleep study done in a hospital costs the patient more than a sleep study in a non-hospital based facility. This is because hospitals are usually allowed to collect a higher dollar amount than a facility–for the EXACT same test. Insurance companies simply pay the hospital more per sleep study, and if a patient’s benefits are subject to a deductible and/or co-insurance, the patient would likely owe more at the hospital than a freestanding sleep center.

The next factor that affects the cost of the sleep study is the type of contract and billing practices of the specific facility you choose. You could find two similar non-hospital sleep centers and find yourself with two very different cost estimates. We have had several instances over the years where a patient was going to spend hundreds or thousands at another facility or hospital and ended up covered at 100% at our sleep center. Similarly, we have many patients who are only subject to their co-pay instead of their deductible and/or co-insurance based on the way their benefits interact with our insurance contracts. Therefore, it is very important to pick a sleep center who contacts your insurance prior to your sleep study so that facility can provide you with an estimate of your out of pocket cost. Of course, per all medical insurance disclaimers, it is important to note that insurance companies and providers alike cannot guarantee coverage, benefits, or estimates.

The last major factor is the insurance of each individual patient. We have often heard patients say things like, ‘But Bob and I work at the same company and you just quoted him $200 less than you’re quoting me. What’s going on here?” What the patient is failing to recognize is that Bob has made more progress toward meeting his deductible and max out of pocket than the other patient. For patients who will be subject to a deductible and/or co-insurance, their cost at any hospital or facility will be affected by how much of their deductible and out of pocket has been met at the time of the sleep study.

If you are interested in having a sleep study, it is best to contact the facility or hospital you would like to use. While they will not be able to give you an immediate quote (because of all the variables listed above), they can get some basic details and insurance information from you and contact your insurance to give you a clearer picture of what you can expect to spend on this important diagnostic test for those experiencing sleep issues.

If you live in North Carolina and would like to have your sleep study here at Parkway Sleep. We also offer CPAP equipment for sale, which you can find here. Please call us at 919-462-8081 to schedule an appointment. We’re located in Cary, NC and would love to talk to you.

By Staff
Date: June 17, 2022

Earlier this week, Philips Respironics announced the recall of certain medical devices, including Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP/BiLevel PAP) devices, and mechanical ventilators.

As a current or former patient of Parkway SleepHealth Centers, you may have and/or be using an affected CPAP or BPAP/BiLevel PAP device that you received from us.

At this time, here is the official notice from Philips Respironics:

https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update

Specifically, they advise the following regarding the use of their company’s CPAP/BPAP machines at this time (information subject to change as we receive updates):

“For patients using BiLevel PAP and CPAP devices:

Discontinue use of your device and work with your physician or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider to determine the most appropriate options for continued treatment. “

At this time, we are following the advice from the recall notification to stop use of CPAP/BPAP devices. As more information becomes available, we will notify you. Right now, we recommend that you use the following website to check to see if your Respironics device is affected, and if so, register your device so that you will receive further information and instruction directly from Respironics.

https://www.philipssrcupdate.expertinquiry.com/

Please note that over the years, Parkway has used several different suppliers for DME and this notice is specifically for patients using RESPIRONICS CPAP/BPAP devices. Patients using ResMed, Fisher and Paykel or other non-Respironics devices are not affected by the Respironics 2021 recall and should disregard this notice.

Please register your device with Phillips at the link below:

Click Here to Register for Phillips Recall

Click Here for Recall FAQs

Newer Posts

Parkway SleepHealth Centers

Tips to Avoid Common CPAP Machine Problems

Problems Experienced by CPAP Users

Improper Fitting Mask

Airflow Adjustment

Dry Mouth

Inconsistent Use

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

What is a BiPAP Machine?

The BiPAP Machine

PAP Therapies

Machine Options

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

The Best Way to Clean a CPAP Machine

Healthy Sleeping Tips: Cleaning CPAP Machinery

How Often Should You Be Cleaning CPAP Machinery?

CPAP Machine Cleaning Guide

Equipment for Cleaning CPAP Machinery

Step 1 – Disassemble your CPAP Machine

Step 2 – Cleaning Your CPAP Mask

Step 3 – How to Clean CPAP Machine Air Tubes and Hoses

Step 4 – Cleaning for a CPAP Machine Humidifier Chamber

Step 5 – Leave to Dry and Reassemble

Parkway Sleep Health Center

The Gift of Better Sleep with a Sleep Apnea Machine

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Why Would Someone Get Sleep Apnea?

Should Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

How Can a CPAP for Sleep Apnea Help?

How to Be Diagnosed for Sleep Apnea & Get Help

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

How Much Does a Sleep Study Cost?

By far, the most common question we get is, “How much does a sleep study cost?” And while the answer can get complicated, the honest answer is: an in lab sleep study can cost a patient with medical insurance anywhere from $0 to a few thousand dollars.

In lab sleep studies are sleep studies in which the patient comes into the facility or hospital to be observed and tested overnight for various sleep disorders. The cost changes based on the place where the testing is being done and the medical insurance of the patient.

If you live in North Carolina and would like to have your sleep study here at Parkway Sleep. We also offer CPAP equipment for sale, which you can find here. Please call us at 919-462-8081 to schedule an appointment. We’re located in Cary, NC and would love to talk to you.

Phillips Respironics Recall

https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update

https://www.philipssrcupdate.expertinquiry.com/

Click Here to Register for Phillips Recall

Click Here for Recall FAQs