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Sleep apnea is a severe condition, and treatment is developed specifically for your needs. Some methods are more involved than others. Using the treatment for sleep apnea that provides the best results is essential to one’s health. This article will discuss some of the treatment options out there and when they are used.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Machines

One standard sleep apnea treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines allow many suffering from apnea to achieve the sleep typically denied. It is not the only method; however, Automatic Positive Airway Pressure, or APAP, is another potential treatment for sleep apnea. Knowing the best option will help ensure proper treatment and comfort when using such a machine.

The Difference Between CPAP vs. APAP

The main difference between the two machines is that CPAP maintains a fixed pressure level while APAP adjusts to different levels. In addition, CPAP machines provide continuous airflow, while APAP does not. We sell masks, tubes, filters, and more for both CPAP and APAP on our CPAP store.

The Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to both machines. CPAPs tend to be cheaper and are regarded as the most effective treatment for sleep apnea in most cases. In addition, most users prefer consistent airflow. On the downside, CPAPs are more challenging to adjust when changing breathing patterns exist, but constant airflow can make exhaling tricky.

APAPs are easier to adapt to in most cases, are much friendlier for sufferers of nasal congestion due to allergies, and are an excellent choice for people who move around a lot in their sleep. As for cons, they are more expensive than CPAP machines and are not recommended for people with pulmonary conditions. In addition, air pressure changes have been known to wake users from time to time.

Both machines have their advantages and disadvantages. CPAPs are more commonly available, affordable, and proven as an effective treatment for sleep apnea in most cases. They are not easy to adjust, though, and can take some getting used to at night. On the other hand, APAPs are usually more expensive, but they are more adjustable and offer better mobility at night. They are also easier to get used to, but the pressure changes might annoy some users.

In either case, a careful and thorough discussion with a medical expert will help ensure the best possible treatment for sleep apnea on a case-by-case basis and the best way to obtain a good night’s sleep once again.

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Are you getting a good night’s sleep? Are you waking up tired and lethargic? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Our professionals work with the client to develop a treatment for sleep apnea that works for the client and obtains the best results. Be sure to visit our CPAP shop for all your CPAP and APAP equipment needs. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 to schedule an appointment.

Parkway Sleep

Sleep can be a trickier prospect than some people realize. One has to fall asleep, stay asleep, and then wake rested and energized for the new day. At any point in this process, problems can occur. Those problems easily result in improper or lack of sleep. These issues are genuine for those with medical conditions like sleep apnea. Apnea can make it extremely difficult to obtain a good night’s sleep, but what causes it in the first place? It depends on the kinds of apnea at work. This article will discuss the causes and the best treatment for sleep apnea.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two common forms of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Knowing the best treatment will depend on what form it takes.

Obstructive Apnea

Obstructive apnea is a result of brief, interrupted breathing. The muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed, blocking the airway, and as a result, breathing is stopped. The body then wakes up to prevent asphyxiation –recent research has led some to believe a similar issue causes sudden infant death syndrome. This constant repetition of falling asleep and waking up prevents proper rest.

Central Apnea

Central apnea is neurological in nature and involves the brain not communicating correctly to airway muscles, preventing proper breathing while asleep. This form of apnea is common among stroke survivors. It is also found in persons with heart disease, kidney failure, or using certain opioids.

Other Causes

Apnea can also have other causes and can create all manner of issues, such as high blood pressure. Obesity, smoking, and chronic nasal congestion are potential causes of sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Knowing the warning signs provides an excellent start to finding the best treatment for sleep apnea. For example, loud snoring, insomnia, waking up with a dry mouth, and waking up snorting or gasping for breath are common signs of sleep apnea.

Regardless of the form sleep apnea takes, it is a severe condition that requires treatment. Talking to an expert and testing can confirm the type of apnea one is suffering, and then the proper treatment can be implemented.

It can be hard enough to ensure a good night’s sleep. Having to deal with constant interruptions from apnea makes it nearly impossible to enjoy restful sleep and can create further health issues. Don’t ignore the signs. Determine the cause, and seek the best treatment for sleep apnea depending on the cause and kind suffered. That is the best plan to ensure apnea concerns are put to rest.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Parkway Sleep Health Center can help. Evaluating the root of the problem will help determine the best treatment for sleep apnea. Whatever PAP device you need, we have the perfect CPAP equipment for sale on our CPAP shop. Contact us today at 919-439-3463 to schedule an appointment. Soon you’ll get a restful night’s sleep and wake up with energy.

Parkway Sleep

Whether hopping on a plane or loading up the car, lugging your CPAP machine with you will take some additional arrangements. Of course, leaving it behind would be easier, but don’t ruin your trip. One night without your machine can flare up those pesky sleep apnea symptoms and keep you from feeling like yourself on vacation. So instead, prepare your CPAP machine for traveling.

Tips for Traveling with a CPAP

Test Equipment

Before departing on a trip, test the CPAP equipment to ensure it is in good working order. Check all attachments for wear and tear and replace any worn or damaged items. If you find any worn or damaged CPAP accessories before your trip, replace them on our CPAP shop.

Moisture-Free Equipment

Ensure all the equipment is dry before packing it. Bacteria and mold can form in moist places, and you don’t want to be breathing in that.

Distilled Water

Even if you’re heading to a high-end resort, bring bottled distilled water. It’s crucial that you only use distilled water in your machine. Tap and spring water contain minerals that can clog up your machine, causing it to malfunction. Also, bring some CPAP wipes, so you don’t waste your bottled water cleaning your device.

Power Supply

The power supply might not be sufficient, depending on where you’re heading. Make sure your power cord works with the outlets where you’re going, and bring a backup battery pack. You never know when you’ll run low or have an unexpected power outage. Invest in a DC converter, an adaptor that can be used with USB ports, car cigarette lighters, or solar power to enhance your power supply options.

Air Travel

When flying with your CPAP machine, it’s good to know whether the model you have is approved for in-flight use – most of them are these days. Check your luggage, not your CPAP. Keep it on the plane with you. Luggage occasionally gets misplaced, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you travel often, consider investing in a portable machine with waterless humidification to avoid packing water bottles.

When going through security in the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make it go smoothly. First, TSA agents see these machines regularly and have every right to inspect them. Pack the machine in a clear plastic bag and include a medical device ID tag. Also, if they choose to remove the machine from its packaging, always request they put on new gloves.

Carry a copy of your prescription in your luggage. Although you might not need it, you never know.

Extra Supplies

Carrying extra supplies could be helpful, even on short trips. It’s better to be over-prepared—extra supplies can include mask cushions, filters, headgear, extra batteries, and an extension cord.

Medical Alert Wallet Card

A medical alert wallet card could easily save your life – especially if you are traveling alone. This health history information is vital for first responders treating you if you become unresponsive.

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Are you getting a good night’s sleep every night? Parkway Sleep Help Centers can help. Our experts can evaluate your sleep and recommend a treatment plan, including a CPAP machine and accessories like CPAP masks, if required. So contact us today at 919-439-3463 or visit the site to schedule an appointment and start feeling refreshed and energized in the morning after a truly restful night’s sleep.

Parkway Sleep

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.

Parkway 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.

Parkway Sleep

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.

Brandon Giegling

President of Parkway SleepHealth Centers

parkwaysleep.com/

Newer Posts

Blog

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Machines

The Difference Between CPAP vs. APAP

The Pros and Cons

Parkway Sleep Health Center

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Apnea

Central Apnea

Other Causes

Symptoms

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

Tips for Traveling with a CPAP

Test Equipment

Moisture-Free Equipment

Distilled Water

Power Supply

Air Travel

Extra Supplies

Medical Alert Wallet Card

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

The BiPAP Machine

PAP Therapies

Machine Options

Parkway Sleep Health Centers

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

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.