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What is a CPAP and why do you need one?

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What is a CPAP and why do you need one?

U.S. President Joe Biden has begun using a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, to treat his sleep apnea and improve his sleep quality White House officials said on Wednesday.
So, what exactly is a CPAP?

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a medical device used primarily to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses in breathing can disrupt sleep and lead to other health issues.

 

How does a CPAP work?

The CPAP machine works by delivering a constant flow of air pressure to the person’s airways through a mask worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth. The increased air pressure helps to keep the airways open, preventing them from collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep. By maintaining open airways, the CPAP machine ensures a continuous and uninterrupted flow of oxygen, allowing the person to breathe normally while asleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Who needs a CPAP?

The primary purpose of CPAP therapy is to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, which include excessive snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and poor concentration. It can also help reduce the risk of associated health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CPAP therapy is usually prescribed after a sleep study or a diagnosis of sleep apnea by a medical professional.

It is important to note that CPAP machines are prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals. They can provide different settings and pressures tailored to individual needs. Regular usage of the CPAP machine during sleep is essential to get its full benefits and improve overall sleep quality and health.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, our sleep medicine specialists at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center are here to help. We have ten convenient locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chantilly, Dumfries, Germantown, Fredericksburg, Lansdowne, Manassas, and Woodbridge. Visit out website or give us a call at 703-729-3420 for more information on sleep apnea and its various treatment options.

6 Reasons Oral Appliance Therapy is a Great CPAP Alternative

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6 Reasons why Oral Appliance Therapy is a Great CPAP Alternative

Oral appliance therapy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are both effective treatment options for sleep apnea, but they have different advantages and considerations. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the severity of sleep apnea, patient preferences, and individual circumstances. Here are 6 reasons why oral appliance therapy is a great CPAP alternative.

Advantages of Oral Appliance vs CPAP

Comfortable and Easy to use:

Most people find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to adapt to than CPAP machines. Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit in the mouth and resemble a mouth guard or retainer. They work by repositioning the jaw and tongue in a forward position to help keep the airway open during sleep. Patients find them less intrusive and disruptive to their sleep.

Portable:

Oral appliances are compact and portable, making them convenient for travel. They do not require electricity.

Reduced Side Effects:

CPAP therapy can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nasal congestion, skin irritation, or feelings of claustrophobia from wearing a mask.

Compliance:

Some individuals struggle with using their CPAP all night and tend to remove it after a few hours. Oral appliance therapy is be a better fit for individuals who are non-compliant with CPAP or unable to tolerate it consistently.

Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea:

Oral appliances are recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. They can effectively treat these cases without the need for more invasive interventions.

Co-Treatment Option:

As an adjunct treatment along with CPAP for those individuals with severe OSA and high-pressure machines. This co-treatment can allow pressures to be reduced making CPAP more comfortable and the patient more compliant with treatment.

Insurance Coverage:

Oral appliance therapy is considered durable medical equipment (DME). Comprehensive Sleep Care Center offers in-house sleep dentists that will digitally scan and fit patients with their devices. This process is billed under a patient’s medical insurance and is usually covered (minus deductible and co-pays) versus a dental office where patients may be billed thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Oral appliance therapy is a good CPAP alternative treatment option for those patients that are resistant to CPAP therapy allowing them to get the needed treatment for their obstructive sleep apnea.

If you are experiencing sleep problems visit one of our sleep medicine providers at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center. Our doctors treat over 80 types of sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Narcolepsy. Give us a call and Say Hello to Sleep Again…

Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure- A Dangerous Pair

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Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure a Dangerous Pair

Many people think sleep apnea is as simple as loud snoring, but it’s much more than that. Sleep apnea affects many systems in the body and is associated with several serious conditions like high blood pressure.

High blood pressure puts a daily strain on the cardiovascular system which may lead to stroke, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Fortunately, managing high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for harmful health effects.

It’s important to understand the relationship between sleep apnea and high blood pressure because these two conditions affect one another, and treatment for sleep apnea can lower blood pressure in people who have both.

Sleep Apnea, like high blood pressure, isn’t normally something people usually detect on their own. If you have sleep apnea, you likely don’t know about it unless you’re keeping your bed partner up at night by snoring or that you are gasping in your sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off. Individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods of time when sleeping. Pauses in breathing can last just a few seconds to a few minutes and occur as little as 5 to as many as 30 times per hour.

Every time your oxygen level drops, this raises your blood pressure and causes an adrenaline surge. This puts increased stress on your heart because it must work harder to normalize your blood pressure.

 What Is the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure?

 In healthy individuals, blood pressure naturally lowers by between 10 and 20%  at night, a phenomenon that is sometimes referred to as “blood pressure dipping“. People with severe OSA experience blood pressure dips less than 10%, which indicates a “non-dipping” blood pressure pattern.

People who have non-dipping blood pressure at night face an increased risk for cardiovascular issues. Additionally, many patients with OSA experience a sudden and pronounced elevation of their blood pressure when they wake up in the morning. This “morning surge” is another factor that may increase risk for cardiovascular disease.  OSA doesn’t only affect blood pressure at night. Studies show that daytime blood pressure levels also increase with sleep apnea severity.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States. Of people diagnosed with OSA, it is estimated that around half also have high blood pressure. The good news is that treatment for sleep apnea may aid in lowering blood pressure levels.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure it may benefit you to get checked for sleep apnea. Call one of our sleep medicine professionals today and get on the road to a healthier and happier you!

CPAP Cleaning Devices – What You Need to Know

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CPAP Cleaning Devices – What You Need to Know.

If you use a CPAP or PAP therapy device to treat your sleep apnea, you know it can be difficult to keep up a regular cleaning schedule. A dirty CPAP machine can contain germs, viruses and bacteria that can make you sick. So, I can understand how the automated machines advertised on TV that claim to clean and disinfect your CPAP might look like a good option. But there is more you should know.

No home CPAP cleaning devices that use ozone gas or UV light have been approved or cleared by the FDA. The FDA has not determined whether CPAP cleaning devices are safe. The FDA does not have evidence whether CPAP cleaning devices work to clean or disinfect CPAP equipment of germs or allergens. FDA Feb 27, 2020

What Types of Machines That Claim to Clean CPAPs are Being Sold?

There are two main types of machines that claim to clean CPAPs. One uses ozone gas and the second type uses ultraviolet (UV) light. Ozone gas and UV light machines that claim to clean, disinfect or sanitize continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices or accessories (such as masks, tubing, headgear) do not have FDA clearance or approval. This means that the FDA has not found that these cleaners work to kill germs on CPAPs or that they are safe.

UV Light Machines

The FDA has not received data or evidence from manufacturers that says UV light can clean the inside surface of CPAP hoses, or information to confirm that UV light does not damage CPAP machines. They do not have evidence that machines using UV light protect you from unsafe levels of UV radiation exposure. Direct exposure to UV light may cause injury depending on its wavelength, intensity and exposure time. Additionally, the UV light may not be able to penetrate all components of CPAP devices and accessories, like the plastic tubing, masks and connectors, which could lead to inadequately disinfected components that may be unsafe for people to reuse.

Ozone Gas Machines

Ozone is a gas that can be used to kill harmful bacteria. However, for ozone to be effective in killing harmful bacteria, it must be present at a concentration far greater than what is considered safe for humans. Although products claiming to clean, disinfect or sanitize CPAP devices that use ozone gas claim that they are designed to keep ozone gas inside the machine and its accessories, leaks can occur at tubing connections, filters or through containers used to house CPAP accessories. When leaks occur, ozone gas in the room where the devices are used may temporarily rise to unsafe levels especially if the room is small or not well ventilated.

Additionally, if the newly cleaned CPAP machine or accessories that are used without first allowing fresh air to completely circulate through the entire CPAP system to remove any remaining ozone gas. It could lead to someone inhaling ozone gas, which could cause breathing problems.

Watch This Before Using Ozone Gas or UV Light CPAP Cleaning Devices

Patient Complaints

There have also been complaints from CPAP users of a chemical smell, dizziness, and headaches. Some people have had irritation to breathing passages (nose, throat, and lungs), particularly for those who have respiratory sensitivity such as asthma or allergies. In addition, many CPAP manufactures will void the warranty if a mechanical cleaning device is used due to possible damage to the CPAP units.

Why Does My CPAP Machine Need Cleaning?

Germs from your lungs, throat, or mouth can get into the CPAP mask or hose as you breathe in and out during sleep. Additionally, germs on your skin may get transferred to the CPAP mask or hose. Dust, mold, pet hair or other allergens may also get into the CPAP mask or hose.

All CPAP machines need to be cleaned regularly so that these germs and contaminants do not grow inside of your equipment and make you sick. Dust and dirt can also cause problems with the machine, making it more likely to break or need replacement.  Please visit CSCC website for recommended cleaning instructions.

Alternative Treatment Option

Patients diagnosed with Mild to Moderate OSA can seek CSCC to see if they are eligible and may benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy.  Please visit https://comprehensivesleepcare.com/our-services/cpap-alternative-oral-appliance-therapy-for-sleep-apnea/.

Sleep Study FAQ

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SLEEP STUDY FAQ (ANSWERED BY A REGISTERED POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST)

By Amanda Jones RPSGT

If you have questions about undergoing a sleep study, you’re not alone. Here are some FAQ that I get asked while working at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center as a Sleep Technologist. They may be able to help you understand the process and put you more at ease.

A sleep study, known as a polysomnogram, is an overnight test done in a sleep lab. Prior to the study, a sleep technologist will place sensors on your scalp, face, chest and legs. These sensors will record brainwave activity (to assess sleep stage), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, body movements, nasal/oral airflow, respiratory effort and oxygenation. In addition, your body position will be observed on video camera. All this information will better assist your sleep physician in determining the cause of any sleep related problems.

Sleep Study FAQ

Q: WHY DO I NEED A SLEEP STUDY?

A: Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Q: CAN MY SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER STAY WITH ME ON THE NIGHT OF MY STUDY?

A: Significant others may have helpful insight during the evaluation stage, but they are not usually permitted to stay with you on the night of your study. IF there is a reason they need to stay, please discuss it with your doctor during your consult.

Q: WHAT IF I CAN’T SLEEP?

A: Don’t stress, we don’t expect you to sleep as well as you would at home, and we take that into account. Nearly everyone can fall asleep during an in-lab study. In most cases, you do not need a full 6 hours of sleep for the doctor to make a diagnosis. There are several things you can do to help you sleep the night of your study. First consider waking a little earlier than usual on the day of your study. Do not take naps during the day. Avoid the consumption of all caffeine—skipping coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolate, energy drinks, and other caffeinated products.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN PILLOW?

A: Of course! We want you to be as comfortable as possible so you can sleep. Our sleep labs use My Pillows on each bed (one soft and one firm).  However, most people prefer their own pillow. In fact, if you have a special blanket or throw you sleep with, bring that as well! The more comfortable you feel the better you will sleep.

Q: WHAT ABOUT ALL THE WIRES? WILL THEY STAY ON ALL NIGHT?

A: After you arrive at the sleep center a technician will apply small sensors to your head and body with adhesive. The wires connecting the sensors to a headbox are usually gathered to the side with plenty of slack so you can move around during sleep. Elastic belts will be wrapped around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing. A clip will be placed on your finger or (in some cases your earlobe) to monitor oxygen levels in your bloodstream. Most people get used to it all very quickly. Everything is attached using medical tape and/or paste. The wires are attached to stay on all night. If anything does come loose the tech will enter the room to re-attach them during the night. We attempt to do this without waking the patient if possible. The sensors are attached to your body in a manner like electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes and are not painful. In rare instances, some people with sensitive skin develop local irritation at the electrode sites. If you have experienced skin irritation due to EKG testing in the past, or have an adhesive allergy please notify the Sleep Center and the technologist prior to the study.

 Q: CAN I SLEEP ON MY SIDE? WHAT IF I MOVE AROUND IN MY SLEEP?

A: We want you to sleep in your natural position. Many people roll over and change positions multiple times during the night. While sleep apnea is more prevalent when sleeping on your back, the Technician may ask you to try sleeping on your back for a portion of the test. This allows us to check your breathing in multiple positions. IF you’re unable to, don’t worry! It may be very difficult to sleep on your stomach so the technician may ask you to use a pillow to keep you from rolling all the way onto your stomach.

Q: DURING MY SLEEP STUDY, WHAT IF I HAVE TO USE THE RESTROOM?

A: If you need to get up during your sleep study just notify your sleep technologist (by calling out or sitting up in the bed) and let them know that you need to use the restroom. They will unhook one or two central connections, which will enable you to get up and walk to the bathroom. The headbox even has a strap you can carry over your shoulder or around your neck. (The headbox is the device that all your wires connect into)

Q: MAY I SLEEP NAKED?

A: No. As a courtesy to our sleep techs we request that you sleep in pajamas or a t-shirt and shorts.

Q: HOW LONG IS THE SLEEP STUDY? WHAT IF I WAKE UP EARLY? CAN I SLEEP IN?

A: The wake-up time is 5 am, and unfortunately, we cannot allow patients to sleep in. Insurance requires a minimum of 6 hours of recording, and as long as we have reached that, you are free to leave before 5 am (some restrictions may apply depending on if the patient took a sleeping medication). Many people ask why they must get up so early. Our Sleep Technicians need to ensure all patients are up and checked out so they can upload all the data to be read and get home so they too can get some sleep.

Q: HOW HARD IS THE PASTE TO GET OUT OF MY HAIR?

A: The paste is water soluble! You can use a hairbrush, but some paste will remain. The best thing to do is wash your hair with very warm water. We recommend using conditioner first to loosen up the paste and then washing your hair. Rubbing alcohol is also an effective, quick way to remove paste but can be rough on the scalp. Also, Micellar water can be effective and less harsh.

Q: CAN THEY TELL ME THE RESULTS OF MY SLEEP STUDY IN THE MORNING?

A: Unfortunately, no. The sleep technologist is collecting data that will be interpreted by your sleep medicine physician. You will receive your results at your follow-up visit.

Whether you were a little nervous about your upcoming sleep study, or just curious about the process, we hope this cleared up a few questions and put your mind at ease! Remember, your Comprehensive Sleep Care Center sleep technologist is not only there to gather information, but they are there to make the process as comfortable as possible! We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Sleep Study FAQ

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Sleep Study FAQ (Answered by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist)

By Amanda Jones RPSGT

If you have questions about undergoing a sleep study, you’re not alone. Here are some common questions that I get asked while working at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center as a Sleep Technologist. They may be able to help you understand the process and put you more at ease.

A sleep study, known as a polysomnogram, is an overnight test done in a sleep lab. Prior to the study, a sleep technologist will place sensors on your scalp, face, chest and legs. These sensors will record brainwave activity (to assess sleep stage), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, body movements, nasal/oral airflow, respiratory effort and oxygenation. In addition, your body position will be observed on video camera. All this information will better assist your sleep physician in determining the cause of any sleep related problems.

Q: Why do I need a sleep study?

A: Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Q: Can my spouse or significant other stay with me on the night of my study?

A: Significant others may have helpful insight during the evaluation stage, but they are not usually permitted to stay with you on the night of your study. IF there is a reason they need to stay, please discuss it with your doctor during your consult.

Q: What if I can’t sleep?

A: Don’t stress, we don’t expect you to sleep as well as you would at home, and we take that into account. Nearly everyone can fall asleep during an in-lab study. In most cases, you do not need a full 6 hours of sleep for the doctor to make a diagnosis. There are several things you can do to help you sleep the night of your study. First consider waking a little earlier than usual on the day of your study. Do not take naps during the day. Avoid the consumption of all caffeine—skipping coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolate, energy drinks, and other caffeinated products.

Q: Can I bring my own pillow?

A: Of course! We want you to be as comfortable as possible so you can sleep. Our sleep labs use My Pillows on each bed (one soft and one firm).  However, most people prefer their own pillow. In fact, if you have a special blanket or throw you sleep with, bring that as well! The more comfortable you feel the better you will sleep.

Q: What about all the wires? Will they stay on all night?

A: After you arrive at the sleep center a technician will apply small sensors to your head and body with adhesive. The wires connecting the sensors to a headbox are usually gathered to the side with plenty of slack so you can move around during sleep. Elastic belts will be wrapped around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing. A clip will be placed on your finger or (in some cases your earlobe) to monitor oxygen levels in your bloodstream. Most people get used to it all very quickly. Everything is attached using medical tape and/or paste. The wires are attached to stay on all night. If anything does come loose the tech will enter the room to re-attach them during the night. We attempt to do this without waking the patient if possible. The sensors are attached to your body in a manner like electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes and are not painful. In rare instances, some people with sensitive skin develop local irritation at the electrode sites. If you have experienced skin irritation due to EKG testing in the past, or have an adhesive allergy please notify the Sleep Center and the technologist prior to the study.

 Q: Can I sleep on my side? What if I move around in my sleep?

A: We want you to sleep in your natural position. Many people roll over and change positions multiple times during the night. While sleep apnea is more prevalent when sleeping on your back, the Technician may ask you to try sleeping on your back for a portion of the test. This allows us to check your breathing in multiple positions. IF you’re unable to, don’t worry! It may be very difficult to sleep on your stomach so the technician may ask you to use a pillow to keep you from rolling all the way onto your stomach.

Q: During my sleep study, what if I have to use the restroom?

A: If you need to get up during your sleep study just notify your sleep technologist (by calling out or sitting up in the bed) and let them know that you need to use the restroom. They will unhook one or two central connections, which will enable you to get up and walk to the bathroom. The headbox even has a strap you can carry over your shoulder or around your neck. (The headbox is the device that all your wires connect into)

Q: May I sleep naked?

A: No. As a courtesy to our sleep techs we request that you sleep in pajamas or a t-shirt and shorts.

Q: How long is the sleep study? What if I wake up early? Can I sleep in?

A: The wake-up time is 5 am, and unfortunately, we cannot allow patients to sleep in. Insurance requires a minimum of 6 hours of recording, and as long as we have reached that, you are free to leave before 5 am (some restrictions may apply depending on if the patient took a sleeping medication). Many people ask why they must get up so early. Our Sleep Technicians need to ensure all patients are up and checked out so they can upload all the data to be read and get home so they too can get some sleep.

Q: How hard is the paste to get out of my hair?

A: The paste is water soluble! You can use a hairbrush, but some paste will remain. The best thing to do is wash your hair with very warm water. We recommend using conditioner first to loosen up the paste and then washing your hair. Rubbing alcohol is also an effective, quick way to remove paste but can be rough on the scalp. Also, Micellar water can be effective and less harsh.

Q: Can they tell me the results of my sleep study in the morning?

A: Unfortunately, no. The sleep technologist is collecting data that will be interpreted by your sleep medicine physician. You will receive your results at your follow-up visit.

Whether you were a little nervous about your upcoming sleep study, or just curious about the process, we hope this cleared up a few questions and put your mind at ease! Remember, your Comprehensive Sleep Care Center sleep technologist is not only there to gather information, but they are there to make the process as comfortable as possible! We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Traveling with Sleep Apnea

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TRAVELING WITH SLEEP APNEA

THE NEW MINI CPAP MAKES LIFE EASIER

As CPAP users we all know how beneficial our treatment is and how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep. The issue we face isn’t when we are home, but when we travel. Traveling with sleep apnea means dragging along your CPAP machine. If you’re like me you ask the question- do I pack my CPAP or not? To travel with a CPAP, we have to pull out the power cord that we have hidden behind the bed, find our CPAP travel bag, make sure that we pack every component we need (mask, tubing, filters). Even worse when we fly we must make sure to list the medical device as an extra carry on. Then sleep without our CPAP (keeping everyone awake with our snoring) while on the plane. Even thought I know better I tend to say “what a hassle, I will be fine without my machine for a few days” and leave it at home. Only to find that while I am on my trip, my daytime sleepiness and other sleep apnea symptoms start to show themselves. So why isn’t there a better solution? Well there is!

The new mini travel CPAP’s offer the same great therapy in a much smaller size. They even offer some great added benefits. Like USB charging ports, overnight battery options, FAA compliance for in-flight use, waterless humidification and continued insurance compliance with your CPAP machine.

MINI TRAVEL CPAP    resmed mini cpap

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center is now offering the opportunity for our patients to call in and schedule a free consultation to learn about our mini travel CPAP’s. We have two new models available from the best CPAP manufactures in the world. Come check out the small, lightweight, and inconspicuous device that allows patients to get the CPAP therapy they need while making traveling with sleep apnea easier.

Call Today 703-679-0598! To learn more about the Mini CPAP & how it can change the way you travel! For more information email Richard at [email protected]

5 facts about sleep apnea and ED

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5 facts about sleep apnea and ED

The side effects of sleep apnea—fatigue, high blood pressure, risk of heart disease and stroke—are well-known. But one issue that is not as widely talked about is sleep apnea and ED.

  1. Continued research finds that having sleep apnea can be a drag on your love life, causing erectile dysfunction in men as well as a loss of libido in women.
  2. Past studies in men have shown a spike in erectile dysfunction (ED) among men who suffer from the obstructive sleep disorder (OSA). A study done in Germany reported that 70 percent of men seeking sleep apnea treatment also suffered from ED.
  3. One study suggests that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). After adjusting for age and other health conditions, they found patients with ED were more than twice as likely to have sleep apnea than their counterparts
  4. In another study, Doctors assessed patients with ED for evidence of sleep disordered breathing. They found that a whopping 91.3% of men with ED also had OSA.
  5. The researchers have stopped short of recommending ED drugs for men with sleep apnea, but they note that using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat sleep apnea can help with erectile dysfunction.

 Making the decision to consult a physician is the first important step, one that unfortunately can still be a difficult one for some men. Men who are struggling with issues related to sexual function should have a sleep study evaluation.

The good news is that treatments for obstructive sleep apnea such as CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, weight loss etc. — are safe and effective and can usually get you back in the game.

If you are struggling with any of the issues discussed in this article, contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center for a consultation and say hello to sleep again.