WHAT’S NEW AT THE 7th ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR
A packed crowd found their way through the John Muir Medical Center construction maze to the Ball Auditorium for the 7th Annual Vendor Fair. Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, Covidien and the Contra Costa Sleep Center were represented. Res Med was unable to make it this year. Matt Chirco, Oxygen Plus’s owner, served as Master of Ceremonies and each of the vendors present spoke to the support group in turn. Here’s what is brand new in the Sleep Apnea equipment and supplies field.
Peter Tschernenko of Covidien
Covidien (a reorganization of Puritan-Bennett) presented their Sandman InfoTM CPAP device. At 6.9” wide by 7.5” deep and 4.7” high it is one of the smallest machines on the market. At 2.2 lbs (2.6 lbs with humidifier it is also one of the lightest. Capable of running on 100-240v and either 50 or 60 cycles and 12v battery it is perfect for the traveler and camper. It was very quiet too! To learn more about the Sandman InfoTM and the rest of Covidien’s Sleep Apnea products go to: www.covidien.com
Covidien’s “Sandman Info”
FISHER & PAYKEL
Rochelle Tracey of Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel’s full line of products for the Sleep Apnea has been augmented with the new Opus Nasal Pillow Mask shown on their three-headed man (below).
The Opus mask allows freedom to move to almost any sleeping position. To learn more about the Opus and FlexiFitTM line of mask, and their Sleep StyleTM 600 series of CPAP machines with ThermoSmartⓇ technology go to their website at: info@fphcare.com
RESPIRONICS
Doug Lockwood of Respironics
Respironics has introduced to their Flex Family technology A-FlexTM which provides the benefits of variable exhalation and inhalation pressures. Combined with an REMstar Auto M Series machine and their OptiLifeTM mask into a package called System OneTM. The REMstar M series CPAP machine is a compact package (7.5″L x 5.0″W x 3.1″ H), uses 100-240v or 12v battery, has an integrated heated humidifier and weighs only 2.2 lbs.
Respironics REMstar M Series
If you would like more information on any go to: www.respironics.com Respironics also distributed a pamphlet, “I have Sleep Apnea NOW WHAT?” which provides a wealth of information for both new and seasoned CPAP users. If you would like a copy call 800 345 6443 and ask them to get them a copy. #1045015 or: http://www3.respironics.com/customer_service/mktglibrary/mrl_new/images/1045015NowWhatCanadaEN.pdf
QUICKER DIAGNOSIS THAN A SLEEP STUDY!
The spring 2008 issue of the “WAKEUP CALL”, the newsletter of the American Sleep Apnea Association, quotes an unnamed Doctor as saying, “most of the time Doctors don’t really need a sleep study of any sort – they can look around their waiting room and pick out the people with sleep apnea. They’re the ones who, rather than impatiently leafing through an old magazine or talking on a cell phone, are taking a nap!” If this is you then you are a candidate for a sleep study.
THE PHYSICIAN’S CORNER
by Harry J MacDannald MD
1981, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was discovered as a revolutionary new treatment for sleep apnea syndrome by an Australian physician, Dr. Colin E. Sullivan. In 1985, CPAP was introduced into the United States for patient use. Prior to that time the only effective treatment in the U.S. was surgical tracheostomy, which bypassed the blockage in the back of the throat due to airway collapse and tongue blockage.
In the last 23 years there has been remarkable improvement in CPAP machines, masks and accessories. Over this time there has also, been remarkable improvement in the diagnosis, evaluation, and our understanding of sleep disorders.
Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the treatment of choice for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is also effective in milder cases of OSA. PAP has been shown to improve daytime sleepiness and related symptoms. Clearly, PAP technology has greatly improved the quality of life of millions of people suffering from sleep apnea. Unfortunately, not all patients with OSA are able to realize the benefits of PAP because of physical, technical or personal reasons. Listed below are some common issues that patients are challenged by. Most of these can be overcome with help of the treating physician, the medical equipment company or by special selection of accessories and/or treatments.
Mask Problems
Air leaks – proper mask fitting and initialeducation
Noise – may need to change mask type
Skin breakdown – proper tightening, skin barriers, mask selection Unintended mask removal during the night – low pressure alarm, education
Nasal Symptoms
Congestion & obstruction –humidification, nasal sprays, mask selection
Nose Bleeds or pain – humidification,saline sprays
Runny nose – medicated spray e.g.Atrovent, humidification
Other
Mouth leaks & dryness – humidification,treat nasal congestion, chin straps, fullmask
Claustrophobia – desensitization to minimal type mask
Machine noise – placement of PAP machine in bedroom, use longer tubing
Night time disconnects – learn techniques for minimal changes for bathroom calls
Pressure intolerance – change pressure, auto-CPAP, Bilevel PAP, elevate head of bed
Reporting symptoms back to physician – there can be other undiagnosed problems
Data downloads – monitoring of therapy
Ultimately, the patient and his/her family have to ask for help whenever they need it to achieve success in treating the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. It takes commitment, resourcefulness, self awareness, and ongoing follow-up with your doctor as things can and do change with time.