CPAP Therapy Services
If you’ve been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea,
what’s next?
If your physician suspected you had a sleep disorder, ordered a sleep study
and, then confirmed that you had Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), you may be
asking yourself four important questions:
1. “What caused my OSA?”
2. “How will OSA affect my life?”
3. “Is there a cure.”
4. “What are my treatment options?”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that over 12 million Americans
have Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a life-threatening disorder that causes you
to stop breathing several times in your sleep and you may not even realize
that you have it. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep your oxygen level
lowers and your brain must jolt your body back into a regular breathing pattern.
This strains your heart and nervous system, and may lead to high blood pressure
and a heart attack.
Sleep Apnea also prevents you from getting the quality sleep you need to fully
function in today's busy world. This disorder can cause:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Obesity
(Source: American Sleep Apnea Association)
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are the most effective
type of Sleep Apnea treatment. A CPAP machine works by gently blowing pressurized
room air through the airway at a pressure high enough to keep the throat open.
Many insurance companies require the use of a CPAP machine before Sleep Apnea
surgery.
Cause and Affect of OSA
OSA is caused by fatty tissue or abnormalities in or around the nasal/airway
passage, a decrease in the tone of the muscles that hold the airway open,
and/or the tongue falling back and closing off the airway.
The affect is similar regardless of the cause. Your airflow is restricted
when you sleep and often blocked, preventing normal breathing.
Living with OSA
OSA is a disorder in which complete or partial obstruction of the airway during
sleep cause loud snoring and frequent awakenings, resulting in unrestful sleep
and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Left untreated, OSA may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease/attack,
stroke and motor vehicle/work accidents. Additionally, OSA patients often
have depression, mood changes, impaired memory function, irritability and
poor concentration, which lead to a decreased quality of life.
However, when properly treated for OSA, the quality of your life improves
dramatically, as well as your overall health and happiness.
For many, OSA is a manageable condition and you can lead a normal life.
Weight Gain
Causes of OSA can vary. Most have developed OSA due to weight gain that has
increased fatty tissue around their airway. Losing weight may reduce the fatty
tissue and may eliminate the OSA. However, most OSA patients lack the energy
and positive mindset that is needed to begin a rigorous diet and exercise
program. For those who ultimately want to lose the weight, they may be interested
in an intervention program that enables sleep, restores energy and allows
the person to begin a weight management program that includes diet and exercise.
Nasal or Oral Obstructions/Abnormalities
Others may have OSA due to one of several abnormalities, such as:
• Deviated Septum
• Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids
• Excessive Fatty Tissue in Upper/Back Palette or Surrounding Airway
• Problematic Overbite or Underbite
• Enlarged Tongue
For those with nasal or oral-induced OSA, your physician may recommend surgery
or a dental appliance to correct the problem.
Treatment Outcomes with CPAP or Bi-Level Therapy
Air pressure therapy treats OSA by providing a gentle flow of positive air
pressure through your airway to keep the airway open during sleep. When the
airway is kept open during sleep, your breathing becomes regular, snoring
stops, restful sleep is restored, quality of life is improved and the risk
for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and accidents
are reduced.
Selecting Your CPAP/Bi-Level Device Provider
There are a number of companies that your doctor can recommend. CPAP requires
a doctor’s prescription.
Fast Facts About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Durable Medical Equipment Companies
The durable medical equipment companies listed below can arrange for CPAP
equipment, provided that you and your physician feel that it is the correct
treatment. Some of these companies have several locations, and some will deliver
supplies to your home. Most insurance companies rent CPAP or similar equipment
for you, for several months before purchase. Please discuss charges and your
insurance coverage with the home health care company you choose:
In Maryland and Northern Virginia, Greater Washington Sleep Disorders Centers
is affiliated with
SleepMed Therapy Services as our DME provider of choice. Through SleepMed
Therapy Services CPAP set up is provided quickly at 8 of our locations, often
this can be coordinated to be done directly after you have seen one of our
sleep specialists in consult as a therapist from SleepMed Therapy Services
will usually be available to deliver your CPAP machine, mask, and other supplies
at that time.
To learn more about SleepMed Therapy Services follow their link to
Link to http://www.sleepmed.md/page/1903
or call them at 1-800-644-5779.
Coordinated services for patient set up are provided in Frederick, Rockville,
Bethesda, Greenbelt, Lanham, Fairfax, Reston and Leesburg at this time.
Your physician or insurance company may have other DME companies that they
prefer or participate exclusively with and may recommend accordingly. There
is also extensive information available on line that may assist in helping
you to make a decision that is right for you.