-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 12:35 AM
To:
joe@cpapman.com
Subject: GoodKnight 418 System
I'm a long time sufferer from sleep apnea. For years, I've geen using
the
Good Knight 418 system. Lately however, I seem to be having problems
with it,
as the mask has become quite derteriorated and it seems as
though the
pressure is too high. causing severe burning and discomfort
in my throat and
ears when I try to use it. Is there a way that I can
readjust the pressure on
the system and also to see about perhaps
getting a replacement mask? Any help
would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Robert
-----Reply-----
Robert:
Thanks for the inquiry.
Most likely you are suffering from nasal airway dryness and need a heated
humidifier. What you describe is one of the main symptoms indicating the need
for heated humidification. There is a 95% chance that will solve eliminate your
symptoms and correct the situation.
Masks should be change about every year. They do tend to wear out and
deteriorate with time. We have just about every mask available in stock and can
ship immediately. My philosophy is that, "if it is work for you, don't change."
If you will let me know which mask you are using then I can quote you a price.
If you don't know, give me a call and I will figure out which one you have and
go from there.
If you have other questions please feel free to ask them.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 8:51 AM
To: joe@cpapman.com
Subject:
CPAP Info
Hi,
I read your description if how CPAP controls sleep apnea. Can you suggest a
reference that explains more details, e.g., relationship of CPAP and breathing
airflows, does CPAP just build up a pressure, but not move air after the
pressure is initially built up, or is there always CPAP air flow?
Thanks,
Steve
----------
Steve:
Thanks for the inquiry.
A CPAP machine does two things
creates pressure and airflow. The pressure is to open the upper airway. The
airflow is so that you have air to breathe.
By using a nasal interface,
the entire airway, from the intake of the machine to the exhalation port on the
interface, is sealed so that we can regulate the pressure. It is the pressure
that moves the tissue and opens the airway. It serves as a pneumatic splint.
With the airway open you can breathe normally. The CPAP unit is designed to
produce pressure first, then airflow. The impellers of the unit will always
produce sufficient airflow for you to breathe normally.
If you have other
questions please feel free to ask
them.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 12:05
PM
To: info@cpapman.com
Subject: looking for hose insulator
I'm a new CPAP user and have a couple of questions. I wonder if you have
thoughts on these, or can suggest where I might find information and
advice.
I have been using 2 interfaces. One is a Resmed Mirage Activa
nasal mask. It is reasonably comfortable, but I awake four or five times a night
to scratch at an itch on my nose or cheek, or I pull it off in my sleep.
So, then I bought a Respironics complete seal nasal mask with the direct
seal cushion. I am experiencing moisture going up my nose, which I gather comes
from condensation. I'm not finding a hose insulator sleeve on your website. Do
you sell one? Can you send me the link for looking at it on your website, and
also how much it costs? I use a Respironics cflex cpap machine, which has a
heated humidifier. Is it possible that the heat is not set to a high enough
temparature?
I think all in all I'm happier with the Respironics
complete seal nasal mask.
I'm a new CPAP user and I really appreciate your
thoughts. Thanks.
David
---------------------
David:
Thanks for the inquiry.
I think that if you use a double
insulated sleeve on the tubing it will take care of the condensation problem. It
usually does. For a 6 foot hose they are $18.99. It will work on and 22 mm
tubing. We make them in just about any length.
I generally recommend that
you use the heat turned as high as possible. That seems to do more good than low
or moderate settings. You can find the sleeves at
http://www.cpapman.com/slv.html or, from our home page, click on the link titled
"Tubing Insulation Sleeves."
Regarding the itching and scratching: I
would recommend either the ComfortLite, which you have; the Adams Circuit Nasal
pillows with the CONJO Custom Headgear, which is superior to just about anything
else; or one of the other nasal pillow type interfaces. That way you can get to
your nose to scratch it. This sensation will subside after you acclimate to the
system.
Some people go through a period when they take their interface
off during their sleep period. Not quite sure why but I think it is tied to the
unusual feeling for having something on your face that is not comfortable.
Usually this will stop after a few week or when you get the interface adjusted
so that it is comfortable or you get an interface that is comfortable.
If you have other questions please feel free to ask
them.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 5:38 PM
To: joe@cpapman.com
Subject:
FW: OSA
Hello Sir/Ma'am....
My question relates to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. With cases of Mild-Server
OSA, can a person's condition become worsened by their environment.
With my
limited knowledge of OSA and what doctors have disclosed. Physicians have
stated, that there is no way to determine when a individual actually developed
the illness.
However, my question fall in the area which encompasses the
whole subject. One part which concerns me the most, which I have failed to find
the answered is:
Is there concert or any other information available to
support environmental effects, as they pertain to sleep deprivation/combat
fatigue. Can a person's environmental condition aggravate or exacerbated the
disorder. "Example; can a lack of sleep in a combat environment, which causes
for a lack of sleep... worsen this disorder?" Again....I.e.: Can more snoring
than usual relating to combat fatigue. Resulting in more stress on the muscles
in the throat, nose and mouth. Thus, Increase, aggravate or exacerbate the sleep
disorder.
Please advise or point me in an area that I might be able to obtain
this information.
Very Respectfully,
Concern
patient....
-------------REPLY----------------
Nelson:
I don't know the answer to your question. All I can do is share with you my
knowledge and experience.
First off, the body requires 8 hours of restful sleep every 24 hour period.
Anything that interrupts or limits or fragments that restful sleep causes sleep
deprevation and the body reacts accordingly. It is not going to function to its
fullest potential. Consequently, you are going to experience fatigue, excessive
daytime sleepiness or any number of other adnormal events.
Certainly, some enviromental conditions, such as combat, can cause fragmented
sleep. Because of the effect on your body, you will not perform at as high a
level. Your error rate will increase significantly. Even though you have been
trained to react and respond in certain ways, your judgment will be impaired and
your reaction time slowed, significantly.
OSA can not be pin-pointed to a start date. When you realize that you have a
problem that need attention, you have probably been suffering for 20 years or
more. OSA is not something that comes on suddenly.
Snoring is the prime symptom of OSA. It is caused by the narrowing of the
upper airway wherein the soft pharyngal tissue begins to sag, narrowing the
calibar of the airway. The incoming air increases in velocity causing the
tissure to ripple or vibrate, causing the snoring sound. It is amplified by the
additional vibration of the uvula and soft palat.
Fatigue can cause your body to go into the deeper stages of sleep and REM
sleep quicker. The deeper the stage of sleep, the narrower the upper airway
gets. The narrower the upper airway get, the louder the snoring. At some point
the smaller calibar of the upper airway limits the amount of air that you can
get to your lungs. With the decreased volume of air in your lungs the less
oxygen you have to exchange for the carbon dioxide in your blood stream. This
leads to an increased blood pressure and higher heart rate to push more blood to
the brain and body. This in turn can cause fatigue of the muscles and cause the
brain cells to die off simply because the brain is not getting enough blood to
function properly.
I think you can see the merry-go-round effect that snoring and OSA has on
your system. The most immediate result is fatigue and excessive daytime
sleepiness. The long term results can be heart attacks, strokes, diabetes,
disorientation, forgetfulness, and the list goes on.
I would suggest that your go to http://aasmnet.org. This is the web site of
the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. I think they can provide you with
documentation or at least research studies that will back up what I have
said.
If you have other questions please feel free to ask them.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 12:54
PM
To: info@cpapman.com
Subject: CPAP recommendation
Hello CPAPMAN,
I am in the market for a new cpap, any recommendations?
Know any websites that have review and comparison charts? Too many to choose
from. Could use your advice.
thanks
frank
----------REPLY----------
Frank:
Before I can recommend a CPAP for you I need to know more
information. Please understand, you are not buying something like a car or
vacuum cleaner. You are purchasing a piece of equipment that is going to change
your like. What I look for is a machine that meets your therapy needs and well
as your life style needs. The features and the specifications of each machine is
show on our web site. The most important part of the system is the nasal
interface, not the machine.
Here are the questions I need answers
to:
1. What pressure has your physician indicated that you
need?
2. What is your apnea/hypopnea index (AHI or RDI) score?
3.
Do you travel frequently? If so, how often?
4. When you travel is it by
airplane, RV, Auto or some other mode of travel?
5. When you travel do
you go to a lot of different elevations?
6. When you travel is it mostly
domestic or international travel or both?
7. If you have a bed partner is
that individual sound sensitive?
8. Are you allergic to vinyl, latex,
silicone rubber or neoprene?
9. Is temperature in the room you sleep in
below or above 65 degrees?
10. What state do you live in?
Answers
to these questions will help me recommend a machine that will meet your therapy
needs as well as your life style needs.
Thanks
--Joe--
---------------------------------------------------------------
-----Original
Message-----
Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2004 8:38 PM
To:
info@cpapman.com
Subject: snoring problem
Hi,
I snore when I sleep, but I don't have sleep apnea. Can I use Puritan
Bennett's Adams Circuit Chin Strap to help me close my mouth and hopefully stop
the snoring?
Thanks!
Hong
----------REPLY----------
Hong:
Thanks for the inquiry.
That isn't going to stop you from snoring. It may stop the sound of snoring
but the upper airway is still going to partially collapse and cause the tissue
to vibrate, which is snoring in the medical sense.
When the upper airway partially collapses it limits the air flow into your
lungs and you don't have the volume of air in your lungs to properly exchange
the carbon dioxide in your blood stream for the oxygen in the air flow. That can
cause a lowering of the oxygen saturation in the blood system which in turn
causes your heart to beat faster and pump more blood. When that happens you
increase the potential for a heart attack or stroke.
You would be best served to have a sleep study and take care of the problem
properly.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2004 8:25
PM
To: info@cpapman.com
Subject: Cleaning Instructions for Velocity
Passover Humidifer
HI! I have been using your Velocity Passover Humidifier with my BiPap machine
for over a year now. Lately I have noticed a mildew-type odor and small dark
spots inside the unit. I have always used vinegar and water to clean it at least
once a week. Is there something else I could try? Thank you in advance.
Francine
----------REPLY----------
Francine:
Thanks for the inquiry.
I would suggest a 10% chlorine bleach 90% water solution and soaking it for
about 10 minutes. Follow that by thoroughly rinsing with one part vinegar and 3
parts waters solution. Follow that by thoroughly rinsing with luke warm water.
When you think it is rinsed out as good as it can be, do it one more time. That
should do the job.
If you have other questions please feel free to ask them.
Thanks
--Joe--
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-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 5:40
PM
To: info@cpapman.com
Subject: chin straps etc.
Hi, I am supposed to use a cpap machine at a setting
of eight but I really
don't. Do you have anything
that would help a bit, maybe a strap to
prevent
snoring? If so, what is the best strap to prevent
mouth breathing?
I am not going to also use machine.
Chin strips? What really works well?
Thanks
Ken
----------REPLY----------
Ken:
Thanks for the inquiry.
A chin strap probably won't do you any good. First off, it is not going to
stop the snoring nor is it going to stop the loss of air flow to your lungs.
Snoring is the primary symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. By not using the
machine you are setting your self up for a heart attack or a stroke or both.
I've been doing this for over 16 years. I have seen hundreds of people with
your same attitude that ruined their life and their family's life because they
didn't want to use the machine. I've been on a machine for over 14 years I feel
very good that I know that I am doing all that I can to prevent a heart attack
or be trapped in my body by a stroke. I'm 67 years old and I look forward to the
next 20 years.
Put your pride and machoism behind you and protect the rest of your life.
Thanks
--Joe--
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