Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Home sleep study testing tips

If you are scheduled to do a home sleep study with the Cadwell Apnea Trak, we recommend watching the informational You Tube video prior to your test (see link below).  We do not size the band for you.  Please take the time to adjust the band (belt) so it fits comfortably around your chest.  Also, you will be required to POWER on the device.  This is not pre-set for you.

Take a moment to watch the attached video (link) for instructions on applying the sensors for the test.

https://vimeo.com/434494361


General Questions and Answers about Philips’ Recall

Please click here:  Questions and Answers about Philips’ Recall


Philips Recall and What You Need To Do

Philips will provide further information regarding warranty replacement procedures during this issue when it is available.  Please begin the Registration Process by clicking here: Register Your Recalled Device  to register the serial number of your device and to begin a claim if your machine is affected.

 


Philips/Respironics Recall Information June 2021

Philips has recalled a majority of the first-generation Dreamstation products issued prior to April 2021 due to risks involved from polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam components which may degrade into particles that may enter the airway, ingested or inhaled when using your sleep apnea device.  In addition, the use of ozone cleaning machines (So Clean) may worsen this degradation.  Dr. Polito and the staff of the The Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic just learned of this recall and will try to post up-to-date information for you as we determine what can be done to remedy the issue.

Please refer to Philips’ website as well for more information:  Philips Recall Update

 

 


Mitigation strategies taken by the Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic in light of COVID-19

The Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic is currently open and providing in-lab polysomnograms.  Rest assured that staff has been following strict procedures for infection control in light of COVID-19.  All reusable medical equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer’s instructions and CDC recommendations for disinfection.  Routing cleaning is performed on frequenty touched surfaces and objects using hospital-grade disinfectants.   Technologists are equipped with personal protective equipment such as goggles, face shields and gloves.


Virtual Home Sleep Study Instruction

If you have postponed your home sleep study (HST) due to Covid-19, you may want to reconsider scheduling the test. On our home page, you will find a YouTube video link showing you how you will attach the home sleep study sensors for the test. Instead of coming in to the lab to meet with the technologist for instruction, you may do this in the privacy of your own home. However, you will need to pick up the equipment at the Santa Barbara Sleep Clinic office and return it the following day. Please call Laurie at (805) 681-7378 for additional information.


FAQs on Traveling with your PAP Machine

What if your CPAP machine is being checked for explosives?

If your CPAP machine is going to be checked for explosives, you can ask a TSA official to use a new pair of gloves and a new swab to examine the device for explosives. Sometimes CPAP machines need to be closely examined due to the fact that X-ray scanners can’t always get a clear image of your CPAP device.

What if you need to use your CPAP device in-flight?

We recommend that you check with the airlines you plan on traveling with prior to boarding. Every airline has their own rules and requirements, and some aircraft models have power options while others don’t. Check to see if you might need to bring some extra cables, plug adapters, or even a battery pack to travel with your CPAP machine.

Conclusion

Traveling with a CPAP machine doesn’t have to be difficult if you properly prepare your patients beforehand. Sharing these tips with your patients prior to traveling will help increase CPAP compliance rates among patients who frequently travel.

To learn more about helping CPAP patients, download our free ebook “Increasing PAP Adherence” and gain insight on increasing PAP adherence rates within your sleep center.


Tips for Traveling with your PAP Machine

According to the TSA Blog, officers are used to dealing with CPAP machine screenings on a regular basis and recommend the following:

Put your CPAP machine inside the baggage you plan on checking in

TSA officials recommend that those flying with checked bags to put their CPAP device inside the baggage to be checked to reduce the possibility that their baggage is misplaced.

However, those who would rather have their CPAP machine with them can do so  without worrying about extra carry on item concerns, especially since CPAP machines count as a medical equipment and do not count towards your personal carry-on item limit.

If you bring your CPAP machine in a carry on bag, consider bringing a plastic bag

Since it’s crucial that CPAP machines are in the cleanliest environment at all times, TSA agents actually advise against plopping a CPAP machine in an X-ray bin that might be unsanitary, especially since the machine will need to come out of its case to be examined properly.  It’s recommended to bring a clear plastic bag to put your CPAP machine in so it can go in the X-ray bin that passes through the security check point.

Consider using a travel-friendly CPAP device

We know that some CPAP devices can be heavy to carry around; that’s why we recommend those expecting this discomfort to travel with a light weight, travel-friendly CPAP device that works well for home use. Consult with your patient prior to their trip about obtaining a CPAP device that works best for their traveling needs.


Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease

During an episode of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) where the upper airway collapses, the oxygen level in your blood decreases (hypoxia).  This is terminated by a sudden arousal or awakening from sleep at which time the oxygen level normalizes. This cyclic decrease in blood oxygen level followed by deoxygenation is a result of increased sympathetic activity in the body.   Think ‘flight or fight response’.  During this episode of increased activity, the heart rate increases, glucose increases, adrenal glands release norepinephrine and epinephrine among other changes.  This is non balanced state.  OSA causes increased sympathetic activity which has been proposed as a mechanism behind inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that with PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, reduced sympathetic activity occurs and inflammation decreases which may decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.


Obesity and Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Have you ever wondered why patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may also be overweight?  OSA is present in approximately 40% of obese individuals and about 70% of OSA patients are obese.  Could it because their sleep is fragmented frequently at night due to upper airway collapse causing the brain to ‘arouse’ to breath thus causing daytime sleepiness?  Maybe?  Or are there other mechanisms behind this?

Frequent sleep fragmentation due to OSA as well as sleep restriction disturbs many processes in the body.   In particular, levels of our hunger hormone (ghrelin) increases.   Increased ghrelin levels will stimulate appetite.  In addition, levels of leptin (a protein produced in fat cells) decrease.  The primary function of leptin is to send a signal to the brain when you are full.    Since leptin levels are low, the brain will not get the signal that you are full.  This will cause you to eat more.  These 2 processes working against each other will lead to obesity.

The good news is that effective treatment with Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) will normalize these levels.