SLEEP SUPPLY

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax to the point of collapse, restricting airflow. This causes breathing to become shallow and even stop for seconds or minutes at a time, depriving the brain and body of oxygen. The lack of deep sleep can cause significant fatigue and elevate the risk for serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

What happens when you have sleep apnea?

1. Air Stops Flowing: An apnea event is when air stops flowing to your lungs for ten seconds or longer, meaning you stop breathing.
2. Brain Sends Signal: Your brain sends a signal to your body to wake up and take a breath. You take a breath and fall back asleep, typically without even realizing you are awake.
3. The Cycle Repeats: These apnea events can occur hundreds of times a night unless treated.

What are the three types of sleep apnea?

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): When air can’t flow into or out of the nose or mouth due to obstruction in the airway, even though efforts to breath continue.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): When the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles to start breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea: A mix of symptoms found in both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

What are common terms when discussing sleep apnea?

• Apnea: When you stop breathing during sleep. For OSA it’s when the entire airway is blocked, preventing air from entering the lungs.
• Hypopnea: A reduction in airflow by 30% as well as a 3% or greater fall in the blood oxygen level during sleep.
• AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index): The severity of sleep apnea is measured by the average number of times per hour someone had an apnea or hypopnea while they slept. 5-15 times per hour being mild, 15-30 being moderate, and 30 or greater being severe.

Why Choose Us?

While many people enjoy the convenience of shopping online, there are significant advantages to the personalized experience offered at ENT Sleep Supplies for your sleep apnea needs.

• One-on-one consultations.  Customized fittings during CPAP setup and mask appointments.
• Direct phone line. No need to deal with call centers, calling cues, and lengthy holds when you have a question or experience an issue.
• Knowledgeable staff.  Able to answer your questions about CPAP therapy including mask, machine, and/or usage issues.
• Personal experience. As a CPAP user for over 10 years, our Sleep Supply manager has tried most of the masks that are available. Going through the same common struggles with masks and getting used to the positive pressure after starting CPAP therapy, allows him to relate and offer realistic expectations for new user.
• Only CPAP machines and supplies. No need to worry about other DME equipment, our focus is solely on getting you set up with the right sleep apnea machine for your personal needs.
• Convenient location. Not only are we located conveniently off I-80, but you can also coordinate appointments if seen by other departments at our office.

What To Expect At Your Visit?

• Review your physician’s prescription and ensure we have the correct type of therapy device.
• Review your sleep study results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
• Review payment options and financial responsibility. Since insurance coverage varies from policy to policy, we will go over your specific insurance coverage for CPAP therapy and equipment costs compared and will review self-pay options.
• Review of 2-year warranty on new CPAP machines.
• Demonstration of how to set up and use CPAP machine, including patient comfort options, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Mask fitting and demonstration of use and cleaning of mask. There are multiple types and options of masks such as the nasal mask, nasal pillows mask, and full-face mask.  These mask options will be reviewed, and any questions will be answered.
• Review of resupply process.
• Review of MyAir and remote therapy data collection for your physician.

What Happens Next?

• Schedule follow up with physician if not already scheduled. Typically, these appointments occur 1-3 months after your initial setup.
• If there are persistent mask leaks or comfort issues, you are free to try a different type of mask. Each equipment company has a 30-day mask guarantee that allows you to try a new mask free of charge as long as it is within 30 days of your initial setup appointment.
• Resupply schedule and cost of new supplies will be reviewed.
• New supplies can be picked up from our office or shipped directly to your house.