Overview of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

• 70 million Americans are victims of OSA

• Less than 10% have been tested according to American Academy Of Sleep Medicine
• Millions more are predisposed & have a high risk of developing this illness
• 50% of adult males breathing is abnormal during sleep

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA afflicts 70 million adult men & women in the U.S. People who have OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep because the airway collapses. Airway collapse may be due to such factors as a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway, or decreased muscle tone holding the airway open. As a result, air is, prevented from getting into the lungs.

These pauses in breathing can happen 100 times or more per hour and can last up to 2 minutes each time. When healthily sleep is interrupted in this way, it puts a strain on the heart & can lead to a number of serious health conditions (Hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, & Stroke) that can result from OSA if left untreated.

How do I know if I have OSA?

OSA can occur in men & women of all ages & sizes. Most people who have OSA do not realize they suffer from condition. Often, it is someone else who witnesses the first signs of OSA.

If you or someone you know snores regularly & has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be OSA.

CARDINAL SYMPTOMS OF OSA

• Fatigue or Daytime sleepiness

• Loud snoring followed by brief periods of silence or Choking sounds.
• Obesity or High blood pressure
• Small jaw or Thick neck (17 or > neck size)
• Restless sleep or Depressed mood
• Snorting, Gasping, or Choking during sleep

OTHER SYMPTOMS NOT AS COMMONLY REPORTED INCLUDE

• Feeling that sleep is strangely unrefreshing

• Severe grogginess & confusion upon wakening or difficult concentrating
• A dry mouth upon wakening
• Excessive perspiration during sleep
• Morning headaches or Heartburn
• Change in personality or Memory lapses
• Frequent nocturnal urination (NOCTURIA)

What happens if I have OSA & I don’t treat it properly?

People who do not seek diagnosis & effective treatment for OSA can be at risk for:

• High blood pressure

• Irregular heart rhythms or heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Increased likelihood of driving or work-related accidents
• Decrease productivity
• Increase absenteeism

The cost of OSA Non-Diagnosis

• National Commission on Sleep Disorders Study report that 90% of undiagnosed OSA victims increase the dollar cost of health care

• Untreated OSA victims incur more than twice the health care resources
• Development of other diseases, health risks & personal agony
• U.S. National Commission on Sleep Disorders in the public transportation sector, sleep related accidents cost $726 million
• Reduced productivity, absenteeism & premature deaths

How is OSA Diagnosed?

• Discuss sleep complaints & symptoms with your physician

• If OSA is suspected, your primary care physician will refer you to a sleep specialist for evaluation
• An overnight diagnostic home sleep study can be completed in the comfort of your home to determine the severity of OSA, as well as appropriate treatment

What is the treatment for OSA?

• Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment of choice for OSA

• PAP therapy provided a gentle flow of air pressure through your nose using a mask or pillows
• The air pressure prevents airway collapse, allowing you to breathe freely while you sleep
• PAP therapy is noninvasive & can alleviate the symptoms of OSA used as prescribed

CPAP - The Treatment of Choice

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used PAP therapy

• CPAP provides a continuous stream of air pressure to keep your airway open
• Some CPAP systems feature C-Flex or EPR which lowers the pressure slightly as you begin to exhale for added comfort.

Alternative Treatments

• Bi-level or BiPAP may be prescribed for severe cases of OSA

• Auto-PAP ( auto-adjusting CPAP or BiPAP adjusts the pressure as you sleep according to your needs
• Surgery

What are the benefits of regular treatment?

• Regular use of PAP therapy can minimize the impact of OSA.

• Increase energy & attentiveness
• Lower blood pressure
• Decrease risk of strokes & heart attacks
• Increase effectiveness at home & productivity at work
• Improve overall quality of life

Keys to Effective Treatment for OSA

• During the initial weeks of therapy, you may encounter problems adjusting to the therapy. The problems are easy to correct if communicated to Home Sleep Solutions, Inc, Respiratory Care Practitioners.

Mask Discomfort

• Red marks- loosen the headgear

• Mask leaks- adjust the headgear until the leak stops
• Difficulty with fitting properly- adjust the headgear, or call the Respiratory Care Practitioner from Home Sleep Solutions, Inc for another size or type of mask

Discomfort with Nose & Mouth

• Should resolve over time. If it doesn’t try these suggestions:

• Drink plenty of water
• Use saline nasal spray or try nasal decongestants
• Ask Home Sleep Solutions, Inc to add a humidifier to your PAP device
• Ask Home Sleep Solutions, Inc for a chin strap

Discomfort with Airway Pressure

• Comfort setting, such as a ramp, c-flex, or EPR may help you adapt to the pressure.

• Home Sleep Solutions, Inc. uses equipment that have these type of setting included in PAP devices.

Living with OSA

• It is important to be an active participant in your care, & focus on the benefits of treatment. PAP therapy is a treatment, not a cure.

• Use your therapy device each & every night, even if you travel. OSA will return on nights when PAP therapy is not used.
• Be patient & persistent while you adjust to PAP therapy.
• Talk to your physician or us at Home Sleep Solutions, Inc. about any issues or side effects you may encounter.
• Seek support from loved ones, local support groups, or internet resources.
• Consider lifestyle changes, such as weight loss (if needed), good sleep practices, & avoidance of alcohol, sedatives & hypnotics.

IMPORTANT

If signs or symptoms of OSA return after you start to use PAP therapy, contact your physician to discuss your treatment.