If you find that your nose and mouth start to “dry out” more as the weather starts to change~even with the use of your heated humidifier, try using a saline nasal spray before putting your CPAP/BiPAP on each night. Over-the counter saline spray solutions are safe to use and can relieve dry nasal passages as cooler weather approaches.
Pasted Graphic 23

Pasted Graphic 21
Pasted Graphic 22

September Newsletter 2010

Pasted Graphic 20
If you were a former client of Dr. Rod Elliott-Mullens before he relocated and are looking for a Physician who is Board Certified in Sleep medicine, please call us-we may be able to help you locate a Physician in your area!


Please let us know if we can help you in any way with your machine or supplies. Our business office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm. Our number is: 210-599-6330 or 830-626-5400.
Our Retail location hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. That number is: 830-626-6606

KEYS TO CPAP/ BIPAP SUCCESS

KEYS TO CPAP/ BIPAP SUCCESS

CPAP is not a quick fix for your problem. It involves a long-term commitment to improve your sleep and your health. Stay in close communication with your Sleep Physician and your Primary Physician.  Ask a lot of questions and seek help when you need it. Use CPAP all night, every night, and for every nap.  You will receive the maximum health benefits from CPAP when you use it every time that you sleep. This will also make it easier for your body to adjust to the treatment. Your adjustment to CPAP will be easier if you are able to connect with others who use the same treatment. Ask your Sleep Specialist if there is a support group in your area for people who have sleep apnea, or look for one on the Internet. Change your mask, tubing and headgear on a routine basis. Put this time in your schedule so that you don't forget to do it. Check and replace the filters for your CPAP unit monthly. After your first month of treatment, continue to make a daily commitment to use your CPAP all night, every night and for every nap. CPAP is a long-term commitment, one that could make a dramatic improvement in your quality of life.

CPAP THERAPY

CPAP THERAPY

Things to Do
When getting a CPAP machine, keep in mind certain things that you will have to do when using it. Fully understand that this is a long-term treatment commitment. When consulting your physician, ask questions and request any advice for using the CPAP device. This will help you fully understand how the machine works and its benefits.

To maximize your benefits, you need to wear the CPAP mask every single time you sleep, for two reasons. First, that will allow your body to adapt quickly to the machine. Second, your sleep will improve.

Things Not to Do
Keep in mind several things NOT to do when using a CPAP machine, things that would complicate your treatment. An ill-fitting mask can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. The most important thing to have is a properly fitting mask. a wide variety of different styles and sizes, are available and it is crucial to choose the best one for you.
The noise of a CPAP device and difficulties getting to sleep are key hurdles, but they should not deter you from using the machine. Newer models often function quietly. It takes several days to get used to a CPAP machine. Just because there are some minor difficulties, that should not keep you from using the machine.

Read more: Best Way - Tips on Using CPAP | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5705842_tips-using-cpap.html#ixzz0raaXpH1r

Pasted Graphic 18Pasted Graphic 19

New CPAP Research

www.wheelchairsetc.net

2660 East Common Street New Braunfels, Texas 78130 210-599-6330 or 830-626-5400Pasted Graphic 16
CPAP Newsletter JUNE 2010

New CPAP Research

By now you have probably already experienced many of the benefits of CPAP therapy such as better sleep patterns, more alertness during the day, improvements in productivity, and decreases in stress levels. In addition to the perceivable results, a recent research study by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has concluded that CPAP machines can also positively impact the nighttime glucose levels of type II diabetics. How? When one has an apneic event, stress hormones are released, hormones that are known to increase glucose levels. Utilizing a CPAP machine helps eliminate these episodes, keeping users' glucose levels constant throughout the night and has been theorized to help with heart functions and the lowering of blood pressure. Diabetics suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who used the machines for just one to three months showed dramatic decreases in their glucose levels, all the while keeping everything else (diet and diabetic treatments) the same. By keeping glucose levels consistently lower diabetic patients are less at risk for eye complications and even death. These advancements indicate a better long-term prognosis for type II diabetic patients suffering from OSA, and demonstrate just a few benefits of CPAP treatment.



Pasted Graphic 17

If you have any questions about CPAP/BiPAP therapy or questions about your equipment, PLEASE don’t hesitate to call us!

Traveling Tips for CPAP users

It does not count towards your carry on bag total since it is medical equipment. There is also much less of a chance of your CPAP machine being lost or damaged. Be sure to include your contact info inside the CPAP bag just in case it gets lost or stolen.
Travel Light
Most CPAPs come with detachable Humidiifiers. While humidifiers crucial in maintaining humidity when continuous pressure is used, you may be able to use a nasal saline spray for a short trip, and leave your humidifier at home. If you DO take your humidifier, make sure the water chamber is emptied out and dry before packing.

Many people have found this CPAP Medical Equipment Carry On Luggage Tag to be helpful. One such as this one may be used.
If Possible, Bring Your Prescription
Bring a copy of your Prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity provided by your physician. While not required, it may be useful in proving your need for the CPAP if ever in question.

Always Carry On Your CPAP Machine.

Carry On Luggage Tag

April 2010 Newsletter

THREE WAYS TO GET MORE FROM YOUR MACHINE

Turn On Special Settings.Most machines offer "ramping" capabilities, which give you the ability to gradually reach your pressure setting instead of starting your air flow on full blast. Additionally, "Auto On / Off" features detect when you remove your mask, and start or stop your air flow accordingly. This means you don't have to turn off your machine when you get up in the middle of the night. If you have trouble finding these settings, contact us.Use a Humidifier.
Humidifiers are a great way to moisten air and protect air passages from drying out. Our machines offer integrated humidifiers. When using a humidifier make sure to always empty the water chamber when you move it to avoid water damage. Using distilled water whenever possible will help prevent build up on the heating plate.Ensure Fresh Air Flow. Always remember to change air filters as instructed in your machine manual for your machine. Just like air or water filters in your home, filters on your machine also need to be changed. Be conscious of air enters your machine and make sure it is not obstructed or dusty. Filters should be changed each month with your tubing and insert.
Check us out on Facebook!!!

We are attempting to put together an informational site on facebook and have a website in the works…
You can log on to facebook and type in Wheelchairs Etc. It should be improving in the next few weeks!

March CPAP newsletter

Pasted Graphic 13

It’s A Nice Month for a Walk…
With the warming of the weather in Texas comes a perfect opportunity to improve your health and your fitness level in just a few minutes a day. Walking is great exercise and has many benefits besides weight loss. Walking can actually help you look better and sleep better!
One of the safest and most effective ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness is by walking.
Walking is an ideal low impact aerobic exercise. If done regularly, it can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, lower total cholesterol, raise healthy HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. It can help maintain healthy bones and muscles, stabilize blood sugar, improve immunity and relieve some of the stress in your life. Thousands have realized the physical and psychological benefits of walking. That’s why walking has become one of the most popular ways to stay fit. Another reason is because it—s inexpensive–– all it takes is a little motivation and a comfortable pair of shoes.
The Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health noted the following benefits of exercise:

February CPAP Newsletter

Pasted Graphic 12


Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." I thought it may be worth looking at how Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular disease are very closely related--even more reason to really put forth an effort to making your CPAP something you use every night! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help with the adjustment to your equipment! Dea Reddell, RRT Wheelchairs Etc.

Using CPAP can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart-related injury!

Happy New Year!

Pasted Graphic 11Pasted Graphic 9Pasted Graphic 10