Hey everyone! My name is Brittany and I am your new Respiratory Therapist here at Byrd-Watson Medical Downtown. Today, I want to talk to our customers about CPAPs.
First and foremost, I would like you to understand the process of getting a CPAP. First, you will visit your doctor and go through the motions of a sleep study. Once you have had the sleep study and the doctor has read it, if you are positive for sleep apnea, we will get a prescription from you doctor for a CPAP machine. Once we have the doctor’s orders, it can take a few days to get the right information together, and then I am more than happy to set you up on your new CPAP machine! Our priority during your set up appointment is that you leave comfortable with all the information you have received and that your mask fits well.
Next, let’s talk about compliance. Initial compliance on your CPAP machine is very important for several reasons – most importantly it is for your health and safety. If you are positive for sleep apnea and you do not comply with your doctor’s prescribed CPAP use you are risking hypertension, heart disease, high blood pressure, and possibly even Alzheimer’s Disease. Another reason is that you must reach compliance within a certain time frame is for your insurance, which will only cover a CPAP being used as it is prescribed. Having a CPAP can take some time to get used to and my biggest advice is to not give up! I have had so many patients try and try, and once they get used to it, they state they have never slept better and wake up feeling so refreshed.
Lastly, I want to remind you to keep your CPAP clean. Aside from using the CPAP machine regularly, this is one of the most important things to remember. Always remember to get your new supplies when you are due for them so you are using fresh, clean pieces. Daily or weekly cleaning can include use of warm soapy water, a SoClean Machine, or a Lumin Machine (both machines make wonderful Christmas gifts).
If you have sleep apnea and you have any questions about your machine or mask, please feel free to call our store and ask for me, and I will help you to the best of my ability. Thank you!
Article by Brittany Murray, CRT // Respiratory Therapist at Byrd-Watson Medical Downtown
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