Classic Sleepcare CPAP Q&A

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For Patients

Here are our best answers to the most frequently asked questions.

	A: CSC is a specialized provider of patient care and a supplier of durable medical equipment (DME) for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As a specialized distributor, we offer a full range of CPAP and BiPAP machines and associated supplies, as well as on-going patient care for integrated positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
	A: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. It affects the daily lives and health of many people around the world who cannot enjoy a good night sleep for long periods of time.
	A: Although a very low level of obstructive sleep apnea is considered to be within the bounds of normal sleep, it is very important to diagnose OSA as soon as it occurs. Key signs and symptoms include: excessive daytime sleepiness; loud or disruptive snoring; and gasping or choking during sleep.
	A: People who do not seek diagnosis and effective treatment for OSA can be at risk for a range of side effects including a range serious health conditions and a detrimental effect on the your quality of life (because of the effects of sleep deprivation): high blood pressure; irregular heart rhythms or heart disease; heart attack; stroke; and increased likelihood of driving or work-related accidents.
	A: Your first step in diagnosing sleep apnea should be to discuss sleep complaints and symptoms with your doctor. If a sleep disorder is suspected, your doctor will refer you to a sleep specialist for evaluation. A sleep disorder test (an overnight diagnostic sleep study known as a polysomnogram, or PSG) is conducted by a sleep specialist at a sleep clinic. The sleep test is used to determine the type and severity of the apnea.
	A: The premier thing that makes us so special is our focus on patient care rather than selling DME, the fact that we only work with sleep apnea patients (other DME companies focus on selling all kinds of DME equipment including scooters, wheel chairs, beds, oxygen and so on without the capability to deliver real and on-going patient care and support), our strong reputation and our extensive professional knowledge. Part of our uniqueness stems from being a market leader in the effective treatment of sleep apnea, which brings a value-added component to our services. Understanding each patient's unique requirements, we provide the timely set-up of our patients on their equipment, including training, education and ongoing assistance.
	A: Start with a visit to your GP who will refer you to am sleep specialist if you are OSA symptomatic. After being diagnosed you need to do nothing if your doctor already refers patients to us. If that is not the case insist that your CPAP/BiPAP setup is delivered by Classic Sleepcare! You may also contact us directly. Once we receive your prescription we will call you to set an appointment. One of our respiratory therapists will set you up and train you in the use and care of your machine in your home or at your doctor's office. After the initial training and educating, we follow through with our Circle of Care^TM support program.
	A: Our Patient Care team consists of highly skilled and carefully selected experienced licensed respiratory therapists and registered sleep technologists who provide the long-term support needed for successful therapy.
	A: Yes, we'll definitely stay in touch with your doctor. We will provide your doctor with the compliance reports regarding your therapy's progress on each contact with you.
	A: Absolutely! We will NEVER share your information with another company or third party without your direction in writing. We strictly abide by HIPPA requirements and have an active quality management program including internal training and an active compliance audit component to ensure the integrity of patient information.
	A: Most patients begin feeling better within the first week, though for some people it may take a as long as a month (much depends on how many hours per night of use of PAP therapy you receive).
	A: It depends on several factors. One of our therapists will provide you with the best mask for your specific treatment.
	A: Snoring while on CPAP should not occur. If it does, please call one of our therapists immediately. You may need to be referred back to your doctor if we believe that your pressure level needs to be adjusted.
	A: You may need to have your CPAP pressure level adjusted. In the first instance please call one of our therapists. You may need to be referred back to your doctor if we believe that your pressure level needs to be adjusted.
	A: Please do not alter your medications without consulting your doctor.
	A: Yes you should. Also, if you are having a surgery, it is important to tell the surgeon and the anesthetist that you are using CPAP at home. You should also inform the doctor treating you for sleep apnea that you are being hospitalized.
	A: Yes, because it is important to use your CPAP every night. Purchasing travel accessories will make it more convenient for you to travel with the CPAP. Also, due to the increased security measures at airports, it may be easier to travel if you have a copy of your prescription for your CPAP machine with you. We recommend calling your airline and informing them that you're going to travel with the CPAP device.
	A: Your mask may be too tight. If your mask has a forehead arm or adjustment feature try readjusting that first. Then, if necessary, readjust the headgear straps. You may have the wrong mask size. Please call one of our therapists - nasal pillows or a full face mask may provide a better fit.
	A: Since masks are disposable, periodic replacement is needed when the mask shows signs of wear and tear. Inspect your mask for stiffness, cracks, or tears and call one of our therapists if you feel it needs replacement.
	A: Follow these steps to fix a leak: Check all the connections. If your mask has a forehead arm or adjustment feature, try readjusting that first to correct the leak. If there is no improvement with the above steps, readjust the headgear straps. The mask should be as loose as possible while still creating a seal. A mask that is too tight against the face can cause leaks to occur by creating folds in the material. Try another mask size or type if necessary (call one of our therapists to discuss this option).
	A: It is important to wash your mask on a daily basis. Also, wash your face nightly before putting on the mask. Avoid using skin lotions before putting on your mask.
	A: Check that air from the machine is blowing. Check the air inlet and filter for obstruction or dust buildup. Check the hose for punctures. If you are still having problems, check with one of our therapists or your doctor for assistance.
	A: Try adding heated humidification (you will need to ask your doctor for a prescription). You may change the temperature setting on the humidifier. Try nasal saline spray before bedtime and upon awakening. This condition may improve over time. Call one of our therapists or consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
	A: You may be sleeping with your mouth open. Try a chin strap. If a chin strap is not helpful, a full face mask may be considered or you should consult with one of our therapists or your doctor about adding heated humidification.
	A: The mask may be leaking into your eyes. Use the forehead adjuster, if applicable, to reduce leaks. Try pulling the mask away from your face and repositioning it. The mask may be too tight. Readjust headgear straps.
	A: Condensation builds up because the air in the room may be cooler than the air coming from the machine. To prevent this condensation from forming, try packing the tubing under the covers to warm it. You may also ask your homecare provider for a hose cover made of fleece.
	A: If the ramp feature is available on your CPAP device, use this feature to slowly rise to your prescribed pressure setting.
	A: Try sleeping with your head elevated. Try using a chin strap to prevent mouth breathing. This condition may improve over time. If it does not call one of our therapists or your doctor as your pressure may need to be adjusted.
	A: This sensation may improve over time as you adapt to therapy. You may benefit from a comfort feature such as pressure relief technology or from bi-level therapy, which makes it easier to breathe out against pressure.
	A: Check the power cord to be sure it is firmly inserted into the back of the machine and the electrical outlet. Contact one of our therapists if you have any problems you are unable to correct. Do not attempt to repair the blower unit yourself.
	A: Most people will adjust to CPAP in one or two weeks. Occasionally, it may take a little longer if, for example, you are very sensitive to the feel of the mask on your face or the sound of the device. Call one of our therapists or prescribing physician if you are having problems adjusting to the treatment. Ask one of our therapists (who will contact your doctor) or your doctor if you are eligible to try bi-level or auto-adjust CPAP, which are available. Attending a patient support group, such as A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic), may provide helpful information to improve your CPAP comfort and use. A.W.A.K.E. groups can be found by calling the American Sleep Apnea Association at 1-202-293-3650 or visiting www.sleepapnea.org. Additional information also can be found on-line at the Web sites listed in the Links section.
	A: We'd be happy to answer your questions. You can call our support team whenever you have a question, problem or just simply need some encouragement to stay on the therapy.

Physicians & Sleep Labs; Looking for "Real" Patient Care For Your CPAP Patients?

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As one of your newest clients, I wanted to write you a brief note of thanks for leading such a well-run, customer-focused organization. As I am sure you are aware, Cresscare Medical recently pulled out of eastern PA, leaving many patients without effective CPAP support.
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