“This campaign will raise national awareness of obstructive sleep apnea and encourage undiagnosed patients to advocate for themselves and seek treatment.”

– Jennifer Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the AASM

Obstructive sleep apnea affects nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. Approximately 80% of these cases are undiagnosed, costing the U.S. more than $149 billion annually in health care costs, lost work productivity, and workplace and motor vehicle accidents.

This campaign explains that untreated sleep apnea is “More than a Snore.” It affects your long-term health and quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and depression.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring and gasping for air during sleep. If you feel tired or unrefreshed after waking up even though you have had a full night of sleep, it may be due to sleep apnea.

Think you might have sleep apnea? If you have common symptoms, talk to your doctor to find out if testing and treatment are necessary.

There are several treatments for sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, which uses mild levels of air pressure, provided through a mask, to keep the throat open during sleep. Oral appliances, weight loss, surgery, and positional therapy also can be options for treatment.

To learn more about sleep apnea and get resources to talk to your doctor about your sleep, visit www.countonsleep.org.

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The “More than a Snore” campaign is a collaborative project funded through a grant awarded to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. For a complete list of partnering organizations, click here.

The post Sleep apnea is ‘more than a snore’ appeared first on Sleep Education.

Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing a reduction in breathing or breathing pauses. It occurs in 3% to 5% of children. It is most common at preschool ages. CPAP therapy uses mild levels of air pressure, provided through a mask, to keep the throat open during sleep.

The “CPAP Tips for Kids” video includes step-by-step instructions for how to get comfortable using a CPAP machine. Wearing the mask without turning the machine on and working up to running the machine in small time increments will help children get comfortable.

The video shows how using a CPAP machine will get easier over time. It also explains how improving sleep will help kids feel more energetic and alert throughout the day.

The CPAP Tips for Kids video is available on YouTube.

It’s important for patients of all ages to begin CPAP treatment with a positive experience. This new video offers a gentle, positive introduction to CPAP treatment for children.

If you have questions about sleep apnea in children, talk to your pediatrician or contact an accredited sleep center to find a sleep doctor near you.

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post New video encourages kids to feel more comfortable using CPAP appeared first on Sleep Education.

Where can I find information about the recall?

The recall notification is posted at philips.com/src-update. Also, the FDA has posted responses to several questions about the recall. Read FAQs from the FDA.

How do I find out if my PAP machine has been recalled?

You can start by viewing a list of recalled devices on the Philips website. To confirm that your device has been recalled, you need to visit the Philips registration site to register your device. The website will give you instructions on how to locate the serial number of your device. It also will guide you through the registration process. You can contact Philips at SRC.Support@philips.com or (877) 907-7508 for additional help.

View a video on how to register your device:

Will Philips replace my PAP device?

Philips has stated that it will repair or replace recalled devices. Philips is replacing some devices with new DreamStation 2 machines. These devices have a different, silicone-based foam that is not included in the recall. Philips also plans to repair some recalled devices by changing the foam. Philips stated in September 2021 that the company intends to complete the repair and replacement programs within approximately 12 months.

If my device has been recalled, should I stop using it?

An FDA safety communication advises you to talk to your health care provider to decide on a suitable treatment for your condition. Your medical provider can help you determine if you should continue or discontinue treatment. Your provider may prescribe a new PAP device for you. Your provider also may discuss other treatment options with you.

Why were the devices recalled?

Philips indicates that there were reports of black particles being found in the tubing, mask, and around the connections to the device. These particles are from foam inside the machine that is used to keep it quieter. The concern is that these particles may be inhaled when the device is being used. This could result in problems such as headaches, asthma, and nausea. Testing by Philips  also has found that there are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are being released into the airflow from the CPAP device foam. These are not yet known to have caused medical issues, but the FDA is concerned about what this may cause in the future. Since this is a new concern, Philips is collecting data to better understand the potential risk of this foam.

The FDA notes that between 2014 and April 2021, Philips submitted 30 medical device reports (eight from the U.S.) they identified as related to foam breakdown.  Prior to April 2021, the FDA did not receive any medical device reports of patient injury or harm related to foam breakdown. Since April 2021, the FDA has received more than 3,000 medical device reports related to foam breakdown.

What does this have to do with ozone cleaners? How should I clean my PAP device?

Philips reports that the foam used to keep the devices quieter breaks down quicker when exposed to high heat, high humidity, and non-approved cleaning devices that use ozone. The FDA recommends that you follow the cleaning instructions provided by the PAP manufacturer. These directions normally include regular cleaning of your mask, cushions, tubing and water chamber with soap and water. PAP manufacturers also recommend changing your PAP filter on a regular basis. An FDA safety communication warned that you should avoid cleaning your PAP machine or accessories (such as masks, tubing, headgear) with any device that uses ozone gas or UV light. According to the FDA, it is unknown if these cleaners are safe and effective. See the FDA consumer update for more details. Additionally, Philips released cleaning and inspection instructions for existing accessories.

Updated Nov. 19, 2021

Related:

• Philips PAP device recall: Guidance for patients

The post Philips PAP device recall: FAQs for patients appeared first on Sleep Education.

The post Philips PAP device recall: Guidance for patients appeared first on Sleep Education.

One of these groups is the COVID-19 Ventilator Rapid Response Team. This coalition includes UC Berkeley engineers, emergency room doctors, critical care physicians, and pulmonologists. They also have set up a website, VentilatorSOS.com, where you can fill out a form to indicate that you are interested in donating a CPAP or BPAP machine.

Another group is the Ventilator Project. It has joined forces with the University of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and the Rhode Island Department of Health. They are collecting, refurbishing and modifying CPAP and BPAP machines to help hospitals that are treating patients affected by COVID-19. Collection sites are set up at designated fire station drop-off locations throughout Rhode Island. Learn more at VentilatorProject.org.

Modified PAP machines can be helpful for COVID-19 patients who are experiencing mild symptoms or who are improving. These machines are not meant to be used for patients with serious cases of COVID-19.

It is important to note that PAP machines must be modified to function as ventilators. PAP machines that have been not been modified do not function as ventilators in patients who have COVID-19.

If you have questions about using or cleaning your CPAP, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Related:

• Sleep doctor answers questions about COVID-19 and sleep
• Coronavirus FAQs: CPAP tips for sleep apnea patients
• Keeping it clean: CPAP hygiene (Philips)
• How to clean your CPAP equipment (ResMed)

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Ventilator shortage: CPAP device donations appeared first on Sleep Education.

Rajkumar (Raj) Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, is the assistant professor of clinical medicine at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He is also the assistant program director of the Department of Internal Medicine. He is quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.

Video Highlights

2:32 – Does having sleep apnea make me more likely to get the coronavirus? Will I be more likely to have severe complications if I get the virus?

There’s no data that obstructive sleep apnea by itself puts you at risk. But are you going to be at a higher risk because of the comorbidities that you share because you are higher in age? The answer is, yes.

5:22 – Will I be more likely to have severe complications if I get the virus?

Well, that’s a very individualized question because people are using CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, or treating their sleep apnea because of their different comorbidities. So, if you have bad respiratory issues or if you have bad heart disease because you are older in age, you might be more likely to develop complications of COVID-19 than other individuals.

So the bottom line point is, and I’m probably going to say this for every question coming up, is, if you have obstructive sleep apnea, or any type of sleep-disordered breathing and you want to know if YOU are at risk for COVID-19 or its complications, you have to contact your primary care physician or your sleep physician, to find out where you fit on that spectrum of the disease and how much you need to worry about it.

6:32 – During this outbreak, should I stay home if I have sleep apnea?

Yes, stay at home, regardless if you have sleep apnea or not! I am very passionate about this. When we talk about what can we do as society, as physicians, as the general public to help out with what’s going on, it’s staying home.

What we know, what the evidence shows, it that by social distancing, by staying home, by not going out if not necessary, does so much to help prevent the spread. I know that everyone hears the phrase “flattening the curve,” but that’s what we need to do, because when one person gets it, it branches out to another five people and from those five people to another 10 people. So, we do need to flatten the curve. We do need to stay home regardless whether you have insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, if you can stay home, please stay home.

8:28 – What is a ventilator? Is my CPAP machine a ventilator?

What is a noninvasive positive pressure ventilator? It means that you are blowing the air into the patient. Instead of having something invasive, like a tube going through the vocal cords into the lungs directly, you’re going to wear a mask of some kind. That’s why it’s called noninvasive ventilation. When I think about noninvasive ventilators, there are two types. One would be hospital-based noninvasive ventilator and home-based. One is inpatient that I use in some of my patients who are in respiratory distress, where I want to do something noninvasive, and the ones at home is what many of you think, which is a CPAP machine or a bilevel machine, to really treat the upper airway obstruction.

It’s very important to realize this because whoever asks this question, there’s a lot of terminology we use that people are confusing what they are referring to. So, when we say the word CPAP, that’s continuous positive airway pressure, that describes how we deliver the breath. It’s not the mask, it’s how we deliver the breath. If you have a bilevel machine it means there’s a way we deliver the inspiratory breath and a pressure that we deliver the expiratory breath. That’s called a bilevel machine.

If we are now talking about an invasive ventilator, that means I’m taking a tube, what we call an endotracheal tube, and putting it through the vocal cords and into the lungs. I only use this terminology when I’m in the medical ICU, when patients come in with respiratory failure or they’re hypoxic, which means low oxygen. Or they’re hypercapnic, which means high levels of CO2, or they’re going to be in respiratory distress.

If you’re using a CPAP machine because you’re in respiratory distress because you have a COVID-19 infection, that scares me, because that’s not the ventilator you should be using. This is the time that you need to pick up the phone and talk to your primary care and talk to your sleep medicine doctor.

15:09 – If I do have the coronavirus, will CPAP help me treat it?

CPAP, assuming home CPAP, is only used to treat one thing, your obstructive sleep apnea. The question becomes, if you don’t use your CPAP, what could happen? We know that we want to stay healthy and the pillars of good health are going to be diet, exercise and, of course, good sleep. And one of my favorite phrases out there is that in order to get good sleep you need the right quantity of sleep and the right quality of sleep. And if you’re not using your CPAP because you have obstructive sleep apnea, you’re going to further weaken your immune system. And if you do have coronavirus or you’re worried about getting coronavirus or any virus, you’re definitely going to be more susceptible.

16:50 – Would bilevel PAP be even more effective than CPAP?

We don’t treat coronavirus with bilevel and CPAP when we talk about patients at home. When you’re in the hospital, that’s a whole different story. When we talk about inpatient medicine, right now it’s a tough time because when we talk about patients that come in with COVID-19 and they’re in a medical ICU setting, a negative pressure room, that if they’re in respiratory distress, if you’re using things like bilevel or CPAP in these patients with respiratory distress you may actually spread the virus and may infect other people in the room. That’s where it’s very scary, whether you’re in the hospital or the same thing goes for my patients at home. If I’m using a CPAP or BiPAP and I have COVID-19, I might be spreading it.

My advice to whoever asked this question is, remember these terminologies can be used in both in inpatient and outpatient setting and who would make that decision whether CPAP or bilevel for your sleep apnea by itself that would be your sleep physician. But once again, we are not treating the virus directly, and if you’re using these things because you’re short of breath, please inform your doctor because you may need to go to the hospital.

19:34 – If I do have the coronavirus, will CPAP drive the virus deeper into my lungs? 

The answer is no. Right now, there is no data to state that if you do have coronavirus that the CPAP would drive it into the lungs themselves. But the question now becomes, if you know you have it and you’re at home, by wearing that mask, you worry about spreading the virus to other individuals in the house. Maybe if you do have coronavirus and you’re not short of breath and you’re doing well and your sleep apnea is on the milder side, this may be a great time to ask your physician, “Are there other things I could do to treat the obstructive sleep apnea that’s not going to be using a CPAP device?”

21:45 – Will this cause me to get pneumonia?

No, wearing a CPAP machine does not cause your COVID infection to give you pneumonia. Any virus, including COVID-19, does a number on your immune system. It actually will make you more predisposed to other pneumonias in the community, we call them community-acquired pneumonias. If you’re in a hospital, we call them hospital-associated. If you’re on a vent we call them ventilator-associated. And we do worry about that.

Another manifestation you can get from COVID-19 in the lungs is what we call ARDS, and I’m sure you may have heard about that. It’s called acute or adult respiratory distress syndrome and it’s very, very serious. This is what I’m doing as a pulmonologist right now in treating many of my patients who unfortunately developed ARDS or many of my patients develop, you’re going to hear this in the next couple days to weeks, this “cytokine storm” that happens, all this inflammatory response that occurs in people who have this COVID-19 infection and it’s that combined with the ARDS, combined with secondary pneumonias that are very serious. Let me say, I’m talking about the worst of the worst because I am in the ICU. Many, many patients will just have upper respiratory track symptoms, some of course will be asymptomatic, and we don’t want them to go on to be in the ICU. I just want to make sure, when I saw this question and when I heard the word pneumonia, that I do address where some of the complications in the severe sense of people who have COVID infections.

To answer your question directly, if you’re talking about in the outpatient setting, no, CPAP will not drive the virus into your lungs. No, the CPAP in itself will not give you pneumonia.

24:10 – If I have the coronavirus, is there a risk that using CPAP will infect others around me and if so, why?

The answer is, yes. Now, when we talk about this, let’s talk about it at home. Thirty million plus people have obstructive sleep apnea and I’m sure a lot of those are using CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure. So, how do you infect others? It’s because it’s a noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Because it’s noninvasive you have to wear an interface. That could be nasal pillows, a nasal mask, a face mask, and there’s always going to be leak. Because there’s going to be leak, that’s why the virus can spread, and it can definitely affect others.

In the outpatient setting if there’s other individuals around you, yes, I would be very cautious. If you think you have it, please contact your health care physician right away and find out what is the best thing to do. If it’s indicated, maybe not using a CPAP device for certain individuals might be the answer.

This is another reason why mask fitting is so important because even if you wear a full-face mask you know you do get some leak.

27:09 – I have the coronavirus, should I stop using CPAP so that I don’t infect other people?

I would contact your primary care physician before stopping it because there are so many things that will have to play a role in it. It really depends on how sick you are, and the default answer is please contact your health care provider to know what the next best thing to do is.

29:39 – If I have the coronavirus, how do I clean and disinfect my CPAP machine, mask and accessories? 

It’s going to be recommended by your DME company, which stands for durable medical equipment. They’re going to tell you how you need to clean your machine. When we talk about how, the answer’s going to be soap and water. When we talk about how often you need to do that, usually it’s going to be once a week. Is it wrong to do it every three days with soap and water, the answer is, no. Are there people out there who are doing it every day? The answer is probably, yes. There’s no downside to doing that but don’t focus on only cleaning the machine but it’s going to be hygiene in general. It’s going to be disinfecting your hands, washing your hands. I think a big thing right now is cell phones. I’m guilty. You have your cell phone, you lay it down, you touch it, you give it to someone else, you take a picture, this is another way to transmit viruses. So, don’t overly focus on your CPAP machine and ignore all the other appropriate hygiene that you need to have to prevent you from transmitting the virus.

31:13 – Will a CPAP cleaning machine disinfect my CPAP device and mask?

This is a great question regardless of a COVID-19 outbreak or not. Many of my patients have asked me about UV light and ozone. I have had tons of patients ask me, is this just as good as cleaning with soap and water, is it better? The FDA, and I got a lot of my information looking at the FDA site, there are no approved machines. There are actually people out there that are complaining of some respiratory symptoms, I believe it was asthma-like symptoms, when using things like ozone. There are also side effects when you use UV light.

No, these are not FDA-approved and especially right now, I would say, soap and water, soap and water.

32:41 – If I have the coronavirus, should I replace my CPAP accessories more frequently?

The answer is, no. When we talk about the tubing, the mask, and of course the filter, and I can’t say enough about the filter, is that you want to do it to the most recommended of your DME company. You don’t need to change your filters more than necessary. You don’t need to request more masks or more tubing. Do your hygiene, using the soap and water, but do it as it’s recommended.

35:26 – Are there any additives or chemicals that I should use to clean a CPAP machine during the coronavirus outbreak?

The answer is, NO! This question actually scares me. I’m sure there are people out there that are maybe doing their own thing. During a time like this, when there’s not a lot of evidence-based medicine in what to do people will try different things, so it’s not surprising. I would be horrified if someone put things like bleach or put other things or other chemicals in their CPAP machines because remember, you’re going in the lungs.

Please, just stick to what’s recommended. Don’t add anything else. I only see horrible things happening.

37:17 – What do I use in my CPAP humidifier if we have don’t have distilled water?

You could just use filtered water, you could use boiled water, you could use tap water. It’s not actually going to put you at a higher risk for any types of infections or anything like that. The only problem is that you may have to clean the filter out a little bit better. Those are my recommendations. We’ve been using that with our patients.

38:20 – Is humidified air better than dry air for preventing the spread of the coronavirus?

There is some data out there for viruses that they don’t do good when it’s very hot outside, when it’s very humid outside, they don’t live as long. So, I will agree with that statement, but let me take a step back and say, I don’t think having less humid air or being a little colder is going to prevent any viruses. I don’t think the answer is humidity, I think it’s going to be social distancing and all the other things we do. But this is a good statement and in broad strokes, yes, the viruses don’t do as well in humid air and hot weather. But this is not the answer to stop the spread or to cure coronavirus!

40:00 – If I develop coronavirus symptoms, should I stop taking a medication such as Ambien, trazodone, or ibuprofen?

I would be careful stopping these medications for a variety of reasons, one being some rebound insomnia, including some other things. If you are taking a medication you should talk to your primary care physician or your sleep physician before you just stop it.

There was some data that came out that made people a little scared that was saying people who take ibuprofen may worsen the symptoms. But the WHO and CDC made a statement saying that there is no concrete data or proof to support these claims. I would say this much. If you get to choose, Tylenol or Advil, meaning acetaminophen or ibuprofen, yeah, sure, I would probably err on taking the Tylenol, but if you have osteoarthritis or aches and pains, I wouldn’t shy away from the ibuprofen.

If you have any medication nowadays and you’re curious about is it safe, is it not safe, what should I be doing, you know what I’m going to say…please call your primary case physician, health care providers, to try to get the right answers.

45:20 – I have a baby with enlarged tonsils, causing sleep apnea and severe symptoms with colds. Are children with sleep apnea at a higher risk than others?

There’s no data right now to say they are at a higher risk. You’ve got to be careful. Whether it’s for your own loved ones or even when I make any statements because things do change, and this is a very tricky, aggressive virus that’s doing a number on us. But, no, to answer your question directly, it does not.

Remember, common things are common, and if you are having any type of infection or suspect any type of upper respiratory tract or are worried about a cough, please let your primary care physician or pediatrician know about this.

Please note that much of the information about COVID-19 that is needed to answer patient questions and guide clinical decision-making is still emerging.

The AASM encourages you to follow the CDC tips on how to prepare for the coronavirus. The information above is for educational use only. The AASM is unable to provide specific medical advice. You should discuss your health and medical condition with a local medical provider. You also can request a telemedicine appointment with a health care provider who is licensed in your state.

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Sleep doctor answers questions about COVID-19 and sleep appeared first on Sleep Education.

Read questions submitted by patients who have obstructive sleep apnea.

The AASM encourages you to follow the CDC tips on how to prepare for the coronavirus. The information linked above is for educational use only. The AASM is unable to provide specific medical advice. You should discuss your health and medical condition with a local medical provider. You also can request a telemedicine appointment with a health care provider who is licensed in your state.

Much of the information about COVID-19 that is needed to answer patient questions and guide clinical decision-making is still emerging. We will update the webpage linked above in response to new questions and information.

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post Coronavirus FAQs: CPAP tips for sleep apnea patients appeared first on Sleep Education.

Of course, these are all important questions, but with the Affordable Care Act in full swing since 2014, almost all Silver level plans and above cover sleep apnea testing and supplies much more liberally than before.

And that’s a good thing!  Sleep studies and CPAP equipment and supplies used to be subject to your deductible first, then co-insurance.

Now all the ACA-compliant plans cover the study as an office visit with co-pay, and the equipment is not subject to the deductible.

Life Insurance for People with Sleep Apnea

One vital insurance area that is often overlooked by the sleep apnea patient is life insurance. It is arguably the central piece of most families’ financial plans, as this coverage protects mortgages, college plans, and overall standard of living.

Life insurance is especially important to the sleep apnea patient because sleep apnea is considered a pre-existing condition for life insurance. Companies that provide life insurance were, at one time, reluctant to even consider a life insurance application from someone who has sleep apnea.

Today, the industry has good experience with the condition and will view an applicant favorably if he or she meets certain criteria. However, since sleep apnea affects the life insurance rates you will end up paying, it’s important to know what the insurance companies are looking for before you even apply.

Life Insurance Criteria for Sleep Apnea

1. You must be completely open and honest about your condition. This goes for any chronic medical condition, but people often forget to disclose sleep apnea, even when prompted. Companies will want a date of diagnosis and treatment information. If you don’t disclose your condition, the carrier will most likely find out and possibly decline you for non-disclosure. At the very least, it creates confusion and will take time to clear up.
2. Adhere to your sleep apnea therapy, whether it’s an oral appliance or CPAP machine. Use your machine! Most new CPAP machines have built-in Wi-Fi technology that communicates your sleep data to your medical insurance company so they can confirm that you’re using the treatment.
3. Lose weight if you are overweight. This is a big one. Sleep apnea can be accompanied by many co-morbidities like obesity, high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, depression, and more. Life insurance companies want to see an applicant who has made a major effort to control their condition. Losing weight is an excellent indication of your commitment to better health.
4. Always attend follow-up sleep medicine appointments. Your sleep medicine specialist is an extremely valuable resource and can guide you and your treatment. Life insurance underwriters will want to see your medical records, especially sleep apnea treatment comments from your doctor.
5. Insurance carriers want to see an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 or less per hour. Some life insurance companies will offer preferred rates at this level. They don’t care which treatment you are using. They are simply looking at statistics, and most clinicians consider an AHI of less than 5 to be an indicator of effective treatment.
6. Normal oxygen saturation levels of 95-100 should be easily attainable with treatment adherence. The life insurance underwriter will expect your results to be in this range if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
7. Get a follow-up sleep study! If you’ve gone for your first study, now it’s time for the titration study, which will help the sleep doctor set the pressure on your CPAP machine. Don’t miss this appointment; otherwise, you won’t be able to get the equipment, and the life insurance company will not offer good rates until they see that you’ve complied with the study.

So, when you’ve finished adding up your costs for your equipment and medical care for sleep apnea, make sure you add a line item for life insurance. You should have some room in your budget for a life insurance policy since the Affordable Care Act saved you some money on your new medical equipment.

Remember, with excellent treatment adherence comes much lower rates on your premiums. Also, make sure you wait to apply for life insurance until after you’ve done your homework and gotten a handle on your condition.

Once you’ve adapted to your treatment (if you’re newly diagnosed), then you can discuss your life insurance with an independent life insurance broker who has experience in helping consumers with this type of health condition. A broker will be able to help you find the best rates for you given your sleep apnea history.

Chris is an independent life insurance broker located in Palo Alto, California. He started helping families and businesses build strong financial safety nets in 1985.

The post Is sleep apnea a pre-existing condition for life insurance? appeared first on Sleep Education.

Most private health insurance policies cover positive airway pressure (PAP) equipment, like CPAP machines and masks. The level of coverage and the rules for coverage depend on your specific insurance policy.

Medicare typically covers a three-month trial for PAP therapy. If you use the treatment consistently, then you will qualify to keep using the machine.

Your insurance provider might make you buy or rent your PAP machine. If you have a high-deductible insurance plan and will be paying a lot right away for your machine, you might choose to pay it yourself without using your insurance. This is the “self-pay” option, which could be cheaper.

Most durable medical equipment (DME) providers and online stores have lower prices for cash purchases compared to those bought through insurers. If you choose to do self-pay, you don’t have to follow adherence regulations from your insurer.

Adherence

CPAP “adherence” – also called “compliance” – refers to how often you use your machine. Your adherence data is transmitted by your CPAP machine to the DME company or office where you got your device. This data is shared with your health insurance provider.

The insurer will monitor your adherence data. If you don’t use CPAP regularly, the insurer may stop paying for the CPAP machine. The insurer also may require that you return it and buy your own CPAP machine.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has specific adherence rules during the first three months of usage. CMS requires you to use your machine for at least 4 hours per night on 70 percent of nights during a consecutive 30-day period. This means that in a 30-day period, you must have used your machine for at least 4 hours on at least 21 days. Many private insurers also follow these CMS rules. You should check directly with your insurer to confirm its specific adherence requirements.

Talk to your medical provider if you’re having trouble with your CPAP machine. Notify your provider if you feel like the treatment is not helping you. Contact an AASM-accredited sleep center if you need more help. It’s important to ensure that your treatment is effective.

The post Does insurance cover my CPAP machine? appeared first on Sleep Education.

• BPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure):  It provides two different pressure settings:  one when you inhale, and a lower pressure when you exhale.
• APAP (auto-adjusting positive airway pressure):  It raises or lowers your air pressure as needed during the night.

Most newer CPAP machines have a modem or wireless feature that allows remote access to your data. The data include details about how often you use the treatment and how effective it is. So what happens to that data?

It is remotely transmitted to the durable medical equipment company or medical office that gave you the machine. The data also may be shared with your doctor or insurance company. The manufacturer of your CPAP machine also may collect this data.

Most CPAP manufacturers have a patient website or app where you can access your data. Your CPAP machine also may display some data for you. You shouldn’t try to “hack” your machine to access the data or change your machine’s settings. These settings are set by trained sleep professionals and are based on the results of your sleep study.

Contact your sleep center if you have any concerns about your treatment. The sleep team at the sleep center can determine if any of your CPAP settings need to be changed.

The post What happens to my positive airway pressure data? appeared first on Sleep Education.