Questions
about CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure)
Q.
What is CPAP?
A. CPAP stands for “continuous positive
airway pressure.” But what CPAP does may be nothing short of a miracle for
your life.
Q. What is sleep apnea?
A. Symptoms of disruptive and obstructive
sleep apnea include:
• Snoring
• Restless sleep (may include moving arms and
legs)
• Morning headaches
• Irritability
• Personality changes
• Light disorientation
• Memory lapses
• A pause in breathing during sleep that may
last 10 - 60 seconds.
• Fatigue, constant tiredness
• Feeling like you haven’t been to sleep
• Weight gain, increase in blood pressure
• Swelling of the legs and feet, cramps
• Inability to concentrate
• Falling asleep while driving or sitting at
stop light
Q. How does CPAP fix sleep apnea?
A. A CPAP machine gently blows air through a tube and mask to literally
“hold” your airway open while you sleep so you can breathe freely, stop
snoring, get into deep sleep and rest - maybe for the first time in years.
Q.
When will I get my CPAP equipment and supplies?
A. A PRO Medical team member will call you as soon as your order
for CPAP is received from your doctor. Then, you may request a day and time that
is convenient for you and fits your schedule for the in-the-home delivery and
set-up.
Q. How long will I need my CPAP unit?
A. You’ll likely need to use your CPAP unit (under your doctor’s
advice) for as long as your condition remains unchanged.
Q.
Do I need to use my CPAP unit all night…every night?
A.
Always use your CPAP unit as ordered by your doctor! For maximum benefit, use
it all night. If you are not able to use it all night in the beginning, try gradually
increasing your use of the CPAP each night until you become comfortable using
it all night long.
Q. How do I care for my CPAP
equipment, and how long should it last?
A. A little “TLC”
for CPAP equipment equates with tender loving care of the patient, so proper cleaning
and maintenance is encouraged. Generally, patients receive new replacement supplies,
tubing, head gear, masks and mask seals monthly.
Cleaning
Instructions:
- Using a soft cloth and a solution of warm water
and mild, clear liquid detergent gently wash the
mask and nasal pillows daily. Rinse thoroughly,
and air dry.
- Gently wash the swivel connector and tubing twice
a week. Rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
- Gently wash your headgear and/or chinstrap once
or twice a week as needed.
- Unplug the unit weekly. Gently wipe the outside
of the unit. Next, use a cloth dampened with water
only to wipe the outside of the unit once again.
Use a dry cloth to wipe the unit dry, making sure
it is thoroughly dry before you plug it back in!
Q. What can
I do about the dryness I sometimes feel in my nose and throat when I use my CPAP
unit?
A. A heated humidifier (connected to your CPAP unit)
almost always eliminates dry nose and throat! Just ask your physician to include
one on your CPAP order.
Q. What should I do when
my CPAP mask feels uncomfortable or leaks air?
A. Before
putting on your mask, turn your CPAP machine to its full pressure. For the best
fit, position the straps on your headgear while lying down. Over-tightening the
headgear can worsen mask leaks and cause redness or skin sores. A small leak at
the sides and/or bottom of the mask is acceptable, but air leaking at the top
of the mask can cause sore or dry eyes.
Q. Sometimes,
when I use my CPAP, I feel as if there’s too much or too little pressure.
What should I do?
A. Try to relax when using your CPAP system.
Take slow, deep breaths through your nose with your mouth closed. It may take
you up to four weeks to adjust to your CPAP. If you find you still have trouble,
contact your physician or your Pro Medical respiratory therapist. We will work
with you until CPAP works for you. We don’t want you to give up on this life-saving
treatment.
Questions about Oxygen
Q.
How long will I have to be on oxygen?
A. Oxygen is needed
for a number of diagnoses. Some -- such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) -- will require oxygen for the rest of their lives. Rely on your
doctor’s advice.
Q. Is Oxygen addictive…and
is it dangerous?
A. Those who struggle to get a good breath
understand what a godsend oxygen assistance can be! Though we can’t live
without oxygen, oxygen therapy is NOT addictive. Oxygen is NON-flammable. Used
properly, it’s completely safe. BUT REMEMBER: Oxygen supports combustion,
so keep yours away from sparks and open flames. (Note safety rules in your PRO
Medical instructions?
Q. Why do I need to post
Oxygen Warning Signs?
A. Smoking and oxygen together spell
DANGER. Posted signs warn those entering your home that oxygen is being used and
smoking is to be avoided. Be sure to post Oxygen Warning Signs where the fire
department will be able to see that oxygen is being stored in your home.
Q.
How much will oxygen therapy cost me?
A. Your monthly rental
cost will appear on your Pro Medical work order. As long as oxygen is deemed by
your doctor to be medically necessary, Medicare will cover 80% of the Medicare
allowable. Insurance companies differ in the amount of coverage. Pro Medical is
pleased to accept all major insurance plans and will be happy to file all claims
for you.
Q. What types of portable oxygen do you
carry?
A. PRO Medical supplies lightweight oxygen cylinders
for traveling short distances and for emergency use during power outages. At this
time, we do not carry liquid oxygen.
General Questions
Q.
Who will I call if I have problems?
A.
Call PRO Medical toll-free at 1-888-9-PROMED (977-6633.) Locally, call 615-230-3000.
Q.
How do I know whether my insurance will cover my PRO Medical equipment and supplies?
A. PRO Medical is pleased to accept ALL insurance plans, and will do the
filing for you! We typically pre-authorize and verify your benefits and advise
you as to how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket.
Q.
What if I am unable to pick up my PRO Medical equipment or am unable to figure
out how to set it up?
A. Your home medical equipment is
always delivered to your door! A qualified, caring member of our PRO Medical staff
delivers and sets up all equipment for you in your home. He or she will take their
time explaining all you need to know to understand the function of the equipment
and how to use it safely and comfortably!
We hope we have answered most of your questions.
Is there something else you would like to ask us?
Please type your question into the box below and click
the “SUBMIT” button. One of our PRO Medical
staff will answer your question via e-mail within
24 hours.
Thank you!
