Question 1

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Do you wake up frequently in the night gasping for air?   Does your partner complain about your snoring and that you suddenly startle in the night?   Snoring occurs when something is partially blocking the airway while you sleep. But unlike regular snoring, obstructive sleep apnea can be very serious because the blockage does actually stop breathing, even for very brief periods of time.

Question 2

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by a softening in the throat or palate, by abnormalities in your airways, or by lifestyle issues such as excessive drinking or weight. Obesity has been linked to soft tissue in the mouth and throat, which contributes to snoring, so we may recommend weight loss to improve your ability to sleep well.

Question 3

What are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea is often first noticed by a partner. Not only is the snoring typically loud, but it’s also interrupted by periods where your breathing stops which can be very alarming if you’re listening to it.   Some symptoms include:   Extreme fatigue Persistent snoring that sounds like you stop breathing Waking up gasping for breath Falling asleep during the day Obstructive sleep apnea also has similar symptoms to regular snoring including: Sore throat Poor concentration Irritability

Question 4

Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Because obstructive sleep apnea cuts off your air supply, even for brief periods, it can be quite dangerous. It’s been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes.    If you think you may have obstructive sleep apnea, make an appointment to be evaluated.  Obstructive sleep apnea can be deadly. See if you need a sleep test. Speak to your Family Healthcare Professional for a referral.

Question 5

What Causes Snoring?

Accepted Answer

Occasional snoring can be brought on by unusual fatigue, by a cold, seasonal allergies, or excessive alcohol. Occasional snoring will pass when the reason behind it passes. But, for the 25 percent of people deemed habitual snorers, there may be underlying health problems or sleep disorders that are causing their problem.    Common causes of habitual snoring include:   Anatomy – The structure of your mouth and nasal pathways have a lot to do with snoring. People with a low or thick palate are more likely to snore because this tissue vibrates with breathing during sleep. An elongated palate and uvula can also narrow the airway and cause excessive snoring.   Nasal obstructions – Anything that narrows the nasal passages increases the chances that someone will snore. These can include nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Allergies can also play a role since they can lead to the swelling of nasal tissues and can also be a contributing factor in the formation of polyps.   Sleep apnea -Sometimes called obstructive sleep apnea, this serious problem results in the complete blockage of the airways for brief periods of time. People with sleep apnea will often wake briefly — sometimes hundreds of times a night — to gasp for air. This can cause a fitful, restless sleep. The symptoms of sleep apnea can extend into the daytime hours and include sleepiness, headache, and the inability to stay awake while driving.

Question 6

What Should I Do to Stop Snoring?

Accepted Answer

You tried special pillows, mouth guards, and even those t-shirts with the pockets for tennis balls on the back. Sometimes they work; sometimes they don’t. The bottom line is, you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies and you didn’t get the results you were hoping for.   Snoring is so much of a common problem, people often joke about it. In fact, nearly half of all adults snore, at least occasionally. But despite its silly reputation, snoring can be the result of a serious health problem with significant health consequences. It’s literally a sign that your breathing is (at least partially) obstructed during sleep.   Want to stop snoring? Stop looking for a quick remedy. Get evaluated to see whether you need CPAP equipment, surgery, or another snoring treatment. Speak to your Family Healthcare Professional for a referral.

Question 7

What Does Oxygen Therapy Do?

Accepted Answer

Only 21% of the air we breathe is composed of oxygen. For healthy lungs, that’s plenty. But pulmonary conditions can interfere with your ability to extract oxygen from the air. Oxygen therapy delivers high concentrations of oxygen to your lungs.   Usually, an individual will be fitted with a nose appliance, which delivers oxygen via the nostrils, or a mask, which delivers oxygen via the mouth and nose. In some cases, extra pressure will be applied to facilitate breathing. The type of oxygen therapy machine you need will likely be dictated by your condition and health, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with a doctor or pulmonary specialist. Oxygen therapy can be used to help manage a wide variety of lung-related health issues, including chronic illness.

Question 8

What Is Oxygen Therapy Used For?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment used to deliver supplemental oxygen for a wide variety of purposes. In more serious cases, oxygen therapy is used when patients experience some kind of pulmonary distress or difficulty breathing. Many individuals with chronic lung disease or breathing conditions, for example, will come to rely on supplemental oxygen.

Question 9

Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Lung disease and chronic lung conditions can interfere with your body’s ability to extract oxygen from the air. This can cause serious and long term health issues. Oxygen therapy is designed to more effectively deliver air to your lungs, relieving some of the effects of labored breathing. Some of the conditions that require oxygen therapy include the following.   Pneumonia   Caused by the buildup of fluid in the lungs, pneumonia often begins as a bacterial or viral infection. While antibiotics or other therapies, such as steroids, might be used to treat the underlying infection, oxygen therapy can help patients breathe easier while coping with the excess fluid in their lungs.    Sleep Apnea    Perhaps one of the most common forms of a breathing disorder, sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked or an individual stops breathing during the normal course of sleep. Oxygen therapy for sleep apnea typically involves a forced-air oxygen mask that pushes oxygen into the lungs (these specialized oxygen therapy devices are usually referred to as CPAP machines).   Pulmonary Fibrosis   The result of scarring on the lungs, pulmonary fibrosis can occur due to a variety of reasons, from an illness-caused immune response to chemical injury to cigarette smoking. The scarring can diminish the lung’s overall efficiency, permanently damaging the alveoli responsible for oxygen processing. Supplemental oxygen creates a richer oxygen environment in your lungs, allowing you to breathe with less effort.   COPD   Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a broad term for an array of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD disorders are caused by inflammation of the airways, restricting airflow. As a result, you may experience labored or difficulty breathing. Generally, COPD is a managed condition; therapies may include steroids, rescue inhalers, and oxygen therapy.   Cystic Fibrosis    A genetic condition that causes the creation of excess mucus in the lungs, cystic fibrosis can block airways and make breathing challenging. As a result, cystic fibrosis has historically been considered a life-threatening condition. Modern approaches, including oxygen therapy, can be used to help manage symptoms and ensure that, even when symptoms flare up, individuals can still have access to oxygen.   Asthma   Asthma is a chronic condition that can usually be managed with inhalers or other medications. However, in cases of severe asthma, oxygen therapy may be required to successfully keep symptoms under control and promote healthy breathing.  This list is not exhaustive. If you have a breathing problem that is making it difficult to breathe, contact our respiratory therapists to find out if oxygen therapy might help.

Question 10

What Is a Sleep Study?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue is a very common complaint and can be a symptom of many things. In order for your Family Healthcare Professional to diagnose and treat you effectively, they need to determine whether you’re having difficulty sleeping and why. A sleep study is an overnight exam in a sleep center, that evaluates you while you sleep.    The exam will measure your sleep cycles to make sure you’re getting the right amount of each. Your Family Healthcare Professional will also keep track of your oxygen levels, breathing, movement, and heart rate.   Don’t worry…a sleep study is completely painless, but offers invaluable information about your sleep patterns.    Sleep studies will help diagnose:   Obstructive sleep apnea Narcolepsy  Restless leg syndrome Sleep walking And more. If you’re excessively tired all the time or showing signs of other sleep disorders such as falling asleep during the day or snoring loudly, your Family Healthcare Professional may recommend a sleep study.

Question 11

How Long Does a Sleep Study Take?

Accepted Answer

The test is overnight, but you don’t need to have a full night’s sleep for your Family Healthcare Professional to get information on what might be making so tired. The entire process, including check-in and check-out, is usually 10 hours. After the sleep test, it may take a few weeks to evaluate the results.

Question 12

How Do I Prepare for a Sleep Study?

Accepted Answer

You’ll want the sleep test to be similar to an average night’s sleep for you. So get up at your usual time, eat normally, and take your daily medications. Don’t do anything that would disrupt your sleep such as napping or drinking caffeine in the afternoon. Your Family Healthcare Professional will give you complete instructions once you set up a time for the study.

Question 13

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Accepted Answer

CPAP Machines Help Treat Sleep Apnea.   Pressurized air is pumped from a CPAP machine to the user through a hose to the mask which is worn on the face. This pressure helps keep the airway from collapsing and breathing is not restricted. CPAP machines are the most common, and currently, the best treatment for apnea, but to work CPAP machines need to be programmed to your prescription and fitted for you.      If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, treating it with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine helps you:   Reduce your risk of heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and cancer Minimize side effects of sleep apnea such as hypertension, weight gain, and depression Finally let go of brain fog, headaches, and fatigue Improve your mood and mental health Wake up energized and ready to take on the day

Question 14

Which CPAP Mask Is Best?

Accepted Answer

CPAP machines need to fit properly and be comfortable. A poorly-fit mask can leak air, irritating your skin, and preventing you from getting the full strength of your prescription.   Our respiratory therapists and registered nurses will help you find a CPAP machine and mask that is comfortable, sized to your face, and has any additional features you need to help you adjust to continuous positive airflow therapy. Some CPAP machines, for example, can slowly ramp up the pressure of the air as you fall asleep to help you adjust more slowly to therapy.   We also have a fitting room complete with a reclining massage chair so you can test-drive your CPAP mask and get it professionally fitted to you.

Question 15

Will I Need a CPAP Cleaning Machine?

Accepted Answer

Mold, bacteria, and dead skin cells can develop in your CPAP tubing and mask. You don’t want these germs and allergens to be blown into your sinuses nightly. For that reason, we strongly recommend you wipe down your mask and tubing daily with CPAP sanitizing wipes and clean them at least once a week.   You can do this by using warm soapy water, rinsing it in the sink, and hanging it to air dry. Also, many of our clients prefer to use a CPAP cleaning machine to sanitize their masks and tubing on a daily basis.

Question 16

How Do I Buy CPAP Supplies?

Accepted Answer

Northern Respiratory is a full service CPAP supplier. We carry CPAP and Bi-Level machines from ResMed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel.    At Northern Respiratory, we understand that having a good night’s sleep is very important to our clients. That’s why we take the time required by each client to make sure they are comfortable with their mask and their CPAP equipment.    Our products include:   Nasal Masks Nasal Pillows Masks Full Face Masks Filters Tubing Water Chambers Accessories If you have any questions regarding your CPAP equipment, please  contact us  anytime.

Question 17

Will I Have to Carry Heavy Oxygen Equipment with Me Wherever I Go?

Accepted Answer

Don’t let your respiratory therapy define your life. At Northern Respiratory we have a selection of oxygen concentrators to help you find the right one for your condition and lifestyle including:   OxyGo Next   Tiny, discreet, and extremely quiet, the OxyGo is a great option for portable oxygens. It’s powerful enough to use 24/7 and has excellent battery life.     EverFlo Q   Reliable and durable, EverFlow Q is a stationary, at-home oxygen concentrator that weighs less than 14 kg so you can move it easily from room to room. Whether you only need overnight oxygen therapy, at-home care, or on-the-go concentrators to support an active lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.  We’ll also walk you through safety protocols for using oxygen machines, so you’re confident using it where you need it.

Question 18

What Are The Benefits of Portable Oxygen Therapy

Accepted Answer

Oxygen therapy can be a life-saver–literally– and a vital service for many people who suffer from severe lung conditions, pneumonia, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis or certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.   Oxygen may also be used on an as-needed basis for severe upper respiratory infections or asthma attacks.   Flow oxygen concentrators allow you to breathe more freely from anywhere and reduce the risk of heart failure. You can get oxygen therapy as needed from the comfort of your home, or even take it with you on the go.   Oxygen therapy offers many benefits if you’re using the right machine. Not only will it help prevent heart failure, but it’s also been shown to improve survival rates for some conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.   Getting the oxygen you need will also help fight common symptoms of an oxygen deficit such as fatigue and headaches.   Even better, some studies indicate respiratory therapy can:   Enhance the quality and duration of your sleep Elevate your mood Increase stamina Help you stay active Improve cognitive function Finding the right oxygen concentrator for your condition and lifestyle, though, is crucial. This is why Northern Respiratory offers ongoing support to ensure your oxygen machine is working for you and your changing needs.

Question 19

What if I Can't Afford the Equipment I Need?

Accepted Answer

Struggling to pay for a CPAP or oxygen machine? Don’t suffer in silence. Left untreated, breathing conditions and sleep disorders can lead to serious life-threatening conditions including heart failure, diabetes, and cancer.    That’s why the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offers Home Oxygen Program (HOP) and the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, ADP will help you pay for your device. If you’re receiving social assistance benefits, there may not be any charge at all.   In addition, extended health benefit providers will often pay for copayments and pay to replace masks, tubes, and filters.    Still need help? Call us to find out about your options. Call us.

Question 20

How Much Do CPAP or Oxygen Machines Cost?

Accepted Answer

Contact us and our respiratory therapists will help you determine what costs (if any) you’d be charged. We’ll contact insurance to see what benefits you’re entitled to and any questions about the devices we offer.   Call 705-253-9333 or click here to find out more about benefits and payment options.

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