Author: Gregory

Gregory Bertrand is CPAPEUROPA's Editor In Chief and expert in sleep and pulmonary disorders. Gregory writes articles on obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, and the modern day sleep disorders affecting hundreds of million people worldwide. His articles have appeared in a number of medical sites, and national press and journals. He contributes articles regularly to CPAPEUROPA, focusing on balancing informative with entertaining reads–but never at the expense of providing a helpful source of information to our Site's audience.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Philips Respironics System One REVIEW: Is It Good?

Philips Respironics System One Review 2020

Philips Respironics System One: Review & Price

 

One of the most sold out CPAP machines in the US market, the Philips Respironics System One CPAP is a popular sleep apnea device with a huge market share. Today we will look into what made that machine the bestseller it is while providing a brief review of the Philips System One pros and cons. Hold tight, this is going to be short, but epic!

What is Philips Respironics System One?

System One is a standard CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device boasting effective and comfortable sleep apnoea therapy at home. Among the main benefits of this Philips device is the simple and user friendly and quiet operation. The device features an advanced apnea-detection system monitoring the apnea-hypopnea index through the night, as well leak events, flow and respiratory effort-related arousals (RERAs), which comes handy for sleep specialists to keep track of ongoing therapy. This CPAP is also rather portable (although not specifically a ‘travel cpap‘) and is easy to take along with in carry-on luggage.

 

Example of Philips Respironics System One Pro

Shop Standard CPAPs

Shop Auto CPAPs

Shop BiPAPs

Shop Masks

Pros

The Philips Respironics System One is primarily designed with natural sleep in mind, while giving the user a simple and easy-to-understand interface and settings. One of its main pros, though, is its quiet operation and lightweight main body. Humidification options are also available with this Respironics series made and assembled in the USA.

Cons

Not as advanced as some of the latest Resmed CPAP machines like the Airsense 11 tailored to a specific therapy type and patient. In addition, to achieve full seal, the user may need to get the proprietary Philips ComfortGel Blue mask, which is something redudant in other leading CPAPs, like the Resmed Airsense 10 Auto, for example. The biggest con? It is discontinued. You cannot order the Philips Respironics System One anymore — at least not from CPAP retailers in Europe and the USA.

The New Resmed Airsense 11 CPAP machine

<<Check out AirSense 11 here>>

How does the Philips Respironics System One CPAP perform?

The overall performance of this device is more than satisfactory as it manages to provide the sleeper with a steady, gentle flow of air as per the prescribed therapy pressure. If you’re looking for a popular CPAP device to keep your airways open, this will do the trick. Add to that the included comfort features such as the Philips C-Flex algorithm, and your needs will be met.

Are there System One Bi-level devices?

In addition to its standard CPAP line, the Respironic System One is also available in a BiPAP version. The BiPAP model delivers two positive pressure levels, including IPA (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) and EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure). Choose the BiPAP version if your doctor has prescribed it and if you would benefit from a more comfortable therapy through better adjusted ramp time to help you fall asleep faster.

Are there System One Auto devices?

The System One auto CPAP version is called REMstar and delivers a gradual pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation in order to maintain maximum comfort through the night. As its name suggest, this machine will automatically adjust the airflow to respond to your apneic events and prevent the debilitating obstruction typical of OSA. Another important difference between the standard version and the automatic version is that the auto model is that the auto CPAP can use up about 35-40% less pressure than the standard one.

 

Respironics System One Auto Review and Prices UK / US

Does the Respironics System One come with a humidifier?

No, the humidifier is an optional and is hence sold separately. So if you are looking to match your Philips CPAP with a compatible humidifier, then the System One Heated Humidifier is your choice. The humidifier analyses the ambient temperature in the room as well as the user’s airflow to provide the optimum humidity through the mask. The working mechanism of this advanced humidification process is called ‘Dry Box’ and is part of the Philips System One Humidity Control. And, it has sensors both inside and outside the humidifier to automatically adjust the humidification according to the room’s ambient temperature.

Is the Philips Respironics System One available for purchase?

No matter how great a CPAP is, there comes a time for its manufacturer to say goodbye to it and make newer, better models. The same goes for the System One, unfortunately. Yes, this CPAP was popular, and innovative, and quiet — but at the end of the day, it was discontinued for newer models like the Philips Dreamstation. So no, this CPAP is no longer available for purchase in 2020 and you should look for alternatives.

Where can you buy a Respironics System One?

If you are really decided to go and find a System One out there, your best choice is probably a second-hand device sold on the popular online shopping sites. Warranty wise, this is not such a great idea as you’ll be left hanging if something bad happens to the Respironics System One.

 

Respironics System One CPAP + Compatible CPAP Mask
System One Auto CPAP with Humidifier + Compatible CPAP Nasal Mask N30i

 

Shop Standard CPAPs
Shop Auto CPAPs
Shop BiPAPs
Shop Masks

How much does the Philips Respironics System One cost?

Just like any other leading CPAP, the price of System One depends on two factors: model (CPAP or BiPAP) and humidifer. For example, Respironics System One REMStar Auto CPAP sells for about $600-700 without Humidifier in the USA. With a humidifier, its price usually reaches over $850-900. In Europe you may find sellers that offer System One for about EUR 500-600.

I live in Europe. Can I order Respironics System One here?

If you reside in Europe or elsewhere and even if you somehow find this CPAP still available in 2020, the fact is that not many sellers in the US are authorized to sell and ship Philips Respironics System One outside the US.

 

You can, however, purchase a brand new CPAP device at CPAP Europa with 2-Business Days Shipping to Europe and a standard 5-7 Days Shipping for the rest of the world.

 

<< Browse our online CPAP shop for the Newest Philips and Resmed CPAP devices>>

Airsense-11-autoset-China - 机器中国 - In stock - (Available)

RESMED AIRSENSE 11 IS HERE

Full list of Philips Respironics System One Specifications

  • Enhanced performance and user comfort;
  • Advanced humidification system utilizing different sensors;
  • C-Flex pressure relief technology for added comfort;
  • Very Quiet CPAP for its class;
  • 3 different ‘Smart’ operating modes;
  • Straight CPAP mode;
  • Proprietary Mask Fit technology;
  • Advanced OSA detection and intuitive reporting;
  • Proprietary Dry Box technology.

Philips Respironics System One Specifications

Confer with the Respironics System One manual manual.

Looking for a new CPAP? Look no further than CPAPEuropa. Here you’ll find everything you need for your sleep apnea therapy. Need assistance?  Chat with us! We are here to help you!

 

Tags: philips, respironics, system one review

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Oxygen Concentrators For Ozone Sauna

Oxygen Concentrators For Ozone Sauna

Have you ever noticed that right after a thunderstorm the air has a specific pungent odor? You recognize the scent in the air as familiar, but not the same one that you smell every sunny day. This is the same scent ocean waves or waterfalls create, or when sunlight shines on snowy fields. That smell is of ozone – a gas that is produced during these specific natural phenomena. Today we will delve into an even more interesting phenomena, or procedure, called ozone therapy and how it is done properly in applications such as ozone sauna.

What is ozone sauna?

Ozone Sauna is a relatively new therapeutic technology that infuses oxygen through steam and hot air into the skin in a special cabin. Ozone sauna is primarily used to clear and detoxify the skin and the lymphatic system while simultaneously relaxing the muscles, boosting blood flow and eliminating viruses and bacteria.

What equipment do you need for an ozone sauna?

To create the right ozone sauna set, you need a steam sauna cabinet, an ozone generator, and an oxygen source. The oxygen source may be either an oxygen tank (less expensive but runs out of oxygen) or an Oxygen Concentrator (more expensive but more convenenient and reliable, as it never runs out of oxygen). If you opt for the more reliable option, that is, an oxygen concentrator will come fully assembled and ready to be connected to the generator right out of the box.

  • Hyperthermic chamber sauna cabinet
  • Ozone Generator
  • Oxygen Source (such as an oxygen concentrator)

Ozone sauna therapy can be done easily with the addition of a proper oxygen concentrator device that will generate pure supplemental oxygen during the process. In fact, oxygen concentrators can be used as part of any ozone therapy program, as well as for ozone sauna, ozone insufflations and more.

 

Philips Respironics oxygen concentrator for ozone sauna.

 

Percentage of oxygen purity: 90 to 96%

Oxygen Concentrators

When conducting ozone sauna therapy, you should match your ozone generator with an oxygen concentrators that will supply the generator with a high flow of oxygen – at least 90% of pure oxygen. One of the most compliant oxygen concentrators for this purpose is the famous Philips Respironics EverFlo – 5 LPM

Most oxygen concentrators provide a constant oxygen flow of 5LPM to 10 LMP (litres per minute) of continuous oxygen flow. It is best to use a brand new concentrator when doing ozone therapy with a generator: a tried-and-tested model that comes with years of warranty and all necessary accessories for proper O2 supply. You can opt for a refurbished one as well, so long as it comes with warranty and is not malfunctioning in any way.

 

Another great model that has been widely used for ozone sauna therapy is the Krober Aeroplus pictured below

 

Oxygen concentrator utilized in ozone sauna treatment.

 

 

Ozone therapy for medical use

When an oxygen molecule binds to a third oxygen atom, the result is a brand new ozone molecule. The addition of the oxygen atom creates a negatively charged molecule that wants to bind to positively charged molecules. Many of the dangerous, disease-causing cells that exist in our oral cavity and in our body have a negative charge. As ozone is attracted to these cells, it can effectively break through their shell and practically destroy them.

Ozone therapy uses ozone for medical purposes. This is a highly reactive form of pure oxygen, which aims to create a healing response in the body. The effects have been found to be both curative and detoxifying with the main purpose of suppressing infections in the body and stimulating the immune system.

To conduct ozone therapy, a highly reactive form of pure oxygen is used, which aims to create a healing response in the body. The body has the potential to renew and regenerate. When it gets sick, it’s because that potential is blocked. The reactive properties of ozone stimulate the body to do what is best – to heal.

The use of ozone should be part of a detox program and aimed at boosting natural immunity in most patients. The applications of ozone therapy is in a wide range of medical fields – from general medicine, vascular diseases, internal medicine, dentistry and neurology, orthopedics and traumatology, dermatology and much more.

 

Use of ozone in modern medicine cpapeuropa.com

The application of ozone therapy is in the following wide range:

  • Stimulates the immune system in infectious diseases;
  • Improves cellular oxygen utilization, which reduces ischemia in cardiovascular disease;
  • Causes the release of growth hormones that stimulate the regeneration of damaged joints and degenerative discs;
  • It can dramatically reduce or even eliminate many cases of chronic pain by acting on pain receptors;
  • Therapeutic effects on interstitial cystitis, chronic hepatitis, herpes infections, dental infections, diabetes and macular degeneration have been studied and proven.

 

Is Ozone dangerous? CPAPEUROPA.COM

 

Ozone saunas are used as a part of a detoxification program aimed at cleansing and detoxifying the skin stimulating the sweat glands and increasing blood circulation. Undergoing steam sauna treatment with ozone molecules aims at exposing the skin to ozone particles through steam in order to open the pores and allow controlled amounts of ozone molecules into bloodstream. From there ozone can make its way to the fat and lymph tissue, thus cleansing the lymph tissue of toxins.

 

Other uses of ozone therapy

Steam hyperthermia, which utilizes ozone, is used as part of detoxification programs, immune system deficiencies, pain management, arthritis, cancer, metabolism boosting programs and more.

Check out our Portable Oxygen concentrators selection and the newest addition – the Inogen ROVE 6 Portable O2 Machine!

Looking for an oxygen concentrator to match with your ozone generator? Do not hesitate to contact us and ask for recommendation. We are here to help!

 

Read more about ozone here

Posted on by — 3 Comments

Oxygen Concentrators (Saudi Arabia): Review

Oxygen Concentrators (Saudi Arabia): Review and Prices

 

With the unique Haji pilgrimage happening right now in Saudi Arabia and the Coronavirus pandemic still ravaging the Arab world, it is only natural that hospitals start looking for medical equipment designed to cope with the raging COVID-19 illness across Western Asia and the Arabian peninsula. One of these medical devices is the oxygen concentrator, which has been used worldwide for patients with both SARS-CoV-2 symptoms but COPD and other respiratory diseases requiring oxygen therapy. Today we will delve into the topic of where to buy an oxygen concentrator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing a brief review of the best concentrators sold in SB, where you can find the best pricing, the fastest shipping and the right O2 machines (stationary or portable) for a particular oxygen treatment. But first things first…

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator (also referred to as a home oxygen machine or O2 machine) is a device that is engineered to supply the patient with pure, medical-grade oxygen through an oxygen mask attached to the face. Unlike oxygen bottles–which try to do the same, but, in the end, run out of oxygen and need refilling–oxygen concentrators produce the pure oxygen from the surrounding air – converting the air in the room into pure O2 molecules for breathing.

 

Oxygen Concentrators Saudi Arabia Review and Pricing

An oxygen concentrator turns air into breathable Oxygen

Buy Oxygen Concentrators – 5 LPM for Saudi Arabia

 

How many types of oxygen concentrators are available in Saudi Arabia?

There are two types of O2 machines available for purchase in Saudi Arabia: stationary and portable. The first ones–as their name suggests–are stationary devices that are placed next to the patient’s bed and connected to them via an oxygen cannula and mask. The second ones–portable concentrators, or mobile–oxygen concentrators are much smaller and lighter and allow for traveling and moving around with the machine while receiving therapy. Portable oxygen concentrators are much more convenient, although more pricey than the stationary units, making them the preferred choice of people with respiratory problems who can afford them.

Inogen One oxygen concentrator in coronavirus covid 19 response

What are the biggest pros of a portable oxygen concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator is significantly more convenient than a stationary model as it is lighter and much, much more compact. Not to mention looks, which is another topic of discussion that we can go into some other time. In a portable oxygen machine the engineering thought is focused primarily on patient convenience and same performance as a full blown stationary unit. The oxygen concentration (purity) of a mobile O2 device is the same as the top performing stationary models (93%+). The only con is the price, which sometimes can double and even triple the price of a standard O2 machine.

How loud is an oxygen concentrator?

Most modern-day oxygen concentrators reach their full capacity in just a few minutes, and are extremely quiet during work. The idea is to provide the patient with the purest possible oxygen concentration without producing high decibels and disturbing their sleep.

What’s more, every modern concentrator is equipped with sensors that give indications in case of a problem with the device. These machines are easy to operate, even by people having difficulties moving around or leaving the bed.

 

Did you know: When using an oxygen concentrator at home, the amount of oxygen in the room does not change.

Are oxygen concentrators flammable?

How much does an oxygen concentrator cost in Saudi Arabia?

It depends on the condition of the unit – a second hand oxygen machine will be much less expensive than a brand new one. And, a stationary one will be much less expensive than a portable one. The brand is also of the utmost importance when defining the price. For example, an oxygen concentrator made by the leading manufacturers such as Krober, Devilbiss and Philips Respironics. are more expensive than a Chinese O2 unit sold on Alibaba, for example. Brand new oxygen concentrators in Saudi Arabia normally cost the same as in Europe. If they are more expensive, it means that you’re either paying extra for shipping, or you’re being overcharged by the seller.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator INOGEN One G3

Are oxygen concentrators in Saudi Arabia expensive?

Somewhat, yes. Just like anywhere else in the world. Typical oxygen concentrator prices in Saudi Arabia fall in the range of 4000 – 8000 SAD (4000 – 8000ر.س). But what is important here is to note the reason for the prices of O2 concentrators being high in SB. Оxygen concentrators are sophisticated electronic devices, not to mention the fact that they are specialized medical equipment that often saves lives. So it is quite understandable that they come at a higher price. Especially in a time of a global pandemic that increased the demand for such machines tremendously!

Where to buy oxygen concentrators in Saudi Arabia

We service the entire Arabian peninsula – shipping oxy machines, CPAP devices and accessories to every county in the Kingdom and servicing the following areas and more. If you are looking for a specific model of O2 concentrator in SB, please do not hesitate to contact us directly and ask. We are here to help.

Riyadh11564
Zulfi15941
Makkah24236
Madinah20012

To which countries do we ship oxygen concentrators?

CPAPEuropa supplies oxygen concentrators to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. In addition to the Arab peninsula, we deliver with Express Shipping to India, the Bengal Bay and Sri Lanka.

Tags: oxygen concentrators saudi arabia review and pricing

Posted on by — 2 Comments

EVOX Oxygen Concentrator REVIEW (India): Is it Good?

EVOX 5L Oxygen Concentrator Review India 2020

EVOX Oxygen Concentrator REVIEW and Price

 

Often marketed as the best oxygen concentrator in India, the EVOX home oxygen machine is arguably one of the most popular O2 units currently on the Indian market. Today we will look into that and provide a brief review of the EVOX pros and cons. But first things first…

WHAT is EVOX Oxygen Concentrator?

EVOX is a battery operated oxygen concentrator with oxygen purity of 90%-95.9% on 5LPM (litres per minute oxygen flow to the user). The current EVOX version sold in India comes with features such as SmartTouch, LED Display and nebulizer function. It is presented as a dependable and convenient home oxygen machine EVOX, designed for therapeutic use. Just like other standard oxygen concentrators, the EVOX boasts O2 purity indicator, low power consumption (350 Watt) and user safety system. In India, it is sold with a manufacturer warranty of 2 years and is available both new and second hand.

 

EVOX Oxygen Concentrator REVIEW (India): Is it Good?

Buy Oxygen Concentrators – 5 LPM

Pros

The EVOX Oxygen Concentrator is a 5 litres-per-minute unit that is somewhat light weight and robust. It looks OK and delivers what it promises to deliver, that is, pure oxygen for patients wanting to receive oxygen therapy at home instead of at a hospital. The EVOX is a less power consuming machine, with safety protection and weighs 15.5 kg. It comes with castor wheels to allow moving it around in the room and features also a bright LED display with timer options. There are 6 safety protection systems installed in the EVOX O2 and screen auto sleep to conserve energy.

Purity is also pretty good for a budget oxygen concentrator at 93%.

Cons

Not as high quality and reliable as the popular oxygen concentrators sold in Europe and the United States, such as the Krober, Devilbiss and Philips Respironics. The warranty is only 2 years, whereas the top European models may come with 3 to 5 years. As for the looks, the EVOX design does not turn heads, being simplistic and somewhat budgety, but, at the end of the day, what matters in an 02 device is its performance, price and warranty, right?

Evox oxygen concentrator review of features.

How much does the EVOX oxygen concentrator cost in India?

The EVOX oxygen concentrator usually goes for ₹ 48,900.00 to ₹ 64,000.00, depending on its condition, seller and marketplace. This model is currently very popular in India, being featured in India Today’s news broadcasts in “How to choose the right oxygen concentator” videos. The reason for the popularity of Chinese-made model is attributed to its low price and availability in India and the Bengal Bay region.

To which countries do we ship oxygen concentrators?

CPAPEuropa supplies oxygen concentrators to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. In addition to the India, we deliver with Express Shipping to Saudi Arabia, the Bengal Bay and Sri Lanka.

 

Looking for the absolute best in home Oxygen Concentrators? Have a look at some of the best reviewed models with a proven track record in Europe and USA. For purchases of large amount of units and more information about shipping to India, do not hesitate to ask CPAPEuropa’s staff via the online chat!  

We are here to help you find the best oxygen concentrator in India according to your personal needs and budget!

Tags: evox oxygen concentrator india review

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation In Sleep Apnea Treatment

Adaptive servo ventilation explained - blog post cpapeuropa

What is Adaptive Servo-Ventilation?

If you have sleep apnea, you might have heard about adaptive servo-ventilation. What is adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), though? And how is it used to treat sleep apnea? Today we will answer these question and dive further into the topic of ASV and its implementation in sleep apnea therapy.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) is a type of non-invasive ventilation used to treat patients with central sleep apnea. ASV is also used to treat patients with mixed and complex sleep apnea as well as Cheyne-Stokes. As a central sleep apnea treatment method, ASV dates back to 1998, when it was introduced as a method to treat the condition while continuously monitoring the patient’s breathing pattern.

Sleep apnea is one of the most debilitating modern day sleep disorders. ASV has been widely utilized in treating patients with the central type.

The main pros of adaptive servo-ventilation

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation comes with several pros when applied in the treatment of central sleep apnea. In addition, an ASV device is especially beneficial to patients with complex sleep apneа mainly because of its capability to deliver variable flow upon demand. ASV sleep apnea machines are also used to treat obstructive sleep apneas as well.

Compared to standard PAP devices, ASV machines auto adjust to respond to the sleeper’s changing breathing patterns in the events of central sleep apneas. This helps patients to breathe easier throughout the night and ensure that they are getting an adequate supply of oxygen during therapy.

 

ASV Device Example:

ResMed Aircurve 10 ASV with Heated Humidifier

 

Cons of adaptive servo-ventilation

ASV therapy may not be the most suitable choice of treatment for some patients with symptomatic heart failure. That’s why adaptive servo-ventilation therapy must always be prescribed after proper testing and diagnosis of the particular type of sleep apnea and patient.

ASV treatment is not recommended for patients with the following health conditions:

  • Chronic hypoventilation;
  • Moderate to severe chronic COPD;
  • Restrictive thoracic disease;
  • Neuromuscular disease;
  • Chronically elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2);
  • Arterial blood gas greater than 45 mm Hg.

CPAPs with ASV Modes

Adaptive servo-ventilation is a form of positive airway pressure therapy (PAP). The method automatically adjusts the delivery of air pressure to the patient according to how many pauses in the breathing are detected during sleep.

Sleep apnea devices (CPAP and BiPAP) with ASV modes rely on complex computer algorithms to adjust the pressure throughout the therapy cycle. In that regard, adaptive servo-ventilation “starts” the patient’s breathing only when required. These sleep apnea devices use the same accessories (tubes, masks) as standard non-ASV units.

What differentiates ASV in central sleep apnea treatment–as compared to standard OSA treatment–is its ability to quickly stabilize the breathing pattern and control arterial blood gases. ASV treatment is also more efficient at reducing patient discomfort caused by BiLevel sleep apnea therapy, while delivering the same personalized ventilation.

CPAP and BiPAP Treatment vs ASV

Along with adaptive servo-ventilation, there are two other widely used treatments for sleep apnea: CPAP and BiPAP therapy. These are the most often prescribed treatments for OSA, because they work and actually help the sleep apnea suffer to not only better their nighttime sleep but also completely eliminate the symptoms and improve their general health.

CPAP provides a single continuous pressure therapy while BiPAP provides two separate pressures upon inhalation and exhalation. ASV auto adjustment the pressure setting, and there is no pre-set number of pressures used in addressing central sleep apnea.

CPAP treatment is usually the first treatment prescribed for sleep apnea, then BiPAP. ASV may be considered next if the other treatments don’t prove as effective as usual.

It is of the utmost importance to consult a doctor if you suffer from sleep apnea and require treatment! The decision whether to put you on CPAP, BiPAP or ASV treatment is entirely up to your doctor and proper diagnosis.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What Is Polysomnography (PSG) and How Is It Used to Diagnose Osa?

Polysomnography (also called a sleep study test) is the main and most accurate sleep apnea test to date, capable of detecting different types of sleep disorders in just one night. This type of sleep test is one of the most complex tests in modern sleep medicine, although for the patient being tested the test itself is conducted without any inconvenience or complications.

Being a sleep study, polysomnographic testing is capable of identifying almost all types of sleep disorders the patient might have. Hence it is often considered the gold standard in somnology as it provides a clear picture on what the patient is experiencing during sleep – for example snoring, apnoeas, REM-bahavioral disorder or narcolepsy – one of the most serious sleep disorders.

How is polysomnography performed?

The test is conducted in a clinical settings environment, with the patient staying for night at place while being monitored by a sleep specialist who monitors his therapy on a screen all night. All abnormal activities are hence recorded and anaylised in real time. In the morning, the doctor (somnologist) analyses the data again and provides details to the patient.

 

Polysomnographic graph showing REM sleep

What can polysomnography (PSG) detect?

As a multi-parametric sleep study, PSG detects the following:L

  • Brain activity (electroencephalogram – EEG);
  • Rapid eye movement (electrooculogram – EOG);
  • Abnormal muscle electrical activity (electromyogram – EMG);
  • Cardiac activity (electrocardiogram – ECG);
  • Oxygen saturation and pulse (pulse oximetry);
  • Lower limb movement;
  • Body position;
  • Respiratory effort;
  • Respiratory flow;
  • Snoring.

Sleep apnea (both obstructive and central types) can be easily detected during polysomnography testing. The screening picks up the physiological signals and apneic events during the night through special screening equipment attached to the sleeper. In addition to that, the polysomnographic testing is aided by video surveillance using a night vision camera tracking the sleeper.

Typical polysomnographic diagnostic tools for sleep monitoring

ApneaLinkTM Plus Diagnostic DeviceNox T3 Portable Sleep Monitor

 

Preparation

Polysomnographic examination is conducted when it is convenient for the patient and they are ready to be spend a night in the sleep clinic, where they will spend the night during the test. Patients are allowed to bring their personal pillow from home. Preparations for the test are minor and may include:

  • Cleaning and properly drying the hair of the patient;
  • Removing any acrylic nails and polish from the index fingers;
  • Avoiding afternoon naps in the day of the study;
  • Maintaining the normal diet to avoid influencing the sleep pattern and results of the test;
  • Taking the usual daily medications if there are any.

Polysomnography is a completely painless and non-invasive procedure that does not hold any serious risks for the patient. The only inconvenience is that you don’t get to spend the night in your own bed and that some skin irritation may occur because of the sensors attached to your body during the test.

Conclusion

Polysomnography is one of the most valuable studies in sleep medicine, giving the most comprehensive and objective multi-parametric test measuring both the quantity and quality of sleep of the examined patient. This modern day sleep diagnostic tool allows the doctors to pinpoint with uttermost precision when each sleep phase of sleep begins and ends.

In addition, polysomnography allows the identification of almost all sleep diseases, and is therefore considered the “gold standard” in somnology. It can be used to determine if the patient is snoring, gnashing his teeth, if he has sleep apnea, if he has narcolepsy, or some kind of parasomnia – sleepwalking, REM-behavioral disorder, etc., whether there are periodic movements of the lower legs. limbs or other unusual activities while sleeping.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why to Replace CPAP Mask Parts On a Regular Basis

Why to Replace CPAP Mask Parts On a Regular Basis

Why to replace CPAP mask parts on a regular basis

Did you know that even if you’re using your CPAP machine every night, you might not be getting the most out of your sleep apnea therapy? Without proper cleaning and scheduled replacement of your CPAP mask parts, you will not be getting optimal results, which would instantly affect your daily life. Here are the top three reasons you should be regularly replacing your CPAP supplies.

CPAP mask parts are integral component of your therapy. Think of them like the important parts of your car – they must maintained in optimal condition for the vehicle to run safely. The same holds true for your CPAP mask parts, that is, if you want your sleep apnea therapy to run smoothly and not be compromised from a worn down or defective component, you’d want those cushions, headgear, tubes and frames to be in top condition.

Here are to main reasons to replace your CPAP mask parts regularly

If your mask parts are worn down, they will immediately affect your masks performance, which would definitely impact your night’s sleep. A recent Resmed study 1 showed that 70% of sleep apnea sufferers who replaced their mask parts reported a significant improvement in the quality of sleep. Those who did not do so and waited a year before replacing the most important parts of their masks, reported sleeping half an hour less every single night. This deprivation ceased immediately upon replacement, says the study.

https://www.cpapeuropa.com/product-category/cpap-masks/

Getting better sleep

Getting better sleep (elusive during the times before you started your CPAP therapy) comes with a range of daytime perks you should not be missing on,  especially because of a worn down or malfunctioning mask part that has been holding your zzz time back. By simply improving your quality of sleep you would be getting more energy during the day, allowing you to exercise more, better concentrate and improve your overall health by a significant margin.

“Every minute of extra sleep matters, and a worn down mask part can reduce that by up to 30 minutes!” – Gregory Bertrand, CPAPEUROPA.COM

Higher quality of life and guaranteed comfort

People who replace their CPAP mask parts as instructed by their sleep therapist, start to notice more energy during the day, not to mention improved comfort during the night. In short – you sleep longer and better; and your significant other also appreciates that fact. Getting out of bed fully rested and energized pays off in terms of a more satisfied life, better performance at work, and better relationship with your significant other.

Why sleep apnea sufferers sometimes do not replace their gear

The main reason of procrastinating to replace a CPAP mask part (even if it is worn down or broken) is attributed to several popular reasons. First and foremost, is the cost of replacement. CPAP masks are not cheap and neither are their parts. The important thing to understand here, though, is that these parts are vital for effective sleep apnea therapy – just like a new brake pad or rotor is vital for braking properly and not risking your life. The cost of CPAP masks can be significantly reduced if you have a trusted CPAP supplier that offers your needed mask parts at discounted prices. This way you can afford to regularly replace your mask gear without breaking the bank.

Other reason for not replacing your CPAP mask parts when they should be replaced are:

  • You don’t think it is necessaryAbout 30% of the people surveyed think that their CPAP mask parts last longer than what the manual tells them. They often don’t take into account how many hours they sleep with the mask, how they maintain it clean (what products or chemical they use to clean it), as well as many other external factors playing vital role in the everyday exploitation of the mask. No matter what these are, one thing is for sure — the mask parts, just like other things, will deteriorate as time goes. Oil from your face will also wear down the mask just like the necessity to clean it every morning. The frame can eventually crack and tear, the filters will eventually become clogged and stop filtering, the cushion will start to leak, etc. That’s why it is so important to not procrastinate and replace these parts as soon as you notice a visible sign of deterioration;
  • You forgetAround 10% of the people surveyed say they forget to change their parts regularly. That’s why if you notice a deterioration, make sure to set a reminder to replace the part as soon as possible. Your significant other can also keep track scheduled replacements and remind you when the time comes to do so.

 

This blog post provides general information about medical conditions and potential treatments. The publications are not intended as medical advice and should not be deemed such. Always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health, especially decisions related to your sleep apnea treatment.

 

1 Study conducted for ResMed by third party market research firm (April 2015).

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Qatar Government Makes Wearing Face Masks Compulsory

As of April 26 wearing protective masks against the coronavirus spread has become mandatory in Qatar. The local government made the wearing of face masks compulsory for several sectors, and non compliance with the new rule attracts up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine.

Workers in the contracting sector are have to wear masks while carrying out their duties and tasks. The new rules apply to government employees workers in the contracting sector, shoppers at food and catering stores as well as offices.

Officials in the contracting sector are obligated to provide such masks for their employees while also adhering to the strict precautionary measures introduced since the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the country in late February. Such measures –and not only in Qatar, but elsewhere in the world–are unlikely to drop until Government learn how to effectively control the pandemic, or a working vaccine is introduced.

The obligatory mask wearing decision was announced immediately after a meeting between the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi.

 

Qatar coronavirus cases April 11, 2020

To this date Qatar has 22.520 confirmed coronavirus cases and 14 deaths.

 

So far Qatar has been using the most popular medical mask for coronavirus protection – the N95 / KN95 mask approved by the FDA.

All government and private employees whose work involves communicating with people in person are obligated to wear masks on duty, just like people visiting ministerial offices or other public or private buildings with office locations.

Swedish cafes remain open despite coronavirus measures

Meanwhile around the world

 

As the largest manufacturer of KN95 masks, China is currently the 11th most affected by the disease country

with almost 83 000 confirmed cases and 4,633 deaths. The United States is holds the record for the most affected nation with the whopping 1,363,517 confirmed cases and 282,494 deaths. Much of western Europe and the United States right now are struggling daily to stem the spread.

In Sweden — So far the pandemic in Sweden has lead to 3.200 deaths and more than 26 000 confirmed cases (Arpil 11 data). The Swedish schools have also remained open while neighboring countries have their schools shut down for weeks.

Meanwhile, the Swedish government is on a new kind of Coronavirus hunt trying to come up with an early detection method involving widespread sewage water testing for the presence of the COVID-19 pathogen.

What happens in Sweden is particularly interesting as the Swedes are still allowed to visit cafés, restaurants and parks without having to wear face masks.

N95 respirators and their Chinese equivalent KN95 are currently used worldwide in both industrial and health care settings, as well as by the public where available.

 

 

In other news:

Inogen (NSDQ:INGN) shares took a big hit on first-quarter results 

The Goleta, Calif.-based company posted losses of -$1.6 million for the three months preceding March 31. That is a -7¢ loss per share, on sales of $83.1 million. Despite the 1.9% decline on its sales, Inogen remains the global leader in portable oxygen therapy and was the company of choice for Direct Relief, who in March donated $2 million for the purchase of Inogen One portable concentrators.

“As a global leader in portable oxygen therapy, Inogen is working hard to meet the needs of oxygen therapy patients worldwide, including those suffering from COVID-19 during this unprecedented time,” said Inogen president & CEO Scott Wilkinson.

“It is our mission to improve the freedom and independence of respiratory patients, and we intend to help as many patients as possible during this difficult time.”

Despite the bad news, the company’s business-to-business sales were reportedly up 5.7%. The rise is attributed as a direct result of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the demand for home medical equipment, including CPAP & BiPAP devices normally used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Sweden Enters Coronavirus Critical Phase: Wastewater Testing Introduced

Sweden water and

Sewage wastewater focal point of understanding the coronavirus pandemic

As Sweden enters its Coronavirus critical phase, sewage wastewater becomes a focal point of understanding SARS-CoV-2.

The country’s chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell warned the Swedish public that a new intensive phase of the Coronavirus outbreak is headed their way. Testing Sweden’s wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 now plays a major part in the effort to better understand the virus’ reach among the general public.

Sewage water can reveal what testing cannot, that is, the real scale of the virus and how many people it might have actually affected.

This kind of testing could also serve as a future early sign of a second coronavirus wave, according to Swedish scientists.

 

Sweden's state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell
Sweden’s state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell

 

It takes only 3 days for the novel coronavirus to appear in human faeces. This poses a major scientific discovery because in the understanding of the disease as it means that the virus can be detected much sooner; especially if people wait to display symptoms of COVID-19, which can take up to two weeks.

Monitoring wastewater could give officials a much needed head start, allowing them to take measures on time and avoid a larger outbreak.

Although this type of early warning cannot pinpoint the exact person who’s having coronavirus in their system, it can alert the authorities about the virus’ arrival in a given community and allow for an immediate lockdown of these affected areas.

 

Medical Ventilators for Invasive / Noninvasive Treatment 

Coronavirus outbreak poses unprecedented environmental safety hazard

As the country entered an intensive phase, the Swedish government plans to introduce tax breaks for small companies and bring stranded Swedes home.

Testing wastewater for coronavirus is not a Swedish invention. In fact, many research groups around the world began testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 in a bid to place a reliable estimate on the overall number of infected people in a particular community, as many of the people there would not be tested.

Until now, research groups have found such wastewater tracer in the US and the Netherlands.

 

Swedish river and buildings.

 

Despite the widespread shut-downs

Another major obstacle for doing such research is the limited number of reagent to conduct such testes as well as the global shut-downs of laboratories and universities that could carry such an ambitious task. Research groups are already experiencing shortages due to the economic strain while governments are in a race to come up with a working vaccine to end it all.

Cetecioglu Gurol, Associate Professor at the Division of Resource Recovery organization, and whose research focuses on recovering biochemical resources from wastewater, warns that recovering the coronavirus from sewage is much more difficult than expected as wastewater is far more complicated than regular contaminated liquids, adding that “there are a lot of things in it besides the virus.”

Meanwhile in the Netherlands

The dutch authorities aim at reaching the same estimate as their Swedish counterparts, intending to test the wastewater from more than a million of people.

Such wastewater surveillance on a massive scale could account for the people who have not been tested, says microbiologist Gertjan Medema — the chief microbiologist at KWR Water Research Institute in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.

Coronavirus vaccine testing.

Detecting the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is not as easy as it may look

The goal of “diving” head first into wastewater is to prevent the coronavirus infection from spreading covertly again causing a new massive outbreak among the population.

The entire process rests on making accurate RNA extrapolations of the amount of infected people–who would remain under the radar–by determining the scale of the infection from dirty water samples.

The main challenges of doing so is making sure that the samples obtained by mass testing are truly indicative of what is excreted by the population and not just a misleading snapshot.

Wastewater surveillance hence needs to be conducted properly and be feasible in the long run.

Wastewater pipes flowing water out.

Wastewater as the new early warning sign of COVID-19

Wastewater testing can become the new early-warning sign of a second wave, says Ana Maria de Roda Husman, an infectious disease researcher at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the Institute has been monitoring the sewage water for the presence of novovirus, poliovirus, measles and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A coordinated effort between Sweden and China

The Chinese team in charge of the coronavirus force in Beijing looks on the future cooperation between China and Sweden as a mutually beneficial relationship

In 2019, the Chinese IVL kick-started its project to treat pharmaceutical residue in wastewater in a wastewater treatment plant in Sweden.

This type of cooperation would be of extreme importance in the overall effort to handle the coronavirus pandemic in both countries.

 

Related:

Oxygen Concentrators INOGEN Become Part of Coronavirus Response in US

Coronavirus Vaccine Tested in UK: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Coronavirus Vaccine Tested in UK: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19

Clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine are under way in Oxford

The prototype vaccine named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 has been administered to 1,112 healthy volunteers, part of a University of Oxford vaccinated group.

The clinical trial with the upcoming “Chadox” vaccine will produce definitive results about its effectiveness against the COVID-19 pandemic in 6 months time, when final assessment about its efficacy will be made.

What needs to be assessed is the ability of candidate vaccine to create an immune response strong enough to tackle the novel coronavirus.

So far Oxford University is feeling rather optimistic about its vaccine development and plans to produce millions of doses before the end of 2020.

For now the only option for giving severe coronavirus patients a chance of recovering is invasive or non invasive medical ventilators and–where such devices are not available–BiPAP and CPAP machines.

The first phase of the clinical trial was initiated on April 23. The vaccine is based on the common cold virus, called adenovirus.

The new vaccine construct uses the adenovirus to create a material similar to the genetic code of SARS-Cov-2 in order to make a spike protein.

The spike protein plays a vital role in connecting to particular human receptors of cell surfaces and in turn help the body react to it and make antibodies against the spike protein.

This immune response will stop the virus from entering the cells in the first place and cause the COVID-19 infection.

 

Safe, but has some side effects

Oxford University has been using adenovirus vaccines on 320 volunteers who took it really well. The vaccine is deemed safe although it has some side effect like headache, fever and soreness in the arm.

So far the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 experimental vaccine has been tested on six macaque monkeys, managing to successfully protect them from the virus for almost a month, boosting the confidence of the Oxford researchers about its efficacy.

Until now around 1,110 volunteers from London, Southhampton, Bristol and Oxford have been administered the candidate vaccine. Aged between 18 and 55, both male and female volunteers have taken part in the trial.

Administering the vaccines to volunteers

The participants in the human trial have been randomly selected to be injected with either the candidate vaccine or a ‘control’ vaccine such as the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal bacteria.

None of the participants in the trial will know which vaccine they have been injected with. Then the research group will gradually assess the participants’ immune system response and evaluate the results.

When will we have definitive results?

The timeline for the trial depends on the results of phase 1 testing. After phase 1 there will be phase 2 and phase 3 trials, which may combine into one and shorten the overall trail timeline and produce definitive results sooner than expected.

If the results are encouraging enough, mass production of the vaccine will take place by the end of June and be available to the general public as soon as the end of 2020, with more than 60 million doses expected to be manufactured initially.