Introducing Inside OSA

Sleep Disordered Breathing

This segment is best viewed at a physician’s office, on a referral visit to a sleep specialist, or during a sleep lab pre-diagnostic night. Patients learn how to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea and the negative ways in which it affects their lives. An interview with Dr. Kingman Strohl, Director of the Center for Sleep Disorders at Case Western Reserve University, explains the dangers of leaving sleep apnea untreated, and the increased health risks that patients face. Patients will learn about how Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) and using a nasal mask can help to restore restful sleep. A number of real-life patient testimonials reinforce the benefits of PAP therapy, and the importance of seeing a doctor to help with the disorder.

Evaluating Sleep

This segment is best viewed by patients during a sleep lab pre-titration night. It reviews the definition of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and how it affects the body. A polysomnographic technologist demonstrates how a patient is prepared for a sleep study in order to determine the type and severity of the sleep disorder. Patients will learn about various types of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapies, including continuous positive airway pressure, automatic positive airway pressure therapy and bi-level positive airway pressure. To help make the transition easier, real-life patients share their experiences with PAP therapy, and provide advice for newly diagnosed individuals.

Treatment with PAP Therapy

This segment is best viewed in a sleep lab or homecare setting prior to starting PAP therapy. It reinforces the definition of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the ways in which it affects the body. It also demonstrates how regular nightly use of therapy can minimize the health risks associated with the disorder. Patients learn about the various treatment options available, including Positive Airway Pressure (PAP). Dr. Strohl explains the different types of therapies and the benefits that patients receive from their use, as well as other actions they can take to reduce risk factors. Real-life patients discuss potential obstacles to adjusting to PAP therapy and encourage newly diagnosed patients to learn to manage their disorder. A list of tips is provided to help patients as they begin the journey towards a better night’s sleep.

Living with PAP Therapy

This segment is best viewed at a sleep lab or homecare follow-up clinic. It focuses on living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for the long-term, and how understanding and accepting the disorder can help patients better benefit from therapy. Through real-life testimonials, newly diagnosed patients will hear how others first learned to deal with the disorder, and the subsequent positive impact that therapy had on their lives. They will also learn how to avoid some of the potential obstacles that new patients face, and how new technologies are making it even easier for people to deal with sleep apnea. Dr. Strohl will discuss some of the difficulties patients have adapting to therapy, as well as the benefits that come from making a commitment to treating this chronic condition. By working with their healthcare team and taking an active role in their treatment, patients will learn that they can once again enjoy a healthy and productive life.

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