CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct March 2009 Newsletter
Welcome to the CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct Newsletter where you will find information on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the products used with CPAP therapy. We hope that this information is helpful and informative. If you have any questions about anything mentioned in this newsletter or with CPAP in general, please give us a call, toll free, at 877-791-3195 and we will be glad to help.
INDUSTRY NEWS
CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct was one of the many booths at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo held at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This show included many of Chicago’s Medical Community, Health related vendors, Sleep Manufacturers, and Sleep Physicians.
The Healthy Lifestyle Expo attracted hundreds of thousands of people and was considered a great success.
By attending the Expo – CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct helped to educate the many visitors to Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.

The semi-annual medical show, called Medtrade ran from March 24 th – 26 th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Last year’s Medtrade Spring was held in Long Beach , Calif. , and drew about 4,000 participants, including 2,600 providers.
With an escalation of upheaval in the industry, however, Medtrade was a magnet for those looking for up-to-the-minute information. More than 250 manufacturers exhibited at the show, and more than 70 seminars on topics ranging from dealing with the oxygen cap to surviving the economic downturn were scheduled.
We will be reporting on new products from the show within the next few weeks.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
RESMED has allowed us to lower prices on your favorite products. Effective immediately, the pricing associated with all of your favorite ResMed products has been drastically reduced. In addition, ResMed has eliminated many of the restrictions which prevented us from providing those quality products to you in the past.
Please visit our site www.cpapplus.com and locate your favorite ResMed product. While the advertised price on the page has been reduced – just click the “Add to Cart” to see your true “everyday” low price.
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Mirage Swift II
Incredibly light, the Mirage Swift weighs approximately 2.5 oz (70g), making it
one of the lightest nasal pillow systems on the market. It rests lightly on the
face, with the pillows positioned at the entrance of the nostrils, minimizing
facial contact and maximizing comfort. The system offers interchangeable tube
positions for flexibility of use. The Mirage Swift air tube can be used in an
up, down, left, or right position, offering patients a greater choice in
sleeping positions for the most comfortable night’s sleep. And, since all three sizes are included in every package, there is no need to worry about ordering the correct size. While light and flexible, the Mirage Swift nasal pillows system still delivers on the ResMed name when it comes to superior performance. The innovative design, combined with the soft and secure headgear, enhances seal and stability, as well as eliminating the need to over-tighten. An excellent alternative for patients who currently use the Breeze Interface System, or any other nasal prong system. All three size nasal cushions are also included!
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Mirage Activa
If you move a lot when you sleep and experience mask leaks as a result, try the
Mirage Activa™ nasal mask. The Mirage Activa uses ActiveCell™ Technology to automatically adapt to the changing positions of active sleepers. It allows the mask frame to move independently of the cushion, which helps the cushion stay in place and maintain a seal during active sleep. ActiveCell Technology allows more active sleep with fewer air leaks, and there is no need for tight headgear. The cushion has an inflatable chamber that compensates for movement in any direction. The convenient cushion clip snaps on and off for trouble-free mask cleaning.
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Ultra Mirage II
The Ultra Mirage II mask system is specifically designed to meet the needs of
both patients and providers. The simplicity of the design minimizes fitting time
and reduces follow-up calls, rewarding your patients with long nights of quiet,
comfortable therapy and the first step toward therapeutic compliance. The Ultra
Mirage has a two-layer cushion that provides optimal comfort and excellent
stability. It also has headgear release clips that allow easy removal of the
mask and eliminate the need for regular readjustment. The forehead support
provides excellent fit and stability, and it can be easily adjusted while the
patient is wearing the mask. The cushion clip ensures that the cushion has
maximum stability, even at the highest treatment pressures. The quick release
swivel allows easy removal of the air tubing from the mask. Additional features
include a super quiet air vent that minimizes noise and enables efficient CO2
washout; vented air is channeled along the air tubing so that it does not
disturb patient or partner and a 360° elbow rotation gives patients control over air tubing orientation.
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H4i
ResMed has launched a new heated humidifier, the H4i, which is the latest technology in heated humidification, according to the company. The humidifier integrates with the S8 Series II CPAP and bi-level devices.
Using the most up-to-date technology in airflow dynamics and heating technology helps the H4i heated humidifier delivers the most humidity output of any integrated device with pressure relief.
The H4i is boasted to offer 30 percent higher humidity output and 60ml greater water capacity than similar devices, which can be an advantage for patients on very high pressures, particularly with bi-level therapy.
- Seamlessly integrated unit : Humidifier snaps firmly into place
- User-friendly humidity control : Dial is easy to use in the dark and quick to respond
- Fliptop lid design : Convenient and easy to use; no need to remove tub to refill water chamber
- 390 ml capacity : High volume, high efficiency humidification in a compact unit
- ResMed tubing wrap : Improves the humidity delivered to the mask by up to 20%*
- Optional cleanable water chamber : Easy to use, set up and refill; easy to clean by hand or in a dishwasher
- Long-lasting scratch resistance : Stainless steel plate and nickelcoated aluminum heater
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HEALTH INFORMATION
One-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns, according to the National Sleep Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America™ poll. The poll, which surveyed a random sample of 1,000 adults at least 18 years of age, also found that those in good health who are getting enough sleep are two times as likely to work efficiently, exercise or eat healthy as those in poor health. “It’s easy to understand why so many people are concerned over the economy and jobs, but sacrificing sleep is the wrong solution,” said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep is essential for productivity and alertness and is a vital sign for one’s overall health.” As experts predict that the U.S. economic situation may get worse in 2009, the National Sleep Foundation encourages Americans to maintain good sleep, exercise and diet routines to help combat anxiety and improve health and productivity. People should speak with their doctor if they are experiencing sleep problems.
Reported in the National Sleep Foundation News and Alerts 3/3/09

Short Sleepers Could Develop Prediabetes
People who sleep on average less than six hours a night could develop impaired fasting glucose, or prediabetes, which can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes, according to research presented this week at the American Heart Association's Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. Researchers looked at the health records of almost 1,500 people taking part in the Western New York Health Study and found participants identified as short sleepers (less than six hours each night) were nearly five times as likely to convert from normal blood sugar levels to impaired fasting glucose compared with those getting six to eight hours of sleep. Normal fasting blood glucose levels are considered less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels of 100mg/dL to 125 mg/dL are defined as impaired fasting glucose. If you suspect you have diabetes, it's important to see a health professional. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hypertension and increased risk of heart attack. It also damages the eyes, kidneys and other vital organs. The earlier one develops the disease, the greater the potential for long-term damage, especially if the diabetes isn't diagnosed and brought under treatment.
Reported in the National Sleep Foundation News and Alerts 3/13/09

Night Shifts Can Cause Metabolic Confusion
Disrupted sleep patterns caused by jet lag or shift work can cause confusion with metabolic hormone regulation, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers based in Boston examined 10 subjects who were kept on a 28-hour cycle for eight days, each day waking up four hours later than the previous day. Subjects ate and slept at all phases of the circadian cycle, with researchers measuring leptin, insulin, glucose and cortisol hourly and blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption daily. According to the study, leptin — a hormone that helps regulate appetite and promotes normal insulin activity — systematically decreased in subjects who ate and slept 12 hours out of phase from their normal times. Subjects also experienced an increase in blood glucose and insulin; cortisol, which is a hormone secreted in response to stress; and blood pressure. Frank Scheer, co-author of the study and a Harvard Medical School neuroscientist, told Wired Science, "The surprising finding for us is that even so brief a misalignment caused quite impressive changes." While researchers noted the importance of the study's findings, they also acknowledged its limitations — such as the small number of subjects and the fact the laboratory conditions did not mimic real life. They conclude that further studies are needed to investigate the link between hormone regulation and disrupted sleep patterns.
Reported in the National Sleep Foundation News and Alerts 3/19/09

THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS
As always we hope that you find this information helpful and informative. We thank you for choosing CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct as your supplier for CPAP equipment and accessories. Don’t forget to maintain good health by keeping your equipment clean and replacing your filters and tubing often! Remember, poor performance of your mask may mean a new cushion or nasal pillows are needed.

As always we hope that you find this information helpful and informative. We thank you for choosing CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct as your supplier for CPAP equipment and accessories. |