Tired Of Having Sleepless Nights? Improved Technologies May Help You Sleep Tight.
 Every year more than 12 million Americans have trouble sleeping, the result of a common disorder called sleep apnea.
The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." Sleep apnea is a 10-second or longer pause in breathing during sleep. People can stop breathing hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. Additionally, every time an apnea event occurs, the victim awakes briefly so that regular breathing patterns can resume.
"Good sleep is the key to achieving quality mental and physical health," said Thomas Higgins, M.D., co-medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. "If a person’s sleep is continually interrupted by irregular breathing patterns, they may never receive the proper amount of sleep needed during any given night."
For years, continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) has been the most effective non-surgical method for treating sleep apnea. Through this therapy, a machine delivers a continuous, fixed amount of pressurized air through an inflexible mask worn over the nose and mouth. This aids in keeping the respiratory tract open and unobstructed while sleeping. Now, new improvements to CPAP headgear have made this remedy more comfortable for its users.
For most patients, getting accustomed to a CPAP mask has been an uncomfortable process. Air leaks, dry or red eyes, and sores or redness above the bridge of the nose and forehead are most often the result of the rigid, non-pliable mask.
 Simplicity™ Nasal Mask
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The Sleep Disorders Center is now recommending two alternatives for its patients: the Respironics® Simplicity™ Nasal Mask and the Profile™ Lite Mask.
The Simplicity Nasal Mask does not touch the bridge of the nose, eliminating excess pressure and irritation. The mask also prevents airflow to the eyes, enabling users to wear glasses.
The Profile Lite Mask provides a gelled inner layer in the mask that conforms to an individual’s facial contours, resulting in fewer air leaks and increased comfort.
 Profile™ Lite Mask
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"These new devices have made all the difference in the world," said Dr. Higgins. "Our patients have found these masks to be extremely lightweight and comfortable, plus it allows for more freedom of movement during the night."
The Sleep Disorders Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is fully accredited and a member of the American Sleep Disorders Association. The center provides a full range of diagnostic services to identify problems with insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and abnormal sleep behaviors.
For more information about the Sleep Disorders Center or to schedule an appointment call 541-1375. Some medical coverage may require a referral from a primary care physician for appointments.
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