PPD - Precision Pulmonary Diagnostics
Mark B Berger, MD
Sleep apnea is very common, particularly in the commercial driver population. Studies show that up to 28% of commercial drivers may be afflicted. Primary risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and, with treatment, quality of life and health benefits can be realized. Sleep [...]
There are several treatment options for patients diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing. All treatment options are intended to prevent obstructions from occurring, usually by widening the airway. While positional therapy (the elimination of sleeping on the back) and weight loss are helpful, the most effective form of treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (the most common form) [...]
For many of you, being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea takes some adjusting to. For many people, the diagnosis of sleep apnea may come as a complete surprise. Is it no surprise then that sleep apnea is also known as the silent killer? Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and provided with a CPAP [...]
Has anyone ever heard of the Hat Trick- or is anyone currently using it? I came across this “trick” a few years ago and thought it might be a good idea to bring it back to the surface as I think it is a creative solution to a common problem… masks fit issues. Here is [...]
Once in a while I receive a call from a driver explaining that his dog chewed his CPAP hose, mask or more recently, the cat’s claws destroyed the hose…. And I always get a good chuckle…. It’s no secret that I’m an avid animal lover and some would even venture to say I have “crazy [...]
To all of our drivers out there- I hope that you and your families are SAFE and were able to ride out Irene’s wrath this past weekend with little to no damages. You are in our throughts and prayers. Many of you living on the East Coast lost power among other issues- flooding etc. For those of you [...]
Hello there Truckers…. thought I would post a little about CPAP unit and equipment upkeep…. Proper care and maintenance of your CPAP equipment is important and will ensure your equipment delivers optimal treatment. For those of you using your CPAP equipment in your truck, you have special considerations with regard to caring and maintaining your [...]
How often do you replace your mask inserts (the soft silicone cushion that inserts into the mask frame)? Unfortunately, it is all too common for drivers to go months and sometimes years with the same mask and mask inserts. Like a toothbrush, the inserts must be changed frequently in order to maintain optimal therapy. Over [...]
One of the most common issues I encounter with drivers, especially during their acclimation phase, is waking up after treatment only to realize that their mask is on the floor. This may be related to lack of sufficient pressure, especially if they are using an APAP (Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure) unit. When this happens, most [...]
Having a comfortable, well fitting mask is crucial if you are to succeed with CPAP treatment. It is often the most difficult part of the whole treatment process and in many instances can make or break compliance. Be wary of technicians that let you choose your own mask without first assessing for a few [...]
Return on Investment Untreated sleep apnea is costing your company money today. These dollars can be seen in excess healthcare costs (particularly … [Read More...]
Sleep labs What can I expect from a sleep lab visit? Where are PPD-approved sleep labs located? CPAP Equipment What is the … [Read More...]
Sleep apnea is very common, particularly in the commercial driver population. Studies show that up to 28% of commercial drivers may be afflicted. … [Read More...]
There are several treatment options for patients diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing. All treatment options are intended to prevent obstructions … [Read More...]