Upcoming A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Fair

We recently reconnected with Colleen Bazzani from the American Sleep Apnea Association to learn more about the upcoming A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Fair on Monday, March 21, 2016. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), the word “apnea” is Greek for “without breath.” Sleep apnea is an involuntary interruption in breathing that happens while the patient is sleeping. The three different types of sleep apnea are:

• Obstructive
• Central
• Mixed

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the three. Although there is a difference in the cause of each type of sleep apnea, the common thread in all types is the patient stops breathing during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times, and often for one minute or longer. A CPAP mask aids in providing oxygen to the patient during these times. A.W.A.K.E stands for Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic. The A.W.A.K.E group offers education and health information, along with the tools needed, to people with sleep apnea enabling them to manage their own health care successfully. Park Nicollet and the American Sleep Apnea Association are hosting the 2016 A.W.A.K.E Sleep Fair on Monday, March 21^st. Don’t miss this FREE event – many national and local vendors will be on hand to exhibit the latest in sleep technology and treatment. There will also be a question and answer with a sleep doctor, including a short presentation on insomnia. If you already own CPAP equipment, bring it with you for a pressure check and stay for an informational session about equipment care and cleaning. Find more details, including location, parking and detailed times, on the event flyer. Colleen Bazzani is a registered Sleep Technologist and the Clinical Sleep Health Educator at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. She is one of just four people in the state of Minnesota with a certification in Clinical Sleep Health. I spoke with Colleen in September 2015 about sleep apnea and how the ASAA and the West Metro A.W.A.K.E meetings in Minneapolis can help those with sleep disorders. To read our interview and learn more on sleep disorders, the ASAA, and support available to those suffering from sleep disorders, click here to see our blog article. The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness of sleep apnea, continually works to find improvements in treatments for sleep disorders and advocates for the interests of patients. Through education and research, their goal is to increase sleep apnea awareness with the hope of reducing unnecessary injuries, disabilities and premature deaths associated with this disorder. Colleen hosts the West Metro A.W.A.K.E meetings through the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA). A.W.A.K.E meetings have been held in this area since the late 1980’s with an ongoing mission to help individuals with sleep disorders. Their goal is to educate, provide resources and treat the patients with disorders. There is no cure for apnea, except maybe weight loss or surgery, and as people get older their bodies change, including the throat area. These body changes affect breathing and is the main cause for apnea. Sleep apnea tends to be worse as people age. It is a chronic disease, with lifelong effects, can be hereditary, and also very serious if left untreated. CPAP masks play the role of comfort for the user. There are various styles on the market, such as in the nose, over the nose, and a total face mask being just a few options. When looking for a well-fitting mask, comfort is key. The patient doesn’t want to experience any redness or breakdown of the skin, and the mask must fit properly and comfortably in different sleep positions and without a feeling of claustrophobia. A proper fitting mask will ensure better compliance with their therapy. Many times, a patient needs educational help, new equipment ideas or assistance with technology. Sometimes the patient is just looking to update their CPAP mask and equipment. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment has an experienced staff at each of their eight locations that is courteous and willing to assist the customer with their questions or with CPAP equipment. Liberty Oxygen has a large selection of different styles, manufacturers, and equipment so the patient can be more in control of their own health with all the selections and options available. The knowledgeable staff also helps their customers each day with insurance questions and have become ‘experts’ in the insurance system.