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ndustry experts fear CPAP compliance may be compromised because of lack of educational materials and instructional resources. CPAP patients don't know where to obtain the information they need for proper treatment. One Internet retailer steps in to fill the void.
There was already a lot of information available. We just made is much easier for the patient to find. If we don't have what they are looking for, we will find the answers
Richmond, VA (PRWEB) June 2, 2008 -- For CPAP Supply USA, it is no surprise that CPAP patients are not always compliant in their therapy and are not always receiving the best therapy available. Over the last four years, they have spoken with, emailed, and held live chat conversations with thousands of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea that just don't know how to use their CPAP machines, when to replace disposable parts, and how to know when a CPAP mask is fitted properly. Although general levels of compliance are rising, the need for more informed patients is clear.
"It is not unusual to speak to a patient on the phone and find that they haven't replaced their mask in years," said Timothy Tillman, Chief Information Officer for CPAP Supply USA. "Time and time again, we are questioned on replacement schedules, cleaning advice, fitting concerns, and proper travel care."
Normally, the responsibility of training and education would fall on the local Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier. Although not a traditional DME, CPAPSupplyUSA.com is an Internet retailer specializing in CPAP and sleep apnea related supplies. Seeing the need for more educational resources, a new section of CPAPSupplyUSA.com focusing solely on information and training was launched in April, 2008.
"There was already a lot of information available. We just made is much easier for the patient to find. If we don't have what they are looking for, we will find the answers," said Tillman.
The new section contains resources such as mask sizing and fitting guides, machine manuals, the ability to speak directly with a Respiratory Therapist, replacement schedules, live customer service webcameras, tips and tricks, and a full community of blogs and forums where patients can chat with each other for advice. The information is available to everyone who visits the site.
"We felt it important to offer resources to the general public, not just to our own patients," said Jeff Burgess, CEO and Co-Owner. "We believe that having access to this information creates a more informed patient, a more informed buyer, and a patient more apt to achieve compliance." Compliance is the ability of the patient to follow a strict regimen of use set forth by their doctor. Non-compliance can occur for many reasons, but one of the main concerns is the patients struggle with equipment and supplies.
Sleep apnea affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States. Apnea occurs when the airway partially or fully closes during sleep, restricting normal breathing. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine forces air through the obstruction and creates a stable airway during sleep. Sleep Apnea is known to cause severe health problems, and in some cases, death can occur.
About CPAP Supply USA:CPAP Supply USA, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and CPAP accessories from top manufacturers, including Respironics, Puritan Bennett, Invacare, Resmed and Fisher & Paykel. With over 20 years experience working with home medical equipment companies specializing in respiratory care, their mission is to improve the quality of life for their clients by providing expert advice and state of the art equipment at affordable prices. For more information on CPAP Supply USA or to place an order, call 1-866-560-2727 or visit their website at http://www.CPAPSupplyUSA.com.

Contact:Kristen Perkins, Director of Business DevelopmentCPAP Supply USA804-353-4240http://www.cpapsupplyusa.com

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