What Pro2 is Up2

Are you a frequent traveler or camper? We know the last thing you want is to feel tired or have your sleep apnea symptoms return while on the go. Don't let travel prevent you from feeling your best! We recommend you continue your therapy on a nightly basis while traveling.

Recent advances in technology and design have produced more options for the CPAP user who travels. Traveling with a full-size CPAP machine is not always a convenient option. Plus, you may not have access to an electrical power source. To fulfill your needs, Pro2 is now carrying more options, including lightweight CPAP units and a new battery option for powering your CPAP device.

Transcend Portable CPAP:

• Each unit weighs less than one pound and fits in the palm of your hand
• Power options available including Overnight or Multi-night Battery Systems
• Solar Battery Charger available to recharge both battery options
• Multiple therapy options available, including the Transcend CPAP and Transcend Auto
• Humidification options available, including a heated humidifier and Waterless Humidification System
• To learn more about the Transcend, call us today at (716)667-9600 or visit http://www.mytranscend.com/patients

Z1 CPAP System:

• The lightest CPAP machine available weighing only 10 ounces
• Sleek design with bright LCD screen
• Quiet operation- only 26 dBA of sound during operation
• Optional integrated battery system called the PowerShell which lasts 1-2 nights
• To learn more about the Z1, call us today at (716)667-9600 or visit http://hdmusa.com/the-z1/

Battery Power Solutions C-100 Battery Pack:

• Small, lightweight external battery solution to power your CPAP machine
• Works with most makes and models of CPAP, BiPAP, and other PAP devices
• Use in a single battery configuration or pigtail two batteries together for even more power
• Average run time with single battery configuration is 1-2 nights on most machines
• Battery can be recharged via the cigarette lighter (power) socket of a vehicle
• Perfect for camping, tents, and use in RVs
• To learn more about the C-100 Battery Pack, call us today at (716)667-9600 or visit http://www.batterypowersolutions.net/product/c-100-battery-pack

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients might need increased education and dialogue with physicians to better manage their conditions and prevent life-threatening exacerbations, a new study reports.

Exacerbations (also called “flare ups”) are a leading cause of hospitalization for U.S. COPD patients, but 62 percent admitted they don’t know much about the events, according to the new, two-part national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Experience (COPE) Survey conducted by COPD Foundation. An additional 16 percent did not know what an exacerbation was at all.

Exacerbations are acute periods when symptoms suddenly worsen, and breathing becomes even more difficult. Once patients have an exacerbation — described as either mild, moderate, or severe — they are more likely to experience another one. COPD patients surveyed in the study who experienced at least one exacerbation have suffered through an average of 22 exacerbations in their lifetime, the study reported.

“Exacerbations can have a devastating impact on overall health, and they can actually cause COPD to progress even faster and reduce lung function,” said Scott Cerreta, director of Education for the COPD Foundation. “Developing an action plan with instructions to help patients — and their caregivers — identify warning signs and what steps to take if an exacerbation should occur is a critical part of managing COPD.”

A key issue uncovered by the study appears to be a disconnect between what patients know and what their physicians say they are doing to educate their patients. For instance, 60 percent of COPD patients reported that they did not have an action plan for dealing with a flare-up, but 98 percent of the physicians surveyed by the COPE study said they discuss exacerbations with their patients, and 92 percent say they help establish action plans for patients. This suggests an opportunity to improve care through more productive, meaningful communication between COPD patients and their physicians. Continue reading "COPD Patients Need Better Education"