Comfort and knowledge are the keys to success in adapting one’s life to using CPAP or BiLevel.  SomniHealth applies this principal right from the initial phone call.  We take the time to explain the entire process to prospective patients, and with our unique pricing policy, we are unafraid to give patients a written estimate of the likely costs involved.

We feature a large patient consultation room where hands-on comparisons of devices and masks can be made.  Since CPAP affects not only the patient, but also the bed partner, children, and even grandchildren, we have enough room so that an entire family can participate in the education about CPAP and selection of equipment.  The patient table allows patients to lie down with pillows and test mask fit in positions actually used, rather than sitting in a chair.  They can test out CFlex, EPR and standard CPAP to see if these optional features are important for them.

Most importantly, we do not rush.  We’ll take as much time as necessary (usually about 90 minutes) to be sure that the patient thoroughly understands why the equipment is needed, how to maintain it, and offer first-hand tips and tricks for success.

CPAP models available through SomniHealth (auto-adjusting devices are locked at a fixed pressure when so defined by your prescription)

Try Before You Buy Plan for CPAPs and BiLevels

While we spend an average of 90 minutes per patient working with them to select the best device to suit their needs, there are times when a patient simply cannot make up his/her mind between the differing features offered by the manufacturers.  Do they really need CFlex or EPR?  How can you tell if you really need the benefit of the extra humidification offered by the Fisher & Paykel HC604?

SomniHealth has created a unique “Try Before You Buy” program to give patients an opportunity to test run different models.  CPAP devices are available for a $75 one-week trial and BiLevel devices are available for $100 for one week.

Step Two – The Critical First Month

Countless studies have shown that the first thirty days are absolutely critical to long-term success with CPAP.  At SomniHealth, we offer unlimited follow-up contact during the first month of service to advise, adjust, and encourage patients towards success.  Every patient is informed of our mask exchange policy, which allows limitless no-cost exchanges on masks till the one that works is found.  We stay in touch with our patients and encourage them to make follow-up visits with both SomniHealth and the referring physician.

ResTraxx – A Revolution in Patient Monitoring

For those patients who select ResMed devices, SomniHealth is proud to offer ResTraxx, a wireless, web-based patient monitoring system that provides daily data from the device via an encrypted wireless network and the Internet.  Patients will receive ResTraxx at no additional cost for a period of one month.  This allows SomniHealth and the referring physician to gain insight into compliance, mask leak, and AHI events on a daily basis, without the need for a patient visit or a direct download from the ResMed CPAP/BiLevel.  This proactive monitoring allows issues to be addressed as they arise, rather than waiting for a patient complaint.

Detailed one-month follow-up report

As part of the device setup, all SomniHealth patients are expected to return at the one month mark for a follow-up visit, which accomplishes the following:

• First post-CPAP Epworth score
• Data download and interpretation
• Finalization of mask choice
• Maintenance check on device and accessories, providing retraining if needed.
• Questionnaire on quality of life since using CPAP
• One on one forum to discuss any issues regarding CPAP use

This information is summarized in a standardized form that is shared with the referring physician to keep you apprised of the patient’s progress.

SomniHealth’s role does not end at one month; this marks the beginning of the ongoing relationship between DME and patient that is so often neglected.  Using email and database technology, SomniHealth will maintain contact with patients, providing reminders for supply replacements, news about new products, and general information about the evolving world of sleep apnea.  Patients will be encouraged to make annual maintenance visits to make sure their treatment continues to be effective.

For the referring physician, this means you will be informed of the patient’s progress with every follow up visit.  You can expect reports summarizing:

• Revised Epworth scores
• Summary of equipment being used
• Compliance information
• Detailed data from device
• Interpretation of results and outcome tracking for patient’s treatment
• Access to summary information on all patients referred to SomniHealth

Both physician and patient are often curious about the long-term efficacy of CPAP/BiLevel treatment.  While the data downloaded from the devices provides interesting feedback, the measurement of apneas and hypopneas from these devices are derived solely from flow data without regard to SAO2 levels. 

A full re-titration of the patient can provide accurate information, but patients often complain of the expense, inconvenience, and lack of verisimilitude to a normal night of sleep in the patient’s own bed with his/her own CPAP or BiLevel.  SomniHealth can provide overnight Oximetry using the WristOx, an ambulatory digital pulse oximeter that is small, light, and easy to use.  Up to four nights of data can be recorded, with results presented in an easy to interpret format.  SomniHealth will correlate the WristOx data with the CPAP/BiLevel download data for an excellent window into the effectiveness of the patient’s treatment in the home environment.