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When you think about sleep apnea your brain probably strays pretty far from your feet. Especially since sleep apnea affects your breathing during sleep. So, what do your feet have to do with any of that? Well, you’re in for a surprise because compression stockings help sleep apnea. That’s right, simply wearing a different type of sock during the day could bring you tons of relief at night.

How Compression Stockings Help Sleep Apnea

The Fluid Collection Issue

Compression stockings are used to help those with poor circulation because if your blood doesn’t properly flow it can pull and cause edema as fluid to collects in certain areas, such as the legs. This is very dangerous as it can lead to blood clots and strokes.

Symptoms of edema or fluid collecting in your body’s tissues include swelling of the legs, hands, ankles, or arms, increased abdominal size, stretched or shiny skin, skin that retains dimples, and more.

Throughout the day this fluid can shift to your neck, increasing the size of your soft tissue, causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to become worse. OSA is the condition in which your breathing suddenly stops multiple times during the night due to your airways becoming narrowed or blocked as the soft tissue around your throat collapses.

As your neck collects more fluid and becomes heavier, it’s more likely to cause your airways to collapse during the night.

The Compression Solution

A recent study by Dr. Stefania Redolfi suggests that compression stockings help sleep apnea by getting rid of some of the excess fluid as they gently squeeze your veins to prevent blood from flowing backward and collecting.

Volunteers participating in the study were observed during their sleep and had changes in their leg fluid volume and neck circumference recorded.

Those who were randomly chosen to wear compression stockings during the day experienced an average fluid reduction of 62% compared to those who didn’t wear the support stockings. Also, the amount that their neck circumference was reduced by 62% which equaled a 36% decrease in sleep apnea events during rest.

When a sleep apnea patient inquired about this study, a patient with lymphedema responded, “I have primary lymphedema and sleep apnea. Been using compression 23\7 and my CPAP and notice a huge difference in the quality of life.”

A separate study hypothesized fluid from the legs shift to the neck and contributes to obstructive sleep apnea. The study found wearing below the knee compression socks decrease obstructive sleep apnea severity modestly!

Don’t Stop Using Your CPAP

Even though wearing compression stockings during the day can help with sleep apnea, you still want to use your CPAP for Sleep Apnea. It’s the most effective treatment option because it sends a constant flow of air through your airways during the night to keep them open.

Other activities that help sleep apnea include:

  • Making healthy lifestyle choices such as incorporating exercise and healthier food options into your diet to help you lose weight.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol six hours before bed.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Don’t self-medicate with sleeping pills or take allergy medicine before bed.
  • Avoid sleeping on your back.

More About Compression Stockings

Pressure stockings are used to help a variety of conditions from diabetes, varicose veins, blood clots, postpartum edema, lymphedema, and more. Along with improving blood circulation compression stockings also reduce swelling and pain.

Your doctor will prescribe compression stockings if you need them for any reason. They will also measure your legs to determine what size and amount of pressure you need for daily use. Compression stockings with a lower pressure setting usually don’t require a doctor’s prescription.

It’s best to put your stockings on as soon as you wake up in the morning. If you walk around a little first your legs may swell, making it more difficult to put your support stockings on. However, you will have to remove them shower. Then wear them all day until you’re ready for bed. Do not sleep in your compression socks!

We’re Here To Help

If you need an at-home sleep apnea test, CPAP supplies, compression stockings, or anything in between, we’re here to help. Simply contact one of our dedicated support specialists to discuss your options and have all your sleep apnea questions answered. Your medical equipment may be covered by insurance and we will handle the entire process to make sure what you need is shipped directly to your door.

Additional Sources

  1. Influence of Lower Body Positive Pressure on Upper Airway Cross-Sectional Area in Drug-Resistant Hypertension

Medicare Face-to-Face Appointment for Durable Medical Equipment

When you choose a Durable Medical Equipment supplier, you want to make sure that getting your equipment is as seamless as possible. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses. Sometimes, patients urgently need this medical equipment. This is why it’s so important to understand Medicare’s DME requirements.

Aeroflow Healthcare is compliant with all Medicare requirements, including the most recent developments. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to stay up to date on the latest policies, so we can assure patients our medical equipment is provided legally and the process is as smooth as possible.

Medicare Face to Face Guidelines

The Affordable Care Act requires that a physician (MD, DO or DPM), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner, (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) has had a face-to-face examination with the beneficiary within six months of the written order for and delivery of select medical devices supplied by a DME.

The patient will come in and see the physician for an exam. The physician will, only after seeing the patient, write the order for the device.

Figuring out which devices require a face-to-face examination can sometimes be confusing for the patient. That’s why we make sure we remain apprised of any changes that occur where this rule is concerned. Here are just a few common DME needs that may require an exam.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers commonly treat conditions that can cause difficulty with breathing, such as asthma. They atomize liquid medicine into an inhalable form, making it easier to administer than oral medicine, particularly for infants. They are available in electric or battery-operated versions, and in different sizes. Medicare requires you to get a nebulizer machine through a Medicare-approved supplier, like us.

Ventilators

Some people will need a machine that supports breathing. Ventilators are usually used in hospitals. Some people may need to use ventilators long term or for the rest of their lives. In these cases, they can be in the home, or in a long-term care facility. Ventilators offer volume and pressure support the treat a variety of conditions, while they can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive treatments include the use of an endotracheal tube, while noninvasive therapy administrators ventilation support through a mask.

CPAP Machines

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is most commonly used to treat breathing problems. One of the most common conditions treated with a CPAP machine is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea is an incredibly common condition defined when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing airflow to become reduced or to stop completely. It can lead to many health issues, so this equipment is crucial for those who suffer this condition as the continuous air pressure prevents their airways from becoming blocked during sleep.

Power Mobility Devices (PMD)

Under the stipulations, power mobility devices, such as scooters, require a face-to-face examination with a physician before being approved. Medicare patients who want coverage for a PMD must have a temporary or permanent disability that impairs mobility. The rental or cost of purchasing a Power Mobility Device will be covered by Medicare Part B as long as it is used mainly in the home or their home facility. This does not mean it cannot be used outside the home, just that the primary use must be within the home.

Power Wheelchairs

A Face-to-Face visit is also required for some wheelchairs, including power wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs. The distinction between a power wheelchair and a power mobility device is that the wheelchair is defined as being controlled by a joystick or an electronic device rather than a tiller. Generally, they are needed by those who cannot use a cane, walker, or standard manual wheelchair. They are easily controlled with the use of a joystick and can be maneuvered in tight spaces around the home to assist those with mobility issues.

Oxygen Therapy

Medicare will cover home oxygen therapy, but there are specific coverage requirements including a face-to-face doctor’s appointment. Supplemental oxygen therapy treats people with chronically low oxygen from conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis. The face-to-face appointment must have the physician conduct an in-person examination and a document that records the proper medical expert evaluated the patient for a condition that needs a DME item.

Hospital Beds

Hospital beds offer patient comfort and mobility because caregivers can wheel them to different areas of the home. Some are even electric to provide patients with the option of easily changing positions during the day when mobility issues and other conditions place them on bed rest. Medicare Part B can help pay for a hospital bed if it is determined to be “medically necessary” as prescribed by a doctor.

Urinary Catheters

Broadly, Medicare will cover up to 200 intermittent catheters a month.

Durable Medical Equipment & Medicare Part B

Typically, Medicare Part B covers medical equipment if your doctor determines it to be medically necessary. The DME items above and many others do require a face-to-face consultation to determine medical necessity. Medicare Part B will typically pick up 80% of the cost, and you will have a coinsurance of 20%.

Our team works with you and your insurance to ensure that the proper appointments are made. Because proper documentation is vital for Medicare coverage, we file all proper documentation. Also, we make sure our team is knowledgeable and diligent in following through with your insurance so that out of pocket costs are minimal and there are no surprises. At Aeroflow, we’re more than happy to guide you through the insurance process.

If your child suffers from asthma, COPD, allergies, chronic bronchitis, and more, then they may have a nebulizer or an inhaler to help treat their symptoms. However, when they’re away from their nebulizer and an asthma attack occurs, an inhaler spacer can make a major difference for properly getting medication to dissipate into the lungs quickly.

Why You Need An Inhaler Spacer

First, What Does An Inhaler Do?

Inhalers are small medical devices that can easily be taken with people in order to prevent or relieve symptoms with breathing difficulties such as asthma attacks, wheezing, and coughing. They are often referred to as puffers because they release a puff of medicine into your lungs. Inhaler medications relieve symptoms by widening your airways and relaxing your muscles, allowing you to recover from an attack and breathe normally. A bronchodilator is another type of medicine that can be administered by inhalers to clear mucus out of the airways.

Some people use their inhalers before activities such as working out or participating in sports, while others wait until they experience breathing difficulties.

How Does An Inhaler Spacer Help?

An inhaler spacer is a small device that is added to the end of an inhaler to assist with properly inhaling the medication. They are tubes that hold the medicine for you to inhale if inhalers seem to puff too quickly.

This can be helpful during asthma attacks or when you’re rapidly breathing to ensure that your medicine quickly enters the lungs. Often times people can miss their airway and coat the roof of their mouth or throat with their medication instead. Spacers also help children use their inhalers more easily.

How To Use An Inhaler Spacer:

  • Attach the spacer to the mouthpiece of your inhaler
  • Shake your inhaler
  • Insert one puff of medicine into the spacer
  • Place your mouth on the end of the inhaler
  • Inhale the medication with one full, deep breath and hold it for about five seconds or try tidal breathing by breathing in and our normally for four breaths
  • Slowly exhale and wait about a minute if you need a second puff

You’ll need to clean your spacer about once a week or after you recover from a cold or respiratory infection. To clean your spacer:

  • Remove it from your inhaler
  • Place it in warm soapy water to soak for about 15 minutes
  • Rinse it thoroughly
  • Allow it to completely dry

What About A Nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a compact device that uses compressed air and aerosol medicine to provide a way for children to easily inhale their medication. Generally, they’ll wear their mask and mouthpiece for about 15 minutes.

They are a great inhaler alternative for children that are too small or afraid to use inhalers. Many nebulizer machines are lightweight with child-friendly designs that can be powered by batteries or in the car, making them portable. However, inhalers are much easier to carry around.

If you or your child needs an inhaler, nebulizer, or spacer, then qualify through insurance! Save money as your items arrive directly to your front door on a regular basis and most importantly, breathe easy now!

Don’t live with the pain of disc problems. If you’re experiencing pain in your spine as a result of a disc injury, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Your spine will thank you.

Let’s go over how disc problems are diagnosed and treated so you know what to expect when consulting a chiropractor about your back pain.

All About Spinal Disc Problems

Your spine is composed of 33 vertebrae which protect your spinal nerves. Your vertebrae compose the communication center for your entire body. Between each vertebra, there are soft, spongy discs that protect your spine and give it flexibility. In particular, the combination of discs and vertebrae give your back the ability to move and bend. Discs also protect the vertebrae by acting as padding between the bones.

You may experience problems with your discs when they’re moved unnaturally or placed under excess pressure. When your discs can’t do their job correctly, you’ll find yourself in pain and your spinal movement will be negatively affected.

Symptoms Of Disc Problems

You may develop a disc problem in your neck, middle/upper back or lower back. Regardless of location, you may experience these pain symptoms:

Three Common Types Of Disc Problems

There are three types of disc problems that you may be experiencing, depending on your situation. Each problem has a distinct cause, though all of them will be painful and affect your spinal health. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

1. Bulging Discs

A bulging disc results when the disc protrudes from its normal placement, usually due to pressure, trauma or decay. Whenever the disc loses its original shape, it begins to cause problems in the vertebrae structure. When this happens, the disc gets knocked out of place and lodges itself in an unnatural position. This can be extremely painful.

This may sound similar to a herniated disc, but it’s distinct in the sense that the entire disc bulges from its placement. In the case of a herniated disc, the disc and its spongy interior separate and the “gel” becomes dislocated.

2. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is also called a slipped disc or a prolapsed disc. As previously mentioned, a herniated disc occurs when the disc begins to break down due to injury, stress or decay. When this happens, the disc wall cracks and release its interior “gel.” This “gel” then escapes and comes into contact with other nerves outside of the disc itself. The most common metaphor for a herniated disc is a doughnut and its filling separating and spilling into other areas.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

As its name suggests, degenerative disc disease results from aging and decay. As these natural processes occur, discs decay, including their shape, outer wall, and overall health. With degeneration, disc problems start to become more likely. In general, when the disc problem is a result of degeneration, it’s called degenerative disc disease. However, degenerating conditions for discs may include bulging discs, herniated discs, or other problems such as spinal stenosis or osteoporosis.

Generally speaking, disc degeneration creates the following spinal changes and commonly affects the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine:

  • Disc “gel” becomes weak and injury-prone
  • Cracks develop in the outer disc layer
  • Loss of disc fluid, causing painful rubbing between vertebrae
  • Bone spurs that place pressure on spinal nerves

Self-Care For Your Disc Condition

While aging is a fact of life, you can maximize your spinal health in the following ways: 

  • Rest your back muscles by avoiding high-impact sports and jobs that involve heavy lifting.
  • Take care of your back with hot and cold compresses.
  • Stretch and exercise your back with a chiropractor-approved workout plan.
  • Wear a back brace designed to support a disc condition.
  • If you need to lift something, use proper lifting techniques.
  • Lose weight and quit smoking.
  • See a chiropractor regular for spinal care.

Diagnosing Disc Problems

When you’re experiencing any of the disc symptoms above, don’t let them go untreated. Your condition could lead to further injury or even heightened pain levels. As soon as you feel back pain with disc symptoms, contact your chiropractor for a check-up.

During your appointment, your chiropractor will try to diagnose your disc problem by looking at several key areas. He/she may physically examine your back and go over symptoms with you. In order to confirm a diagnosis, your chiropractor might also:

  • Discuss possible causes of injury
  • Test of nerve function and muscle strength
  • Review your medical and work history

Treating Disc Problems

After receiving a diagnosis, your chiropractor will then discuss treatment options and home care techniques as well. Depending on your specific situation and where your disc condition is located, different treatment options will be available, including:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Physical therapy
  • MCU therapy (for neck/upper back adjustments)
  • DRS system (for middle/upper back disc decompression)
  • Low back pain treatment (for lower back treatment)
  • Spinal decompression treatments

Usually, a combination of treatment options will be used, such as chiropractic treatments and physical therapy, plus therapy for your specific pain location (upper, middle or lower). These techniques are used together to provide long-term relief and healing.

Final Takeaway

Don’t hesitate to contact a chiropractor near you and start receiving treatments that will heal your disc condition and get you back on track. By treating your disc condition, you’ll get pain relief and prevent future spinal conditions. Specifically, look for a chiropractic clinic – such as Better Health Chiropractic in Anchorage – that offers modern treatment options like spinal decompression. This holistic approach to treating your back will keep it healthy for life.

 

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells is a graduate of the University of Nevada where he earned his bachelor of science degree before moving on to complete his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. He founded Better Health Chiropractic in Anchorage. He became passionate about being a chiropractor after his own experiences with hurried, unprofessional healthcare providers. The goal for Dr. Wells is to treat his patients with care and compassion while providing them with a better quality of life through his professional treatment.

We’re proud to announce that Aeroflow Breastpumps’ very own Jennifer Jordan will be participating in the Family Forward NC Summit to discuss family-forward business practices in order to promote supporting working moms.

Don’t Miss Jennifer Jordan Speak At The Family Forward NC Summit!

The Family Forward NC Summit is taking place in order to help improve business conditions all across North Carolina. Employers, business leaders, and community leaders are coming together to inspire North Carolina businesses to attract and retain the best talent, provide family benefits to support healthy development, and improve workplace productivity.

This should help North Carolina to close the skills gap to support future workforce development to brow a stronger economy with healthier families. The agenda has an action-packed line up of speakers that will provide guests with the knowledge and tools to start or continue to start or continue the conversation and action about family-friendly benefits within their organizations.

The summit will take place on April 1, 2019, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the RTI International Horizon Building, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, RTP, NC. Come hungry and ready to learn as lunch will be provided as well as periods of time for the audience to ask panelists questions.

Jennifer Jordan, the Director of Mom and Baby, Aeroflow Healthcare

Jennifer founded Aeroflow Breastpumps after personally experiencing the difficulties involved with needing to breast pump at work. She turned her breastfeeding experience into a passionate mission to assist all mothers by encouraging them on their breastfeeding journey by helping them receive breast pumps through insurance.

Even though providing portable pumps that make it easier for working mothers to express milk for their infants, it didn’t seem to be enough. To truly advocate for breastfeeding mothers the battle goes beyond the pump. They also need privacy, time, and respect.

That’s why Jennifer continued her mission to create a private lactation room within the Aeroflow campus for women to use in order to express milk for their babies. The space is fully equipped with everything a mother needs to feel relaxed and confident as they pump.

She also had a major role in creating and implementing family-friendly benefits for eligible employees such as:

  • Extending the maternity leave from two paid weeks to six
  • Up to a $300 reimbursement for the use of a birth or postpartum doula
  • A breast pump and breastfeeding supplies
  • The reimbursement of 50% of adoption-related expenses or up to $5,000 per adopted child (as well as access to the rest of the benefits).
  • 1 free subscription to diapers through the Diaper club for the first year of the child’s life, adoption date, or foster placement.

As a result, Aeroflow Healthcare has been certified by the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace.

This potentially has helped Aeroflow experience the benefits and positive ROI associated with providing family-friendly benefits that other supportive employers have, including:

  • Increased productivity
  • Lowered healthcare costs
  • Decreased turnover rates
  • Improved retention rates
  • Lower rates of absenteeism

Creating The Perfect Lactation Room

Aeroflow serves as an example that providing support for working mothers doesn’t have to be difficult of expensive, even in unconventional workspaces such as the Air Force base, Joint Base Charleston. This is why we’ve created a guide to help other employers create a breastfeeding room.

All you need is:

Renovated Breast Pump Room

  • A private space
  • Comfortable chair
  • Side table
  • Proper lighting
  • Calming artwork/accessories
  • Electrical outlets
  • Microwave
  • Mini-refrigerator

Don’t miss your chance to learn more from Jennifer Jordan and other industry leaders at the Family Forward NC Summit!

As you gather with friends and family for the holidays, where do you picture your loved ones celebrating together? Most people would say that their home is their gathering place of choice. Rituals, memories, and people all turn a house into a home. As we spend years creating a home, nobody wants to move away for reasons outside their control.

America has an aging population with an increasing life expectancy. Last year, there were over 108 million Americans over the age of 50 and this number expected to grow another 10 million by 2020. In fact, the first human to live to 150 has (probably) already been born! Most people want to live in their own home for as long as possible. Nearly 90% of people over age 65 want to stay in their current home for as long as possible, and 80% believe their current residence is where they will always live. As we age, we will all need a little help.

Aging in Place Design

Aeroflow Healthcare offers a wide range of products that can help people live in their home safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age or ability level. It would be heartbreaking to have the resources on hand that facilitate independence with a home that can’t accommodate installation. Wheelchairs, bathroom safety devices like grab bars, patient room furniture, and oxygen tanks all have specific dimensions that need to be accommodated for when designing a home.

Make sure your bathroom is safe. Shop bathroom safety supplies today.

So, what can you do today to prepare your home so you can age gracefully in it?

Cost Benefits of Thoughtful Home Design

A new construction or home remodel can be expensive, but assisted living isn’t cheap either. The median monthly assisted living costs could range from $2,288 in Missouri to nearly $6,000 in New Jersey. If you live 15 years longer in an assisted living community in Missouri, it will cost over $400,000.

Replacing handles and door knobs, adding grab bars and railings, and expanding door frames are some affordable projects to tackle in the beginning stages of the design. Some simple redecoration can help begin the process, as well. Removing trip hazards such as power cords or rugs can be a small step that encourages safety. As you age and your health needs change, Aeroflow can help by offering quality home healthcare products through insurance such as home and bathroom safety devices, catheters, adult incontinence supplies, and more.

Advice from the Experts

We asked Aging in Place specialists Sean and Laura Sullivan to explain how a home can be designed with considerations to accommodate residents and their needs as they age. Sean and Laura are a husband and wife design team who are both accredited aging in place specialists, and together they create beautiful green homes. Sean is the President and accredited Master Builder of Living Stone, and Laura is the owner and lead interior design for ID.ology Interior Design. We asked them a few questions to better understand how aging in place design can benefit people of all ages.

What exactly is Aging in Place? Aging In Place is the ability for one to live in their home comfortably, safely, and as easily as possible for as long as possible. Building and designing in regard to Aging in Place (for new construction or renovation) means that different construction details or elements are considered in the design phase to ensure the home is suitable for the needs of individuals aging in their home as independently as possible. If a caretaker needs to be brought in, the home lends to their needs as well.

What are some examples of aging in place design? Some Aging in Place design elements would be the inclusion of wider hallways and doorways, sufficient lighting that can adjust to aging eyes, handles and grab bars selected for ease of use, and cabinet and appliance placement planned for limited mobility use. A curbless shower makes it easy for anyone and the extra lighting helps aging eyes.

How can these design elements help a person live in their home? If someone happened to use a walker or wheelchair, the home would be designed with larger spaces to allow the individual to move through the home safely and use each space without barriers. These inclusions can allow someone to stay in the comfort of their own home and avoid moving into an assisted living facility.

What rooms might require more attention than others? The main level of the home, including the master suite and kitchen.

At what age should a person consider aging in place renovation? Considering Aging in Place design is important for individuals of all ages. Aging in Place is not only for seniors or individuals with limited mobility or physical abilities— it makes living in a home easier and more comfortable for ALL ages and ability levels. Also, a young couple could have their aging parents come live with them or a loved one could break a bone and become temporarily in need of Aging in Place elements.

Are there certain home furnishings that are more aging in place friendly?  Yes, not only do we consider the physical abilities or needs of individuals, but also their health. Some characteristics of furniture used for Aging in Place homes to be considered would be the seat height and depth, the angle and ergonomics of the backs, weight, arms structure, firmness, and also whether the products are made with healthy components that do not harm the individual’s health.

Are there any stipulations for aging in place when one has a pet? Considerations of amenities for caring for one’s pet could be such things as bathing stations at appropriate heights, feeding stations also at appropriate heights for both the owner and the pet, and easy access to a fenced yard or kennel.

Why is “green” so important for a healthy home and how does Living Stone do “green” differently? Environmentally conscious design is important for many reasons, but the primary reason for us is the health and well-being of our clients. Building green protects the environment, supports local business, uses recycled or recyclable content, uses sustainable resources and utilizes energy resources efficiently. When applied in an above standard manner as Living Stone does, it benefits the health of the homeowner.

Indoor air quality is the missing ingredient in Green Building and that is the real reason many people don’t see the value in paying for “green” materials. However, when you consider that homes are being built with often inadequate ventilation systems, you can actually be causing damage to your health. According to the EPA, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Our indoor environment can be more toxic when we fill our homes with products with VOC’s, which are present in everything from cleaning equipment to building materials such as glue, paint, varnishes, and wood preservatives. VOC’s are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids and can have adverse effects on your health.

A green home is more than just an energy efficient home. It’s a home that prioritizes your health and wellbeing.

If someone is considering a remodel or new construction that includes Aging in Place, what should they look for in a contractor/builder/interior designer? We are both Certified Aging In Place Specialists as well as Certified Green Professionals, which gives us a more astute awareness and focus on the indoor air quality for our clients’ health.

What are some “outliers” in the design process that most people don’t know about? Any interesting/strange techniques to make a home more comfortable for aging? Most individuals overlook or underestimate the importance and value of space planning during the design phase of a renovation or new construction. Bringing in a professional service like those we offer at Living Stone and ID.ology give our clients the best approach possible when designing a home.

Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen assists with a variety of conditions to help improve your quality of life with a multitude of health benefits. It’s often avoided due to a few misconceptions. For example, some feel as if oxygen therapy may be cumbersome when in reality, there are lightweight portable options for home care.

Conditions That Require Oxygen Therapy

Cardiovascular Disease – Or heart disease is an umbrella term for a variety of heart conditions such as heart attack, stroke, blocked blood vessels, narrowed blood vessels, and more. Oxygen therapy helps by supplying the body with the oxygen it needs to properly function and improve blood flow. It also protects the heart from conditions caused by low oxygen levels while helping people feel less fatigued and while preventing breathlessness.

Congestive Heart Failure – Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. As the heart muscles weaken, it becomes more difficult to pump blood through the body, and a blood up of fluid could collect in the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower extremities. Supplemental oxygen can assist with preventing more serious issues caused by low oxygen levels, shortness of breath, and edema by improving circulation.

COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease refers to a variety of lung conditions that contribute to increasing breathlessness such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and more that may block airflow or cause lung inflammation. Oxygen therapy delivers a supply of extra oxygen into the body so enough is absorbed by the lungs to relieve common COPD symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest pain, and more.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – is an inherited disease that can cause severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. Cystic Fibrosis can cause persistent lung infections, which makes it difficult to breathe, and it can become increasingly strenuous to clear mucus from your airways. Oxygen therapy helps prevent hypoxemia (low oxygen blood levels).

Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea occurs when you suddenly stop breathing during your sleep in the night. This can occur as the soft tissues of your throat collapse to block your airways or when the signals from your brain to breathe get mixed up. When you stop breathing, you may not wake up, but your body becomes stressed and your heart rate rises as it works to restore airflow. This may lead to heart disease, diabetes, fatigue, depression, and much more. By having a constant stream of oxygen to keep your airways open and deliver the air your body needs to properly function and rest.

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) – Is a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs to become scared and stiff, making it more difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath increases over time and it can be difficult to absorb enough oxygen for your bloodstream. Supplemental oxygen makes up for this shortage of air by sending contracted air to the lungs to elevate oxygen levels in your blood.

Emphysema – Is another chronic lung disease that occurs when the alveoli or sacs in the lungs become damaged. This is where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is supposed to take place, but once emphysema occurs, the air becomes trapped and may expand or rupture. Oxygen therapy can assist with shortness of breath and prevent hypoxemia so patients have more energy.

Chronic Bronchitis – Is a type of COPD that occurs when the inflamed bronchial tubes produce a large amount of mucus, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Oxygen can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms to make it easier to breathe and lead an active lifestyle.

Bronchiectasis – This form of COPD occurs when the large airways in the lungs become damaged and widened. As a result, it becomes easier for mucus and bacteria to collect, causing multiple lung infections and difficulty breathing. Those with chronic bronchitis may benefit from supplemental oxygen to reduce exacerbation and prevent hypoxemia.

Pneumonia – Is an infection caused by a variety of reasons that causes the alveoli or air sacs in your lungs to become inflamed. They might also fill with phlegm or pus causing a severe cough and difficulty breathing along with a fever and chills. Oxygen therapy can relieve coughing and help patients breathe better to rest and heal.

Asthma – Is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways to become inflamed, constricted, and produce extra mucus. Asthma causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and coughing that often occurs in the morning or night. Supplemental oxygen can help you breathe during periods of coughing or wheezing and hypoxemia.

Low Oxygen Symptoms

Often times if you’re experiencing hypoxemia or low oxygen levels in your blood or hypoxia, low oxygen levels in your tissues, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Lack of concentration
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Skin coloration changes, ranging from blue to cherry red
  • Sweating
  • Slow heart rate
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Anemia

Types of Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy refers to treatments that deliver oxygen gas to your lungs to be absorbed by your blood, and there are a few different types.

Home Oxygen Concentrator –  A home oxygen concentrator (HOC) concentrates air from the surrounding room into purified oxygen for medical use within a home setting. Instead of needing oxygen tanks they can be used anywhere. HOC devices generally plug into standard outlets and weigh between 30 to 55 pounds, providing some portability.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator – A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is similar to a HOC, only smaller. They weight between 5 to 30 depending on how large the concentrator is. The larger the compressor, the more purified oxygen a POC can provide. These are portable machines that can be placed in a bag and used anywhere.

Compressed Oxygen – Compress oxygen is a medicinal gas that is supplied in high pressure-filled cylinders. The tanks come in varying sizes to provide portable options. They do not require a power source and tanks are often replaced on a regular basis.

Liquid Oxygen – Liquid oxygen is similar to compressed oxygen, only it’s been cooled to the point of turning into a liquid. Liquid oxygen tanks are often lighter than compressed oxygen tanks, making them easier to travel with.

Nasal Cannula – A nasal cannula or oxygen cannula is are oxygen tubes that deliver medicinal air from your oxygen device to your lungs. Cannulas have two tubes that allow air to flow directly into your nostrils.

Face Mask – Oxygen masks are lightweight plastic masks that cover the mouth and nose. They attach to your oxygen device via plastic tubing and may be easier for children and infants to use.

Transtracheal Oxygen Therapy (TTOT) – TTOT is an alternative option to the nasal cannula that delivers oxygen directly to the lungs through a plastic catheter that’s inserted in the windpipe. This method can help people maintain a more active lifestyle.

Other Helpful Devices

There are a few other medical devices that may assist with your oxygen needs or other symptoms, such as breaking up excess mucus.

CPAP – A continuous positive air pressure device or a CPAP provides a constant stream of oxygen while you sleep to keep your airways open. They are the most effective method for sleep apnea treatment.

AffloVest – The AffloVest is an oscillating pulmonary vest that acts by targeting specific areas of the lungs to clear secretions. With conditions such as COPD or bronchitis, this vest can make it easier for the lungs to properly function. By having 8 vibrating motors, the AffloVest is able to specifically treat a variety of specific patient needs.

Blood Pressure Monitor – You may already have a blood pressure monitor on hand for conditions like high blood pressure, but they if you use one with the ability to measure oxygen saturation you can measure your oxygen levels at home. Simply wear a finger probe to determine your oxygen saturation levels and see if you’re at risk for hypoxia.

For many people, difficulty with breathing can be a source of frequent anxiety. This anxiety only increases when it’s their child experiencing difficulty breathing. Due to factors beyond their control, it is not uncommon to need and administer some type of treatment or preventative measure on a daily basis. One of the most ever-present and trusted sources of breathing treatments is the nebulizer.

At one time, cumbersome pieces of equipment that could be loud, cumbersome, and frightening to children who had to use them for treatments, but the nebulizer machine has become quiet, accessible, and can even come in fun shapes and colorations. Patients or parents of patients dealing with asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions that may wonder how a nebulizer works.

Just How Does a Nebulizer Work?

Nebulizer treatment works by atomizing liquid medicine into an inhalable gas form, which can then be easily breathed in by the patient as they wear a nebulizer mask. In addition to being an easier way to administer medicine than traditional oral methods, particularly for infants. Nebulizer medicine also dissipates into the lungs faster, so it can enter the bloodstream more quickly to provide relief as fast as possible.

Mouthpiece or Mask

Typically, a mouthpiece with a longer piece of nebulizer tubing attached to it will enable the patient to inhale their atomized medicine. However, a nebulizer mask is also frequently used. This mask can be a simple clear plastic mask that covers the nose and mouth to allow patients to relax or children to play as their atomized medication flows freely without the need to hold a mouthpiece.

Home Nebulizers

Home nebulizers work off of an AC power source which will plug into any standard outlet, freeing patients to administer treatments in their bedroom, living room, or any other area of the home that they choose. In this way, nebulizer breathing treatments can become less cumbersome and obstructive to daily life activities like cooking, watching TV, or sleeping.

Portable Nebulizers

For added convenience, many patients will be interested to know that portable nebulizers have evolved to such a degree that they can often fit in your purse or a compartment of your car. Utilizing a cigarette lighter or power-port adapter, or rechargeable batteries, portable nebulizers can free patients from worrying about what will happen if they are away from home when difficulty breathing strikes. They will always have access to their nebulizer medicine and can easily replace nebulizer parts if something gets broken or misplaced away from home.

Pediatric Nebulizers

This is equally true of the child-friendly nebulizer machine itself, which can come in any number of fun characters or objects, including cats, racecars, or seals. These characters can be tailored to their child’s preferences, enabling the equipment to blend in with other objects already in their room, comforting them.

By making the treatment visually appealing, parents will be able to make sure that their child’s nebulizer treatment is not something they need to have a conflict with their child over, but something they will accept as part of their daily routine as long as their health requires it. They act as an easier to use asthma machine when children are too small to use an inhaler or if they’re afraid to use one.

If you or your child is dealing with difficulty breathing, a prescription from their physician or pediatrician will be necessary for them to get either a home or portable nebulizer, as well as the respective medicine for the machine itself. Contact Aeroflow Healthcare today to talk to one of our trained representatives about the wide variety of nebulizer equipment we have available.

We will work with your insurance company to ensure that your machine, as well as any replacement or supplemental parts, are provided to you at little to no cost.

How To Use A Nebulizer

When you or your child needs to use a nebulizer you can set it up in a few simple steps:

  1. Put the nebulizer compressor (the main body of the machine) on a flat surface near an outlet.  
  2. Make sure each nebulizer piece is clean.
  3. Wash your hands prior to preparing the medication.
  4. Mix your medication if it hasn’t been premixed and add it to the container. Keep the container upright during treatment.
  5. Connect the compressor and liquid container with the tubing.
  6. Prepare the mouthpiece or mask.
  7. Turn your nebulizer on and make sure it’s misting.
  8. Make sure the mouthpiece or mask isn’t leaking. It usually takes about 15 minutes to inhale all of it.

As women experience pregnancy, they are often surprised how common it is to experience lower back, core, and pelvic pain as their bodies change to support their growing baby. However, pregnant moms don’t usually have the option of slowing down, but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer through their normal routine. By using a maternity support band you can remain active throughout the day. Maternity bands are designed to help you while you work, run errands, complete at home chores, workout, and more!

It’s important to know how to protect your back and joints without adding any extra strain, so learn how a maternity support brace can keep you feeling your best!

What is a Maternity Support Band?

A maternity support brace or belly band is a wrap around belt that is specifically designed to support specific areas of the pregnant belly to even distribute baby weight. They are medical devices made of soft, yet durable materials to provide comfort and pain relief.

Belly bands generally wrap around your waist and attach via velcro straps to fit a variety of shapes and sizes, and to continue fitting as your belly continues to grow. They’re also available in multiple sizes.

How Maternity Belts Assist With Back Pain

As your newborn grows and your belly expands, your back begins to support a lot of extra weight and your centers of gravity shifts forward, straining your ligaments. The excess weight can pull you forward, straining your posture and leading to increased pain.

Has the body prepares to give birth, the hormone relaxin is released throughout your pregnancy to loosen the joints, enabling them to stretch enough to deliver your baby. As a result, the sacroiliac (SI) joint and round ligaments in your lower back and hip may become loose and strained. This may cause discomfort and throw off off your balance.

However, by wearing a maternity brace, the pressure is removed from the lower back to reduce pain and can help support the extra weight of your tummy to enhance your posture and provide stability.

This can help you feel comfortable for days that involve a lot of walking or sitting around the office, during travel, help you feel comfortable for lightly exercising, reduce pain for better sleep, and much more.

Providing Gentle Compression

Under your expanding baby pump, the pressure in your lower extremities can build. Making it harder for your circulation and lymphatic system to circulate. Your lymphatic system circulates lymph fluid that carries white blood cells.

Under pressure, the lymph fluid can collect and begin to pull and collect in the legs, ankles, and feet. By providing gentle compression, maternity belts can improve your circulation to reduce swelling and painful fluid collection to prevent edema. They can also increase your circulation to assist with standing for long periods of time, walking, and exercising.

This gentle compression will not harm your baby. Support bands are meant to be snug, but not too tight. Many come with instructions on how to wear them. If your maternity band is too tight you may experience heartburn and indigestion.

Postpartum Support 

Giving birth is no easy task. While you just want to start taking care of your newborn, sometimes as your ligaments become torn, abdominals separate, and swelling occurs, postpartum recovery may get interfere.

However, by using a maternity band to support your back and core as you’re healing, it can reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding to help you get back on your feet faster. Activities such as breastfeeding, carrying laundry up the stairs, sanitizing bottles, and more may become easier.

Finding The Right Maternity Support Brace

There are multiple maternity braces, belts, and belly bands to choose from. While considering your options avoid generic compression tops that slip on. Maternity braces are medical devices that provide multiple benefits that other compression tops do not

The best option will be based on your pre-pregnancy pants size and they even have pockets for you the place ice backs in to help reduce swelling.

But the most important thing to keep in mind is that your Maternity Support Band may be covered through insurance, so don’t overpay.

To qualify through insurance refer to the following steps:

  1. Fill out our quick qualification form.
  2. One of our dedicated reps will navigate your insurance coverage and contact you with your options.
  3. Relax with your growing baby as your maternity items are shipped directly to your home.

Regardless of your favorite color, it’s Wear Red Day! National Red Wear Day is actually the first Friday of February every year to kick off American Health Month, particularly for women. Think about it, who has a better heart than your mother, sister, aunt, wife, or daughter? Shouldn’t they protect it? That’s why it’s time to stand together and take charge for a better heart-healthy life. Learn how to protect your own heart health and how to help your loved ones.

Wear Red For Women

Signs and Symptoms Of Poor Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, killing about 200,000 women each year. That’s five times as many deaths as breast cancer. That’s why it’s incredibly important to recognize the symptoms early on, before they strike. You may think you already know them, but heart attacks can look different in women than men.

Early heart attack symptoms include: 

  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, back, or stomach
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • Experiencing a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
  • Unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. It may last for a few minutes or go away and come back.

While the most common symptom for a heart attack in men includes chest pain, women more commonly experience shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.

So if you experience heart attack symptoms what do you do?

  1. Don’t hesitate to get help. Call 9-1-1 immediately and listen to your operator’s instructions.
  2. Chew on one uncoated aspirin, with water if you’d like. (Check with your doctor to see if aspirin is a viable option. It can interact with other medications.)
  3. Only drive yourself to the hospital as a last resort. Either have someone else drive you or wait for the ambulance.
  4. Remain calm. Take slow, deep breaths as you wait for the emergency responders.

However, heart attacks aren’t the only danger to be aware of. Heart disease or cardiovascular disease refers to a variety of conditions that involve narrowed of blocked blood vessels. Along with heart attacks, this can lead to chest pain (angina), stroke, and other heart conditions that affect the heart muscle, valves, or rhythm.

How To Keep Your Heart Healthy

Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Being overweight, obese, or having diabetes greatly contribute to hypertension and heart disease. However, small dietary changes can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol, and balance your blood sugar.

Instead of items high in sugar and sodium incorporate heart-healthy foods such as: 

  • Items high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and more
  • Low-fat protein options like fish, chicken, eggs, and milk

Planning your meals ahead of time or googling the menu before going out to eat, can help you stay on track with healthy decisions. You can have the occasional treat such as a candy bar or a small portion of chips, but don’t overindulge. Moderation is key.

The next step involves getting active! Sedentary lifestyles are another factor that can lead to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. But you don’t have to live in a gym, there are simple ways to get moving without taking up much time. All you need is 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise a few times a week. The 30 minutes can be broken up into 10 to 15-minute segments at a time.

The best ways to incorporate heart-healthy exercise into your routine include:

  • Walking. Take a walk around your neighborhood, lap the grocery store, or find a loop in a nearby park.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Use the elliptical in a gym or in your living room.
  • Go for bike rides around your neighborhood or in the park.
  • Get in the pool to swim laps or to participate in water aerobics.
  • Get to dancing with your partner, at home, or in a Zumba class.
  • Relax with yoga.

Happy Wear Red Day

All of us at Aeroflow are sporting red for women. We hope you’ll do your part, not just to promote heart health, but to incorporate heart-healthy lifestyles into your daily activities. Don’t forget to help your loved ones make heart-healthy choices as well! Together we can raise awareness and fight back against heart disease.

Are you ready to love your job in Asheville? Do you want to join a compassionate team of dedicated members full of positivity and friendly energy? Then it’s time to experience the Aeroflow difference. Join our team where creativity, hard work, and passion are highly valued!

10 Epic Reasons To Work At Aeroflow

1. Competitive Pay and Benefits

At Aeroflow we offer comprehensive pay and benefits package. We have been Living Wage Certified since 2017 and all full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) plan with company match, and so MUCH more!

2. Work-Life Balance

Tired of working around the clock? At Aeroflow, most of our positions work a consistent, set schedule with nights and weekends off so you can finally enjoy the perks of living in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina!

3. Join A Professional Environment

Leave the drama behind because we are committed to working together to give our best to our customers, our co-workers, and our community every day.

4. The Opportunity to Learn and Grow

Are you ready to grow your career? Great, come climb our ranks. We are continuously investing in the growth of our teams and love seeing our people achieve new levels of success. Working at Aeroflow isn’t just a job, it’s a career!

5. Enjoy A Relaxed, Casual Environment

Enjoy casual wear or come in dressed to the nines…it’s up to you! We believe that peak performance happens when you’re feeling your best so we threw our dress code out the window.

6. Epic Maternity and Paternity Benefits

6 weeks of Paid Maternity Leave is just one of the many benefits and perks we offer for new Moms…new Dads get 2 weeks paid too! We also offer free diapers for a year, a free breast pump, and reimbursement for birth and postpartum doulas! These benefits apply for adoptions as well.

7. Helping People Every Day

You can also provide help on a national level by providing nothing less than exceptional care. It’s part of our ongoing mission to assist more patients in receiving medical equipment necessary for an improved quality of life. We take the hassle out of supplying CPAPs, breast pumps, portable oxygen concentrators, back braces, and more directly to our patient’s homes.

8. Team Building and Great Perks 

We aren’t just coworkers, we’re friends, maybe even family. Throughout the year we offer exciting opportunities to unwind together outside of the office! Company cookouts, Halloween costume contest, an Easter Egg Hunts for the kids, and a lot more. Cap the year off with a Holiday Bash to celebrate our successes! Get to know your team outside of the office with on-site yoga and fitness classes, discounted gym memberships, and company-sponsored sporting events such as bowling and kickball.

9. Give Back to the Community 

We love being here in the heart of Asheville and encourage our team to assist us with giving back as much as we can. You’ll receive two paid community service days off each year to help out your favorite charity organization or come out and participate as we build houses with Habitat for Humanity, sponsor the Special Olympics, participate in senior bingo, volunteer in food shelters, and much more. We’ve been proud to donate nebulizers to children in need in Nicaragua, emergency supplies to those affected by hurricane Florence, Thanksgiving meals to locals in need, and more.

10. Experience Passion!

Enjoy that special “I love my job!” feeling! Aeroflow is filled with dedicated individuals who love what they do. Go home feeling motivated and satisfied every afternoon by being proud of what you do. Enjoy bragging to your family and friends about how great your job is!

Our theme for 2018 was “Our Best Year Yet” and we’re proud to say that we exceeded our goals in making it easier than ever before for patients to receive their medical equipment and supplies, reaching record sales, increasing employee satisfaction, and focusing on community involvement with philanthropy.

2018 really stands out as a year to showcase the importance of our three C’s with a dedicated commitment to Customers, Coworkers, and Community. By focusing on employee engagement and development we’ve been continuously experiencing an exceptional drive to provide better patient care, give more back to the community we love being a part of, and substantial growth.

2018 In Review

Record-Breaking Growth

With the addition of our new site for Aeroflow Urology and the official launch of the Aeroflow Breastpumps Lactation Support directory help us experience a 30% growth in revenue.

While we originally had the goal of becoming a multimillion dollar company in five years, we actually were able to do so in four.

A major portion of growth can also be attributed to our mergers and acquisitions. By acquiring individual lines of business along with entire operations, those businesses were able to either refocus their goals or exit the industry. We were also able to provide immediate care for their patients to ensure they didn’t go a single day without their medical supplies. A few of our major acquisitions include:

An Increase In Employee Satisfaction

Our team is the true key to success. It’s the people on the phones, in the warehouse, checking on patients, leading new innovative ideas, and more that make us successful. Therefore we’ve taken the time to give back with events such as:

  • Our annual community garden
  • Easter egg hunt for families to enjoy
  • Cookouts where the proceeds go to charity
  • Clear recognition, awards, acknowledgment, and peer to peer awards
  • Halloween costume contest

We also support our staff and encourage them to go after their dreams. A few promotions and new hires we’re proud of include:

The only way you can truly know if employee satisfaction has improved is to measure it. That’s why we used the Gallop Q12 Meta-analysis to report to measure a 10% increase in employee engagement, 21% increase in profitability and a 20% increase in productivity.

While in 2017 we had 100% net growth in new hires, in 2018 we only grew by 6%. This increase is attributed to a lower turnover rate, internal promotions, and becoming more efficient in our operations.

Community Involvement

As long as we have the means to give back to the community, we will. As an apart of our ongoing mission to provide better care for all it’s crucial to assist seniors, those with special needs, people affected by disasters, and more. In 2018 we were able to:

Our Coveted Awards

Here at Aeroflow, we continued our award-winning tradition by providing unmatched care, being a great place to work, and continuing to expand to provide care for even more patients. In 2018 we received the:

Exceptional Achievements By Aeroflow Breastpumps

Through innovative care and outreach, Aeroflow Breastpumps was able to further their mission of increasing the instance of breastfeeding nationally for all moms by providing the best equipment, support, and education. “By going directly to the source, our moms, we were able to better determine their needs and advocate for their rights”, explained Cheri Hoffman, Aeroflow Breastpumps Brand Manager. “Our community is growing and through connecting with moms to learn about the unique challenges they face, we were able to raise awareness by being the voice for change and providing nothing less than exceptional service.”

Aeroflow Breastpumps was able to: 

We Got A Fresh Look

In order to continue diversifying our role and adapt to provide increasingly exceptional healthcare as our national footprint expands we’ve decided to update our brand. This will assist us with becoming more recognizable and trusted brand as we add even more products and services. We’re extremely proud of our new logo, “Live Better Today and Tomorrow.”

What to Expect In 2019

As we journey ahead into 2019 our explosive growth is expected to continue while we introduce new innovative products and services to help us further assist more patients. With the addition of diabetic testing supplies, compression stockings, maternity compression garments, and hemp oil (CBD) products, and more we will be able to provide relief for numerous conditions affecting people of all ages. We will gladly welcome more talented individuals to our team and look forward to utilizing our current expertise for innovative viability.