The goal of a sleep lab is to achieve a valid sleep study. Do women have unique needs that can be addressed to improve the PSG experience during the performance of the study as well as during the initiating of CPAP therapy? Do women have special needs in regard to mask choices and fit? Do women have different social issues related to CPAP use? Are women more often misdiagnosed?
Please take this poll only if you are a woman diagnosed with sleep apnea and using CPAP therapy. |
| My age at diagnosis: |
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| My age now: |
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| For the purposes of this poll compliance is defined as consistent use of cpap every night all night. Do not include the time of your adjustment period getting used to cpap. I have been compliant with CPAP therapy for: |
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| During the Polysomnogram (PSG) my sleep tech was: |
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| If your PSG technician was a Male, did you feel at all uncomfortable (please check all that apply) |
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Other (please specify):
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| Should sleep centers try to assign female sleep technologists to female patients? |
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| Regardless of whether or not your sleep technician is male or female, was there anything that could be done differently in the set-up of the polysomnographic sleeping room or bathroom to have made you feel more comfortable? |
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| When I was diagnosed: |
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| My sleep apnea symptoms were (please check all that apply) |
Snoring
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Migraines
Memory loss
Inability to concentrate
Depression and moodiness
Diabetes
Hypertension
Unexplained weight gain
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| I was diagnosed: |
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| I believe my OSA condition was overlooked or misdiagnosed |
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| If you answered No, skip the next 3 questions |
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| I believe I was misdiagnosed because symptoms were not recognized as OSA by (check all that apply) |
Myself
Primary care physician
OBGYN
Cardiologist
Ear Nose and Throat specialist
Other:
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| It seems to be common in women to have their obstructive sleep apnea overlooked by physicians. Before your OSA was finally diagnosed, which of the following were prescribed or suggested by your physicians: (check all that apply) |
N/A
Weight loss
Anti depressants
Sedative sleep medications
Psychological referral
MRI - CT scans
Surgery
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| I was diagnosed before OSA with: |
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Other (please specify):
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| I currently use: |
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| Physicians have suggested the following surgeries or procedures for my OSA treatment: (check all that apply) |
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| Physicians have suggested that some surgeries will cure my sleep apnea: |
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| I have had a deviated septum repaired: |
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| I have had my tonsils and or adenoids removed |
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| I am willing to try any surgery to avoid using CPAP |
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| I am aware that most OSA surgeries have a poor success rate for curing OSA |
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| I plan on using CPAP: |
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| CPAP |
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| Do you feel women have special needs in mask choice and fit? |
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| I use CPAP with: |
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| I am happy with my current mask: |
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| If you have small facial features do you find mask choices very limited? |
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| I have mask fit problems due to my: |
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Other (please specify):
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| Regarding mask headgear: (check all that apply) |
I have no problem with any mask headgear I have used
I find headgear too large for my small or medium/standard size mask
Although not allergic, I find they irritate my skin or scalp
I have hair issues, they pull my hair or interfere with my hair style
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| Are you aware that there are "cap" type headgear available that are more "hair friendly"? |
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| Are you aware that some masks come in sizes petite and extra small in addition to small, medium, large and extra large? |
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| Do you wish manufacturers would be more considerate of women's needs in mask development? |
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| What would you like CPAP manufacturers to know about women's needs for mask in regard to new mask development. |
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| When I sleep ( check all that apply) |
I wear makeup
I remove all makeup and use no topical solutions on my facial skin
Sometimes I forget to remove my makeup
I wear night time facial moisturizers or creams
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| I know that mask cushions may not seal best when I am wearing makeup or facial moisturizers, oils or creams |
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| I know that mask cushions will wear out quicker if I wear makeup or facial moisturizers, oils or creams |
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| Do you feel using CPAP and wearing a mask is embarrassing or makes you feel less attractive? |
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| Since CPAP compliance I have noticed an increase in libido |
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| I am single and using CPAP has negatively impacted my social life |
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| I am single and keep my apnea condition a secret from anyone I might be dating |
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| I am married and CPAP use has: |
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| The following have noticed positive improvements since CPAP compliance: (check all that apply) |
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| I am noticeably more productive on the job (in the home or outside job) |
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| Having others notice and comment on positive changes in me has helped me accept my cpap therapy and encourages me to continue use. |
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| My self confidence has improved since CPAP compliance |
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| In addition to sleep apnea, I also have the following sleep disorders: (check all that apply) |
Restless Legs Syndrome
Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome
Narcolepsy
SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder
NES Nocturnal Eating Syndrome
Sleep walking/Sleep talking
Bruxism
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| In addition to my sleep disorders, I also have: ( check all that apply) |
Fibromyalgia
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Emphysema
Pulmonary Hypertension
Asthma
Sinusitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Diabetes
Thyroid condition
Hormonal Conditions
Other:
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