HIP Castle Hill - helping Sleep Apnoea sufferers
Sleep Apnoea - a condition where airways collapse either partially or completely while you are asleep - not only causes loss of sleep (for a partner as much as the sufferer) but can lead to more serious issues such as high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. Although not the same as snoring, anything from 5-10% of Sleep Apnoea sufferers are unaware they have it - and it’s a problem that affects mainly males.
HIP Castle Hill in Sydney’s Western Suburbs has specialised in providing sleep apnoea equipment to sufferers for many years - although Vanita Lal at the pharmacy has noticed a significant increase in the number of people needing treatment for the problem in the last six months, some of which are being referred to the pharmacy from the Westmead Sleep Clinic as well as by their GPs.
Devices to help sufferers (called CPAPs - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices) are quite expensive - anything from $1,000 - $2,000 - so HIP Castle Hill offers a selection of machines to rent from $40 per month. The rental option allows the sufferer to decide whether or not the machine gives them some relief before deciding to buy. The pharmacy also stocks spare parts for the main brands - Respironics, ResMed and Fisher & Paykel. One of the benefits of being in Castle Hill is the proximity of the ResMed factory (in Baulkham Hills) and so most stock can be ordered in within a day.
If you have mild Sleep Apnoea there are three recommendations - drink less alcohol, don’t smoke and sleep on your side. For anything more serious, a trip to the GP - and HIP Castle Hill - may be in order.
12.06.08
