There are plenty of resources for patients and care givers of sleep apnea that are a great support. Plenty of these resources are available through YouTube Videos, Facebook groups, doctors on Twitter, in person support groups, and so much more. I will list all of my favorites here.
Organizations
American Sleep Apnea Association:
This is a very involved organization in the Sleep Apnea Community. They education material they put out is very useful. But even better, they are the ones that started the A.W.A.K.E groups, which are in person support groups where sleep apnea patients can meet together and share their experiences. They also have a CPAP program where uninsured and low income patients can get gently used CPAP and supplies for only $100, which is a fraction what it would normally cost. This is one of my favorite groups.
American Sleep and Breathing Academy:
This organization is mainly to educate physicians and dentists about dental sleep medicine. Although that is their target focus, a lot of the reading material is free on their blog and still very interesting and useful to the average patient
Online Forums
This is probably one of the largest online forums regarding PAP therapy for Sleep Apnea patients. They have a diverse community from all ages and backgrounds. If you make a post on there with a question, you can expect to get responses from users the same day.
This is an online forum that is part of Jason Sazama’s website, FreeCPAPAdvice.com. Jason is a sleep technologist and has worked for years helping patients with PAP therapy. He is always monitoring his online forum and has built a strong community around him.
This isn’t active as the first 2, but it is more broad in its discussion as it doesn’t focus on just PAP therapy, but Sleep Apnea in general.
This is the Sleep Apnea Subreddit of reddit.com. For regular redditors. you know what to expect. For people not familiar with it, Reddit is a site that has been around for awhile. A subreddit is kind of like a facebook group with a rating system where posts that are voted high get moved to the top and posts that are downvoted get pushed towards the bottom. It too has an active base and has been a good resource for me.
Educational
Just like his forum we mentioned in the previous section, Jason Sazama’s website is rich with content regarding PAP therapy. If you want to learn more about a specific mask or what the differences are between different CPAPs, then FreeCPAPAdvice.com is my go to resource. The website as a 90s design feel to it and is a little clunky, but don’t let that be off putting. The content and information on there is top notch and I haven’t found any other website content as good.
YOUTUBE Channels
American Sleep Apnea Association
The organization’s Youtube channel has lots of info and has been putting out a lot of videos of patients telling their stories about sleep apnea which are quite inspirational.
By now you can tell that I am a fan of Jason Sazama’s work. Like I said above, Jason is a sleep technologist. His Youtube videos are informative, engaging, and entertaining. He does a great job delivering information that a lot of patients are not aware of and answering questions people have. He goes into great detail in topics that range from different types of sleep tests, how to understand the Sleepy Head Software, how to use your CPAP, accessories, and pretty much anything regarding sleep apnea. He is honest and genuine. I discovered him through Youtube and I have been following his journey for awhile now.
Best Twitter Profiles
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other patients of sleep apnea. This can be a great support system for people who can’t meet in person or just prefer to communicate online with others. Similar to forums, but some may prefer this since almost everyone is on social media these days and you wouldn’t have to create a new login/account to join other than your Facebook account.Right now there are primarily Facebook groups regarding sleep apnea. I find them to be fairly equal in the quality and friendliness.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Support Group
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Support Group
Inspire Sleep therapy group (Inspire is a therapy alternative to CPAP)
In Person Support Groups
A.W.A.K.E. is a in person support group arranged by the American Sleep Apnea Association. They have groups that meet nation wide. You can search on their website to find a group that meets close to you. A.W.A.K.E stands f0r Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic. If you find meetings are not close enough to you, you have the option to start your own group. These can be a helpful resource to connect with other patients and share experiences
