Carthage Area Hospital is proud to operate a full-service sleep center. Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center offers sleep studies four nights a week and staffs a dedicated team of clinicians and sleep disorder experts. The state-of-the-art sleep center was built in 2013 and boasts the newest technology in a comfortable, North Country atmosphere.
Mountain Lakes Health Support is an affiliation between Carthage Area Hospital and Franciscan Companies. Conveniently located on the hospital campus, Mountain Lakes Health Support provides our patients with home medical equipment and therapies. We specialize in respiratory care (CPAP, oxygen, nebulizers, ventilators) and maintains a team of Registered Respiratory Therapists and sleep disorder specialists. Mountain Lakes’ drivers and technicians deliver the most advanced medical equipment to patients’ doors, set it up, and explain it every step of the way. We provide services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sleep studies are by physician referral; ask your doctor for referral to the Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center. Call (315) 493-2512 for an appointment.
Private bathrooms are available in all sleep study rooms.
Check out our video below to learn more about Sleep Disorders and the DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask:
Additional Info
- Street Address: 1001 West St.
- City:Carthage
- State:NY
- Zip Code:13619
- Phone:(315) 493-2512
Sleep Study Articles:
- New CPAP Equipment is a “Dream”
Technology has made sleep therapy more comfortable than ever before. Oneida Health Support now offers its patients DreamStation CPAP machines and DreamWear masks. They are the newest models from Philips Respironics.
“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from our patients about how comfortable the DreamWear is,” says Tim Curtis, RRT.
There are no hard plastic parts to the mask. The tubing along the sides is made of a flexible silicone so it’s soft and comfortable along the patient’s cheeks. If you sleep on your side, the air will flow through the other side, providing a non-interrupted airflow.
“This mask is so much softer,” said Diane Scatena, a sleep therapy patient.
The nasal mask sits under your nose – not in or over it – so it’s more comfortable. You’re able to see well, so you can wear it while watching TV or reading with your glasses on.
Another unique feature is the tubing comes out of the top of the headpiece, and swivels, instead of being fixed in front of the mask. This allows you to roll over in bed without getting caught up in tubes.
“I had that issue; I would get tangled up,” said Diane. “I like to roll around a lot at night time. I would always tangle myself up in the hose. That doesn’t happen with the DreamWear. It’s just awesome. I love it.”
The DreamStation is the CPAP machine that sits next to your bed. It has an easy to view front-facing display screen which can be seen from bed. It’s small and lightweight with a sleek, contemporary design that doesn’t look clinical.
“It’s extremely quiet which our patients appreciate,” Curtis said. “You can barely hear it so it’s not disruptive to your sleeping partner.”
New technology allows you to use Bluetooth technology to track how you slept on your phone. The physician’s prescription is set up on the DreamStation system before the patient receives it. As soon as the patient plugs it in, the information is there and the unit will activate the prescribed settings (pressure). Data related to the patient’s previous night’s sleep is updated every 24 hours through a modem. Insurance companies periodically contact Franciscan for this information to measure the patient’s compliance.
For more information about DreamWear and DreamStation, contact Mountain Lakes Health Support at (315) 519-6712.
- Women and Sleep Apnea
When people think of sleep apnea, they tend to think about loud snorers. And they tend to assume only men have sleep disorders. But that’s not the case. A surprising number of women are living with sleep apnea. The risk increases three times after menopause.
“I was so exhausted after a day’s worth of work. I’d go home and sit in a chair and fall asleep. My memory was absent a lot of times and I would forget a lot of things. I wasn’t feeling well and I thought – now’s maybe the time to get tested.”
Diane Scatena’s story is typical of many women. Their symptoms tend to be different than the so-called “typical” symptoms.
“Rather than snoring or pauses in breathing, women might complain of insomnia,” said Lisa Parlato, RRT, Manager of the Sleep Center at Carthage Hospital. “They have more disturbed sleep. They also report generalized fatigue and depression.”
Other symptoms include dry mouth upon awakening, obesity, a sense of being overwhelmed, frequent nighttime urination, awakening from gasping or choking sensations and hypertension.
Since undergoing a sleep study and starting CPAP therapy, Diane has noticed a tremendous improvement in her quality of life.
“I felt refreshed,” she said. “I am much more alert. My memory and concentration are much better now.”
Plus, the tension that existed in her household has ended. All because of a better night’s sleep.
- Home Sleep Testing
If you or your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, an overnight sleep study is the best way to confirm it. For a select group of patients, a home sleep study may make sense. Home sleep tests are only used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients meeting certain criteria can choose between having their test done in the laboratory and having it done at home if they are eligible through their insurance coverage.
Home tests aren’t for everyone. Even if you don’t want to go to a sleep lab, it’s still important to have an evaluation directed by a certified sleep specialist. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) supports the use of home tests if you are over the age of 18, experience key risk factors of OSA including loud and frequent snoring, daytime sleepiness, obesity, and observed pauses in breathing during sleep, have no other major medical problems and no other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. You also may be eligible for a home sleep test if health or safety concerns prevent you from being able to leave home for a night.
Equipment used for home sleep studies do not record all of the vital signs that a complete in-lab sleep study would like eye and limb movements that might be associated with a neurological disorder. There is increasing evidence, however, that suggests they are effective in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. They measure several things including airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen, snoring sounds and body position.
Patients at the Sleep Center at Carthage Area Hospital fill out a questionnaire that is reviewed by one of our sleep specialists. That specialist will decide if you are appropriate for a home sleep study. If appropriate, you are given a device during a visit to the laboratory and you’re instructed how to put it on by one of the sleep technologists.
Some patients worry that the home sleep test equipment will be difficult to set up. We help you through the process. There are basically 4 simple steps: 1) Place a belt around your mid-section. 2) Attach a clip on your finger. 3) Apply an airflow sensor under your nose. 4) Turn the machine on. The portable monitor is user-friendly and is easy to use for our patients. You will be provided step by step directions to assist you at home. You will also be given a 24-hour number to call if you have any problems or questions.
The next day, you will return or mail the device back to the laboratory. The study is scored and interpreted by one of the sleep specialists who then make recommendations for further follow-up or treatment.