You deserve a better night’s sleep

Feel like you haven’t slept at all?
Suffer from loud snoring?
Frequently wake up during the night?

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Walmer Wellness Centre
178 Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth

PORT ELIZABETH CLINICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Sleeping Disorders

With over 25 years experience in sleep medicine, we specialise in offering home-based and in-hospital sleep studies to help treat those with sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, snoring, and insomnia.

Treating patients with love, dignity and respect is at the core of what we offer. We will be there for you right throughout the journey to ensure that your diagnosis and treatment is comfortable, stress-free and successful.

EXPERT GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

Understanding Sleep Apnea

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep due to a loss of upper dilator muscle tone, reducing the amount of air reaching the lungs. This causes shallow breathing or temporary pauses in breathing, depriving the body and brain of oxygen. The most prominent form is obstructive sleep apnea, often characterised by snoring. Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and surgery, aiming to improve airflow and restore regular breathing patterns for better sleep quality and overall health.

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include interrupted breathing during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, loud and chronic snoring, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and restless sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea may also experience waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, dry mouth or sore throat, and frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek a consultation and testing for sleep apnea.

HOW TO GET TESTED FOR SLEEP APNEA
To get tested for sleep apnea, a sleep study is typically conducted either in a sleep laboratory or with a home-based sleep testing device. During the study, various parameters such as oxygen levels, brain activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns are monitored to determine the presence and severity of the condition. By undergoing a sleep study, we can accurately diagnose sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment options for better management of the disorder and improved sleep quality.

HOW IS SLEEP APNEA TREATED
Sleep apnea can be effectively treated through various methods. The most common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask during sleep to deliver a constant flow of air, keeping the airway open. Other treatment options include oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue, lifestyle changes like weight loss  or surgical interventions to correct structural issues. Proper treatment aims to improve airflow, restore regular breathing patterns, and alleviate symptoms, leading to better sleep quality and overall health.

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR SLEEPING DISORDERS

Services we offer

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Sleep Study

Using the latest technology to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in the comfort of your own home

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CPAP Pillows

Providing support and comfort while sleeping, making it easier to tolerate CPAP therapy.

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CPAP Exchange

Connecting people that require CPAP machines with others who want to donate or sell.

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS

Meet the Team

INA ADENDORFF

Ina is a dedicated professional with an unwavering passion for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Her journey into the field of sleep medicine began with a deep-rooted curiosity and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by helping treat those with sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, snoring and insomnia.

In pursuit of her calling, Ina pursued rigorous academic training in Sleep Technology, embarking on a transformative educational journey that equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her field. She demonstrated her commitment to excellence by qualifying as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) with the esteemed Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) in the USA.

Ina’s thirst for knowledge and her desire to expand her expertise led her to pursue further qualifications in Electroencephalography, earning her registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa.

For over two decades, Ina Adendorff has been an integral part of the PE Sleep Lab, working closely with Dr. LP Krige to provide exceptional care to patients suffering from sleep disorders. Her extensive experience as a sleep technologist has allowed her to develop a keen understanding of the intricacies of sleep medicine, enabling her to deliver personalised care and accurate diagnoses to her patients.

Recently Ina has embarked on a new chapter in her career, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to Counting Sleep, where she focuses on conducting home sleep studies, utilising state-of-the-art technology and her expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders effectively.

With her boundless dedication, compassion and holistic approach, and expertise, Ina continues to positively impact the lives of individuals struggling with sleep disorders, empowering them to achieve better sleep and improved quality of life.

EDDY NEUHOFF

Eddy is a seasoned professional in the field of clinical technology, with a specialisation in Pulmonology and Neurology. He kick-started his academic journey at the Free State Technikon, where he focused particularly on the intricate workings of pulmonary and neurological conditions.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence, Eddy embarked on an enriching international endeavour by undertaking a prestigious sleep course at Cambridge University, England. This experience broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding of sleep science, paving the way for his remarkable contributions to the field.

Throughout his career, Eddy has been at the forefront of numerous ground-breaking research projects, demonstrating his passion for advancing the understanding and treatment of sleep disorders. His dedication and insights have established him as a respected authority in the realm of sleep medicine, garnering him recognition and admiration from peers and professionals alike.

Currently, Eddy Neuhoff serves as a senior technologist at Counting Sleep, a leading institution dedicated to improving sleep health and quality of life. Within this role, he specialises in conducting home visits for sleep studies, utilising cutting-edge technology and his wealth of expertise to diagnose and address sleep-related issues effectively.

With his unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound understanding of sleep disorders, Eddy continues to make significant strides in the field, empowering individuals to achieve better sleep and optimal well-being.

3 STEPS TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

It’s easy to get started

Free 10 minute chat

A quick chat over Whats App or phone call will enable us to get a sense of whether we can help you with your sleeping problems.

Book a consultation

If you’re interested in our sleep disorder services, we’ll schedule a free assessment to discuss more closely your sleep problems and begin considering solutions.

Your personalised plan

Based on our studies we will provide you with a personalised plan towards a better nights sleep with support along the way

HOW WE WORK WITH YOU

Home Based Sleep Apnea Study

If you suspect that you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, contact us for a free consultation. A clinical evaluation will determine whether you should undergo a sleep study. This takes approximately 30 minutes. Once the need for a sleep study is established, you are shown how to connect the equipment and sent home to sleep with it.

The equipment is returned the following day, and you will get the results of the study the same day. Should the results show that you need CPAP intervention, you will be given a second appointment, where you will be fitted with a CPAP mask, given clear instructions on how to use the CPAP machine, and then you will have three nights to use it.

Clinical assistance via video call will be available during this period. Upon return of the CPAP machine, all the data will be processed and the results will be discussed with you during a final face-to-face consultation. You will be given a copy of your report, and we will forward it to your healthcare provider. We will then put you in touch with our preferred CPAP provider, who will assist you in obtaining your own machine for use at home.

We offer a holistic approach throughout the process and treat each patient as an individual, ensuring that we meet your specific needs.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT COSTS AND SLEEPING DISORDERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sleep study covered by medical aids?

All medical aids are considered, and we will apply for authorisation from your medical aid.

Please note that not all medical aids cover sleep studies, and some insist on a referral from a specialist, such as an ENT, pulmonologist, neurologist, cardiologist or physician.

In the event that your medical aid does not cover the sleep study, we offer an affordable private option. Please contact us for more information.

If you are already in hospital, all costs are covered by your medical aid.

What ongoing support do you offer?

We do 3/12/24 month follow-ups with all our patients to assist with any problems and to offer support, but we are also available at all times should you wish to contact us for any reason.

How soon will my sleep improve?

There may be an adjustment period, but most people notice a difference after just one night’s sleep.

How difficult is it to sleep with a mask on my face?

Easier than you think! If the mask is the correct size and shape for your face it is very easy to fall asleep with it. Using our CPAP pillow can also help you get comfortable.

How common is sleep apnea?

Very common. More than 10% of the adult population is estimated to have sleep apnea.

I snore badly, can you help me?

Yes. There is always a reason why someone snores, and we are here to find out what it is. We help you treat the cause to alleviate the symptom.

I already use CPAP, can you help me adjust it?

If you are already on CPAP, but you struggle to adjust, or want to make sure that your pressure is still adequate, we can do a one night re-titration study.

Do you sell CPAP machines?

No. We refer anyone who needs a machine to a reputable supplier, or we assist in finding a machine through our CPAP exchange program, but we do not sell any machines, masks or spares.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

The short answer is yes. If left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes or heart failure. It is one of the leading causes for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even glaucoma.

What causes sleep apnea?

Contrary to popular belief, sleep apnea is not lifestyle related. It is caused by a lack of muscle tone in the upper airway, causing the back of the throat to collapse during sleep, and can often be traced back to a family history of snoring or sleep apnea.

Do you come to my home to do the study?

No, rather than invading your home just before bedtime, we offer a relaxed, friendly consultation in a professional setting. You have time to ask questions and we have the time to answer them. We feel that a video call during setup is less invasive, and just as effective.

Why do I have to sleep with the CPAP for three nights?

Some people find it difficult to adjust to CPAP in a single night, and therefore the information we need may not be 100% accurate. The additional two nights ensure that any problems are addressed, allowing you to experience CPAP therapy comfortably.

HELPING YOU SLEEP BETTER

Other products and services

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CPAP Pillows

Lavender Dream Pillows are uniquely designed to offer support to CPAP users. It cradles the chin and supports the neck, ensuring that the mask does not press into the pillow during sleep.

This minimises the chance for air leaking out, as the mask is not touching the pillow. It also reduces snoring, helps with back, neck and shoulder pain and is great for travelling.

Please contact us for more details and to place an order.

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CPAP Exchange

Some people cannot afford a new CPAP machine, but need it urgently.

Others may have an extra machine that they want to give away or sell. We bring these people together.

Please contact us if you have a machine you’d like to sell or donate.

3 STEPS TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

It’s easy to get started

Free 10 minute chat

A quick chat over Whats App or phone call will enable us to get a sense of whether we can help you with your sleeping problems.

Book a consultation

If you’re interested in our sleep disorder services, we’ll schedule a free assessment to discuss more closely your sleep problems and begin considering solutions.

Your personalised plan

Based on our studies we will provide you with a personalised plan towards a better nights sleep with support along the way