Here's a sneak peek at some of our upcoming conference offerings...

Are you still thinking about registering for this year's conference? Check out these topics of interest:

Mask fit: With so much variation in kinds of masks, facial architecture and patient sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to review not only how to fit a mask and how to acclimate a patient, but also to know why your role as sleep tech matters long after the patient has left the lab with their CPAP machine in tow. A robust discussion about the pros and cons of using full face masks will likely ensue! This moderated panel will include representatives from three major CPAP mask manufacturers.

Health Literacy: Recent transitions in US health care now focus on outcome-based care, which will require proven patient compliance and health literacy in order for patients to be reimbursed for services. How can sleep techs educate their patients about the important of sleep by meeting them “where they are at?” What are ways to improve patient education to improve outcomes beyond the lab? And why does patient education even matter? This presentation will feature Tamara Sellman, secretary for the WSSS, RPSGT and CCSH.

PAP Naps: This presentation aims to demystify this promising procedure for diagnosing sleep disordered breathing with demonstrations and instruction from two lab professionals currently performing PAP naps. Learn how to screen for those patients best suited to benefit from this procedure; watch a demonstration of a typical process; ask your questions about reimbursements in the lab; and discover the future of PAP naps. Presented by Sue Moore, treasurer for the WSSS, RPSGT, and Marsha Fulton, vice president for the WSSS, RPSGT. 

Oral Devices: Various dental appliances used to treat mild to moderate OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome) and UARS (Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome) are becoming significant options for patients who cannot tolerate or have failed CPAP. How can the sleep technologist successfully titrate patients using these oral devices? In this presentation, Dr. Steve Marinkovich, DDS, D.ABDSM of Evergreen Dental Center will explain titration processes for the various kinds of oral appliances available for sleep health patients.

Other topics to consider: An overview of VAPS (Volume Assured Pressure Support) technologies; how to work with patients with complex, severe cardiopulmonary issues, using noninvasive approaches; sleep-disordered breathing in review; and much much more!

Remember, early bird registration rates of $150 are good until September 26; after that, they increase to $165. Don't delay, register today!

BREAKING NEWS... CCSH credential results are in the mail!

If you are one of the first wave of applicants for the new Certificate of Clinical Sleep Health Credential (CCSH) offered by the BRPT, which held its first ever testing period last spring, you should expect to see the results of your exam in the mail very soon from Pearson Vue.

If you can't wait another minute to see if you passed, go to the Credential Verification link at the BRPT and use the SEARCH function (this will tell you whether you passed, but not your score).

BRPT Symposium comes to Portland in September

For Washington state RPSGTs interested in learning more about the new CSE/CCSH credentials, including new programming to prepare for credentialing exams, the BRPT annual symposium spotlights new developments in sleep health education this year in Portland, OR. The symposium is slated for September 5-7.

Multiple registration options are available to meet the needs of technologists with varied training backgrounds. For those looking for sleep health education training, Day One is set aside to cover this new area of focus. Day Two introduces a full day of programming entitled "Sleep Through the Ages." Day Three is "RPSGT Day," which addresses the major issues effecting the career paths of sleep technologists, including discussions about regulations and laws, new technologies and devices, and research advances.

Deadline for early-bird registration is August 1, 2014. For more information, go to the BRPT Symposium website.

BRPT News: The Sleep Activist newsletter launches

A new electronic newsletter has been launched by the BRPT to serve the interests of healthcare providers who work directly with sleep medicine patients, families and practitioners. According to a release from the BRPT, the purpose of The Sleep Activist is to "provide relevant and timely information to spark readers' interest, provide stories from the field and update readers on new developments regarding the advancement and recognition of clinical sleep health specialists." The newsletter, edited by sleep health activist and educator Robyn Woidtke, MSN, RN, RPSGT, will be produced triquarterly. You can access the inaugural edition of The Sleep Activist here.

Woidtke is actively seeking your stories "from the field;" if you have something to share, please send an email to info@brpt.org with the subject line "Stories From The Field."