Call For Politically Correct Input

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:35 pm

Do a search on the word "apneac" and see how many items it finds.

Quite a few.....including some medical sites.......

http://www.cardiovascularultrasound.com ... /figure/F1

http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/f ... /sleep.htm

http://www.associatedhealthcare.com/web ... rance.aspx

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 1:12 pm

I don't personally take offense to the term "patient" and think it in a sense dignifies sleep apnea as a medical condition for which one needs treatment. But in cpap circles, that's like preaching to the choir. Outside the circle, I have to admit "patient" doesn't sound very conversationally engaging. Had to chuckle at SAP listed above. Personally I like BOHA - Bag of Hot Air.

But as far as for public consumption, seems CPAP user for those diagnosed (although we know that's using the term loosely) works.

Kathy

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:17 pm

Johnny,

I think we all fall into the category of Sleep Disturbed or Sleep Impaired. There is a problem with the use of the term Apnea or Apneacs as it sounds foreign to most people. But I guess plain english won't suffice either, because "People who might snore or stop breathing throughout the night due to throat obstruction or central nervous symptoms and might have to be hooked up to a motorized bicycle pump" is just way too long.

Now while I am partial to the term "Inflatist" for those of us on CPAPs there is one term that really describes us best - Self Therapists.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:20 pm

When I talk with folk about using CPAP, I refer to myself as having a "respiratory related sleep disorder" that is treated with "CPAP." I'm disinclined to say that I'm "suffering" from it, I just refer to myself as having a sleep disorder that requires treatment so that I sleep well.

I'm not crazy about the term "patient" nor do I like the term "apneic" (or apneac -whichever way you spell it.) All of us are much more than "patients" and "apneics."

[/quote]"trust us and do what your told"[quote]

Needs to be: "trust us and do what YOU'RE told."

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

dieselgal · Post by **dieselgal** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:30 pm

We could just be called "Winded"

But I guess technically I consider myself a Sleep Apnea Patient.

Sundown · Post by **Sundown** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:38 pm

I am a Pappy. I call my machine a Pappy and my husband and I are Pappies... lol.

Pappy mask
Pappy hose
Pappy user

I call my insurance a rip-off and my DME an over-charger... hehehehe.

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:46 pm

I use obstructive sleep apnea to describe my condition. I hate it when doctors and other medical professionals talk down to me so I try to assume that most people wish for the same respect. If they don't understand the term, it gives me the opportunity to explain it.

On the other hand, the term patient doesn't bother me. It implies a medical relationship between myself and the medical community. That relationship (not always a happy one) does exist.

CPAP user seems acceptable as well, for those of us actually using the therapy.

"Sufferer" makes me think of pain and pity and I would just as soon avoid that term.

Susan

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:14 pm

Nice to talk to you, Johnny.

Just my 2

:

I am called a "consumer" by the Hemophilia Foundation, as are others with bleeding or clotting disorders. I'm not sure I like it; but certainly do not find it offensive. Of course, they are MOSTLY a support and advocacy group, so those participating are consuming their services.

To paraphrase many others on many other subjects: I don't really mind WHAT you call me as long as it is decent (i.e., not as offensive as the language

Howard Stern or Don Imus sometimes use) and at least partially descriptive.

That said, I have referred to those of us participating on the cpaptalk.com supported site as "Forum Folk".

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:21 pm

I'm not thrilled about "CPAP users" but 'twill do. I definitely don't like "patients" because I've spent too much of my life being one. To me, xPAP is about getting healthier, not sicker so "patient" is a negative. "People using CPAP" seem a little unwieldy but it does put the emphasis on "people" which is appropriate.....

Mindy

jupmalis · Post by **jupmalis** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 9:21 pm

Air deprived. To put a retro slant on it.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:54 pm

One more hit me. How about Sleep Challenged?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:01 am

To be politically correct we must be called “Sleep Apnea Victims”. Since individuals/many special interest groups get more attention when they are called victims.

One may want to use the following terms for those of us that are receiving treatment and to show that we are in control of our treatment….
Apnea/CPAP Steward
Apnea/CPAP Manager
Apnea/CPAP Guardian

I have no problem with CPAP user. AIR is our drug of choice.

How about using terminology that the public can understand. Apnea needs to be explained to the average person. How about "Sleep Obstructed Breathing" or SOB? or something like that.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:11 am

I'm a "cpap user" just like I'm a "cheap reading glasses user."

Temporarily using something helpful to me in every day (and every night) life. Items I choose to use when and if I want to.

CPAP so I can breathe well when I sleep.

Reading glasses so I can see what's on a menu or in a phone book.

Yeah... "cpap user" sounds good to me.

Oh, and I do choose to use "cpap" for every sleeping moment.

It helps me NOT become a "patient" somewhere!

lking · Post by **lking** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:10 am

extremeliver wrote:Don't most DME's just call us SAPs (Sleep Apnea Patients)?

No. I doubt it. I think it's probably, "suckers"!

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:41 am

[quote="johnnygoodman"]Howdy,

Recently, there was a discussion as to what those with sleep apnea should be called. I want to give it its own thread. Here's my take, I welcome your feedback.

CPAP user - I like this best. Some people say it is a little too close to drug user though.

Patient - Widely used but carries "trust us and do what you're told" or "too sick to be proactive" implications.

CPAP Patient - see above.

Sleep Apnea Sufferer - Too long.

CPAPtalkers - I use this one and I like it but it doesn't exactly work in a press release.

CPAPer - Meh...

Hose Head - To be used only in very informal settings among good friends who are both CPAP users. In that setting, its a comradery thing, otherwise its offensive.

So, what terms have I missed and what do you think about them?

Johnny

Call For Politically Correct Input

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