NEWS ABOUT MARY
March 2022
Sleep apnea awareness advocate and founder of Our Sleep Apnea Story Mary Schaff provides support for Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center’s new app – SLEEP by Cleveland Clinic.
Women’s LifeStyle
The free smartphone application was created by Cleveland Clinic experts and funded through donations by Mary Schaff, whose husband died of complications from obstructive sleep apnea. The app offers a scientific sleep assessment tool that can calculate risk of four of the most common sleep disorders affecting sleep patterns and sleep quality in adults. The app provides resources to learn more about sleep apnea, including finding sleep centers throughout the country.
September 2021
Mary Schaff featured in Authority Magazine on why you should make getting a good night’s sleep a major priority in life, and how you can make that happen
Authority Magazine
Mary Schaff talks with Tyler Gallagher of Authority Magazine as part of an interview series about how to make getting a good night’s sleep a priority in life. In the article, Mary shares her story about her late husband, John, who died from obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 57. She also discusses how working with leading sleep expert and neurologist Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, has led Mary to become involved in the development of the mobile app, “Sleep by Cleveland Clinic.” The free app allows users to assess their sleep disorder risk, learn how to sleep better, and get connected to experts for help.
When asked about her favorite life lesson quote, Mary responded: “Actually, it’s more of a life question, which is ‘How are you sleeping?’ It’s a basic question with a seemingly simple answer, but the answer may help to reveal some serious health concerns — and perhaps even save a life. It’s one of the easiest ways to spark a meaningful conversation, and conversation within families, with friends and even with physicians is the goal.”
August 2021
Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer of the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute and director of its Sleep Disorders Center issues statement on Philips CPAP recall
Since Philips announced a recall of its CPAP machines in June due to a foam part that might degrade and become toxic, doctors nationwide have been inundated with calls from worried patients. Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS, of the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, and director of its Sleep Disorders Center, explained the main concern of the Philips recall is that patients are waiting for new devices and no one knows when Philips will have a supply.
“The Cleveland Clinic recommends patients continue using their machines as they wait for replacements if they have significant comorbid conditions (heart, lung, brain disease), severe daytime sleepiness, or who operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery for employment,” said Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer.
Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer is a supporter of Mary Schaff’s efforts on sleep apnea research and has worked with her closely over the years. Mary Schaff and Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer were both involved in the development of Cleveland Clinic’s mobile app, GO! TO SLEEP®, which rates the quality of one’s sleep.