C-PAP Machines & Masks

[up148]

Okay, I'm going to get my 1st C-PAP machine in a day or two and would like to hear any comments, warnings, experiences, etc., if it isn't too personal. Should have done this decades ago, but too stubborn and now it is beginning to affect my health.

Looking at the newer autoset machines with heated humidifier and heated hose.....but there are a lot of them out there. Also, choosing the right mask seems to be very important. Leaning towards nasal pillows, but that's based on no experience at all. It will seem so foreign to be hooked up to a machine while trying to go to sleep.

BH

[Rufus T. Firefly]

It will seem so foreign to be hooked up to a machine while trying to go to sleep.

Indeed. I have nothing to add; zero experience. But, I may not be that far behind you...

[Seaboard Air Line Fan]

I have no personal experience, but I heard a healthcare worker say the biggest issue is people not cleaning/replacing the hoses and parts that can get nasty.

I'm sure anything like this is an inconvenience, but what's worse, not being able to breath or using something that will help you do so???

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Wasn't Ed Reutling on one of these?

[up148]

I have no personal experience, but I heard a healthcare worker say the biggest issue is people not cleaning/replacing the hoses and parts that can get nasty.

I'm sure anything like this is an inconvenience, but what's worse, not being able to breath or using something that will help you do so???

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Wasn't Ed Reutling on one of these?

Oh, being able to sleep soundly is much better than not. I'm hoping I'll have one of the "Holy Sh*t why didn't I do this sooner" moments. If I was able to sleep with a dozen leads stuck all over me for the sleep study, this will be tolerable. Every morning when I wake up my BP is 5-10 points higher than during the rest of the day.....that says something! Lot's of stress with Apnea.

Well, if Ed used one, I'm in good company.

BH

[Tom Dempsey]

I finally got mine about four weeks ago, my wife said it was the first undisturbed night she has had in years. By the third day you will notice a change for the better, you'll just be better rested in the morning. I didn't worry about the nose and lip irritation, like glasses, it takes about a week to get the skin used to it then, you are done. Check your water reservoir every couple of days, it empties out quicker than you might think. Good luck, Tom Dempsey

[Mitch]

I had one seven or eight years ago. Insurance company came and took it back
cause when they called to ask me how I was gettin' along with it, I told 'em I quit usin' it. I couldn't stand the damn thing. First off, I think those sleep studies are financed and biased toward the insurance companies. If you do a sleep study, the chances of them prescribing a mask is probably 99%. I got up 4 times each of the two nights in the study, which is what I do normally. There was no way I needed that much air forced into my lungs. I'd wake up and rip off the mask, couldn't stand havin' that much air forced in. I'd take a few normal breaths, and then go back to sleep for another hour and a half, or two hours at best before nature would call again. But, my wife's brother-in-law swears by his. Goes everywhere with him, even camping.

[MurphOnMillerAve]

... I got up 4 times each of the two nights in the study, which is what I do normally. ...sleep for another hour and a half, or two hours at best before nature would call again.....

This is concerning, Mitch. "I got up 4 times each...night"? "What I normally do"? "...two hours at best before nature would call again"?
Murph (I've sent you an e-note thru MTJ, being more specific with my concern for your health.)

[up148]

Thanks Tom, I'm hoping it does for me what it's done for you. Any suggestions or observations on the mask. Which do you use?

Mitch, apparently they've improved these machines greatly in the past couple of year. They now have machines with automatic operation that senses how much air you need and adjusts the flow. I only hope it works as good as they say.

I used to visit the bathroom 4-5 times a night until about a year ago when I got tired of it and went to a urologist. I was diagnosed and treated for with Prostatitis which is common for our age group. Had it for a long time apparently and too stupid to get it checked out. Took quite a barrage of antibiotics to take care of it.

Hard to get a good night sleep when you wake up that often. Also learned to limit my liquid intake after dinner. Now, I go maybe once a night or even twice, but I'm hoping the C-PAP machine might lower that even more. If you have a apnea episode it wakes you up enough to then realize you need to go to the bathroom.

BH

[Tom Dempsey]

Thanks Tom, I'm hoping it does for me what it's done for you. Any suggestions or observations on the mask. Which do you use?
BH

They sent me the nose mask, since I haven't had it that long, I don't have any long term advice on masks. Supposedly there is a "ointment" you can use to minimize any irritation, but, I decided I wasn't gonna grease my face for bedtime. My machine was adjusted for my intake needs based on the sleep study, they are adjustable, seems like misadjustment might have been the problem.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I used to visit the bathroom 4-5 times a night until about a year ago when I got tired of it and went to a urologist. I was diagnosed and treated for with Prostatitis which is common for our age group. Had it for a long time apparently and too stupid to get it checked out. Took quite a barrage of antibiotics to take care of it.

At our age group, prostatitis is the least of our worries with that gland!

Hard to get a good night sleep when you wake up that often. Also learned to limit my liquid intake after dinner. Now, I go maybe once a night or even twice, but I'm hoping the C-PAP machine might lower that even more. If you have a apnea episode it wakes you up enough to then realize you need to go to the bathroom.

I am hearing now about a miniature version of the C-PAP now -- the poor sleep and apnea is something I should look into soon if only to get an official diagnosis.

[up148]

I was actually diagnosed with obstructed airway apnea maybe 25-30 years ago and the solution then was to trim or cut the uvula. Surgery not even mentioned this time around and now I'm not sure if the diagnosis was correct 25-30 years ago.

I had to do a sleep study (night in the hospital) to get the prescription for the C-PAP and they were supposed to do a split study. 1/2 night record and confirm problem and then 1/2 night put me on a C-PAP machine and titrate it. Doctor never told me about the titrating and this being OKlahoma, if you don't know more than the people performing the service, you might be in trouble; and the sleep study people didn't do the 2nd half of the study.

They wanted me to come back a 2nd night to be titrated. Asked my doctor since these machines are automatic now, must I really go back and endure a 2nd night. He agreed and wrote me a prescription to get the C-PAP. So, I'm hoping I made the right decision. If not, I'll go back and have it titrated. Trying to sleep with a wiring harness (12 wires) going to all parts of your body, including (4) held to your scalp with some really sticky crap, is not fun.

Most insurance covers the sleep study so I think it is worth doing...if it is done correctly. Pick a night you can afford to be a little more tired the next day.

BH

[Tom Dempsey]

My machine did come with instructions including how to adjust the air pressure/volume, the provider suggested rather strongly that I not stick my fingers in there, however, most of the new units are adjustable without any special tools. Not recommending anything, just sayin'.

[up148]

Well, I got my C-PAP late last week and started using it on Friday night. Rough night, maybe slept for 2-3 hours and glad I waited until the weekend to try it out. I did feel more alert Saturday morning, but ran out of steam by early afternoon. Saturday night was better and I felt good all day yesterday. Last night was the best of all and I have more energy today....Mondays are generally a drudge day for me. So, I'm on my way and hope it just keeps improving daily.

Wasn't sure what to expect from this machine and only hoped I would just feel more alert and not struggle through every day. I guess it won't make me feel 40 again, but I like where it is headed.

BH

[up148]

Just wanted to do a follow up since I've been using this machine for about 6 weeks. All I can say is I feel better than I have in many years. I almost look forward to going to bed, since I know it will recharge my batteries and I'll feel refreshed when I awake. Used to be on most mornings I would get up feeling almost as tired as when I went to bed and by midday I was just wanting to lay down and take a nap. it was really affecting my overall outlook and work habits. And the dreams I was having every night (almost nightmares) are gone.

There is a small bell curve getting used to it and the 1st week is the toughest, but not a big deal when you feel the results the 1st day; now it's 2nd nature sleeping in the mask. I use a full face mask now, but thinking of trying a nasal mask if they make a strap to keep my mouth shut while I sleep. I was a mouth breather while sleeping before, but it appears I've gone to a nose breather most of the time now. Due to the positive flow (pressure) of air coming to you, the machine almost breathes for you. I've been told there is a chin strap available to go with the nasal mask, I just need to take the time and try it out.

Anyway, if anyone out there thinks they have sleep Apnea or is a chronic snorer, you need to think about one of these machines. A real life changer for me.

BH