View Full Version : Let's talk about our CPAP machines, masks, tips, numbers, etc.
It looks like a number of us use CPAP machines. If you feel like sharing, let's talk about your machine, your mask and how you keep track of your numbers.
I use a Resmed Auto Set Vantage 8. I've always used the original Swift nasal mask. Chin straps either didn't work or were too cumbersome. I could never keep my mouth closed, so I tape it. :0! Yes, quite a few people I've talked to on a Sleep forum actually tape their mouths. Its weird, but it works. I use blue painter's tape. Boy do I look cute at night! :~)
I never figured out how to get the software for the machine, so I just check my numbers on the machine in the morning. I tried auto pap to start with, but it woke me up all through the night. Once I switched to straight cpap, I was fine. I only use a pressure of 8.0, but it works for me. My leak rate is sometimes higher than I like. My sleep doc says not to worry about leaks, but I totally disagree with him. If its not going into your lungs, then its not helping!
My AHI used to be 4-5, but after I got a new humidifier, for some reason its usually around 7.
If I eat too many carbs, my numbers are bad, or if I eat too close to bedtime my numbers are bad.
I can really feel it if my leak rate is up for too many nights. My sleep doc isn't too up on things, so I just figure it out myself. The cpaptalk.com is a really good site to learn things on.
So......anyone else?
The smartass in me can't resist noting that "Resmed Auto Set Vantage 8" sounds straight out of Harry Potter.
I have a friend who uses a CPAP. Interesting about the painter's tape...
My smartass wonders how any romantic moments occur when one is wearing this device.
rosarugosa
7-15-12, 7:14pm
Are others aware of the Grateful Dead connection with CPAP? I can never pass up a chance to get in a good word for my favorite band!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2011/03/31/the-grateful-deads-life-altering-medical-device/
ETA: I'm going to guess that the CPAP either comes off before, or goes on after, the romantic encounters. I imagine the loss in spontaniety would be more than offset by the pleasure of having one's beloved avoid a heart attack during the night.
My smartass wonders how any romantic moments occur when one is wearing this device.
It's a legitimate question that all of us who rely on a medical device ask. The mask is generally put on right before sleep. Every couple plans their sexual life differently, and there are as many adaptations as there are CPAP users. So, use your imagination!
PS... Yes, having a partner whose cardiac health is not compromised is much better than the alternative.
I love the Grateful Dead story. Sounds more like the Mothers of Invention, though...http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/big/Connie_cleaning-glasses.gif
I use the Philips/Resperonics REMstar Pro C-Flex+ machine, set to 16, and leave off the autorampup feature. The "flex" feature seems to make it quite a bit more comfortable to use. For a mask, I use the ResMed Swift FX, which is pretty low-bother, as CPAP masks go, as it is small and light. I sleep on my side, or even partially face-down, and a hard mask would be a disaster. Also I have a thick beard and moustache, and most hard masks seem to have seal problems with facial hair, unless you are wearing a full space-suit-sized one.
I don't seem to have any noticeable leaks on the machine's statistics, and my AHI is down to 2-3 with it, compared to 80+ with it.
Fiddling with the humidifier settings is crucial - there is a fine line between too dry and cement-mouth/throat, and having it rain-out in the hose.
I've found an accessory called the "snuggly hose", a flannel hose wrap, helps with rain-out, as the air doesn't chill on the way from the machine to me, and it also keeps the hose from sliding and slipping all over the place, so you can route it in a way that doesn't yank your nose off if you toss and turn.
As to "romantic moments", that's simple - I mostly go to sleep well after my wife does, so it's not an issue. It also only takes a moment to remove if there's reason... It's probably a major plus for men, actually, as having apnea can produce lower testosterone levels and circulatory problems, which may interfere with both the plumbing and the desire to use it...
Tussiemussies
7-15-12, 9:48pm
Cathy A my husband's machine is at either at a 16 or an 18. When he originally went for his test they couldn't believe how extremely bad his case was. He is in so much better health now and uses a full face mask because he cannot breathe through his nose. I'm so glad he finally went and got help.
I've used a cpap for about 10 years now. We lived four years in coastal area of FAR Northern California (40-60"rain/year - redwood country) so didn't think I needed a heated humidifier, but moving to Idaho I had to get a new machine with a heated humidifier. And yes, I used to tape my mouth closed at night too, but didn't seem to need to with the heated humidifier. I had gained a lot of weight, but since losing +/- 90# I stopped using it since DH says I don't wake him up snoring anymore. I think I'm sleeping well, but I do need a new sleep study so I can know for sure. I do like not having to wear it at night, tho!
I actually use a Bipap machine. That stands for "bi-level positive air pressure." It works in almost an identical manner as the CPAP but there's a program in the machine's computer that senses when I'm breathing air in and it gives more air at a higher pressure than when I'm breathing out. When I breath out the machine gives me forced air, but not at as great a pressure. I couldn't begin to tell you why I need the Bipap over the CPAP, it's just what was indicated as a result of the sleep study. FWIW, the last time I went for a repeat sleep test, the clinic had completely redone their rooms and it was very much like going to a hotel. Gone were the hospital beds and instead I slept in a cushy queen sized bed that was incredibly comfortable. It was a carpeted room with an overstuffed chair and table with reading lamp, etc. Quite comfortable.
Tussiemussies
7-16-12, 12:00am
Bella, that is what my DH told me too, that his room was like a very nice hotel room. Maybe they think that the patient will fall asleep easier?
Its hard for me to believe that my pressure of 8 is all I need. I know this sounds weird, but I think my problem is a flopping/sagging epiglottis. I also started developing some coughing and getting food caught in the back of my throat, and started to wonder if that was my breathing problem too. After reading up on it, I found this isn't uncommon.
Every time I try to go up on my pressure (in trying to lower my AHI), I have major leak problems. I've tried the hybrid full mask, but it just didn't work. I should probably try out more full face masks, but those things are pretty expensive. Actually........I think someone offers mask insurance, so if it doesn't work out in a certain amount of time, you can return it.
I couldn't use my machine if it didn't have a humidifier. I've tried not using it and its extremely painful. I have my humidifier setting almost at the highest setting, and don't get any rainout. I've heard those hose "cozies" work really well.
I do really miss going to sleep without it. I love having the window open in the late summer and listening to all the night sounds. I used to let myself occasionally sleep without it so I could hear the sounds......but soon learned that the next day was no fun, so I always wear it.
Some people have a battery back up. Do any of you have that? I should probably get one, since we do lose power sometimes in the winter.
One of the things I hate the most about wearing the tape on my mouth is when I cough or sneeze unexpectedly. OUCH! I see stars. And a few times I think a little brain matter came out my ears. :0!
I made my own hose cozy out of a Goodwill cashmere vest. First I felted it - washed & dried on hot - then cut out two strips that were the correct width & length to go over the hose. I used overlap seams to limit bulk, and now my APAP has a cabled, baby blue cashmere hose cover.
I'd love to get a back-up battery. When I researched them, they last for one night only if one does not use the humidifier; woth ahumidifier, they last for about 3-4 hours. I was traveling last fall when my humidifier stopped working, which took me 3 nights to realize, and by that time, my throat was raw, I had dreadful sleep, and thought I was getting ill. So, not using the humidifier is not an option for me!
Anyone else with info about battery back-up?
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by pinkytoe http://www.simplelivingforum.net/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?p=90821#post90821)
"My smartass wonders how any romantic moments occur when one is wearing this device."
It's a legitimate question that all of us who rely on a medical device ask. The mask is generally put on right before sleep. Every couple plans their sexual life differently, and there are as many adaptations as there are CPAP users. So, use your imagination!
PS... Yes, having a partner whose cardiac health is not compromised is much better than the alternative.
Ok, pinkytoe, I think you deserve a more complete answer. Are you wondering how a couple can wake up and feel sexy when one is wearing a XPAP mask? The mask is taken off when one wakes up, so the adjustment time from sleep to wake to sexy is delayed about 5 seconds while the mask is removed. If you're wondering whether or not the visual of someone wearing a mask affects one's partners' arousal, I have read that some few partners freak out about their lover needing to have a medical device in bed. IMHO, those partners are selfish, immature people who don't care about the health of their spouse, and their relationship is in trouble anyway.
In addition, most spouses of those of us with sleep apnea also suffer through sleeples nights, due to our snoring, restlessness, intermittent waking, and our daytime misery. Sex lives often disappear when someone is chronically exhausted, so once our nights & sleep settle down, so do our spouses. Once we get our energy back, everything improves.
To those who cannot imagine needing a medical device for a basic life function, start thinking about it. If you or your spouse live long enough, or are diagnosed with some kind of medical issue, you'll likely find yourself grateful for such a thing. It's too bad that we live in a society that has young, idealized people as our images of sexy! Because, yes, those of us who are middle aged/elder/fat/disabled/plain/etc. do indeed have sex too.
I Anyone else with info about battery back-up?
I lose power here a lot. For battery backup, I use a Duracell Powerpack, which has a large sealed AGM battery, an inverter, a built-in light, and some other handy features. Without the humidifier plugged in, it uses about 10% of its charge in 7 hours of running the CPAP. Running the humidifier, it uses a bit more, but still provides enough power for several nights.
http://www.duracellpower.com/portable-power/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx
I use the DC plug for my CPAP, which has a car cigarette power adapter on the end of it, and plug it right into the Duracell.
I haven't purchased the CPAP manufacturer's small, portable power backup, as it is extremely expensive and most places I travel either have good power, or I have backup power available there already.
I can lose power at my home for a week or more sometimes, so in addition to the Duracell, I am prepared to run the CPAP off of car batteries if need be, but I've not had to yet. I could also use one of the cars to recharge the Duracell I suppose.
Bae.....does it make much noise? (haha......I'm probably thinking of a generator). Also, from the picture, it looks like one could just plug their cpap machine right into it, right?
Bae.....does it make much noise? (haha......I'm probably thinking of a generator). Also, from the picture, it looks like one could just plug their cpap machine right into it, right?
It makes no noise at all - it is a large battery combined with an inverter, so no fuss for anyone :-)
It does have AC outlets (because of the inverter), so you can plug the AC line from your CPAP right into it. I plugged into the DC outlet though to avoid the inefficiency of converting from DC (Duracell battery) -> AC (inverter in Duracell) -> DC (CPAP power supply wall-wart thing), so I was just going DC (Duracell battery) -> DC (CPAP DC), to get maximum battery life.
The other handy thing about those Duracell power packs is you can jump-start your car with them.
ResMed S9 user here. Pressure set to 12, humidity to 4.0, 6 minute auto rampup (mostly just because that is how it came and I haven't played with it). AHI hovers under 4 with cpap and over 60 without so it seems to be working fine. Not sure about mask brand name, but its a hard mask that covers my nose and mouth. I love to roll from side to stomach, but not with this on. Pretty much strictly on one side or the other now. Most of the time its ok. Every once in a while I just can't stand wearing it and simply take it off. Fortunately that usually hits about 4:30 and I'm typically up by 5:30 so its not tragic. I can get that thing off faster than Aunt Gertie's nightie if DW decides the time is right so it doesn't interfere much with romance. Of course it is dark in our bedroom. If it weren't I'm not sure how sexy a deep breathing Mr. Snuffleupagus would be...?
LOL Gregg about Aunt Gertie's nightie!!
Sometimes I wake up about 45 minutes or so before its time to get up and I'll take my mask (and tape) off. But I've noticed that I'm stuffy and my mouth is really dry when I do that.
Sometimes I wonder if something is wrong with my humidifier (4i model), because I keep it on the next to the highest setting and it doesn't ever get rainout. I use about 1/2 of the water every night. Then again, our house is really dry now because of the A.C.
Bae....where did you get the cord that would plug in from your cpap machine into the cigarette lighter of your car?
Also, if you're jump starting your car with it, how long does it usually take? We have a charger, but it takes hours and hours. (Maybe I had it on the wrong setting). I ended up calling AAA.
Is your mask just for your nose? I've been playing with the idea of trying something different. Seems like my nasal prongs on my Swift original leaks pretty easily, if you turn wrong.
I guess my insurance company says I can replace my machine every 4 years (even though I still have to pay a large portion of it). I think its been almost 4 years, so I'm going to look around for a better model.
My sleep doc said he wouldn't mind writing a note to the insurance company saying my dog chewed it up. hahaha
I've been pretty happy with my Resmed.
Gregg.........are you happy with your S9?
It gets a little irritating when the staff at Lincare get upset when you take control of your own treatment. (like checking your numbers every morning, or trying a slightly higher or lower pressure). Geeze......its not like its going to kill you. Maybe there's a lot of stupid people out there and they just assume everyone is stupid. I used to get tons of robo calls from Lincare asking if I needed supplies. I called a human and complained, and they finally left me alone.
I don't change my equipment (hose/mask) as often as I'm supposed to. I really don't think its necessary if everything is working fine. I did have a problem with a humidifier after about 3 years, and they said I was supposed to change it every 6 months. That's just not necessary.
I also don't clean my equipment every night. That's just crazy. Most of the people on a Sleep Apnea forum don't either. I always use distilled water.
Although some people are pretty bad about cleaning. One person said "I have algae growing in my humidifier. What's wrong???" DUH!!
On a more philosophical note..........sometimes I wonder why so many people are needing cpap. Maybe we're not supposed to live this long?? Maybe when we have trouble breathing at night, we should be thinking about hurling ourselves into a tar pit? :~)
Redfox...........a baby blue cashmere cozy? OOoooo la la!
But does it make you feel like you have a muppet sleeping with you? :)
LOL Gregg about Aunt Gertie's nightie!!
I'll have to talk to my therapist to get that one out of my brain :-)
Sometimes I wonder if something is wrong with my humidifier (4i model), because I keep it on the next to the highest setting and it doesn't ever get rainout.
I think that rainout depends very strongly on the temperature/humidity in your sleeping room - some times a year I have no issues at all, other times/locations it's a problem. If you are using water and not getting rainout, that's a *good* thing. When it is humid here, I go through almost no water at all - relative humidity the past few days here has been nearly 100%, and the water level hasn't moved much. Drier times of the year, I can use almost 1/3-1/2 the water in a night.
I use about 1/2 of the water every night. Then again, our house is really dry now because of the A.C.
Bae....where did you get the cord that would plug in from your cpap machine into the cigarette lighter of your car?
The CPAP manufacturer of my unit sells the cord, it is a cigarette lighter plug, a bit of a power filter, and then the power jack into the CPAP. You just swap it in for the wall wart.
Also, if you're jump starting your car with it, how long does it usually take? We have a charger, but it takes hours and hours. (Maybe I had it on the wrong setting). I ended up calling AAA.
By "jump start" I mean that the Duracell thing comes with a set of jumper cables that plug into a port on it, you then jump the auto from it, takes about 2 seconds. You don't use the Duracell to recharge the car battery, but use it to actually jump the car, as if you were using another car's battery.
Is your mask just for your nose? I've been playing with the idea of trying something different. Seems like my nasal prongs on my Swift original leaks pretty easily, if you turn wrong.
My Swift FX is just a set of nasal pillows/plugs, though it comes with 3 different sizes in the package so you can find one that works decently. I found fitting the straps properly reduced leaks hugely - not tightening them up exactly, but placing the straps around my head in the correct places - I broke down and read the manual :-)
I guess my insurance company says I can replace my machine every 4 years (even though I still have to pay a large portion of it). I think its been almost 4 years, so I'm going to look around for a better model.
My sleep doc said he wouldn't mind writing a note to the insurance company saying my dog chewed it up. hahaha
Any idea how long masks are supposed to go before replacement?
Thanks Bae,
I think my Swift nasal pillow is much like your mask. I have a small nose, but actually discovered that I do better with the large pillow. I've also discovered that having the head gear tighter isn't always better, in terms of the leaks. I ended up adding a 2" wide piece of elastic around the bottom (to go around the lower back of the head), and it stabilizes it better.
I think they say to replace a mask every 6 mos, but that's unnecessary. I probably replace my pillow (nasal prong thing) every 6 months, and I'm supposed to replace it every month.
I did discover that I needed to change my headgear every once in a while. I think when it gets old, it gets slippery and adds to leakage.
I had a heck of a time getting my leak rate down over several months once. Even though no one had ever heard of it, I swore it was the humidifier. I didn't want to order a new one, since they were so expensive, so I just taped it up alot. I found out that you could order just the water tank for pretty cheap, so I got a new one, and the leak rate went down immediately. It makes sense that those tanks with all their gaskets/seals would wear out.
I also don't change my big tubing very often. I suppose cpap companies are like all other companies.......they want to make money off you.
I just wish they had recycling for all this tubing!
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