Posted on 05/31/2022 11:12:20 PM PDT by Kevin in California
About 6 months ago, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apena and am now on a machine. This has turned my life around as I'm now able to sleep much better at night. Just wanted to get some pros, cons, and thoughts from those of you who are too on a CPAP machine.
Some models were recalled for this, not all.
Keep going for tests??
1 visit a year... not sure what “tests and such” you think folks need to go back for.
Once you are set up, unless something comes up, its an annual check in.
I have been using one for over 30 years...
Best damn thing ever..
Choose one with a sound level under 30dbl.
It’s going to take a while to find the right mask that is both practical and comfortable.
Take a look at the dreamwear line of masks.
They fit well, over the head hose feed, and you can get nasal pillows or just a nasal fitting, if you don’t like things in your nose.
I bought one of those about 3 months before the recall.
It sits on a shelf in my bathroom.
I have been using an old machine to get by.
I wonder when I will get a new one.
and yes, i have registered on the website
Mine only took about a month but I think there is an extreme shortage of the newer machines. For what it is worth I read up quite a bit on the recall and it is fibers from degradation of the sound insulation. It feels to me that this was happening to machines that were cleaned using an ozone sanitizer. I never used anything like that and had no signs of any dust or fibers from my old machine. What the hell Phillips sent me a new machine and I got my 5 year replacement as a ResMed machine, so now I have 2 to chose from. I hope you get your DreamStation 2 soon. It’s a nice machine but the touch screen locks every once in a while requiring a restart.
I like the dreamstation. I did notice that my chest got a little heavy for the short time I was using it.
I’m currently running my 5 year old IKON.
Nice machine, very quiet, but it is old..
Not all CPAP setups use masks. I switched to nasal pillows years ago. There is nothing over my mouth. Much more comfortable for me than a mask.
That was my perception based on the correspondence and chart notes I was transcribing for a practice with four doctors.
I suppose if you have some sort of issue. I go once a year
Either that or doctors you were working for were padding their revenues with unnecessary office visits.
I did that for the only purpose of getting new filters (They'd only give me two at a time since that is what insurance covered).
I quickly discovered that I could buy years' worth of filters for less than one office visit, so I quit that.
Yep. I don’t buy any supplies from the supplier the doctors want me to just go online and order things I need… entire medical device infrastructure is a racket.
Once a year check up. That’s it.
I have been using a CPAP since 2008 and really like them. I had a respironics that still worked, but the doctor said I needed a new one. The first mask on the new one was a full face time and I hated it, the doctor has a technician who helps people with settings and masks. They gave me a Respironics Dream Wear Full Cusion and it works great, almost like the nasal pillow I used with the old machine. I have never been able to use the water reservoir as it ends up condensing the water in the mask and feels like I am drowning. They have tried several adjustments and heat tube settings and none of them works. I just use it without water and no heat settings.
Patients calling and having issues with the machine or mask were the most common. Also “I can’t afford it.” But they checked/rechecked a lot of patients to see if the CPAP had effected any change in oxygen saturation during the waking hours. I recall people having to fill out questionnaires several times a year. But they were also pulmonologists and saw people with severe lung and breathing problems who were also on CPAP.
But you can think whatever you want. Shall I give you their office number so you can contact them and accuse them of cheating their patients?
What you described fell into the first part of my reply:
“I suppose if you have some sort of issue.”
Clearly these folks have far more issue than simply suffering from Apnea.
I’m still using my Dream Station, waiting on the recall.
I use inline filters, I think Philips recommends them. They’re just a little “flying saucer” that goes between the machine and hose. Or mask and hose if you’re using a heated hose.
I get the filters on Amazon at about $3 to $4 each. Each lasts a month or more for me. After looking at the used filters I’ll probably keep using them even after the new machine gets here.
What stopped me from waking up constantly.
Get a good pillow like the Slim Sleeper which is half the thickness and made of latex or memory foam.
What I have is the 2.75 inch one. My head does not move and I drop off to sleep right away now. Been using it for 5 years.
2.75 inches
https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Rest-Slim-Sleeper-Ventilated/dp/B00UJXWVJQ/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B00UJXWVJQ&psc=1
There are links there with other slim pillows.
Change your diet.
Do not eat anything after dinner.
I use a BPAP (a variation of CPAP) and it works well. Sleeping better and my blood pressure has been lower. As a result I am taking far fewer naps in the afternoon and my doctor has reduced my blood pressure medications.
Saved my life because I didn’t realize how much sleep I was missing. Not too long after I got mine, I took my son to a baseball tournament in KC, and figured I didn’t need my machine for the weekend. Driving the 3-4 hours back, I almost fell asleep 1/2 dozen times. I take my machine with me now whenever we travel, even if its just overnight.
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