Sleep Apnea & CPAP
- Thread starter Geezer
- Start date
- Replies 219
- Views 10,871
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
I finally got a new machine and started using it in May. I’d already rolled the odometer on the old one once (maxes at 24,999 hours) and had at least 5K on the second pass. New one is a ResMed AirSense 10 and has a lot better features (as expected 10+ years later). I waited until my wife was gone to Disney for a week to try it out, in case I didn’t sleep well with it. Other than some lower scores during my Covid battle, I seem to do fairly well…
Lowest during Covid was a 92.
Even my very first week went well. All 100s except one night with a 98. (The low number the first day was me just testing it out)
Lowest during Covid was a 92.
Even my very first week went well. All 100s except one night with a 98. (The low number the first day was me just testing it out)
LTC Don
Well-Known Member
You know, he told me, but I can't remember. I do remember him saying I wasn't in the 'severe' category. For some reason, either 8 or 11 comes to mind.
LTC Don
Well-Known Member
Thanks. I'll try to remember to ask him what it was or try to find the report.
I do know there have been instances in the past where I would wake up and my tshirt would be literally wet from sweat around the upper shoulder/neck area from the exertion from trying to breathe. It didn't happen often but enough to take note. Other times the shirt would just be damp. It was those times where it was literally wet, and the last time it happened that pushed me over the edge to move towards the sleep study.
I did something very similar. I am using the ResMed Air Sense 10 at home. The issue I have with the air mini is the noise of it with the same mask F30i. I hear a large difference and so does my wife. I ended up getting the dc to dc converter for the air sense 10. I turn off the heated hose feature and humidity control. I can run 2 days on the EXP PRO 48 battery. We are going to stay in Cades Cove Tenn dry camping in October. I got a 100 ah lithium battery to run the cpap and the fans at night. I ran the fans and CPAP two nights on it just to see what it would do and it only used 4 %. I have a invertor generator to recharge camper and Lithium battery while dry camping.
I can’t ever fall asleep with it, multiple masks, and different setting. What are the best alternatives?
They make a full face mask you could try.
Honestly I’d just try being more tired. Get up a few hours earlier than normal one day, spend 12 hours doing yard work (feel free to swing by and I’ll help you with this) then eat a pretty big all protein dinner. Take a couple melatonin tablets and then gear up. You’ll sleep eventually.
I went through the sleep studies, got a diagnosis, bought the machine, and took it back within 48 hours. That was the most god-awful experience I ever volunteered for. Felt like I was drowning in my sleep for two straight days. I'd wake up in a panic every 30 minutes or so. They told me it might take some getting used to, but hail-to-the-nope.
I’ve tried everything. Anything on my face makes me not sleep, even the ambian walrus didn’t work.
So I'm new to cpap and it seems every time I wash this stupid elbow I have issues with leaking and a loud whistle where the air is diffused when you exhale. It looks like a little filter or something in there. Just ran across exhaling really hard to get rid of the whistle. Am I washing this thing wrong or is this a common issue?
Attachments
OP
Geezer
Mama Tried
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
This happens a lot with people that barely qualify for CPAP. A lot of people don't recognize a difference in their sleep or, it makes it worse. Many are returned within the first 3 days. Others see a huge improvement immediately. It depends a lot on the person and how severe their apnea is.
Mine turned out to be reflux. treatment for that, plus elevating the head of my bed, and apnea is no longer an issue so far as I am aware.
OP
Geezer
Mama Tried
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Acid reflux is bad juju.
My machine is acting up. And it's killing me not having it. 3 weeks to see doc and then 30-40 days to get a new machine. I hope to see Christmas without my wife killing me.
My humidifier tank broke and I found out that I like using the cpap without the water.
But I'm an open mouth sleeper and I'll have a rough night every now and then with dry mouth
My humidifier tank broke and I found out that I like using the cpap without the water.
But I'm an open mouth sleeper and I'll have a rough night every now and then with dry mouth
it's a Phillips. I'm trying to get a new one since mine's old and not working right and on the recall list anyways.
If you weren't halfway across the country you could use my old one. If you look at Facebook Marketplace you probably find one cheap.
LTC Don
Well-Known Member
There was in fact, recently, someone on the Book of Faces Marketplace selling CPAP stuff.
Strange as it sounds, consider mouth taping if the idea of a chin strap is a Nope. I do it, and am finding it's really helping with dry mouth issues (gum line, bad breath, etc), and losing pressure. Deh Googles can help with some discussions on it.
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
N30i died a couple nights ago. One side won’t stay attached to the nose piece connector anymore. So I’m about to start my third night with the Wisp I used to use. Just like the last time I posted about having to use it, I forget how quiet it is compared to the N30i.
I ordered a DreamWisp this time to try. Main difference is it moves the hose connection to the top (like the N30i) as opposed to the front/nose like the Wisp. I’m assuming sound level will be similar to the N30i, since they both route the airflow about the same way?
I ordered a DreamWisp this time to try. Main difference is it moves the hose connection to the top (like the N30i) as opposed to the front/nose like the Wisp. I’m assuming sound level will be similar to the N30i, since they both route the airflow about the same way?
I'm glad you brought this back. I'm needing a new mask and was wondering what was out there.
What's the new whiz bang setups available?
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Any preference on nasal mask, nasal pillows, or full face mask?
Probably get better recommendations that way.
LTC Don
Well-Known Member
I've got the P10. It works pretty good, but I often get sore in the left nostril, some days are better than others as far as soreness. I find I can tolerate the whole thing about 4-5 hours then it comes off. I hate CPAP.
I tried the wisp, it put enough pressure up near the bridge of my nose to interfere with my breathing. 2 days later cpap.com refunded me for it and said to throw it away.
Still using the fischer and paykel.
Still using the fischer and paykel.
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Ever tried something like the N30i? One that doesn’t actually go in your nose?
I am happy to see this thread Because I have been a CPap user for many years. (over 20)
It took a bit of time to get used to but it is easy for me now and a necessity for a good sleep.
I think I have had 4 units with masks, and water tanks Over the years.
I only use the moisture during the really dry months if I remember to add water.
They all work on 120 and 220 volts and have taken them without out the water tank on trips around the world.
I get my consumables (mask, tubes, filters, etc.) from online from a place in NewHampshire at a considerably lower cost than the medical supply house.
The current CPap is a Philips System One Responics that is about 5 years old.
It was a warrantee replacement when the first Phillips failed just before the warrantee ran out.
Philips confirmed that it is part of the insulation issue and all they did was say it was registered.
The age along with the insulation issue is motivating me to look at getting a new system. That is smaller to make it easier when traveling.
The only thing that is holding me back is that last time I changed units (about 10 years ago) the insurance company had me do another sleep study- which is a pita.
I am now on Medicare so things might be different.
Do I need a prescription to get a new CPap?
It took a bit of time to get used to but it is easy for me now and a necessity for a good sleep.
I think I have had 4 units with masks, and water tanks Over the years.
I only use the moisture during the really dry months if I remember to add water.
They all work on 120 and 220 volts and have taken them without out the water tank on trips around the world.
I get my consumables (mask, tubes, filters, etc.) from online from a place in NewHampshire at a considerably lower cost than the medical supply house.
The current CPap is a Philips System One Responics that is about 5 years old.
It was a warrantee replacement when the first Phillips failed just before the warrantee ran out.
Philips confirmed that it is part of the insulation issue and all they did was say it was registered.
The age along with the insulation issue is motivating me to look at getting a new system. That is smaller to make it easier when traveling.
The only thing that is holding me back is that last time I changed units (about 10 years ago) the insurance company had me do another sleep study- which is a pita.
I am now on Medicare so things might be different.
Do I need a prescription to get a new CPap?
Last edited:
No, there are used systems put up for sale all over the place. Youtube will have videos on how to adjust them for yourself.
Using a REsmed airfit n20 now and it works pretty good. Thinking i'll try the Dreamwisp Nasal fitpack next.
LTC Don
Well-Known Member
I think I have one of those he gave me to try. It might be just the N30, would have to check. I tried it and lasted about 30 minutes or so and I said Nope. Big Fat Nope. I've gotten used to the minimal bulkiness of the P10 vs the full headgear of the N30 setup. Went back to the P10. I see where some have used some lanolin with moderate success, I may try that, or move up to the Large just to see if that helps. I'm reading that the soreness is a common issue with the P10, and it's often that left nostril. Interesting.
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Yes. But if you don’t want to fool with an office visit (if your doctor requires one), there are places that will write you a script for a small fee.
For example, I bought a new machine from Easy Breathe late in 2020. Paid $99 for their prescription service and it covers any mask & machine from them for 8 years. That $99 is most likely less than an office visit fee.
Luckily I am still using some masks that a dear friend sent me to try. Been putting off having to figure out how to get some new stuff. I’ve used the same machine for 16 years and it’s still working fine.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I need to get mine serviced. I stopped using it for a few months. I still woke up tired and tossed and turned a lot. I have tried it for about two years and still having issues. I sleep in my back now with my head elevated up and turned to the side. I fell I get better sleep more doing that then with the machine. I use the piece that covers the whole nose.
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
N30 and N30i are completely different designs based on the pics I find. All depends on what you didn’t like about the one you tried.
I think the problem is rooted in my sicilian heritage. If I loosened it enough to breath it would not seal.
TriggerMan
Well-Known Member
Does the SoClean ozone cleaner really damage your cpap machine? If so, why do cpap stores sell them if they void your warranty?
Love my CPAP, gotta have it. In addition to the light pressure, you're breathing filtered, humidified air, so stuffy sinus symptoms are improved too. Took a while to find the right mask - it's like bicycle seats, you gotta try different ones until you find the one that works for you. I settled on the ResMed P10 nasal pillows - I just couldn't get a face mask to seal. The nasal pillows work pretty well for me, are comfortable and not too intrusive. My only dislike of this headgear is the stretchy strap stretches out and gets loose after a week or two; I fix this by tying a knot in first one side, then the other. After a few months I have to replace it. Keep trying different mask systems til you find the one that fits you.
I went to buy another small CPAP for travel. Asked the lady to show me how to set the pressure (it's a double secret!). I was told only they could do that, not the user. I said damn it, I am the customer, I'm paying for it - the pressure is not the same as my other one and I want to adjust it. Nope, we won't tell you. OK screw that, I went online and easily found how to determine the pressure my other one is set for, and how to set the new one. I haven't been back to that CPAP place, and won't be back.
I went to buy another small CPAP for travel. Asked the lady to show me how to set the pressure (it's a double secret!). I was told only they could do that, not the user. I said damn it, I am the customer, I'm paying for it - the pressure is not the same as my other one and I want to adjust it. Nope, we won't tell you. OK screw that, I went online and easily found how to determine the pressure my other one is set for, and how to set the new one. I haven't been back to that CPAP place, and won't be back.
Last edited:
OP
Geezer
Mama Tried
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
If you haven't gotten a CPAP while on Medicare, you're eligible to get a new one any time you want. Medicare will replace a machine every 5 years. You may be able to use your existing sleep study. If not, there are home sleep studies available that eliminate going to a sleep lab.
Red Marley, I got a TranSend travel C-Pap that I love. You can get a battery attachment for it but it is a few dollars. The TranSend gives you the software to set the pressure in a range and the machine will adjust the pressure to what is needed. It is so much easier to travel with a machine that is less than 1/2 the size of a regular unit. There is no humidifier. I did buy mine over 3 years ago and have not looked into what is offered now. I think I bought it from the CPAP store online. I did have to send them a prescription from my doctor.
I get a call from a company that supplies my head gear and filters every 3 months. I am on Medicare and have not paid for anything once my Part B deductible is met.
With all this talk about the head gear people are using I was not sure what the name of mine. Had a new you in the bag. Swift FX. Any use this one or had used it and more to something they like better.
