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CPAP Machine

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NutmegCT said:
Just wondering - does your doctor give you advice on using the machine, and on how to get used to it?

Or do you just take it out of the box and try to figure out how to adjust it?

TM
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The technician at the sleep center did a very good job of instructing. But the great thing about the current machines is that they are automatic and "ramp up" as needed, depending on the parameters set based on the sleep study results. After the first week or two, the patient usually returns to the sleep center for followup. Which is easy, as the machine reports via cell "phone" to the center with readings it gathers each night. Pretty neat.

I was also given a two-week period to try out the mask; if it wasn't comfortable, I could change it out at no charge. As others have said, if you've not used one before it does take a while to adjust.

Oh, and all supplies are on a schedule for automatic restocking.

Yes, I'm on Medicare.
 
In my case, the tech at the sleep center determined the pressure I needed and instructed me on fitting the headgear. However, since I did not have a machine of my own yet he could not instruct me. I met with a tech at the local medical supply company who inspected and programmed my machine and made sure I knew how to use it.

As I grow older... I know my CPAP machine is also growing older. I have started wondering how long these things last. I dread the night I go to bed and find out that the blower has died and I have to rush out and buy a new one. I have the same dread about our 30 year old refrigerator.

Closing Story:
About two months ago we experienced a power outage during the night. It was the first one to happen since I got the CPAP. I awoke from a terrible dream where someone was choking me and I couldn't get my breath. In reality, I was gasping for breath because the CPAP had lost power! Once I got my breath I had a decent laugh... even though it was about 2:30 a.m.
 
As for follow-up...
 
As for follow-ups, I had one soon after I started and then at 6 months... and then at one year. Not sure I'll need to check in again, but I can if I feel like I need something.

I've been told these things last fairly well, and that you can expect 5+ years, and maybe a LOT longer (though as you'd expend can depend upon how you treat it). My hunch is that the technology will change and something new will come along that might be a lot easier to use.
I've also experienced one power failure when the system was in use, but I only woke up noticing it was much more difficult to breath. Thankfully, with a nasal cushion type mask, mouth breathing can still be done.

My only difficulty was experienced when I had a pretty bad cold. Normally, the pressure actually helps, but there was a stretch when I had to take Afrin (and that stuff produces re-bound effects that aren't good).
 
The tech at the sleep center was very thorough in his training. Everything on this puppy is automatic -- it ramps up the pressure as needed.

I did crunch my numbers from the morning bike ride. Turns out I was significantly faster this morning. Running the same course that I did a few weeks ago, I was able to complete it nearly 5 minutes faster. Was that from the CPAP? Don't know, but we'll keep watching.
 
When I first saw this thread, I confess I misread the title. Thought it was about cars that fell apart easily. Speaking of sleep, I recently bought my wife and I "My Pillows" (after my son and DIL recommended). Gotta say I really love it! Neither of us snore any more (and we both used to saw logs).
 
I have two different pillows: one filled with "husks" that is very malleable, and one that is filled with chunks of memory foam. The main thing, I've found is that there is value in staying elevated.
 
Boink said:
I have two different pillows: one filled with "husks" that is very malleable, and one that is filled with chunks of memory foam. The main thing, I've found is that there is value in staying elevated.
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Gee I hope you took the corn out first :ba-dump:
 
Basil said:
Gee I hope you took the corn out first :ba-dump:
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:highly_amused: [I'm not even sure what the husks are! But nothing appears to be moving inside. :rolleye: ]
 
Boink said:
I have two different pillows: one filled with "husks" that is very malleable, and one that is filled with chunks of memory foam. The main thing, I've found is that there is value in staying elevated.
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I think Cheech and Chong felt the same.
 
Boink said:
I have two different pillows: one filled with "husks" that is very malleable, and one that is filled with chunks of memory foam. The main thing, I've found is that there is value in staying elevated.
Click to expand...

I've had the opposite issue. When I lie on my back, the machine is more likely to kick into a high setting if my head is elevated than vice versa. Must have something to do with where my airway constricts.

Getting used to the machine now -- I'm sleeping through the increases in pressure, the mask presents no real discomfort. I'm averaging about 5 to 7 episodes per hour.
 
SaxMan said:
Getting used to the machine now -- I'm sleeping through the increases in pressure, the mask presents no real discomfort. I'm averaging about 5 to 7 episodes per hour.
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Excellent. It may be hard to improve on that, but who knows. That's as good as I generally get (though I've had some 2-3 episode nights); I don't look at data much anymore.
 
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