CPAP Users: How long to get used to it?

[rapmarks]

I have my husband’s decommissioned cpap, and I would love to get it set up for myself and bring it North and leave it there, with my cpap staying in Florida. Just moving one bipap back and forth would be great, considering so many other things to move back and forth.

 

[RLS50]

Results after the first night. Sleep didn't come easily. I changed to the 'full face' (nose and mouth covered) mask. With the nasal pillow variety, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut. As the night wore on, I got more used to it, and eventually feel like I got at least some sleep. The machine said I'd had an average of 22 'events' per hour. When my mind would wander, and I stopped thinking 'breathe out, breathe in' over and over, I'd get the sensation of not getting enough air and physically force a few deep breaths until the sensation passed. By morning, I think I had developed an 'uneasy peace' with the CPAP.

Comments here and the printed material that came from the sleep study, as well as included with the machine said that it might take 2-3 weeks to get used to it and like so many here, develop the 'can't get along without it' feeling. I'm still skeptical, but trying.

Jim

As I mentioned, I’m new to this but I had a very similar first few nights experience. I also went to a full mask that covers nose and mouth. Initially it felt a little stuffy, like I needed a little more air to get comfortable. I had them adjust my pressure from 8 to 9, which has made a difference, and having used it a month now I probably will have them adjust pressure again to 10.

Ideally you want your events per hour well under 10, preferably under 5 (I believe 5 per hour is average). The highest I have been since using the mask is 10 events per hour. Last night I was 2.5 events per hour.

Getting used to the device and more comfortable will obviously help lower your events per hour, but 22 seems a little high to me, even for your first night. You also may need to work with your Dr on higher pressure settings so you are getting plenty of air forced into your mask.

 

[rapmarks]

my husband was 80 events per hour, and even with machine he is in the thirties for events per hour.
I have spoken to the tech, and apparently Medicare has cracked down on having two machines so I will not be able to convert his machine to mine and be in compliance. If you want medicare to pay for supplies, you must be in compliance.

 

[Passepartout]

Ideally you want your events per hour well under 10, preferably under 5 (I believe 5 per hour is average). The highest I have been since using the mask is 10 events per hour. Last night I was 2.5 events per hour.

Getting used to the device and more comfortable will obviously help lower your events per hour, but 22 seems a little high to me, even for your first night. You also may need to work with your Dr on higher pressure settings so you are getting plenty of air forced into your mask.

Thanks. Last night was better. Maybe because I was more tired and ready to sleep at bedtime. I had a score of 96/100, 11.1 events/hr. So I think I'm headed in the right direction. I did not awaken with the sensation of being short of breath last night.

The silicone mask drove me nuts with leaks and discomfort, so I went to the supplier and bought (on my own dime) a mask liner rimmed with memory foam. Problem solved. It doesn't need to be as tight to seal. Vast improvement. I think I must be a long-time mouth breather, as my nose gets plugged and I find myself mouth breathing- hence using the full-face vs. the nasal variety. The morning report suggests turning up the humidity. But that will be for tonight.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

my husband was 80 events per hour, and even with machine he is in the thirties for events per hour.
I have spoken to the tech, and apparently Medicare has cracked down on having two machines so I will not be able to convert his machine to mine and be in compliance. If you want medicare to pay for supplies, you must be in compliance.

While it true Medicare and many other insurance companies frown on have two machines, you can still do it if pay for the supplies out of pocket.

I travel a lot for work, and pleasure, so i purchased a smaller travel machine from an online CPAP supplier. I actually get most of my supplies from an in network medical supplier as that is the lowest cost, but also get some supplier from an online supplier because its easier. I pay a bit more out of pocket, but it worth it avoid dealing with carting my home machine around.

I use CPAP.com, but think there are many others. I actually submit the receipts from CPAP.com to my insurance, and get reimbursed at the out of network rate.

 

[SmithOp]

I had an HSA when I purchased my own from an online supplier. The one provided by the insurance initially was rented and they screwed up the billing every month. I inquired about purchasing it and they quoted me $2000. I found one online for a lot less so I haven't dealt with insurance provided for a long time. I'm on my third one at home, and I have this one for travel.

https://www.cpap-supply.com/Z1-Ultra-Portable-Travel-CPAP-Machine-p/hd60-1005.htm

 

[VacationForever]

I had an HSA when I purchased my own from an online supplier. The one provided by the insurance initially was rented and they screwed up the billing every month. I inquired about purchasing it and they quoted me $2000. I found one online for a lot less so I haven't dealt with insurance provided for a long time. I'm on my third one at home, and I have this one for travel.

https://www.cpap-supply.com/Z1-Ultra-Portable-Travel-CPAP-Machine-p/hd60-1005.htm

Thank you. Nevermind... I found the answer.

 

[wackymother]

Thanks. Last night was better. Maybe because I was more tired and ready to sleep at bedtime. I had a score of 96/100, 11.1 events/hr. So I think I'm headed in the right direction. I did not awaken with the sensation of being short of breath last night.

The silicone mask drove me nuts with leaks and discomfort, so I went to the supplier and bought (on my own dime) a mask liner rimmed with memory foam. Problem solved. It doesn't need to be as tight to seal. Vast improvement. I think I must be a long-time mouth breather, as my nose gets plugged and I find myself mouth breathing- hence using the full-face vs. the nasal variety. The morning report suggests turning up the humidity. But that will be for tonight.

I'm glad you are persisting and it's working better for you. My husband and my daughter both say they go to bed and relax and almost drop off to sleep before putting the mask on.

The humidity attachment helps with dryness but takes some getting used to. You can only use distilled water in the reservoir. If you have trouble with the mist, my husband used to and he used to use nose drops that really helped. I can get the name if you need it.

Good luck, hope you start feeling really great soon!

 

[wackymother]

As I mentioned, I’m new to this but I had a very similar first few nights experience. I also went to a full mask that covers nose and mouth. Initially it felt a little stuffy, like I needed a little more air to get comfortable. I had them adjust my pressure from 8 to 9, which has made a difference, and having used it a month now I probably will have them adjust pressure again to 10.

Ideally you want your events per hour well under 10, preferably under 5 (I believe 5 per hour is average). The highest I have been since using the mask is 10 events per hour. Last night I was 2.5 events per hour.

Getting used to the device and more comfortable will obviously help lower your events per hour, but 22 seems a little high to me, even for your first night. You also may need to work with your Dr on higher pressure settings so you are getting plenty of air forced into your mask.

Glad you're having such a positive experience! You and my husband are the poster children for cpaps!

 

[rapmarks]

My sleep specialist says he does not use the waterchamber on his and my cousin does not either.

 

[Passepartout]

wTerchamber

It took me a minute to decode: waterchamber= humidifier. Mine seems to go through over half it's capacity in a single night. When I used an oxygen concentrator, it used maybe a couple of ounces of water a night. Of course that was just into a 1/4" canula tube and very little airflow velocity. Anyway, I just use it because that was what I was told to do.

 

[wackymother]

It took me a minute to decode: waterchamber= humidifier. Mine seems to go through over half it's capacity in a single night. When I used an oxygen concentrator, it used maybe a couple of ounces of water a night. Of course that was just into a 1/4" canula tube and very little airflow velocity. Anyway, I just use it because that was what I was told to do.

Your nose can get very dry without the water. My husband's cpap splits into two parts, and he takes only the cpap part when we travel--he leaves the water chamber/humidifier behind. He's fine for a few days without it, and as Rapmarks says, some people don't use it at all.

 

[rapmarks]

The tech at the supply company said that if you use most of the water in the chamber, you are leaking too much , but using half is normal.
I brought my husband in weekly for months trying to get something that would work. I have given up, he only uses it an hour or two a night.

 

[PClapham]

The tech at the supply company said that if you use most of the water in the chamber, you are leaking too much , but using half is normal.
I brought my husband in weekly for months trying to get something that would work. I have given up, he only uses it an hour or two a night.

Anyone use a bipartisan machine? I’m having trouble getting a usable mask. I need a full face one.any advice/ experience?
Thanks
Anita

 

[rapmarks]

Do you mean bipap? My husband has one, we have tried five masks. Cannot find one that he will tolerate.

 

[Passepartout]

Ahhh. Time flies. It's been almost a month. I'm sleeping pretty well. I get a 98-99 score daily. I only get dings for being up once or twice in the night. Usually events are ~10/hr. DW has noticed that my energy level is up and afternoon naps are almost nonexistant. I went back to the sleep lab a week ago for a repeat. It went better as I took my own mask (ResMed F40 fwiw) and the tech didn't have to fit different masks and headgear on me.
The report came back that I have 'Complex Sleep Apnea' and it's complicated by CHF. They called in a 'script for a VSI machine which, as I understand it is just a more sensitive type of bi-pap machine.
I kind of griped that they seem to have found a solution and are in search of a problem to solve. They assure me that I have trouble sleeping and will benefit from all this. Time will tell. I am skeptical.
I'll be happy to get rid of at least some of the equipment around here. I still have the O2 concentrator and associated tubing etc. and am paying about $18/mo on top of insurance, AND the bi-pap (another $22/mo).

It's good to know that at this point anyway, I've outlived my need for supplemental oxygen. It feels good. I feel good. My weight is down 45 lbs. The Doc says to get going and travel again. We will go to Hawaii shortly. Thanks to all who supported me and told me to stick out the getting used to CPAP. It's made me a (reluctant) believer.

Jim

 

[WinniWoman]

Ahhh. Time flies. It's been almost a month. I'm sleeping pretty well. I get a 98-99 score daily. I only get dings for being up once or twice in the night. Usually events are ~10/hr. DW has noticed that my energy level is up and afternoon naps are almost nonexistant. I went back to the sleep lab a week ago for a repeat. It went better as I took my own mask (ResMed F40 fwiw) and the tech didn't have to fit different masks and headgear on me.
The report came back that I have 'Complex Sleep Apnea' and it's complicated by CHF. They called in a 'script for a VSI machine which, as I understand it is just a more sensitive type of bi-pap machine.
I kind of griped that they seem to have found a solution and are in search of a problem to solve. They assure me that I have trouble sleeping and will benefit from all this. Time will tell. I am skeptical.
I'll be happy to get rid of at least some of the equipment around here. I still have the O2 concentrator and associated tubing etc. and am paying about $18/mo on top of insurance, AND the bi-pap (another $22/mo).

It's good to know that at this point anyway, I've outlived my need for supplemental oxygen. It feels good. I feel good. My weight is down 45 lbs. The Doc says to get going and travel again. We will go to Hawaii shortly. Thanks to all who supported me and told me to stick out the getting used to CPAP. It's made me a (reluctant) believer.

Jim

Jim, this is great news! Glad you got used to the CPAP! Everything will get even more better from here! Enjoy Hawaii!

 

[MULTIZ321]

Ahhh. Time flies. It's been almost a month. I'm sleeping pretty well. I get a 98-99 score daily. I only get dings for being up once or twice in the night. Usually events are ~10/hr. DW has noticed that my energy level is up and afternoon naps are almost nonexistant. I went back to the sleep lab a week ago for a repeat. It went better as I took my own mask (ResMed F40 fwiw) and the tech didn't have to fit different masks and headgear on me.
The report came back that I have 'Complex Sleep Apnea' and it's complicated by CHF. They called in a 'script for a VSI machine which, as I understand it is just a more sensitive type of bi-pap machine.
I kind of griped that they seem to have found a solution and are in search of a problem to solve. They assure me that I have trouble sleeping and will benefit from all this. Time will tell. I am skeptical.
I'll be happy to get rid of at least some of the equipment around here. I still have the O2 concentrator and associated tubing etc. and am paying about $18/mo on top of insurance, AND the bi-pap (another $22/mo).

It's good to know that at this point anyway, I've outlived my need for supplemental oxygen. It feels good. I feel good. My weight is down 45 lbs. The Doc says to get going and travel again. We will go to Hawaii shortly. Thanks to all who supported me and told me to stick out the getting used to CPAP. It's made me a (reluctant) believer.

Jim

Hi Jim.

Will you be getting a travel C-Pap for your Hawaii trip?


Richard

 

[Passepartout]

Hi Jim.

Will you be getting a travel C-Pap for your Hawaii trip?


Richard

Nope. The one I have is portable enough. it came with a fitted case about the size of a fat briefcase, and as medical gear doesn't count against your 'carry-on' bag limit.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Nope. The one I have is portable enough. it came with a fitted case about the size of a fat briefcase, and as medical gear doesn't count against your 'carry-on' bag limit.

Thanks for the update.

Richard

 

[chellej]

I'm curious if any Tugger who is a C-Pap user has used the So-Clean C-Pap Machine to clean their C-Pap? If so, do you like it?

Richard

I bought a so-Clean several months ago and all was fine until I had a small scratch on my nose. It turned into a rash that was awful...very itchy and oozy. It took me a while before I figured out it was the so clean doing it...I wouldn't take the so clean with me when I traveled just the CPAP. The rash would clear up when I traveled and come back at home when I used the so- clean. I contacted the company and they said yes, some people have had problems being sensitive to the ozone produced by the machine....I use a nose mask btw and the rash was contained in the mask area.

Their only suggestion was to reduce the time the machine runs and to let air flow for a while before I put the mask on. I haven't tried it yet as I am afraid of the rash starting again.

 

[dioxide45]

I bought a so-Clean several months ago and all was fine until I had a small scratch on my nose. It turned into a rash that was awful...very itchy and oozy. It took me a while before I figured out it was the so clean doing it...I wouldn't take the so clean with me when I traveled just the CPAP. The rash would clear up when I traveled and come back at home when I used the so- clean. I contacted the company and they said yes, some people have had problems being sensitive to the ozone produced by the machine....I use a nose mask btw and the rash was contained in the mask area.

Their only suggestion was to reduce the time the machine runs and to let air flow for a while before I put the mask on. I haven't tried it yet as I am afraid of the rash starting again.

DW also has a So-Clean. I would also suggest turning down the run time and also set it to start soon after you wake up so it has a long time for the ozone to dissipate.

 

[Passepartout]

I just use the citrus CPAP wipes. They seem fine and as a bonus, after wiping out the mask, they clean the tablet or PC screen of fingerprints.

 

[beejaybeeohio]

Spouse's worries about hubby's new CPAP!!

DH brought his new machine home. I was terrified the noise of it would be worse than his snoring. Before bedtime he gets it set up and invites me to come and hear how it sounds.

It sounded like a heavy-duty rivet machine or buzz saw or meat grinder- the noise was indescribable and absolutely unbearable. I was ready to move into the guest room....

But then I decide to head to his side of the bed to see the looks of this horrendous invention and what did I see? He'd set up a small air compressor and NOT the CPAP!

The actual machine is so quiet, that except for the facial apparatus he wears, I wouldn't know it was there!

 

[bobpark56]

Do you mean bipap? My husband has one, we have tried five masks. Cannot find one that he will tolerate.

"Cannot tolerate" because of comfort? If that (or leaking) is the issue, I suggest he play around with the harness settings. It took me awhile to get mine to where the fit was comfortable, with little leaking around the edges. I also find I sleep better and have less leakage if I wear a chinstrap (the mask does not need to be so tight then).
The broad, white chinstrap that fits around my jaw has been much more effective than the sexier tailored ones that fit just under the tip of your chin. It's also the least expensive. Chinstraps, though, can cause contact dermatitis. This has been a strong (earlier) to mild (now, white chinstrap) issue for me, but I have an ointment from my wife's doctor that seems to take care of that, though I now don't always need it.
Tell your husband not to give up. I'm sleeping 7 to 9 hour a night now, instead of the 4 hours I was experiencing before my CPAP. Life is much more pleasant.