CPAP Advice requested, please.

[➕👇 ꓤꓱꓷꓠꓵ🎵Tone]

I'm buying/renting my first Cpap machine. Does anyone have experience with types, styles and fearures?

Tips for first-time users?

Are they portable, esp when visiting countries on different voltage?

 

 

Old (Downunder) Tone

 

 

[Lee49]

I tried to get use to wearing a CPAP years ago, the longest I got was about 6 months before giving up, nevertheless I did find that the most comfortable mask was the one fitting only over the mouth and nose ( not a full face ) with the hose connecting on the top of the head area allowing you to better turn from side to side, also having to get up to use the rest room was a hard routine to having take it off then putting it back on sometimes several times per night, I did travel once for an assembly, it wasn't hard since a travel case comes with it but never out of the country so you would need an AC adapter for the difference in  electrical .I don't mean to discourage you, if you stick it out and feel better it will be worth it.

 

similar to this mask   -

 

[Qapla]

I prefer a CPAP that used hoses to the nose like oxygen does ... not the full face mask.

 

Many of today's CPAP machines work on DC (some even have batteries) and need whatever power converter is needed for where you are. Many power adapters are dual Hz (50/60) but not ss many are 120/240. Some have "universal plug adapters" in the kit.

 

Remember, a CPAP is supposed to be programed by the professional who prescribed it - they are not really a DIY project

 

[Witness1970]

I had a Respironics C-PAP for several years. It should have been replaced I think but I moved just about the time it was due for replacement and the new doctor never told me it needed to be replaced.

 

When I first got it I had a mask that covered my nose and mouth.  I used it for a few years.  Then I switched to what they call 'pillows'.  The pillows fit against your nose.  They have to be changed about every two weeks because they get hard and become very uncomfortable to the nose.  Both types can potentially leak around the seal.  When they leak the air blows into your eyes and can dry out your eyes.  You have to adjust the tightness to stop them from leaking.  Too loose they leak.  Too tight, they leak.  You have to adjust them exactly right.

 

The Respironics I had had a removable section for the humidifier tank.  The new Restonics I have is smaller and the humidifier tank is inside the unit.  The salesman suggested that if you travel (within the United States), you could remove the humidifier tank and it was easier to move around.  The problem with removing the humidifier tank is that, if it is not used or doesn't have water in it, the air blowing down your throat dries out your throat during the night.  It is recommended that you empty the water from the tank every morning and put fresh distilled water in it before bedtime.  You also need to clean the humidifier tank about once a week with a mild soap and water solution to avoid mildew buildup.  The hose also needs to be cleaned periodically to remove bacteria that you do not want to breathe.  The dealer suggested putting the hose in a mild soap and water solution and then rinse it with water to get the soap out and hang it over the shower rod so that it can drain.

 

The Respironics I had had a foam filter and a paper filter below it.  The foam filter was permanent, but the smaller paper filter needs to be changed out periodically because it can get clogged up if not changed.  The Restonics only has a small white filter, no foam filter.

 

You can adjust the water usage on most C-PAP machines.  In the winter time in a cool bedroom, you might get condensate in the hose.  The condensate gathers at a low point in the hose.  Air blowing through the condensate makes a bubbling noise.  I only have to put about a 1/4" of water in the humidifier tank each night.  The humidifier tank will still have some water in it the next morning.

 

You will hear about something called So-Clean.  These devices blow positive ions through the hoses and mask.  It is supposed to clean the hose, mask and even the water in the humidifier tank.  The FDA has never approved the use of the So-Clean machines.  Some people claim that breathing the air left in the tubing is unhealthy.  I do not know.  You can decide for yourself if you wish to use such a device.  Also, the So-Clean connects to the Respironics device just fine, but not to the Restonics I have now.  I had a So-Clean I used with the Respironics for a few years. It was only recently that I heard that it never had FDA approval to be used.

 

I had to stop using the Respironics because of some breakdown inside the machine that could cause cancer. The doctor I had been using was left shorthanded after the pandemic and I could never get an appointment with her.  I finally went to a different doctor and got the Restonics C-PAP machine.  Years ago it was required that you go to a sleep clinic and stay the night for the sleep test.  They now have a device you attach to your finger to get tested.

 

The Respironics I had was set for 10 CM water pressure.  It worked fine.  When I recently got the Restonics, it was set for 20 CM water pressure.  I could not breathe well at the higher pressure.  I finally told them that they had to reduce the pressure or I would return the machine.  It is now set for 10 and I wear it constantly.

 

I have known men who got the C-PAP machines and never wore them.  The insurance company requires that you wear the C-PA machine at least 4 nights a week, 70% of the time for them to pay for it.  I wear mine 7 nights a week, 100% of the time except on occasions when I fall asleep before putting it on.

 

This may be more than you asked for but I tend to be very thorough and detailed.  I hope it helps.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 23 by Witness1970

[➕👇 ꓤꓱꓷꓠꓵ🎵Tone]

Ty for your detailed reply. This is what I am after. It was very beneficial.
Only last week, I received my Dr's script after doing a sleep study a few weeks back, so this is all new to me.
My only experience was 15 years ago when my F.I.L. used one. We lived interstate, so I never got to hear the details of operating them that might help in deciding which one to purchase. He and his wife (my M.I.L.) have both passed away, so I am unable to ask them about it.
It seems some companies down here offer a rental for some months to trial the different models. That might help me select one.
But your info was great. It will help me narrow the field.
The model the Doc suggested was the ResMed AutoSet 10. I'm not sure if this is a good unit, or if the clinic gets some benefit.
Ty

Old (Downunder) Tone

[Witness1970]

I originally thought that mine was a purchase, all paid for.  Then I discovered that my insurance company was paying a monthly rental on the device.  That's why you have to take the SD card back to the doctor every 6 months.  They read the card to see how you are using the machine.  If you aren't using it regularly the insurance company stops paying for it.

[cclove]

Not much to add but I prefer the nasal pillows over the full face, and use distilled water only. 

[➕👇 ꓤꓱꓷꓠꓵ🎵Tone]

I agree. I bought 2 masks. I have the series 10. I now see there is a series 11.... 

The scene of this world is constantly changing! Lol

[jayrtom]

I use a CPAP machine that is very small and silent. I didn't pay anything as in Portugal everything is paid by the social security

Initially they gave me this mask and it was very difficult to adjust to avoid leaks and had lots of pain. And it was just for the nose

I bought some cushions to help the adjustment, but it didn't work... After trying to give up the technical changed the mask to a more advanced one which turned out to be perfect. It has just a small piece that enters in the nostrils and there are no leaks or pain problems

I also bought this pillow that helps to fit the apparatus and doesn't prejudice my head position in the pillow. I can now move my head freely at night and can have a perfect night sleep

 

[jayrtom]

I additionally placed a phone holder on my bed to serve as a holder for the tube to come from the top. It allows for more movements without disturbance

With this configuration I'm at the point of not noticing it during the night. I'm using it for little more than 6 months

[computerwiz]

I hated my CPAP machine.  I prefer a mouth guard like this:

 

https://a.co/d/7vzebxn

 

Makes your bite a little funky in the morning, and the first couple weeks of using it you may have jaw pain.  But I find it's much better than this annoying machine blowing air in your face all night long...   And the cleaning is so much easier/quicker with the guard.

 

Start it on the lowest setting and work up as needed.

[jayrtom]

23 hours ago, computerwiz said:

I hated my CPAP machine.  I prefer a mouth guard like this:

 

https://a.co/d/7vzebxn

 

Makes your bite a little funky in the morning, and the first couple weeks of using it you may have jaw pain.  But I find it's much better than this annoying machine blowing air in your face all night long...   And the cleaning is so much easier/quicker with the guard.

 

Start it on the lowest setting and work up as needed.

It depends on the problem you have. For sleep apneia you need a CPAP machine

[computerwiz]

12 minutes ago, jayrtom said:

For sleep apneia you need a CPAP machine

 

Sleep apnea, depending on the severity and specifics, can be solved with the device I posted.  If it is caused by your tongue blocking your airway, the jaw device may be good enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The jaw device pushes your lower jaw forward, getting your tongue off of the back of your throat.

 

 

 

[ChrisW]

On 11/4/2024 at 6:32 AM, jayrtom said:

I use a CPAP machine that is very small and silent. I didn't pay anything as in Portugal everything is paid by the social security

Initially they gave me this mask and it was very difficult to adjust to avoid leaks and had lots of pain. And it was just for the nose

I bought some cushions to help the adjustment, but it didn't work... After trying to give up the technical changed the mask to a more advanced one which turned out to be perfect. It has just a small piece that enters in the nostrils and there are no leaks or pain problems

I also bought this pillow that helps to fit the apparatus and doesn't prejudice my head position in the pillow. I can now move my head freely at night and can have a perfect night sleep

 

I didn't know there was a pillow or there for c paps. My husband uses one I'll have to get this for him.  

[jayrtom]

4 hours ago, computerwiz said:

 

Sleep apnea, depending on the severity and specifics, can be solved with the device I posted.  If it is caused by your tongue blocking your airway, the jaw device may be good enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The jaw device pushes your lower jaw forward, getting your tongue off of the back of your throat.

 

 

 

Yes that can work on mild cases. In my case its a severe sleep apneia and I'm very confortable with the CPAP machine. But offcourse everyone has a personal context

 

source chatgpt:
 

Quote

Devices for sleep apnea, particularly Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, are highly effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These machines deliver a steady flow of air through a mask, which keeps the airway open during sleep and prevents the collapses that cause apnea events. Other options include:

1. **BiPAP Machines**: Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) devices offer two pressure levels—one for inhaling and another for exhaling. This can be beneficial for people who find it difficult to exhale against the constant pressure of a CPAP machine or for those with more severe sleep apnea.

2. **APAP Machines**: Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) devices adjust the air pressure level automatically based on the user’s needs throughout the night. This can provide more comfort for those who need variable pressure.

3. **Oral Appliances**: Some devices are worn in the mouth, similar to a mouthguard, and help to keep the lower jaw and tongue in a position that prevents airway blockage. These are most effective for mild to moderate cases of OSA and are often prescribed by sleep specialists or dentists trained in sleep medicine.

4. **Positional Therapy Devices**: For people whose sleep apnea occurs mainly when sleeping on their back, these devices help encourage side-sleeping to prevent airway obstruction. They range from wearable belts to alarms that remind users to stay on their side.

5. **Implantable Devices**: Hypoglossal nerve stimulators are implantable devices that stimulate the tongue muscle to keep the airway open during sleep. These are typically reserved for those who don’t respond well to CPAP therapy.

**Effectiveness**: CPAP machines are the gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea and have a high success rate in reducing symptoms and improving sleep quality. Other devices can be effective, especially for mild cases or when CPAP is not tolerated. The right choice depends on the severity of the sleep apnea and individual tolerance for each device type.