Would you continue using a medical device if its said to improve your health even if it seemed it was not any better?

DWDavisRSL wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:29 PM

I have used a CPAP for 16 years now and would not stop using it unless my doctor told me I no longer needed it. It did take a while to get used to it, but now it actually helps me fall asleep at night. I think it triggers my mind into knowing it's time to sleep.

If you are uncomfortable in the mask and hose arrangement you have, talk to the respitory specialist at your pharmacy or medical supply store. There are lots of options and different types of equipment to make it easier to wear and manage.

www.cpap.com shows many different mask and hose combinations you can look at to get some idea of what's out there.

I did not vote because none of the responses fit my experience. As to taking a chance on not using it, in 2004, the night after Christmas, Reggie White, former pro-NFL player, 43 years old, decided not to use his CPAP and died in his sleep that night. I'm not trying to scare you, but it can happen. Please don't just stop using your device.

markgraham wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:35 PM

At the moment I do not need to use this type of breathing machine and I hope I will never have to, but if I needed it I would just have to adjust. DW has a good suggestion and you should check on other models.

grandma20121 wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:40 PM

thank you for your honest answer, i never really thought about like that i figured i was diagnosed with a few years ago and been living without the device all this time but your right it could happen,, i will look into other options and try yo give it more time to get used to it

FourWalls wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:49 PM

I have a CPAP that I haven't been able to use because of recurring bronchitis (it's hard to wear that mask and cough!). The pressure causes my ear to pop and makes me dizzy. It has also caused an increase in my panic attacks when I have it on. I would like to try it with a better mask instead of the "first generation" mask that covers everything. They have better masks now, and I'd be willing to pay for one (I get my CPAP from the VA, and they won't pay for a better mask, of course).

grandma20121 wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:50 PM

you could try the nasal pillows mask it just covers the nose, i hope your able to get one that works for you

grandma20121 wrote on January 23, 2016, 9:52 PM

your right DW does have a good point

lookatdesktop wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:22 PM

I have used a nasal CPAP, which stands for Nasal Constant Positive Air Pressure machine for Sleep Apnea. I was diagnosed with this dreaded snoring and was told I had both Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I use the CPAP machine every night unless I have nasal congestion. You have to get used to it.

It helps both lower blood pressure and helps prevent the onset of Congestive Heart Failure. I am 58. I began using the CPAP machine in the year 1997. You will eventually get used to this and adjust to it. There are some various designs. One thing to know is, Do not pull the straps too tight. They use velcro and this is easy to make adjustments with the strap that go around the back of your head. Too tight a fit will make it uncomfortable. Try adjusting the tightness on the straps.

lookatdesktop wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:26 PM

This is the best advice anyone could give, from one who has a similar sleep disorder who has used it a long time to one who is just beginning to get used to it after only one month. My step son was diagnosed and he refuses to use it. I am glad I have taken my doctor's advice to continue the use of this life saving CPAP machine.

grandma20121 wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:35 PM

so your saying both you and your stepson have sleep apnea but you do use your device? if you do not mind me asking how long have you been using it and how long did it take you to get used to it?

grandma20121 wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:40 PM

i have a a question hoping you might know the answer , does your machine record the usage of hours and episodes ? if it does do you know how to set it up to view it online? i have an online account it constantly says i have not used my machine when indeed i did its just not recording

lookatdesktop wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:46 PM

I started using this device back in the year 1997, after a sleep study at the County Hospital. It took several weeks to a few months to adjust to it. I am better off now because I no longer worry about it. I am thankful I have this, The reason my step son doesn't use it is because he is a long distance truck delivery driver from state to state and has to sleep in hotels and in the cab of his 18 wheeler. He finds it difficult or next to impossible to use it. He of course has medical issues.

lookatdesktop wrote on January 23, 2016, 10:50 PM

No the device I use does not record my breathing or non breathing moments. These were taken in an overnight hospital sleep lab study where they monitored my on again, off again breathing and monitored my brainwaves my eeg, my ekg my blood pressure and my lung's vital capacity etc. I had wires all attached to me and it was easy for them to make an accurate diagnosis so the machine was designed to the pressure level that was specific to my needs. The health care guy who helped me set the machine up and told me how to use it said, "If you are unable to sleep at first, be sure to press the reset button." The machine is not to be turned on full blast before you place it on. It has a button you press to bring the pressure level to low at first so you can gradually get to sleep as the pressure gradually builds up to the proper level. If you have trouble sleeping or have to get up in the middle of the night then come back to bed, press the reset button before continuing so this will let you fall back to sleep.

DWDavisRSL wrote on January 24, 2016, 2:19 PM

There is a new, portable, CPAP device available just for folks like your step-son. From what I've heard it is about the size of a soda can. I will try to find more info and pass it along.

lookatdesktop , here is a video to one of the smallest portable CPAP machines on the market, and you can get it with a rechargeable battery. It might be just the thing for your step-son.

https://youtu.be/3qjY3AgWVKA

DWDavisRSL wrote on January 24, 2016, 2:30 PM

FourWalls , here are a couple sites from the CPAP.com website you might want to look at. They show styles and prices for a variety of different masks you might like to try. No prescription is needed to buy the mask.

http://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/nasal-pillow-cpap-mask.php

http://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/nasal-prong-cpap-mask.php

lookatdesktop wrote on January 24, 2016, 4:46 PM

Thank you. I will go to that site and download the information.

allen0187 wrote on January 25, 2016, 7:00 PM

I'm familiar with a CPAP machine but haven't used one myself. DWDavisRSL gave a very detailed answer and I do agree with him. Best that you talk to your physician and tell your concerns to your physician so the appropriate changes can be done to make using the CPAP machine more comfortable for you.

DWDavisRSL wrote on January 25, 2016, 9:26 PM

I appreciate the mention allen0187 . I believe both lookatdesktop and I were able to provide some very useful information based on our experiences with respiratory health.

MegL wrote on January 26, 2016, 4:02 PM

My son had a cpap but has stopped using it because it didn't seem to help.