Dangers of Using a CPAP Machine

[mcintoshjr]

I have moderate that is managed with a dental appliance, I monitor with a pulse OX 7500. My uncle has had 2 recent "events" where a CPAP malfunction almost killed him, if it were not for my aunt he would have been DEAD. He was flailing and could not breath only after she removed the Nose piece the first time and a mask the second time could he breathe. First time he was unconscious for over an hour- para meds got there in 5. second time he was unresponsive for over a half hour following 100% O2.
Obviously something else is going on, anyone else ever hear of such events?

[Ghost1958]

I have moderate that is managed with a dental appliance, I monitor with a pulse OX 7500. My uncle has had 2 recent "events" where a CPAP malfunction almost killed him, if it were not for my aunt he would have been DEAD. He was flailing and could not breath only after she removed the Nose piece the first time and a mask the second time could he breathe. First time he was unconscious for over an hour- para meds got there in 5. second time he was unresponsive for over a half hour following 100% O2.
Obviously something else is going on, anyone else ever hear of such events?

No personally I havent and not that im doubting what you say but I dont see how it could happen. Full Face Masks have entrainment valves. And Vents. They wont suffocate you if the machine quits entirely. Unless you are paralyzed and couldnt get the mask off for hours possibly.

As to a nasal mask all one would have to do is open their mouth and breathe.

Id take a wild guess there was something else going on with him health wise other than a cpap mask or machine.

[PaulaO2]

I sincerely doubt it was CPAP related. Night terrors, maybe. Or he panicked to the point he thought he could not breathe so therefore he could not. But these things are designed to let air in and out with the machine off. Even Full Face Masks. If he was just wearing a nose piece (nasal pillows maybe?), then he could have just opened his mouth. If he was wearing a nasal mask the second time, again, just open his mouth.

[DariaVader]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC29011/

cpap caused an increase in renal vascular resistance - resulting in lower kidney output and therefore water retention.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9510662

but not bi-level. hummm

i think i will increase my epr from 2 to 3 and see if it helps my water retention problem!