02-27-2012, 01:05 PM
What have you done to make cpap comfortable?
[parts of this thread were copied from the old forum]
I've used cpap for about 5 years. Issues? mask sometimes leaks. Noise...and recently pulled my cpap off the bed side table.
Appreciate any hints!
Regards,
Dave
Jan 9 2007, 04:15 PM Post #2
Speaking for myself, Dave, I find that if I don't clean my mask seal pretty regularly, the leaks get much worse. If I forget to do it in the morning, though, I know it won't dry in time for me to use it at night. One trick I've used is to keep some baby wipes on the night stand for a quick cleaning of the seal. It works fairly well.
Yeah, I've knocked my machine off the nightstand, too. One fix you could try is to use some Fun-Tak reusable adhesive (that sticky blue stuff) to anchor it. The hose would probably come off before the machine would move again.
Just my 2¢.
Carl
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken
Jan 10 2007, 01:29 AM Post #3
It took me about a year and a half until I could actually use my Cpap for the complete night. I did a bunch of searching on different forums and found some things that helped me.
Pillow
I use a tempurpedic pillow. I sleep on the wrong side of the tempurpedic pillow for comfort. I find that because I am fat, when my head is lifted too much it is harder to breath. Your neck should be on the large hump of the pillow. I use the small hump of the pillow.
Mask
I went through 3 different masks to find one that is comfortable.
Respironics Gel Nasal - Would not seal
Respironics Full Face II - Would not seal
Resmed Mirage Swift Pillow System - Sleep at last!
The only thing I do not like about this mask is the relief air or used air comes out the front. I like to sleep on my stomach/face so this mask does not work well. I found one that releases to the side but I forget what it was called.
I had a problem with snoring/breathing through my mouth while trying to adjust to the nasal mask. I purchased a chin strap but found between the chin straps and head gear I had too much stuff on my head. I got rid of the chin strap. Somehow I was able to train myself to keep my mouth closed and breath through my nose.
Sleep Preperation
I would watch TV with the mask and machine on so I could get used to it. The most important thing I did as far as getting ready for bed is to lay in bed get comfortable, and let my heart rate drop to normal levels. I find it hard to breath with the Cpap when I am slightly out of breath. I know this sounds odd but it works for me.
Machine
I use a Remstar Auto with C-flex and Heated Humidifier. I initially needed the C-flex but as I got used to the Cpap I do not like the C-flex and do not use it. The Heated humidifier is a must. The air felt cold as it hit my nostrals so I finnally figured out how to adjust the heat.
Pressure
I was intially set to a 12.5 but I find that 14.0 is more comfortable and gives me a better nights sleep. I know you should stick with the suggested setting but it like the higher pressure.
Hose
I run my hose over my headboard so it keeps it out of my way. I keep my machine on the nightstand and have no problems knocking it off the stand. I think the hose going over the headboard is what saves me there.
I went through a several little comfort issues until I finally got to the point where I love this machine!
Mar 6 2007, 10:45 AM Post #4
There's some really good suggestions here! I'm going to print this out so that I have them handy when I start using my CPAP. Thanks for the ideas - this forum is great.
Mar 7 2007, 07:56 PM Post #5
As far as routing of the hose to keep it out of the way, I found a device on E-Bay that the guy builds out of PVC pipe and fittings that has a bottom "foot" that goes under the front of your mattress, and a single tube leading to a hanger type rod.
In looking at this, it would be super simple to build your own.
I am getting my machine tomorrow so, I will need to find some sort of way to situate it. My bedside table is barly big enough for the alarm clock and a trimline phone, so we will see what I can do to get mine set.
Hi glen4linux! I get my CPAP today too. I'm so thankful to have made it to this morning - I know it may be irrational, but I was fearful that I would croak before the medical process got me to this point. Good luck with your CPAP and your tubing. I haven't figured out my hose routing yet, but my husband is pretty clever with those things - and the weekend is coming - Thank God. Let me know how things go.
I agree even it is over 4 years old thread , there is something doesn,t change with times .
I keep my CPAP under my bed and run the 10' hose up and over/through the headboard. This way it can not fall off of anything, it's out of site, and the bed provides extra muffling of the any sounds.
Bob. G
I have dogs and cats. No way would I put my machine on the floor. The filters are bad enough with it up where it is now!
Nov 24 2011, 10:59 AM Post #10
Zonk: man, you sure know how to resurrect an old thread... this one is from 2007.
As for making CPAP more comfortable... lately it seems I'm so dead-tired when I hit the bed that I don't have time to think about comfort or noises or anything else... didn't used to be that way, but now that I'm closing in on 50 years old, I take about 10 seconds to get to sleep after putting on my mask.
SuperSleeper
Apnea Board Administrator
http://www.ApneaBoard.com
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
DONATE to Apnea Board
Change your own pressure - Get the Clinician Setup Manual for your CPAP here
Luckily thanks to a well fitting mask my CPAP is pretty comfortable. The headgear for my mask is too bit so I wear a kufi cap on the crown of my head to take up the slack in the straps. Luckily I have a fairly low pressure of 9.
This really is an old thread!
Nov 24 2011, 08:20 PM Post #12
Masks are a very personal issue. What works for me probably would not work for you and if it did, it would most likely be for different reasons.
That said, these two masks are very different. Have you ever tried a nasal pillow mask? See if the supplier can loan you one to try out. Nearly all of them do, with loan periods of two weeks to a month.
Dec 9 2011, 10:15 AM Post #15
Hi PaulaO,
Thanks for your response our cpap dealers wont let you loan masks here in Aus as the claim they cant resell them, I rekon their just to tight in the pocket they want $270 for the swift fx pillow so I will buy one on ebay from the states for $100 and see how I go, just not sure about the pressure if I need to change it higher or lower
Thanks again
Shane from Aus
Edited by bandit-333, Dec 9 2011, 10:32 AM.
Quote:Dave L Wrote:Jan 9 2007, 08:08 AM Post #1
I've used cpap for about 5 years. Issues? mask sometimes leaks. Noise...and recently pulled my cpap off the bed side table.
Appreciate any hints!
Regards,
Dave
Quote:ConnCarl Wrote:
Jan 9 2007, 04:15 PM Post #2
Quote:Dave LI've used cpap for about 5 years. Issues? mask sometimes leaks. Noise...and recently pulled my cpap off the bed side table.
Speaking for myself, Dave, I find that if I don't clean my mask seal pretty regularly, the leaks get much worse. If I forget to do it in the morning, though, I know it won't dry in time for me to use it at night. One trick I've used is to keep some baby wipes on the night stand for a quick cleaning of the seal. It works fairly well.
Yeah, I've knocked my machine off the nightstand, too. One fix you could try is to use some Fun-Tak reusable adhesive (that sticky blue stuff) to anchor it. The hose would probably come off before the machine would move again.
Just my 2¢.
Carl
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken
Quote:boosted wrote:
Jan 10 2007, 01:29 AM Post #3
It took me about a year and a half until I could actually use my Cpap for the complete night. I did a bunch of searching on different forums and found some things that helped me.
Pillow
I use a tempurpedic pillow. I sleep on the wrong side of the tempurpedic pillow for comfort. I find that because I am fat, when my head is lifted too much it is harder to breath. Your neck should be on the large hump of the pillow. I use the small hump of the pillow.
Mask
I went through 3 different masks to find one that is comfortable.
Respironics Gel Nasal - Would not seal
Respironics Full Face II - Would not seal
Resmed Mirage Swift Pillow System - Sleep at last!
The only thing I do not like about this mask is the relief air or used air comes out the front. I like to sleep on my stomach/face so this mask does not work well. I found one that releases to the side but I forget what it was called.
I had a problem with snoring/breathing through my mouth while trying to adjust to the nasal mask. I purchased a chin strap but found between the chin straps and head gear I had too much stuff on my head. I got rid of the chin strap. Somehow I was able to train myself to keep my mouth closed and breath through my nose.
Sleep Preperation
I would watch TV with the mask and machine on so I could get used to it. The most important thing I did as far as getting ready for bed is to lay in bed get comfortable, and let my heart rate drop to normal levels. I find it hard to breath with the Cpap when I am slightly out of breath. I know this sounds odd but it works for me.
Machine
I use a Remstar Auto with C-flex and Heated Humidifier. I initially needed the C-flex but as I got used to the Cpap I do not like the C-flex and do not use it. The Heated humidifier is a must. The air felt cold as it hit my nostrals so I finnally figured out how to adjust the heat.
Pressure
I was intially set to a 12.5 but I find that 14.0 is more comfortable and gives me a better nights sleep. I know you should stick with the suggested setting but it like the higher pressure.
Hose
I run my hose over my headboard so it keeps it out of my way. I keep my machine on the nightstand and have no problems knocking it off the stand. I think the hose going over the headboard is what saves me there.
I went through a several little comfort issues until I finally got to the point where I love this machine!
Quote:tangents wrote:
Mar 6 2007, 10:45 AM Post #4
There's some really good suggestions here! I'm going to print this out so that I have them handy when I start using my CPAP. Thanks for the ideas - this forum is great.
Quote:glen4linux wrote:
Mar 7 2007, 07:56 PM Post #5
As far as routing of the hose to keep it out of the way, I found a device on E-Bay that the guy builds out of PVC pipe and fittings that has a bottom "foot" that goes under the front of your mattress, and a single tube leading to a hanger type rod.
In looking at this, it would be super simple to build your own.
I am getting my machine tomorrow so, I will need to find some sort of way to situate it. My bedside table is barly big enough for the alarm clock and a trimline phone, so we will see what I can do to get mine set.
Quote:tangents wrote:Mar 8 2007, 07:11 AM Post #6
Hi glen4linux! I get my CPAP today too. I'm so thankful to have made it to this morning - I know it may be irrational, but I was fearful that I would croak before the medical process got me to this point. Good luck with your CPAP and your tubing. I haven't figured out my hose routing yet, but my husband is pretty clever with those things - and the weekend is coming - Thank God. Let me know how things go.
Quote:zonk wrote:Nov 23 2011, 03:16 AM Post #7
Quote:tangents
There's some really good suggestions here! I'm going to print this out so that I have them handy when I start using my CPAP. Thanks for the ideas - this forum is great.
I agree even it is over 4 years old thread , there is something doesn,t change with times .
Quote:bobg1946Nov 23 2011, 11:41 PM Post #8
I keep my CPAP under my bed and run the 10' hose up and over/through the headboard. This way it can not fall off of anything, it's out of site, and the bed provides extra muffling of the any sounds.
Bob. G
Quote:PaulaO Wrote:Nov 24 2011, 10:43 AM Post #9
I have dogs and cats. No way would I put my machine on the floor. The filters are bad enough with it up where it is now!
Quote:SuperSleeper Wrote:
Nov 24 2011, 10:59 AM Post #10
Quote:PaulaO
Nov 24 2011, 10:43 AM
I have dogs and cats. No way would I put my machine on the floor. The filters are bad enough with it up where it is now!Our dog likes to wake me up in the morning by licking my face mask where the air comes out and tries to "bite at" the air coming out. Slobbery, shocking and startling, for sure.
Zonk: man, you sure know how to resurrect an old thread... this one is from 2007.
As for making CPAP more comfortable... lately it seems I'm so dead-tired when I hit the bed that I don't have time to think about comfort or noises or anything else... didn't used to be that way, but now that I'm closing in on 50 years old, I take about 10 seconds to get to sleep after putting on my mask.
SuperSleeper
Apnea Board Administrator
http://www.ApneaBoard.com
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
DONATE to Apnea Board
Change your own pressure - Get the Clinician Setup Manual for your CPAP here
Quote:zimlich wrote:Nov 24 2011, 11:31 AM Post #11
Luckily thanks to a well fitting mask my CPAP is pretty comfortable. The headgear for my mask is too bit so I wear a kufi cap on the crown of my head to take up the slack in the straps. Luckily I have a fairly low pressure of 9.
This really is an old thread!
Quote:PaulaO Wrote:
Nov 24 2011, 08:20 PM Post #12
Masks are a very personal issue. What works for me probably would not work for you and if it did, it would most likely be for different reasons.
That said, these two masks are very different. Have you ever tried a nasal pillow mask? See if the supplier can loan you one to try out. Nearly all of them do, with loan periods of two weeks to a month.
Quote:bandit-333 wrote:
Dec 9 2011, 10:15 AM Post #15
Quote:PaulaO
Masks are a very personal issue. What works for me probably would not work for you and if it did, it would most likely be for different reasons.
That said, these two masks are very different. Have you ever tried a nasal pillow mask? See if the supplier can loan you one to try out. Nearly all of them do, with loan periods of two weeks to a month.
Hi PaulaO,
Thanks for your response our cpap dealers wont let you loan masks here in Aus as the claim they cant resell them, I rekon their just to tight in the pocket they want $270 for the swift fx pillow so I will buy one on ebay from the states for $100 and see how I go, just not sure about the pressure if I need to change it higher or lower
Thanks again
Shane from Aus
Edited by bandit-333, Dec 9 2011, 10:32 AM.
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I am new to the apap machine still don't have a handle on it at all!! this thread & others I hope others will help me out. thanks y'all
