Cpap Nighttime Breathing Machine

[Iggle Piggle]

Anyone know about CPAP? How noisy, full face or just nose mask? How uncomfortable? Filter change times? Tips and tricks? Drop me an email if you prefer abagoffrogs ‘at’ hotmail dot com

[jourdain2]

OH was assessed with moderate to severe sleep apnoea and fitted with a mask that fitted over his nose and mouth because he is a mouth-breather at night. There is, otherwise, something that just fits the
nose.

He tried & tried but couldn't get along with it, kept waking with horribly dry mouth and couldn't speak for several days because of dried catarrh in nose/mouth/throat.

He found it rather tight (but it had to be airtight to the skin).

It wasn't particularly noisy and I slept through it operating. Anyway, it went back after 10 days.

Sqad was an ENT surgeon and should know more I'd have thought.

[roopower]

I use a CPAP machine, have done for some time. I have a mask that covers my nose and mouth, most of lower face. I've not had any trouble, it's not noisy if fitting properly and I don't find it uncomfortable. The only time I do find it a nuisance is if I have a cold and then I get a bit congested. I wash the mask and hose regularly and chamge the filter when it needs it. If you are having one and seeing a medical professional this will all be explained to you. The softer part of the mask does go floppy after a few months and lets air out but you can phone up and get another.

[Sqad]

Jourdain, this is a question for CPAP users as my experience is limited.

[andy-hughes]

I use a Cpap machine.

It takes some getting used to, but ok after a couple of weeks.

If it's like mine, the machine will detect interrupted breathing, and increase the airflow, this may wake you up. Press the smaller of the two buttons, and the machine will reset itself.

Wash filter in tap water when the on light flashes.

Good luck.

[Buenchico]

Some personal experiences here
https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/living/cpap-experience-early-days
and here
https://www.nextavenue.org/cpap-machine/

[theshedman]

I use a APAP machine as I couldn't get on with the CPAP. They are very similar except that the APAP doesn't stay on high when you are awake so not getting that same amount of air coming in to the mask after about an hour which was happening with the CPAP. It notices when you are awake and cuts down. I have what they call a total face mask which as name says covers the entire face including eyes. I don't use it all the time as I move about a lot in my sleep and find it moves then I wake up. When not using it I sleep in a spare room or wife does not get any sleep. As jourdain2 says it can make your mouth and throat dry but they can supply a container that fits inside which you put water into that helps with that. The hospital that supply them will give you new filters and a new mask when required.