CPAP machines

[cookiedough]

anyone have one, pros cons, etc?

am getting fitted next week after my sleep study told me i have moderate sleep apnea for a CPAP machine to try out a few months rental before considering buying it outright for 1500 bucks or so, NOT cheap.

Gee, 2 hip surgeries back to back last 9 weeks now,  and now this.  Guess I will meet my deductible yet again for insurance come 2025.  arghhhh....

Cannot believe how much a hip replacement costs nowadays about 75K billed each one to insurance.  ONLY reason I am working is insurance surely is not because I will get rich..

[Valker]

I've been on CPAP for 30 years. What do you want to know?
I also sent a PM.

[Jess from VA]

All I know about them is you have to keep them clean.  All that breathing humidity can result in fungus or other unhealthy things going in you. 

[Valker]

All I know about them is you have to keep them clean.  All that breathing humidity can result in fungus or other unhealthy things going in you. 

Not hard. I use an ozone machine (very small) made for sterilizing the hoses about once a week. I clean the water reservoir about twice a week and use only distilled water in it. I clean the mask with a baby wipe or just washing it with a drop of Dawn and water. I clean the headgear straps in a mesh laundry bag.

[Jess from VA]

All I know about them is you have to keep them clean.  All that breathing humidity can result in fungus or other unhealthy things going in you. 

Not hard. I use an ozone machine (very small) made for sterilizing the hoses about once a week. I clean the water reservoir about twice a week and use only distilled water in it. I clean the mask with a baby wipe or just washing it with a drop of Dawn and water. I clean the headgear straps in a mesh laundry bag.

Eric, I figured you know all about them, my comment was for Wisconsin.   

My mom has used one for years. 

I have to sleep with a noise machine; going to bed in a quiet room with constant tinnitus is a big mistake.

My other noise machine left me a long time ago.   

[old2soon]

  Comin up on 7 yeards on a CPAP. And the V A PAYS Not me! And I'm sleeping better deepr longer than I did before CPAP. Like stated before-Distilled H2O Only in the water tank. Look around for a good used or reconditioned one. The filters Are Important as are the fask mask and hoses. I use whats known as nose pillow mask. lotsa different choices on the mask options. My tech at the V A got the right mask first time around. I have like zero idea how much the filters hoses and masks cost as the-TA DA-V A picks up my tab.  Ask Ross daprez bout his hip and shoulder replacements as He Is a Veteran too. RIDE SAFE.

[f6gal]

If you've already met your deductible for 2024, why not buy it now and let the insurance pay for it?

[h13man]

I used one about 3 mos. back in 03' and it got to be a nuisance and quit using it. I haven't had a snoring issue since I quit using it. "That's all I got to say about that." Wife been on one for at least 8 yrs. due heart arrhythmia though she had a very successful "ablation" laser procedure vs having a pace maker installed.

[scooperhsd]

I got diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago, used a CPAP for a while, but quit because as long as I sleep on my sides (not on my back - that makes me snore), I don't have a problem. Plus I could never get used to it. It's getting up in the middle of the night that grates on me - I take 900 mg gabapentin couple hours before bed so I can fall back asleep. Also I need to be warm in a cool room.

[cookiedough]

If you've already met your deductible for 2024, why not buy it now and let the insurance pay for it?

that is a good point,  I think I will ask that next Wednesday when I pick it up.  I think the clinic wants to make sure I want to keep it and setup a 3 month rental first which IMO if I can just buy it out NOW in 2024 still, why not have the insurance pay the 1500 buyout and NOT me in 2025 after 3 month rental is over with.  Good idea!

See NO reason why cannot buy it out NOW in 2024 and not setup 3 month rental....  I will call today and find out if can just buy it out now in 2024 vs. renting it as they requested for 3 months first at 161 per month.

[Rams]

I've been using a CPAP about 8 years now (I think).   First thing I learned was, I slept better with than without.   The second thing was I didn't like, want or need the humidifier part of it.  That took about a month.   Been using one that way since then.   On my second version now.   Apparently, they are to be replaced at five-year intervals (at least that's what my supplier tells me.  

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I've never used a C-pap, but in freshman undergrad (50 odd years ago), some guy on the dorm floor rigged up a gas mask to burn hemp with it.

It worked OK, but you needed to keep your eyes closed.   

[HayHauler]

All I know about them is you have to keep them clean.  All that breathing humidity can result in fungus or other unhealthy things going in you. 

Not hard. I use an ozone machine (very small) made for sterilizing the hoses about once a week. I clean the water reservoir about twice a week and use only distilled water in it. I clean the mask with a baby wipe or just washing it with a drop of Dawn and water. I clean the headgear straps in a mesh laundry bag.

Eric, I figured you know all about them, my comment was for Wisconsin.   

My mom has used one for years. 

I have to sleep with a noise machine; going to bed in a quiet room with constant tinnitus is a big mistake.

My other noise machine left me a long time ago.   

Strange.  My tinnitus acts like a noise machine in my head.  My wife claims that there must be a rock in my pillow, as I am asleep and she is still talking to me, asking unanswered questions.   

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Rams]

My wife claims that there must be a rock in my pillow, as I am asleep and she is still talking to me, asking unanswered questions.   

Hay 
Jimmyt

Learning to act sound asleep is a talent I have yet to develop but, I'm working on it. 

Rams

[cookiedough]

well I called both places and even my insurance dean care HMO requires NEW cpap users to do a 3 month rental with option at 4th month to keep renting, turn in (or even earlier if not like it), or buy it outright which will be around 1500 bucks, give or take.  So, NO,  I cannot buy it out in next 2 weeks of 2024 since my deductible has been met with hip surgeries.  Guess give it a go 1 month or less and decide to keep or to turn in, will see how it goes?

I know 3 people who tried CPAP machines and 2 of 3 turned it in after 1 month hated wearing it could NOT get used to it while one still on it and cannot live without it helps him sleep more restful. 

I do not think I have a sleeping issue, besides snoring, and get restful sleep until I have to get up and go PEE in middle of the night.  Last few years aging in mid 50's, usually unable to sleep all night long without getting up to go poddy but prior to only a few years ago, had no issues sleeping all night not having to go pee.   

am sure as I age the CPAP machine will help long term since they say more restful/longer sleep prevents bigger issues like strokes, etc.    Never know though when the grim reaper comes knocking on the door, since last week found out a guy in my high school graduating class whom I thought in much better shape than me, was found dead (no reason but know him and know he never went to a DR EVER) am guessing heart attack between his house and his garage one morning found by his neighbor.  Not a sight I would like to see in the morning someone laying in driveway or sidewalk nearby getting ready to go to work in the morning.

[Black Dog]

I've been using CPAP for about 10 - 12 years. Worked fairly well, but in the past year or so, started to toss it off after not being able to fall asleep after a few hours!

My sleep doctor tried different settings (humidity, pressure, etc.), still no joy!

I heard about the 'Inspire implant' and decided to check it out. In order to get the implant, you must go through a few tests to see what causes your snoring. If your tongue (not nose or sinus) is what causes the snoring, you may qualify. It is a gizmo, about the size of a small car fob remote, that is implanted under the skin just above your right nipple on the rib cage. A wire goes up the neck and is secured to the right-side base of the tongue. Another wire goes under the ribcage, near your lung. (two incisions, neck and chest).

Ten-year battery, that can be replaced during an outpatient visit.

The whole thing is designed to sense when you snore, send a light shock to your tongue (0.9v in my case), thus moving your tongue slightly stopping the snore. Everything is controlled with a remote, about the size of a computer mouse (just hold it to your chest), on, off, pause (to go pee), it takes a few weeks to fine tune, as you advance with the therapy.

Weird science for sure but works for me! Had the surgery implanting the device late July. After healing, had it activated late August. A phone app tracks usage/progress. I've used it every day/night since and have been averaging 6 hours of sleep per night.

Cookie, if you want a nice (used) CPAP and/or a SoClean CPAP cleaning device, or if anyone wants more info on the Inspire system, email me at sb1520@sbcglobal.net

Black Dog

[3fan4life]

I've been using a CPAP about 8 years now (I think).   First thing I learned was, I slept better with than without.   The second thing was I didn't like, want or need the humidifier part of it.  That took about a month.   Been using one that way since then.   On my second version now.   Apparently, they are to be replaced at five-year intervals (at least that's what my supplier tells me.  

Rams

Been using one for about 1 1/2 years, took me about 6 months to stop putting water in it.

I can't tell a difference and its the water that makes you have to clean it so often.

I'm still searching for the "Right" mask, I'm a side sleeper and it's proving difficult to find one I like that doesn't leak.



I've been seeing inline CPAP filters on for sale on FB.

Does anyone here have any experience with using those?

[Valker]

I'm a side sleeper also. I use a pillow that has a cutout for the hose and mask. Amazon search for CPAP pillows.

[_Sheffjs_]

I've been using a CPAP about 8 years now (I think).   First thing I learned was, I slept better with than without.   The second thing was I didn't like, want or need the humidifier part of it.  That took about a month.   Been using one that way since then.   On my second version now.   Apparently, they are to be replaced at five-year intervals (at least that's what my supplier tells me.  

Rams

Same here!  Do not use the snoring water nor the heated tube and much happier. The F20 AirTouch mask with the memory foam surround was the game changer for me.  Would not live without it.  

Also picked up the resmed mini for travel, I like it just as well as the full machine.

[sidecarwilliam]

Been using one for almost twenty years now. Setting is 14 cm WC. My daughter says its a hairdryer the way it blows, I can't tell its on unless I pull the mask away from my face.
My wife loves it as she has never slept better since I got one.
Try Cpap.com for a look as there are many right now for less than you might believe (less than 400.00)All you need is your prescription. I have found their help to be "no pressure to buy" truthful and helpful.

I have used them for years as they have been cheaper than Medicare and have more masks than I can count, special for mouth breathers and side sleepers .Just my 2 cents.  YMMV 

bill.

[SCain]

27 years for me, can't sleep without it. I have the new Airsense 11 and use a Mirage Nasal only mask.

[DIGGER]

The wife and I have been using cpap machines for about 15 yrs.   Makes a huge difference in getting restfull sleep.    Without it I wake up still tired from the day before.  With it I wake up much more rested.
I have one that stays at home and one that travels with me....even on motorcycle trips

[cookiedough]

thanks for all the suggestions, leaving soon today to get fitted, etc. for one, sounds like the nasal ONLY is the way to go since highly doubt I can wear a full mouth/nose mask if I can eventually start sleeping on the side again in a few more weeks after back in bed after new hip.

the machine is around 1 grand on cpap.com and masks under 100 bucks wonder why the darn medical company thru SSM health wants 161 mth for 1st 3 months, then buyout around 1500 bucks after 3rd month when I signed up on cpap.com and can get 25% off as new customer off 1st order wonder if it includes the 1 grand cpap machine as well?  that brings it down to 750 bucks, give or take, less than half of going thru SSM health sleep study place?

1st month is covered so picking up a mask/machine and go from there lotsa decisions to make for sure next few weeks...

[Valker]

Nasal only masks did NOT work at all for me. My mouth would open at night and I'd lose all benefits. Also, I'm prone to allergies with the effect of my nose plugging up so I'd end up mouth breathing anyway. Full face fixed all of those and other issues.

[sidecarwilliam]

Mask not fitting is the reason I hear the most from folks who have quit using their CPAP!
Their are so many different types. I cannot use the nasal plugs!!
I sleep on my back and on my sides and the regular nasal MASK works best for me, others use a half face and one uses the mouth breather type.
I think cpap.com still offers a small cost option whereby you can try different ones.
Cpap.com may just be cheaper as they are a family owned business.

go for it.

bill.

[Charlie McCready]

My wife has used a C pap machine (?) for over 35 years. She recently had a new device (Inspire) surgically implanted in the upper right chest.  she is beginning to get used to it and likes it. If she starts to snore while sleeping it shocks her tongue and stops the snore.  It doesn't wake her or bother her a bit. It has a remote switch (like a TV remote control) that she uses to turn it on when going to bed and off when she wakes up. ................no, doesn't stop her from talking.

[Jess from VA]

A shocking device like this would be ideal for repeat violent felons.

But instead of locating it in the tongue, you put it in the scrotum (and dial it up some).  

[Charlie McCready]

     good point Jess !!

[cookiedough]

well not been fun 2 weeks,  tried the cpap mouth ONLY mask and kept leaking even if tight and adjusted good since have mustache under nose, plus could not get comfy waring the mask say 5 of the 10 days owned it now.

So, yesterday swapped masks for the P30i pillow type insert into NOSE ONLY.  1st time in 6-7 days of use got 5 hours sleep, but still not ideal since as we all know, using NOSE ONLY mask must close mouth.  If I lay on my bed, my mouth opens up a little but if inclined up like in recliner, not an issue.  I tightened up fairly snug the overhead chin strap to help my mouth being closed and after over 1 hour hearing the machine HISS at me inhaling (very annoying trying to fall asleep hearing me inhale into nose piece, but is better than over mouth piece noise since does NOT leak), I finally got back to sleep a few more hours until 330 a.m. and decided after woke up had enough so slept rest of the night without cpap machine.

going to give it 2 more weeks is all and if NOT sound sleeping and comfy using it, giving up on it I think. 

[Rams]

well not been fun 2 weeks, tried the cpap mouth ONLY mask and kept leaking even if tight and adjusted good since have mustache under nose, plus could not get comfy waring the mask say 5 of the 10 days owned it now.

Interesting, I wear a full (trimmed) beard and have no issues.   My mask covers my nose and mouth.   

Rams

[Valker]

I am the same story as Rams. Full beard and mustache (not very trimmed) and same mask setup. No issues.

[Oss]

so maybe all those bugs in your teeth help?   

[Valker]

 

so maybe all those bugs in your teeth help?   

 

[Willow]

Actually I have a fair amount of facial hair.  I use a nose mask.  I have found that if I don't pull the mask tightly enough it will not seal well.  That is likely true with or without facial hair.

I sleep primarily on my side but sometimes on my back.

[_Sheffjs_]

well not been fun 2 weeks,  tried the cpap mouth ONLY mask and kept leaking even if tight and adjusted good since have mustache under nose, plus could not get comfy waring the mask say 5 of the 10 days owned it now.

So, yesterday swapped masks for the P30i pillow type insert into NOSE ONLY.  1st time in 6-7 days of use got 5 hours sleep, but still not ideal since as we all know, using NOSE ONLY mask must close mouth.  If I lay on my bed, my mouth opens up a little but if inclined up like in recliner, not an issue.  I tightened up fairly snug the overhead chin strap to help my mouth being closed and after over 1 hour hearing the machine HISS at me inhaling (very annoying trying to fall asleep hearing me inhale into nose piece, but is better than over mouth piece noise since does NOT leak), I finally got back to sleep a few more hours until 330 a.m. and decided after woke up had enough so slept rest of the night without cpap machine.

going to give it 2 more weeks is all and if NOT sound sleeping and comfy using it, giving up on it I think. 

I have mustache and goatee, I sleep either side and back at different times.  Changing to the Resmed F20 with the memory foam built in was a game changer for me.  AirTouch F20 is the one with memory foam, it is offered in three sizes.  Don’t give up. 

[Jess from VA]

My mom used her CPAP machine sleeping in a recliner only for many years.  Not flat but fully tilted back worked for her.

(After reading this thread) I asked her about it the other day, and she told me since she lost about 75lbs, she no longer needs or uses it.  Still sleeps in the recliner.   

Mom was a short fat lady all her life;  now she's still short, but 120lbs. 

[cookiedough]

so far so good with P30 nose mask only.   I need a white noise machine to make some noise though since the breathing in thru nose noise keeps me awake that hissing inhale noise.  3 nights in a row over 4-5 hours using nose mask falling asleep.  giving it another week or so and considering going online few places like cpap.com, etc. to get machine and nose mask,chin strap, headgear, etc. for around 900 bucks.  Thru insurance buyout if going thru insurance is rip off near 1500 bucks, no thanks, gotta pay all of my 2500 deductible before insurance kicks in, and already done that in 2024, not need 2 years of paying that much.

I for sure need the chin strap with nose piece to keep my mouth totally closed since sleep with mouth slightly open.   around 3 or 4 a.m. though I usually just leave it off the next few hours since sucks I get up and have to go poddy if not once, but 2x's per night, very annoying. 

[Jess from VA]

Cookie, I had a 'toy' noise machine that wasn't much good for sleep assist, just a bunch of interesting noises (birds, water, storm, wind).

I needed one for my constant tinnitus, did some research, and bought the Lectrofan (Walmart link below) and it helped me tremendously with sleep.  There's likely more out there, but this worked for me.

Now this thing has a whole bunch of different noises, some of which are terrible and would drive you insane in about 5 minutes.  But it has a good selection of FAN noises that are perfect for sleep assist.  I listen to a low tone constant industrial fan noise at just below medium volume (it has volume control too).  

It has a timer, but I never use it.  On to sleep, off when I get up (and I make 3-4 pee trips a night).  And BTW, the way to limit night peeing is to really limit all fluid intake hours before bedtime (instead of drinking, you only sip).

It 'masks' the tinnitis; the electronic noise in my head never stops (just goes up and down), but when I go to bed, I listen to the fan, and not my tinnitis.

I also set it on it's side aimed at the bed (controls up), so the volume can be a little lower.



https://www.walmart.com/ip/LectroFan-High-Fidelity-White-Noise-Machine-with-20-Unique-Non-Looping-Fan-and-White-Noise-Sounds-and-Sleep-Timer/14050559872?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101694006&adid=2222222222714050559872_101694006_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-319455734609&wl5=9008188&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=5386104618&wl11=online&wl12=14050559872_101694006&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkriAobDQigMVbHFHAR25KzlOEAQYAiABEgLudvD_BwE

[Valker]

This is my favorite 'white noise'.

https://youtu.be/Ujr5ld4I_Xo?si=UuK3mRS7lZ-4fDCM

[cookiedough]

thanks for all the suggestions etc.  I think after next week, one more week of use since going ok can use  it 5-7 hrs night sleep, I will be returning the rental CPAP machine got thru my insurance, and buying thru Cpap.com the machine, few masks, headmount, etc. at 25% off 1st time buy on all and get for 900 bucks vs.  1500 thru insurance  (rip off) the cpap machine.   

I never knew so many on here uses them and for most, success, after finding the right mask that works for them.  I can see the nasal ONLY mask being an issue if having colds, etc. so might also consider getting a full face mask over mouth and nose both as a backup even though that mask is a huge item covering the face, might bug me? 

2 of 3 people I know have tried the cpap machines, and the 2 returned them did not like using them at night never could get use to the noise or comfort of the machines.