Stop My Snores

Yesterday, I got my CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine from a local medical supply store. While I had underwent a sleep study to determine proper fit and pressure that would be best for me, this store still made sure that the mask fit properly, and that I could deal with the pressure buildup rate that was set.

My prescription was for 15 cmwg (centimeters water gauge), relatively high in the normal band of 2 to 20 cmwg. My CPAP is adjustable, in five minute increments, for how long it takes to build up to the final pressure. I did well with the five minute buildup time, so will probably keep that setting.

Last night, I used the CPAP for the first time at home. My Dalmatian intiially freaked at the sight of me with that strange mask on, but she quickly got used to it, and settled into her normal spot on the bed.

Since I had used the CPAP at my sleep study last month, I felt fairly confident that I would not have problems last night. However, I was mistaken. In the first three hours, I woke up almost on the hour, feeling the pressure against my lips, and being aware that I dare not open my mouth with all that pressure inside. So, after 3 hours, I turned the machine off, and continued my nights sleep without it.

This reaction is not to be unexpected. The man who fit me for the machine told me that it may take a few nights to get comfortable with it, but to keep trying. So, I will start out again tonight using the CPAP, and go from there. I will update this in about a week to let you know if I ever got used to it or not.

Until next time,

Sleep well

Posted November 19, 2008 Comments(0)

Many people today are having a hard time with their breathing overall and it seems as if more and more are suffering from sleep apnea. Whether or not this is simply due to better diagnosis and reporting of the disease or because there is more pollution in the air or more cases of obesity, the bottom line is that many people are on the hunt for used CPAP machines. These of course are the machines that fit a breathing apparatus over the nose and face and literally force air into one’s lungs while you sleep. It’s not as painful as it sounds; the air is forced very gently and comfortable. Searching for used CPAP machines can make sense for many as of course they are very expensive to begin with; most run several hundred if not several thousand dollars.

Shopping for used CPAP machines online is not really a good idea as you have no way of knowing wheather or not it will work. Some dealers are very reputable and offer a refund or warranty after some time but you should only purchase from a website that has been established for some time and that offers a lot of equipment, not just from a private person. Remember that used CPAP machines may be somewhat delicate and they have many different little parts that all need to be working properly in order for it to function; it’s not like buying a used bicycle where you can easily replace a tire if it has gone flat.

When shopping for used CPAP machines many people also forget that the pressure it is set to is something unique just to you. A doctor should set this pressure for you so you may need to consult with him or her to have it function properly. Setting the pressure of any used CPAP machines incorrectly will mean you’re getting too much air pressure which can damage your lungs, or not enough which defeats the purpose of the machine in the first place.

Sometimes used CPAP machines are about as expensive as new ones; they don’t seem to depreciate in value as time goes on. Many find that they might as well purchase a new one for the price they pay for used. Of course this is up to you and your own discretion; used CPAP machines also work just as good, so consider your budget.

Posted September 3, 2008 Comments(0)