Wearing a sleep apnea mask?

[downsizingnow48]

Been using it for several years, learned something new today. I sometimes get water in the air tube which is a nuisance. The device is on the bedside table, same height as me. Now I know to get a low table. Any condensation will run back to the reservoir instead of accumulating in the loops of the tube or the mask. Thanks!

 

[davrow]

It's a nuisance to use and maintain.

Um, maintain? I've had mine (3 of them actually, I've worn out 2) but other than changing a filter (once in 15 years?) I've never done maintenance. What do you maintain?

I know the manual says to wash it every day, but come on... why?

 

[Bird]

Um, maintain? I've had mine (3 of them actually, I've worn out 2) but other than changing a filter (once in 15 years?) I've never done maintenance. What do you maintain?

I know the manual says to wash it every day, but come on... why?

I was given a form that says:
1. replace the mask every 3 months (I have a spare new one, but still using the original after 6 months)
2. replace the cushion or pillows 2 times a month (I replaced mine after 3 months)
3. replace headgear and/or chin strap every 6 months (it's been 6 months and I have a new one on order; don't know when I might use it)
4. replace the tubing every 6 months (I have a spare new one; don't know when it might be needed)
5. replace the disposable filter 2 times a month (I replaced one after 3 months and have more on hand)
6. replace the non-disposable filter every 6 months (I have 2; wash one and swap them out about every 3 months; see no need to replace either of them)
7. replace the water chamber every 6 months (I have a new one on order; don't know when it night be needed)

And in between replacing, there's instructions to hand wash some of the items, occasionally wash some in the dishwasher, soak some in vinegar and water, then wash, etc., etc. Now this came from the folks who sell this stuff, so I think we can take it with a grain of salt.

In reality, I disconnect the tubing from the humidifier, remove the gel cushion and flap from the face mask and wash them in warm soapy water, drain, and dry them each morning. Then I put them back on the mask and hang the mask from a hook I made in the closet so the tubing is hanging straight down, not quite touching the floor. I remove the water chamber from the humidifier, dump any water remaining and turn it upside down on a paper towel to dry. Later in the day sometime, I refill it with distilled water and put it back in the humidifier.

So I wouldn't say it's a lot of maintenance and I can do most of it while the Keurig is making my first or second cup of coffee in the morning.

Oops, I forgot, I've separated the device from the humidifier and wiped both down with a damp cloth twice in the last 6 months.

 

[grnspot110]

I'm still using my first CPAP, used to disinfect the mask with hot water & white vinegar weekly. Changed the filter monthly (note: I said "used to"). Only change the mask when it wears out, I keep some on hand, just ordered three for $85 from an internet supplier (cheaper than going through insurance). I think I've replaced the hose once in over 10 years.

Think about it, this is the air you breath 1/3 of your life, it should be kept clean!

Do as I say, not as I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~~ Lowell

 

[MNBobcat]

I don't use a low table. I route the hose up over the post on the headboard of the bed and then down. That way I don't get wound up in the hose at night. Works great and because there is a high point most of the water runs back into the machine. I only have a water problem on rare occasions. Its annoying when it happens though!

 

[OldMcDonald]

I have had my present machine 12 years in December. I change the single air filter when I remember, it is supposed to be each 6 months. I have never changed the tube. My wife makes replacement headgear straps, and I have had the present nose mask 2 years in December. Never been washed. As Lowell says .....not as I do!!!!

One thing puzzles me. You all seem to have humidifiers. In over 20 years I have never used one. Summers here are the usual Med climate of no rain from May to Sept/Oct so it is very dry. Are they essential to you all? It seems like an added expense, just like the maintenance and replacements Bird is supposed to do. That schedule sounds like a big rip off to me.

 

[Bird]

I don't know what it would be like without the humidifier, since even the sleep study used one. But when I mentioned the dry mouth, they told me to turn up the humidifier, and I did. So I'm inclined to think it's necessary, but some night I might just try without it to learn for myself how much difference it makes.

 

[davrow]

One thing puzzles me. You all seem to have humidifiers. In over 20 years I have never used one.

I have only used mine when vacationing in Las Vegas and Tucson. Both are very hot (100+) and very dry (5% humidity).

Never use the humidifier at home (mostly because my first CPAP did not have one so never got in that habit).

 

[doxford jim]

One thing puzzles me. You all seem to have humidifiers. In over 20 years I have never used one. Summers here are the usual Med climate of no rain from May to Sept/Oct so it is very dry. Are they essential to you all? It seems like an added expense, just like the maintenance and replacements Bird is supposed to do. That schedule sounds like a big rip off to me.[/QUOTE]

In my opinion, yes you really should use the humidifier. I put 300 ml of water each night in my humidifier - by the morning it is almost used up. Same each time I use the machine, but don't forget some of that water probably evaporates through the day time.
Use a humidifier - your nose and throat will thank you for it.

 

[tcreeley]

Lately I started buying Dynamic Health Organic Tart Cherry Juice from Walmart online. The 16oz bottle is full of concentrated cherry juice. I have some every night and I sleep better- no more coming fully awake when I do wake up, which is 3-4x a night. I heard it was good for arthritis, but it is even better for sleep. Tasty right out of the bottle - 3/4 of a shot glass.