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I sure wasn't expecting this type of reaction. After a long process of consultation and two sleep studies, I finally got an official diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea. My doctor prescribed a Cpap machine for me and gave me instructions to meet with a medical provider company.
That was a week ago. I met with a lady and she introduced me to the Phillips Respironics DreamStation. This is a slick device and I was excited to use it. Unfortunately, she hit me with so many instructions that I left the place confused. The unerving part is she set the pressure to 14 and put the mask on me. I felt panic as I couldn't talk or breathe! She lowered the pressure and told me that the machine can ramp up to that level slowly during my sleep. Still makes me uneasy to know that I'm putting my faith that this machine won't put too much pressure in me while I'm completely unconscious.
The other thing I'm confused and uneasy about is all the cleaning. I don't even want to touch the thing until I know for sure what to do. The manual says wash the filter with light detergent. The girl at the office told me to use vingear, but now I don't remember how much. Or how often do I wash each part when should I wash. First thing in the morning? I just never thought about cpap machines having a water component. How the heck do I keep water from collecting in the tubing?
Would love to hear from anyone on cpap or even better someone who uses this particular machine.
I don't have that machine but I don't use the humidifier (and I live in dry Texas). You are NOT unconscious during sleep, you are merely asleep. You will still waken if something disturbs you, it just won't be from stopping breathing! If you are that confused, call them back and see them again.
Definitely call back...but the machine is pretty simple! Make sure there's fresh water in it...turn it on, and put the mask on....go to sleep! The "pressure" is slight...and will not blow you up like a balloon! Promise!
I can tell you that anyone who goes to a sleep clinic will be diagnosed with "sleep apnea"....
I sure wasn't expecting this type of reaction. After a long process of consultation and two sleep studies, I finally got an official diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea. My doctor prescribed a Cpap machine for me and gave me instructions to meet with a medical provider company.
That was a week ago. I met with a lady and she introduced me to the Phillips Respironics DreamStation. This is a slick device and I was excited to use it. Unfortunately, she hit me with so many instructions that I left the place confused. The unerving part is she set the pressure to 14 and put the mask on me. I felt panic as I couldn't talk or breathe! She lowered the pressure and told me that the machine can ramp up to that level slowly during my sleep. Still makes me uneasy to know that I'm putting my faith that this machine won't put too much pressure in me while I'm completely unconscious.
The other thing I'm confused and uneasy about is all the cleaning. I don't even want to touch the thing until I know for sure what to do. The manual says wash the filter with light detergent. The girl at the office told me to use vingear, but now I don't remember how much. Or how often do I wash each part when should I wash. First thing in the morning? I just never thought about cpap machines having a water component. How the heck do I keep water from collecting in the tubing?
Would love to hear from anyone on cpap or even better someone who uses this particular machine.
My DH and I both have Phillips CPAPs. Really, it's pretty easy to care for; we wash the mask (in our cases, nasal pillows), hoses, and tank with a small amount of dish detergent. We wash the nasal pillows daily, hoses and tank weekly. Use filtered or distilled water in the tank.
If they've set it to ramp, then you don't have to worry about getting the full blast as soon as you turn it on. Try it during the day, when you're not trying to sleep, so you can get used to it. Put it on for five minutes, read or watch TV while you're wearing it.
I've been using a CPAP machine for 10 years,The filter is just a piece of dense foam that i clean by just rubbing the dust out of it once a month, the nose mask and related tubing i wash in a sink full of warm water and a few tablespoons of bleach once a week.
The humidifier function i never use as it just forms water in the tubing that equates to funny gurgling noises during the night.
Wearing the mask took a bit of getting used to ,in my case 6 months before i was very comfortable with it.
The 14 psi is a normal figure and will not cause you harm.
Just get used to it as the sleep apnea alternative puts much strain on your heart.
There are a few good CPAP forums you might want to join
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