Another Apnea Newbie looking to learn
Question:
vju…@mmcable.com wrote: > My next request is for general newbie advice. What are the important things > to know when starting on a CPAP?
If you can get a heated humidifier, do it. I went without one for a year in steamy Florida and finally asked for one. It made a very big difference. Some people are able to do fine with a passover (non heated type), but most who have had both kinds feel the heated one worked better. > What helped you to adjust?
Time. I adjusted to wearing the mask fine right from the start, but to be completely comfortable with the set up and not playing with the head strap adjustment every night took 5 months. Be willing to give yourself time to get used to sleeping with this stuff, some people may feel a bit claustrophobic, others pull it off while they sleep, but given enough time and trying a few different tips on learning to adjust usually work for most people, but it may take six months or longer for some. You may adapt right away, if you do, that’s great. If you don’t know, that you are not the only one who takes a long time to adjust. > How much better is your quality of life?
I went from falling asleep while typing at work to able to run errands after work every night – again it took time (nine months), but there was a slow improvement every week. And there are still some areas which are still improving physically and internally over a year and a half later. > What is the maintenance like?
Care and maintenance…. 1.) What to use: Baby shampoo and vinegar for the most part, if you are they type who worries about bacterial contamination get some Control 3. Anything else will possible be too harsh or contain something which will degrade the medical grade soft skirt and turn it brittle – which leads to more and sooner leaks. One person uses baby wipes for his mask without problems. 2.) How often: Hoses, when you feel you need to or after a cold or flu. (Some people feel once a week is good, others once a month, and others whenever they get to it) Mask: the soft skirt needs some type of cleaning daily to remove face oils which can lead to leaks. The rest of the mask, thorough cleaning about once a week or so. 3.) Filters depending on what type you have: the foam filter (regular), once a week or month when ever it looks dusty, rinse it out same routine as you use with mask and hoses. The Paper ultra fine filter, gets replaced with a new one, again, when ever it looks dirty, for some this will mean every two weeks, and others a month. Just check for the first few months until you learn what schedule you will need. Please note that xPAPs on the floor pick up more dust than those up a bit higher. Set a specific time to clean/change you filter that you will remember i.e. the first of the month, pay day, every friday – this is one area that affects those who have used xPAP for a long time as well as new users, the slow creep of symptoms and the feeling that the xPAP is not working as well, because the filter has gotten clogged and is blocking the fresh air intake. 4.) Dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew growth – as long as hoses and masks are allowed to dry out and not left wrapped up and damp in the sheets you shouldn’t have many problems. > Etc…
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