Laura Corin Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Husband is getting a CPAP in a few weeks. He's a bit doubtful about it and I want him to have the best chance to succeed. I don't know if any of the following is relevant, but just in case: They are offering him a full-face mask, but I don't know what kind of machine; he's short, slim and bearded; he travels on business a week or two a month (travelling by train). Thanks Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
almondbutterandjelly Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Just don't give up, even if the first couple of masks aren't good for him. At some point, he will find a comfortable mask (or nose pillows or whatever), and you can get things from cpap online stores if he has issues with things rubbing on his face or head. Just don't give up. Keep at it until he finds what works. Because once he does, things will be so much better for him. And always take his cpap with him for overnites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 And always take his cpap with him for overnites. What happens if he doesn't take the CPAP with him when he travels? It's going to be a real pain to travel on the train with it. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 What happens if he doesn't take the CPAP with him when he travels? It's going to be a real pain to travel on the train with it. L There are smaller, travel-size machines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 There are smaller, travel-size machines. Okay. He is getting the main machine for free (NHS). I hadn't thought about buying a travel version. If he had one of his own, he could mostly leave it where he stays (with a friend) in London. That's usually where he goes. ETA: if he doesn't use it when he goes elsewhere (travelling to China, for example) will it have a bad effect on him in some way? L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Okay. He is getting the main machine for free (NHS). I hadn't thought about buying a travel version. If he had one of his own, he could mostly leave it where he stays (with a friend) in London. That's usually where he goes. ETA: if he doesn't use it when he goes elsewhere (travelling to China, for example) will it have a bad effect on him in some way? L Once he gets used to using it, he will likely be pretty miserable and sleepless without it. My DH can't sleep without his now. DH takes his on the plane in his carry on baggage--it's one of the most important things he travels with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Okay. He is getting the main machine for free (NHS). I hadn't thought about buying a travel version. If he had one of his own, he could mostly leave it where he stays (with a friend) in London. That's usually where he goes. ETA: if he doesn't use it when he goes elsewhere (travelling to China, for example) will it have a bad effect on him in some way? L DH travels a lot and originally didn't plan to take it with him. I'm not sure it had a bad effect, but he did notice a big difference in the quality of his sleep without it (after the initial adjustment to wearing it at night), so he travels with it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Keep it clean and use distilled water (or whatever they tell you to use). Twice DH has gotten some sort of lung infection (pneumonia, etc) from not keeping it clean... Travel with it. DH feels like he was run over by a Mack truck when he doesn't use his cpap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 Any advice on masks and beards? L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 The cpap talk forum was really helpful to me. http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html For example, here is a recent thread about beards and masks. I actually got several threads as hits with a google search, this is just the first one. http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t101189/Beards-and-Masks.html It may take a while to find the right mask, and sleeping with it is an adjustment for everyone initially. Encourage him not to give up. Once he adjusts, he will likely never want to be without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Any advice on masks and beards? L DH has a full-beard and mustache (we're talking Duck Dynasty length). He uses the nose pillow mask -- just a strap around the head and 2 little plus that go in his nostrils... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSmomof2 Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 Agree with others to not give up, and try different masks if necessary. Also, dh switched from a cpap to an auto-bipap a few years ago, and it's been much more comfortable for him. It gives low constant pressure and senses when he's not breathing and increases only during those times. Also senses when he's waking up, so he doesn't wake up to full pressure. His cpap had to be at a really high level since his apnea is severe, so this machine has been wonderful for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Hey Laura, I was going to send a link to show you the machine and mask I use. My story is this - I was upset to learn I had sleep apnea and did NOT use my equipment for 8 years. Then, I got on board with it. The designed evolved over those years and it turned out I was due for another machine and head gear. The machine is much more streamlined and so is the mask. It's no longer a burden. I first put the materials on during the day for an hour to wean myself into using this "stuff". Then I increased the time. Good excuse for the homeschooling schedule - to take a break. LOL. Your dh may not have that luxury. In any event, I use it almost nightly now. I agree with a pp - if this machine and probably more headgear do not work for him just know he can get another. Yes, it may be out of pocket so learn of the pros and cons to each design. I find the pillows become loosened and fall out. I now have a triangular thing over my nose. I can not remember the technical term for that style - sorry. Don't drink caffeine late as it makes it hard to sleep. Same for exercise. Go to bed at the same time each night and don't participate in stimulants like tv, ipads, etc. Try to read or do something relaxing before tv. These things will help enhance sleep. I do have a humidifier on my cpap machine and like it. Also, the doctors set my machine to "ramp up". Off to bed myself. Night! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Long term cpap user here. You have been given good advice. CPAP Talk boards have some snarky folks on there, but there is a lot of folks who are willing and want to help out. Ask your questions, do some searching there, there is a ton of advice. Traveling. My newer machine is smaller and much more portable than my old one. I have no problem tucking it away into my luggage. If I am flying I would typically carry it in it's own travel bag, as it is medical and does not count as one of your carry ons. Always travel with an extension cord whether your going to visit relatives or a hotel stay. The outlets aren't always where you need them to be. He definitely "should" not travel without his machine. Think of it as choosing to not take a prescribed medicine. It should be worn when sleeping always. I can't sleep without mine now. If I try to catch a quick nap, I will wake up as soon as I fall into a deep sleep and my apnea would kick in. I have a humidifier built into mine, and I think that might be pretty standard now, but I also have a heated hose as we sleep cool in our room. The hot air in the hose will condense and then it gurgles waking up myself and my husband. It is called "rain out" amongst CPAP users. If the first mask doesn't work, try something else. Some brands will allow you to return the mask within a certain time period for a full refund and exchange for a new one. Be sure to ask about that when he gets the machine and the first mask. sometimes it is just the size that needs adjusting, and sometimes it's the whole mask. Don''t hesitate to try another one. There are so many styles and options, just keep checking. Unless your supplies are covered without deductable, I find it way cheaper to shop online at CPAP.com. And you really don't need the hose and the water bottle and all that jazz replaced every 6 months. DOn't let them talk you into that. Seriously. I do replace my mask every six months, and I change the filter. But the hose and water bottles on the humidiifier get replaced when necessary and that might be years. I have a long brush to wash out the hose. Yes, there is a break in period and time to get adjusted to wearing one. I would have a gentle talk with him about how much help and support he wants from you. I have a friend whose husband will fall asleep without it and then when the snoring gets bad, she just leaves the room rather than wake him up. I have advised her that if he is snoring, he is not sleeping well, and their best interests would be to wake him up and get the mask on. So have that conversation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 They are offering him a full-face mask, Just don't give up, even if the first couple of masks aren't good for him. At some point, he will find a comfortable mask (or nose pillows or whatever), and you can get things from cpap online stores if he has issues with things rubbing on his face or head. Just don't give up. Keep at it until he finds what works. Because once he does, things will be so much better for him. Sigh. Dh was given a full face mask and hated it. Condensation formed and he said it made him feel like he was being waterboarded. Also, he's not claustrophobic, but the mask made him somewhat so. I tried to talk him into asking for a new one, a different style, etc. until he found the one that worked. He refused. He's a grown man and I can't make him do anything but this makes me extremely frustrated. Apparently, depending on what the issue is with your apnea, a nose pillow is not always effective. Dh is one of those who has to have a full face mask. It seems his mouth opens during sleep so a nasal CPAP won't do the trick for him. The biggest piece of advice I'd give is to try and convince him that he needs to keep at it if the first mask doesn't work. Hopefully he won't be as stubborn about it as my dh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Sigh. Dh was given a full face mask and hated it. Condensation formed and he said it made him feel like he was being waterboarded. Also, he's not claustrophobic, but the mask made him somewhat so. I tried to talk him into asking for a new one, a different style, etc. until he found the one that worked. He refused. He's a grown man and I can't make him do anything but this makes me extremely frustrated. Heated hose might take care of that issue. When I have rain out it forms in my mask and then it slips all over my face. I do not have a full face mask , but the same issue applies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 29, 2014 Author Share Posted October 29, 2014 Heated hose might take care of that issue. When I have rain out it forms in my mask and then it slips all over my face. I do not have a full face mask , but the same issue applies. When it rains..... in Scotland..... Hmmm... L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 When it rains..... in Scotland..... Hmmm... L Rain out is not due to the weather outside. It forms when your air in the hose is warmer than the temp in your bedroom. We sleep cool in our house at night therefore I have rainout nightly. Heated hose took care of it. I do not use the heated hose in the summer time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 DH has a small mask, not full-face, and seems to be fine with it. He also finds a chin strap very helpful - it allows him to spend some time sleeping on his back, instead of always on his side. Lastly, he found in the beginning that he would knock the hose around in his sleep, sometimes dislodging it, so now he uses an extra pillow as a prop and he doesn't strike it or get tangled in it anymore. Oh, I also agree with previous posters about using distilled water. It makes a big difference in helping to keep the equipment clean. And your DH should definitely use it while traveling. As a PP said, it would be like skipping medication. Sleep apnea causes serious heart damage, as I understand it - not something he'd want to mess with just for convenience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 Sigh. Dh was given a full face mask and hated it. Condensation formed and he said it made him feel like he was being waterboarded. Also, he's not claustrophobic, but the mask made him somewhat so. I tried to talk him into asking for a new one, a different style, etc. until he found the one that worked. He refused. He's a grown man and I can't make him do anything but this makes me extremely frustrated. Apparently, depending on what the issue is with your apnea, a nose pillow is not always effective. Dh is one of those who has to have a full face mask. It seems his mouth opens during sleep so a nasal CPAP won't do the trick for him. The biggest piece of advice I'd give is to try and convince him that he needs to keep at it if the first mask doesn't work. Hopefully he won't be as stubborn about it as my dh. Actually nasal pillows I am almost positive can be used for any kind of apnea. They cannot be used if you have chronic nasal congestion though like my dh. I was a severe mouth breather before CPAP to the point of waking up multiple times a night with severe dry mouth as a result. I use a chin strap of which there are many different kinds and now I am trained not to be a mouth breather. My chin strap is a halo chin strap. It did take me about 2 months to get used to nasal pillows and CPAP therapy. I found that it is essential to apply nasal pillows or face mask correctly with straps not too tight at all. Most manufacture's have websites with videos on how to apply device which I found very helpful. Incorrect placement or incorrect sizing makes for an uncomfortable mask. Also, be aware there are many different kinds of nasal pillows and face masks so what works for you may not work for me and vice versa due to facial anatomy differences. I use Swift FX nasal pillows which are a dream to me and when I am congested I use Quattro FX full face mask. Most medical supply people will let you try a mask for less than 30 days and return with no charge so that you get the best mask. If not then cpap.com has "insurance" so you can try different mask I believe. As for condensation, get a hose cover to prevent condensation. Cpaptalk.com has tons of useful tips but be careful rarely they give bad advice like taping your mouth shut! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 I forgot to add that we have used our CPAP machines religiously for 4 years now. We use regular bottle water and are not too particular about cleaning the machine or equipment and have had no problems. Our machine is about the size of a shoe box and we always travel with it. Airlines let you carry it on board without it counting against carry on luggage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 As for condensation, get a hose cover to prevent condensation. Cpaptalk.com has tons of useful tips but be careful rarely they give bad advice like taping your mouth shut! I tried a hose cover and it was not enough to stop the rainout for me.. Helpful, but the heated hose works better. I do believe that some of the newer models have a heated hose. I had to buy an off brand one as it wasn't readily available a few years back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 3, 2014 Author Share Posted November 3, 2014 Thank you, everyone. I think that husband is coming around to the idea. We shall see. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 laura, I don't have time right now to read all of the responses so this may be a repeat. keep in mind that the masks, tubes, etc. need to be cleaned every so often. your dh's dr. should give you/him directions on that. clean the filter too. also, those components should be replaced every now and then. let me add here - we have very good insurance for this and we pay very little for me to have these items replaced 2-3 times a year. through cleaning and use they start to break down a bit and if the mask/tubes, etc. don't fit as snugly as it should then it defeats the whole purpose for wearing it in the first place. hope that makes sense. he'll come to appreciate it. if not immediately, then in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 4, 2014 Author Share Posted November 4, 2014 laura, I don't have time right now to read all of the responses so this may be a repeat. keep in mind that the masks, tubes, etc. need to be cleaned every so often. your dh's dr. should give you/him directions on that. clean the filter too. also, those components should be replaced every now and then. let me add here - we have very good insurance for this and we pay very little for me to have these items replaced 2-3 times a year. through cleaning and use they start to break down a bit and if the mask/tubes, etc. don't fit as snugly as it should then it defeats the whole purpose for wearing it in the first place. hope that makes sense. he'll come to appreciate it. if not immediately, then in time. Thanks. It's being supplied under the NHS, so there should be an automatic replacement schedule: he has hearing aids and gets his batteries free, as well as regular retesting/replacement, so I'm assuming it will be similar. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestHoustonMom Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Another great support system is www.apneaboard.com. They have free software that can help monitor your usage and stats. They also have the clinicians manuals for most brands of CPAP. If you have any choice in the matter (difficult to impossible with NHS I'm sure) try to get a fully data capable machine and not just one that records compliance. Otherwise, it will be nearly impossible to know if your DH is experiencing improvement. Also, if you can get an APAP, that would be best. It can be setup to either automatically adjust to your DH's pressure requirements throughout the night, or it can still be setup as a regular CPAP. I currently have a Resmed S9 AutoSet which is an APAP, and it's the best machine I've used so far, and I've gone through a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 5, 2014 Author Share Posted November 5, 2014 If you have any choice in the matter (difficult to impossible with NHS I'm sure) try to get a fully data capable machine and not just one that records compliance. That's not really how the NHS works. Because it's a whole-life system, they want to fix a problem before it goes on to cause more expensive illness. So it's in the interests of the NHS to provide choice in order to make sure that someone with sleep apnoea does not go on to develop (more expensive) heart problems. I'd be really surprised if there was not a range of options offered to encourage compliance. When I went in recently to see a specialist about an (unrelated) problem, I was offered a) do nothing, b ) have surgery, c) have this kind of appliance and d) have that kind of appliance. Thanks for the advice. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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