CPAP MACHINE

[mandg]

Morning all, a question or two on CPAP machines. Graham is now having a trial of one, we are only on day 3 and last night was a bit better, but although he is getting to sleep, apart from the several times he gets up to the loo!, I am having to get up to adjust the mask, or in a couple of instances the noise.... like a trumpet, coming from Grahams breathing I think... was so loud and disruptive (to me!) meant I switched off the machine and restarted it, and it seemed to help. I think the problem is with the mask not fitting correctly through the night. I know this is something that will take a bit of time to get used to, but does anyone have any comments or suggestions on this. Thanks

[Helenhooter]

I'm sorry, I haven't got any experience of this. Would one of the MSA trust team be able to help?H

😊

[Oliverwindsor]

Hi, my wife has had a CPAP machine now for just over 2 years, uses it every night. Yes it does take a bit of getting used to but she can’t be without it now. Her breathing is harsh and she still gets the, as we call it “ mask farts!” It’s made better by each and every night it is cleaned. You can get wipes on line in a big tub. We found it essential to do the clean and the mask has to fit pretty tight! Unfortunately it’s not that comfortable but if you up the tube temperature a bit it seems to help her rest. Regrettably it’s so noisy that I’m up most of the night now monitoring her as she also now has horrific nightmares and I sleep when I can. I’m afraid it seems MSA is different for most but all seem to at some stage experience similar problems. The CPAP machine is not easy but my wife would not be hear without it. If he get to that stage he is going to need it. Hard I know but you really need to keep on and he will in the end master it. Better now when it’s perhaps not essential that later when it’s to late. One other thing, yes we have had the same problems, the hospital gave us different mask straps to try! We now have a neoprene strap and she seems to be much more comfortable with it. Sorry I’m not much help but I feel for you.Best regards xx

[mandg in reply to Oliverwindsor]

Thanks Oliver, your comments were usefull. I particularly like your expression "mask farts" sums it up perfectly. Last night was better still, so perhaps in time...

[heysunshine]

Hi mandg,My husband had a CPAP for years due to his super loud snoring which could be heard 2 floors down at times (over the TV going too!) Sleep came when I was exhausted and pretty much just passed out.

The CPAP improved MY sleep considerably and also my husbands too! He did require the use of a chin strap as well as the CPAP mask... this kept his mouth from hanging open and made him breathe through his nose instead of his mouth. This really helped with keeping the noise level to a minimum. The whole set up had to be pretty tight to his face without being painful of course.

Also I also found that making sure his face was washed (he had oily skin) and keeping the mask wiped down daily before bed time was helpful.

Make sure you are cleaning the whole system (hose & mask) regularly to avoid build up of any bacteria which can cause infections.

[mandg in reply to heysunshine]

Thanks for your reply, a chin strap may be a good idea to cut the noise down, we have one so I may try that. But I also have the problem with Graham messing with the straps and dislodging the mask, when he get up in the night, which doesn`t help, as we have to refit it... not something you want to be doing in the early hours!!! A good nights sleep would be nice though😔