My insurance covers replacement of the masks, hoses, filters, etc. every three months, and the water container every six months. I go for it. Last thing I need is a bacteria buildup. Yes, I following the cleaning instructions, but I never get to the daily thing religiously.
Another oddity I experienced, when I didn't replace the mask/hoses every three months, I had a very itchy nose.
That is one problem that I don't think anyone will fix - how to scratch an itch on your nose with the mask on!
In my case, I see no correlation. I am being treated with rx and began using using CPAP 15 months ago. No change. Sorry.
I found them entertaining, but not particularly enlightening. Since enrollment in this site is "random", I can't tell if we we have an statistically even group of respondents.
Once you guys get an adequate statistical sample, I'd be very interested in seeing some analysis. Specifically, is what I experience symptomatically an outlier or mainstream? How were these questions selected? Are they all significant contributors? Do they mask other issues? Are they red herrings?
It sure would be nice if I didn't need a subscription to read the DISCOVER article. Perhaps Partners would be able to get article reprint rights for this forum.
Regarding various voltages. Check the ratings on your cpap machine. You will not need a voltage converter, if your machine says it can handle 120 to 240 volts. All you need is the physical adapter. It sounds like RobinSez's machine was only designed for one voltage.
My Siemens (Made in Germany) CPAP handles both 120 and 240 volts and I have used it without problems in Spain.
By the way, lots of electrical equipment is dual voltage today, including laptop computers, chargers for cell phones and so on. You can get a magnifying glass (if needed) and read the fine print on each adapter to make sure.
I check my CPAP machine when I fly. It's a zoo with everyone trying to cram their rollerboards into the overheads, with a lot of shoving and banging.. By the time I get on the plane there is literally no place to put even my small backpack full of personal stuff. Second reason is that it is a PITA to carry, along with my backpack, and I'm always futzing for a drink, my phone, ipod, etc. I'm not going to give it to the steward to put it away somewhere unbeknownst to me. One less thing to drop and break, one less thing to lose. It's never been damaged. I travel both domestically and internationally.
I put the machine in my checked luggage (which I would have checked anyways) and line it with socks and other materials. It's never been broken. If it is, it's not the end of the world.
I travel at least once a month and at least half the time it is by aircraft. On trips of two or one overnighters, I simply don't bring it. I sleep alone, so there is nobody to bother if I snore.
