MakeSleepAPriority... & others. Years ago my nasal congestion was so bad I used a little innovation to install a high efficiency "HEPA" filter in the intake path of my CPAP & now BiPAP. I placed the entire PAP machine inside one of these large clear plastic storage containers... the ones with a snap-on lid. Then I purchased a HEPA filter that was ~5"x7" and placed it on the inside the storage container over a large group of holes I drilled through the wall of the container. AS a retired safety/industrial hygiene engineer, I know that large filters and low air flow velocities offer the most effective filtration. My HEPA filter even has a layer of activated charcoal. I think my last filter was purchased about 5 years ago for about $6.00 ! Does it HELP?... well I'd like to think it does! So if you are hyper-allergic, think about this trick! These very small filters in our PAP machines canNOT come close to the effectiveness my 35 sq-Inch HEPA filter offers... they are just too small and our PAP machines are pumping a lot of air through to and out of our masks ! Regards, Sam
OK, now it makes sense since the " SoClean 2 " at least this type is nothing more than an Ozone generator circulating ozone throughout the equipment thoroughly sanitizing everything... just as it does in other applications... e.g. water treatment plants etc. Too bad these systems are somewhat expensive... $300-to-$400 !?? I can see where this would be perfect for you long-haul truckers who are on the go so much! Sam
Barbz... Thanks for pointing out that IF one has an old machine [ I have 2 ] it can be used to push non-humidified air through the hose and mask to help dry these out each day after you are awake. Q - Where can I find the " Control spray & wipes " that you mention in your last POST... are these specifically marketed for " sanitizing " ??
I will definitely be adding a tube cleaning brush to my shopping list! Q - When does this "Blog"/"Bulletin Board" promote participants so they can have more than an # for their "handle" Regards, Sam Ross... aka "Member628307"
Member "151677",
I have used PAP machines (CPAP ~18 yrs) and now BiPAP Auto Bi-Flex for the last 3 years and it sounds as though you have a psychological block/hurdle that is keeping you from adapting. I for instance used air-filter respirators in my work without a problem... but when I was asked to wear an air-supplied mask, I freaked out... I just couldn't do it ! This was my psychological hot button I guess. But I have easily adapted to my CPAP and now my BiPAP... and with proper help I think I could have adapted to air-supplied masks e.g. scuba etc ! I suggest you ask your Sleep Medicine MD for help... and IF he/she canNOT provide help, ask if they can recommend a psychologist who has treated Apnea patients who have difficulty adapting to their masks !
My experience with Sleep Pulmonary MD(s) is that too many are NOT yet up-to-speed on treating Apnea patients! It seems your your Pulmonary MD is likely simply treating you with what he/she knows best and maybe has NOT developed skills needed to treat Apnea patients!?? Ask your Pulmonologist what % of his/her patients are Apnea -vs- Ordinary Pulmonary issues. IF they get upset with such question(s), then it's time to consider a change!
Taking oxygen as you are also has risks that you need to consider.
How old are you ? Regards, Sam
I have used "PAP" machines for 20+ years... but a BiPAP Auto with Humidifier for only 3 years. IMHO blowing air down your nose can cause drying, irritation, and inflamed sinuses and this complicates your OSA.
I have used a humidifier only for the past 3 years and "rain-out" can be a problem. A machine with heated tube would probably help me a lot... but definitely you want added humidification with your "PAP" machine.
I have both deviated and perforated septum (the wall between your nasal passages) and recently discovered a device called "NasiVent" which are a pair of "tubes" that insert into your nasal passages. I think the outer walls of my nose easily collapse due to the PAP's air pressure and these tubes help keep my nostrils open! This helps a LOT !
Also in addition to my nasal problems, I am a chronic "mouth-breather" and the best aids I have found to deal with this have been: (a) a full-face mask with my PAP machine... but then I found it leaked too much and this caused my BiPAP Auto's algorithm(s) to fail... so could not use the full-face mask! (b) I now use a combination of chin-strap and mouth-piece and this works for me. Regards, Sam
My situation is somewhat different now that I under Medicare these past 5 years... The first ~3 years I was covered under a senior Advantage program with a nationally known HMO the DME supplies were prompt but they almost always sent me more supplies than I had requested but I pretty much automatically received Medicare payments! Since leaving the HMO's Advantage program, despite remaining with the same DME company, they cut off my Medicare payments and eventually refused to accept any supplies requests from me. Their (the DME co) explanation is that the HMO had NOT correctly completed the Medicare paperwork. I have tried 4 Sleep Medicine MD during the past 2 years and none (thus far) have been willing and/or been able to successfully help me satisfy Medicare's paperwork appetite... thus NO Medicare benefits from my DME. I will soon be looking for my 5th Sleep Medicine MD ! Sam
P.S. - With only a little alcohol added to my tank, I find that the tank, hose and mask dry out within 10 minutes. The tell-tale odor of the alcohol helps me to know when things have dried out. The Hydrogen peroxide would probably slow down the drying process, but don't you think it should help "sanitize" the BiPAP, hose, & mask ?
I have used "PAP" machines for 20+ years and only over the last 3 years used a humidifier. Humidifier(s) mean moisture and moisture is a/the key to causing sanitation problems. Drying/Cleaning the inside of your hose is very difficult. I have discovered a way to dry out the water tank, hose and mask seal each a.m. after I awake. (1) First I unplug my Respironics System 1 BiPAP Auto from the wall (2) Second I remove the SD memory chip (3) I pour out any water remaining in the humidifier tank (4) I put a little isopropyl alcohol in the tank and "slosh" it about to pick up the remaining water (5) I plug the BiPAP back in and restart the BiPAP and flow of air (6) I hang my mask from a coat/hat rack nearby The main thing I feel I am doing is removing the moisture which encourages bacteria growth... and I think the alcohol vapors also discourages bacteria growth.
Q - Let me know what you think about also adding a little hydrogen peroxide to the tank "brew" ? Regards, Sam
