CPAP: Use It And Live - page 4

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  1. Dec 11, '10 by
    I have a question. My fater has sleep apena and states that he can not wear the cpap because it "collapses his sinuses" and he can not breathe.
    He did recently undergo surgery to fix a deviated septum, but states he still can not wear the cpap.

    Is this something that actually happens or is he being belligerent? (he has a history of that!)

    Also what are some other options to help people with sleep apnea? Are there alternative therapies? Any information would be great!
  2. Dec 11, '10 by
    Quote from cna2day
    i have a question. my fater has sleep apena and states that he can not wear the cpap because it "collapses his sinuses" and he can not breathe.
    he did recently undergo surgery to fix a deviated septum, but states he still can not wear the cpap.

    is this something that actually happens or is he being belligerent? (he has a history of that!)

    also what are some other options to help people with sleep apnea? are there alternative therapies? any information would be great!
    actually cpap forces open the airway so you can breathe. the first few times you put it on, however, it seems as though it's a lot of work to breathe because you have to exhale against the pressure.

    if you're looking for good information, try     http://cpaptalk.com. the wonderful folks there helped me through my first few months of cpap and i'm sure they can help you or your father, too.
    RetRN77 likes this.
  3. Dec 11, '10 by
    I had problems with my nasal allergy, which clogged my nose. Using a CPAP just was not working. Finally I was put on a decongestant, and singular. Other than having a cold, my nose stays open and I can use the CPAP. Sometimes just using a full face mask will do the job. But for me I really had a hard time learning to breath out against the pressure of my machine...which was set at 12. It took me nearly 3 months of being hard headed ....I WAS NOT GOING TO FAIL AT USING MY CPAP. I use it faithfully. I have had about 4 machines in the 20 yrs I have had apnea. My husband is now on one. His is set at 17. He did not have any problems getting used to it. He no longer falls asleep behind the wheel or at work. So I would think that your issue with your father? not using the CPAP may only be that he has not been fitted with the proper mask and his nasal congestion has not been addressed. Let him know he will be much happier and have more energy, sleep better, too.
  4. Dec 13, '10 by
    My husband has Central Sleep Apnea and he is pretty good about using his CPAP, but he has allergies as well, and when he has difficulty he doesn't use it. He also refuses to travel with it. He tells me his therapists told him that as long as he uses it 5 or 6 hours a night that is good. I never know what to think of that. I'm glad he uses it as much as he does, but my dad died of OSA right after being diagnosed and before being put on treatment, so I'm always afraid. I try not to think about it as he is stubborn as a mule and my talking about it never changes anything. Thanks for your article - I will email it to him. :redpinkhe
  5. Feb 5, '11 by
    Quote from NRSKarenRN
    Just like the American Express card ad: Don't leave home without it, my CPAP travels where ever I go, including AN headquarters.
    The machine is the size of a large tissue box, found Profile lite gel masks work best and saved my life past 16 years .
    Only time not worn is during power outage--- then I'm praying for the electric company's quick fix.
    My husband and I each wear a CPAP. We invested in a small generator. Runs the refrigerator and our CPAPs. Considered the small travel models with built in batteries but decided we may not have them charged when we need them.
    RetRN77 likes this.
  6. Feb 12, '11 by
    Love this post. I too wear a CPAP. I hate it. It took me several weeks to get used to the idea of having to wear it. I have tried numerous masks trying to find the right fit and one that doesnt give me pressure ulcers all over my face. Sometimes I do fall asleep without it on, and I can really tell the difference. I am a strong advocate for my patients and CPAP usage. I work in an ambulatory care setting and everytime I see sleep apnea listed as a diagnosis, I open a dialogue about it with the patient. I dont know if it makes a difference for them, but I would like to think that it does. Also, alot of doctors are not on the bandwagon with CPAP. I see patients all the time, obese, diabetic, hypertensive, etc, etc..complaining of depression, fatigue, headaches...the first thought in my head is sleep apnea? I have suggested this a few times to different docs, but have learned to treed lightly with some docs. They dont appreciate nurse's knowledge.
  7. Nov 17, '12 by
    Quote from bradleau
    I had problems with my nasal allergy, which clogged my nose. Using a CPAP just was not working. Finally I was put on a decongestant, and singular. Other than having a cold, my nose stays open and I can use the CPAP. Sometimes just using a full face mask will do the job. But for me I really had a hard time learning to breath out against the pressure of my machine...which was set at 12. It took me nearly 3 months of being hard headed ....I WAS NOT GOING TO FAIL AT USING MY CPAP. I use it faithfully. I have had about 4 machines in the 20 yrs I have had apnea. My husband is now on one. His is set at 17. He did not have any problems getting used to it. He no longer falls asleep behind the wheel or at work. So I would think that your issue with your father? not using the CPAP may only be that he has not been fitted with the proper mask and his nasal congestion has not been addressed. Let him know he will be much happier and have more energy, sleep better, too.
    Since my last post, I, too, have been dx with sleep apnea, and I thank this post for being a motivating factor to keep at it.

    Is your CPAP still set at a constant 12? That is a lot of pressure for the expiratory phase. I really applaud you for being so persistent. I have an Auto machine now (gives variable pressure in response to needs) which also has expiratory phase relief - I have that set at 3 because of my asthma.

    I really agree with you that the right mask is crucial. I use the Swift FX Bella - nasal pillows with ear loops, and they are great for me. I can sleep on my side without a mask issue, and it doesn't muss my hair nor require me to be able to reach all around my head to adjust straps - which I'm unable to do due to arthritis. I love it. Well, as much as one can love something hanging off her face in the middle of the night.

    Many thanks again to the OP!
    Twinmom06 likes this.
  8. Nov 17, '12 by
    I was diagnosed with OSA 2 years ago and the Bi-PAP saved my sanity...I never realized how much better I could feel!
    RetRN77 likes this.
  9. Nov 17, '12 by
    Quote from riverwink
    My husband and I each wear a CPAP. We invested in a small generator. Runs the refrigerator and our CPAPs. Considered the small travel models with built in batteries but decided we may not have them charged when we need them.
    Hurricane Sandy challenged my belief that a travel CPAP with a battery was going to be enough. We will be getting a generator as well. As long as it runs the CPAPs and charges my iPad, I'm good!
    teeniebert and NRSKarenRN like this.

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