New to this world

So the docs tell me it's not normal that I've never slept through the night. Hmm... I get a sleep study and voila! "You have severe OSA." Goodie. Last night was my first night with the CPAP. It's a GoodKnight 420G (Puritan Bennet) with a heated humidifier and a ComfortClassic mask. Can I just say last night was miserable? I've always fallen asleep on my stomach and so this is going to take some extra adjustment. I'm still a bit claustrophobic with the mask as well, and I woke up a lot with leaks. Unfortunately, I think I wore it too tightly because I had some nasty red marks next to my nose this morning. Still, I'm determined to keep trying this thing and find out if it really will make a difference in my life. I've been scanning the posts and it's very comforting to see so many people dealing with these same issues. So hail and well met all, and I'll check in once in a while and post a couple of thoughts. One question: what's the best method for keeping the thing clean, especially the hose? My respiratory therapist, who also wears a CPAP, says she puts a couple of drops of Ivory dishwashing liquid in it, fills it with water, sloshes it around and then lets it air dry. Sound about right?

Peace, All...

(8-{)
Artiem

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): 420G, humidifier, hose, CPAP, clean

Artiem wrote:So the docs tell me it's not normal that I've never slept through the night. Hmm... I get a sleep study and voila! "You have severe OSA." Goodie.

Welcome to the wonderful world of sleep disorders!

You have come to the right place to sort out your questions.

Know that it will take time and patience. You have to get used to a lot of stuff. I have been "on the hose" for about 4 months now and still have issues, but I have gotten to the point now where I am far better off with than without.

Cleaning equipment is a touchy point and everyone seems to have their own opinions. Some are minimalists and some do what the DMEs and the manufacturers recommend. Me, I'm just lazy.

I don't take things apart much at all. I rinse my hoses with water. I press them up to the tap and let the warm water flow for a minute or so. I empty my humidifier every 2 weeks, take the tub apart and clean it with soap and a toothbrush. I don't disassemble my mask at all, just use some soap and warm water on the accessible parts. It works for me. I haven't contracted any dangerous diseases - yet. I'll let you know when I do.

Good luck.

Welcome, Artiem!

It does feel good to see that many others are in the same sleep boat, I agree.

I've been about a month on CPAP and am only now beginning to feel rewards that I can consciously appreciate.

Right off the bat, my nightly wake ups to go to the bathroom decreased from 4 or 5 to 1 per night. That was the first change I noticed. I didn't begin to feel rested until last week, so hang in there.

It's about being willing to stick with the mask while trying various tricks, adjustments, and masks until you find a combination that works for you. Like everything else, it's a journey.

Again, welcome.

Allen

Glad your doc discovered the OSA. I just wanted to warn you that it took me MONTHS to get used to the CPAP. Couldn't sleep with it, couldn't sleep without it. The worst problem was the leaking; I couldn't get it to sit tight. But at some point, it just clicked and it's second nature now. I'm glad I stuck with it those first tough months.

Artiem, My ritual for cleaning equipment, (mask, hoses, humidifier, air filter), was given to me by my therapist and works very well. Once a week I wash everything in a mild dish detergent and warm water solution and rinse thouroughly. I then put everything into a plastic container I purchased specifically for sterilizing. Into this container goes a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. make sure everything gets a good bath in the solution and rinse it all with clear water. In the begginning I got lazy cleaning the humidifier and ended up with all kinds on nasty slimy growth in it. The last thing I want is some kind of bacterial lung infection from whatever decides to inhabit my equipment. The whole process takes me about 15 minutes now and it is one less thing to worry about. I'm not paranoid, but I have seen enough strange things happen to be concerned.

Bob