CPAP and the hospital

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Ishtar
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 3:48 pm

CPAP and the hospital

Post by Ishtar » Wed Aug 20, 2014 2:50 pm

I just found out that I have to take my CPAP to the hospital with me when I have surgery (not apnea related) next week. Needless to say I'm a bit concerned, as this is an expensive machine and my responsibility. If it gets lost or stolen I'm screwed! I suppose it makes sense, you're half asleep and waking up after they pull the breathing tube out, they want you to continue breathing.

Has anyone been through this and if so, are there any suggestions? Like should I get a receipt for my machine once I hand it over to the staff?

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Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: Pressure 12-20, pre treatment AHI 70.2

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Krelvin
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Re: CPAP and the hospital

Post by Krelvin » Wed Aug 20, 2014 3:00 pm

Been to the hospital a number of times with my Bi-Level and never had a problem. Normally, you have someone (friend or family) bring your machine in and it is placed into your room you are assigned to before or after the procedure. In most of my cases, I didn't bother getting the machine until I was already assigned a room.

Never bring water in the humidifier if you use one as they will provide it for you and you won't damage the equipment. The cpap is medical equipment and they basically are not really going to touch it.

Make sure you check that the hospital doesn't provide one for you though. My last couple trips they provided one for me and I didn't have to bring my machine at all.

Lastly, clean it well when you are done if you do, use the carrying case it comes with etc.. You should be fine.
Current Settings PS 4.0 over 10.6-18.0 (cmH2O) - Resmed S9 VPAP Auto w/h5i Humidifier - Quattro Air FFM
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Kevin... alias Krelvin

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Ishtar
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Re: CPAP and the hospital

Post by Ishtar » Wed Aug 20, 2014 3:07 pm

It's same day surgery, so there is no room assigned. They will put me in whatever recovery room is available, that's why I'm concerned. I hadn't even considered needing it until my pre-op workup at which point they told me to bring it. They said that when I'm waking up from surgery I need to breathe all the anesthesia out, and they want to make sure I keep breathing, which is a good point!

I'm new to the CPAP thing, less than 2 months, so I'm even concerned about whether they will get my mask on right in the recovery room. I know I have to fiddle with it a lot to get it right. If I'm not awake to do it what if I can't breathe?? I'm sure they will have an RT available in the recovery area, after all, everyone is having to breathe the anesthesia out.

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Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: Pressure 12-20, pre treatment AHI 70.2

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Slartybartfast
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Re: CPAP and the hospital

Post by Slartybartfast » Wed Aug 20, 2014 3:09 pm

CPAP machines aren't exactly a hot item. Relax, it won't disappear. While you're recovering, they'll set you up with your machine and take out the upper airway support so you'll be more comfortable. It's standard procedure anytime they see a diagnosis of OSA in your paperwork. Otherwise you're going to be lying there snoring and someone is going to have to sit with you to make sure you're breathing. The staff will be familiar with your machine, so don't worry. My wife's a recovery room nurse, and we discussed this when I had surgery about a year ago.

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LSAT
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Re: CPAP and the hospital

Post by LSAT » Wed Aug 20, 2014 3:16 pm

IMO...If it is day surgery there will be someone watching you closely when you are in recovery. I have done this several times. I always tell the doctor/anesthesiologist that I use a cpap and they always have said that I won't need it. When I have had in patient surgery, I check with the hospital. In my hospital they will supply a cpap. Just make sure you have someone bring your mask.

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Ishtar
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Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 3:48 pm

Re: CPAP and the hospital

Post by Ishtar » Fri Aug 22, 2014 6:22 am

yeah, they already told me I need to bring it. Guess I just need to relax about the whole thing. But at least it gives me something other than the surgery to think about.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: Pressure 12-20, pre treatment AHI 70.2