My final (okay - maybe not) LIST OF ESSENTIALS...

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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karlchrisb
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My final (okay - maybe not) LIST OF ESSENTIALS...

Post by karlchrisb » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:11 pm

Thanks to great people (Mr. GumbyCT, jules, Matt, etc.) on this board - I feel like I have the greatest CPAP set-up in the world here in PA!
You can see below the machine, humidifier and mask I have.
Here's what I have that would possibly make someone else's life easier if they had these things (ALTHOUGH, if you don't it's no big deal if you're getting along fine without them!):

1) A hose snuggle - AKA Tube Cover. It helps cut down "rain" in your tube if you use humidification. You can get them in different colors and patterns. If you can afford the Australian-made heated tubing, go for it, but, a cover is a little cheaper and much more fashion-savvy. Buy them anywhere CPAP supplies are sold. TIP: Follow the directions and use the bag the cover comes in over the end of the tube to help it slip through the cover. It will save you HOURS of frustration.
2) A hose buddy. I cannot stress this enough. The hose banging on the back of the headboard, against the wall, into the blinds, against your sleeping partner's head, etc. will drive you both more crazy then your snoring EVER did. Get one - it is worth the $$$! cpap.com sells a nice one, but, there are probably others wherever CPAP supplies are sold.
3) Ayr with aloe AND Lansinoh. jules' tip. These creams will save your skin and nostrils (nares) if you use nasal pillows/posts/snaps. Ayr is in the cold/flu section of Wal-mart right next to #5 below. Use it to moisturize your nares. It also helps with nasal pillow seal if you don't use too much. A little goes a LONG way. Lansinoh is found in the infant breast-feeding section of Wal'mart. Guys - swallow your pride or have a lady buy it for you. It is worth the money and possible embarrassment! It is pure lanolin and will save your face! It will moisturize and help heal your skin in case you have any issues with a nasal/full mask or the headgear straps. If the price seems a little too much for your taste, PLEASE remember that you only need a VERY small amount. Less than the size of a dime will cover a big area. You will be surprised. And, in this case, a little is better than nothing.
4) Toe Bandages and Elastic. MORE jules' tips! Toe Bandages are in the bandage and/or foot care aisle in Wal-mart. These are great if you can't afford Strap Guards ($2.23 for 3 5" bandages at Wal-mart). Or, if you can, they are great in a pinch for travelling or temporarily until your strap guards are washed/dryed. You can cut them to any size. If you need a more "exact" approach - try Molefoam or Mole Skin in the same aisle. SHAMELESS PLUG: PAD A CHEEKS are wonderful and can be used/washed again and again. Elastic is in the crafts/fabric section of Wal-mart. I got 1/4" width, but, you can get what works for your situation. You can even get different colors! You can cut any length you need to help with the fitting of your mask. Maybe your mask is okay but could use a little more tightning or stability. Tie some elastic on the mask and experiment. You may find it masks a good mask that perfect mask! There are pictures of examples right here in cpaptalk.com for a lot of different masks.
5) Some kind of saline nasal wash. YOU choose the right one for you and your budget. I got the NeilMed squeeze bottle type. If you fill out their little survey they will send you a free caddy to dry it after washing it to keep it sanitary. Keeping those sinuses clean will cut down dryness in your sinuses and throat. It can also help kill nasty cold and flu germs!
6) A Medical Alert Tag. This states that your CPAP is medical equipment. It is great if you are travelling via plane, train or bus. It will allow you to keep the CPAP with you at all times so it won't get stolen or damaged.
7) Cleaning supplies. This one is your choice and what best works for you. I use Ivory dishwashing liquid (the CLASSIC 99.9% pure product) for every-day quick cleaning. My therapist said NO DAWN! It is important that the soap be pure and mild. Then, I use CONTROL III disinfectant once a week. This will keep everything sparkling and won't "eat" the plastic. Make sure to follow the CONTROL III directions exactly and don't over-concentrate the solution. They also have instructions for a spray-bottle every day disinfecting for germaphobes like me! Some folks use baby shampoo, Joy, vingegar/water, etc. Again, whatever works for YOU and you can afford if your budget is tight. There are examples everywhere for different cleaning solutions.
8) cpaptalk.com - you may have questoins and they have answers. They are helpful, sweet and attentive. And, I just happen to use cpap.com and cpapauction.com which are all the same family. This is a SHAMELESS plug for these websites and is NOT paid for nor requested by them in any way. I am just so pleased with the customer service (MONICA!) at cpap.com, the WONDERFUL folks here on cpaptalk.com and the GREAT prices at cpapauction.com. C'mon - it's not often you can find so many great things in ONE place anymore.
9) and 10) Patience and persistence. Please don't give up. It may take some time for this to integrate into your life, schedule, routine, etc. It is worth the time and effort you put into it. This is your life and health. Isn't it worth the time and effort?

I hope this helps someone. I really appreciate what I've been given and want to "pay it forward" to someone else.

Peace and Hugs,
Chris

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, hose, tubing, nasal pillow, cpap.com, CPAP, seal, Nasal Pillows, clean
Last edited by karlchrisb on Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Babette
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Post by Babette » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:46 pm

GREAT LIST, CHRIS!

DITTO DITTO DITTO!
Babs

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Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Additional Comments: Started XPAP 04/20/07. APAP currently wide open 10-20. Consistent AHI 2.1. No flex. HH 3. Deluxe Chinstrap.
I currently have a stash of Nasal Aire II cannulas in Small or Extra Small. Please PM me if you would like them. I'm interested in bartering for something strange and wonderful that I don't currently own. Or a Large size NAII cannula. :)

Jacey

equipment tips

Post by Jacey » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:29 am

Hi,
I am awaiting the delivery of my new equipment (I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago and was not able to benefit from CPAP at that time-it's a long story) and have juat spent several hours online looking for support and answers. This is the best forum I have come across. Thank you! These tips are so practical and helpful. I know just enough from last time to be very worried. Also, scared. I am on a brief medical leave right now due to the severe consequences of my untreated apnea. It is a relief to know that I don't even have to explain to you all how debilitating this disorder can be. Thank you again!
Jacey


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Gerald
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Post by Gerald » Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:57 am

Nice work, Karl.........

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GumbyCT
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Post by GumbyCT » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:17 am

Welcome Jacey - take the time to fill out your profile should you decide to stay. Understand that there is no wisdom or knowledge pill here and definitely there is a learning curve - success doesn't come over night, just as it took time to get where you are - it will take time to heal also.

But it is up to you to fix YOU - no one else can or will. Knowledge is power - so get comfy, put on you reading glasses and dig in.

Start at the Yellow Lite bulb - Our Collective Wisdom
viewtopic/t14303/New-To-CPAPtalkcom-Cli ... tbulb.html

Forum Index
cpaptalk-articles.php

READ cpaptalk.com FAQ
cpaptalk-faq.php

For Acronyms & Definitions
http://www.sleepnet.com/definition.html

Good Luck,
GumbyCT


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BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
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If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
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Capri
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Essentials

Post by Capri » Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:45 pm

KarlChris - I printed out your post like a shopping list and took it to Walgreens. All great ideas. Had a blast with the clerk explaining the nipple balm! One alternative, I got simple store brand nasal moistierizing spray. I'm sure it will work ok.

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rested gal
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Post by rested gal » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:13 pm

Good tips, KarlChris. Here are some more:

Oct 30, 2006 subject: Please Share Misc Helpful Hints
viewtopic.php?t=14746 Great thread started by Moogy
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435

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tomjax
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list

Post by tomjax » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:21 pm

I guess I must be strange, but I have virtually none of the items you list and have not had them for about 12 years.
I do not seem to have any problems, but wish you well with your items.
I wonder if I got all your items if I would ever need any of them in the next 12 years?

jules
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Post by jules » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:22 pm

Was this list a commercial called JULES JULES JULES?

Actually Sharon1965 was able to adequately express exactly what nipple cream to buy and where to find it. I just knew there was something.

The list is far from complete and of course my bias is for elastic rather than panty hose or tight material and I keep a couple sizes in my stuff - some of it rather used as Teddy so graciously had modeled for me.


jules
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Re: list

Post by jules » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:27 pm

tomjax wrote:I guess I must be strange, but I have virtually none of the items you list and have not had them for about 12 years.
I do not seem to have any problems, but wish you well with your items.
I wonder if I got all your items if I would ever need any of them in the next 12 years?
Hard to know Tom - KY was also suggested - maybe you should get some of that

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tomjax
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KY

Post by tomjax » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:00 am

Hard to know Tom - KY was also suggested - maybe you should get some of that[/quote]

Sorry, I was wrong.
I DO have KY, but have never associated it with CPAP, but that is another story.


eptreyg
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Re: My final (okay - maybe not) LIST OF ESSENTIALS...

Post by eptreyg » Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:04 pm

I've used Lanisoh for years as a lip balm when hiking in the mountains. Best stuff ever. Glad to know about it for cpap use!

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