Addiction to CPAP

Arch · Post by **Arch** » Sat Jan 29, 2005 12:27 am

I've been using CPAP continuously since 1991. Only just discovered this forum today. I've been reading some of the message threads, I can certainly identifiy with many of the comments.

I have a rather serious problem when the CPAP becomes unavailable. If I can't use the CPAP I wake up with a severe sore throat (I presume from snoring, but I don't know). In the big power outage 2 years ago, I spent three consecutive nights sitting up in a chair. I've had problems twice when my luggage was lost.

Anyone have ideas how to deal with this problem? Any other long term CPAPers have similar difficulty?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:25 am

Hi Arch,

You can buy a DC adapter and a Marine battery to provide backup in bad weather situations. Don't know how to deal with lost luggage except carry it on!!

Arch · Post by **Arch** » Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:53 am

I guess I didn't make the question very clear. Have others found that after using the CPAP for a long time that they can not sleep without it? Even for 1 night.

Big Snore · Post by **Big Snore** » Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:14 pm

I know what you are saying, sleeping without cpap for me is like a 2 year old without their teddy bear

RubyKat · Post by **RubyKat** » Sat Jan 29, 2005 3:01 pm

The word "addiction" isn't the right word. An addiction is an unhealthy dependance. We depend on CPAP all right, but it's for the good of our health.

Snuffle-nose · Post by **Snuffle-nose** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 5:11 am

Hello Ruby Kat

Yes I know the feeling when one forgets to sleep with the CPAP or is unable to sleep with it because the machine is at home! I wake up in a shocking state, cracking dome.....

I have been told sleeping without the cpap I start snoring again! That's no geat issue but waking with a cracking headache or feeling that all you want to do is fall back asleep again because when I wake up from sleeping without the cpap I wake up sleepy!!! All I want to do is sleepy more!

without cpap I suffer the conquence of not using cpap, the cracking dome and feeling of wanting to sleep again, this time a lot longer and not wake up!!! As I hate waking up with sore head or cracking dome.

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 5:35 am

Hi,

Funny, but just this morning I'm also here with a headache and that feeling of badly needing sleep, all because I decided to not use my bipap last nite because my nose was a little congested. I was awake most of the nite because of it, awake in a very familiar way. I feel much like I did on those awful mornings before beginning the bipap treatment, when I was suffering from sleep apnea.............and I don't like that feeling AT ALL!!! ........This sure teaches me a lesson --- get some nose spray and NEVER AGAIN SLEEP WITHOUT MY BIPAP!!!

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 7:13 am

SInce BiPAP ST only reduced my central apnea events 50% (30+, down from 60+ without) they were not sure if it would help so I had a 1 month trial to see if it made a difference before dealing with insurance (doc let me use an extra lab BiPAP ST for free which was really nice since monthly rental runs $600-800 for BiPAP ST). My sleep doc wanted me to go without for a couple nights after 2-3 weeks using to make sure it wasn't just placebo effect...I kept putting it off as long as I could and finally went one night without it. Just about had to sleep through the next day (with BiPAP on of course) and told my doctor I would have had a major panic attack if he ever suggested I go without it again-lol. He said that was proof enough that I needed a BiPAP ST. Could never imagine sleeping without it- even a short nap without it and I feel worse then if I didn't sleep at all. I would not say I'm addicted because there is nothing unhealthy about my use- I am definantly dependant as many people are on medications for various medical problems.

ylikone · Post by **ylikone** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 10:08 pm

Hi, I am new to these forums but have been using a CPAP for a little over 4 years now. I am "addicted". I don't think I have gone even one night without it since the first day I got it. There was one time when I got back after a trip and my CPAP wasn't turning on when I plugged it in. I basically had a panic attack and dreaded having to go to sleep. So, I got my screw driver and opened up my CPAP in case there was something obvious wrong with it that I could fix myself... and lo-and-behold, some water had leaked in and some of the circuitry was wet. I got a towel, wiped everything down and it worked again! I went and had it tested later that week to make sure the pressure was still correct and it was fine. I love my CPAP, but at the same time I also hate the dependence I have on it.

sleepynomore · Post by **sleepynomore** » Mon Jan 31, 2005 10:21 am

What is "cracked dome" that several have mentioned in this grouping????

Nickzim · Post by **Nickzim** » Mon Jan 31, 2005 1:18 pm

Just like Ylikone i'm new to these forums but can relate to many of the problems and fustrations.
I'm totally addicted to my cpap and cannot imagine living without it. The times when i have not been able to use it for whatever reasons i am devastated the next day.
Infact the gentle hum my machine makes is like a lullaby (sp?)

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 4:47 am

sleepynomore, I'm just guessing, but I'd say "cracked dome" is a bad headache.

Marie · Post by **Marie** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 6:01 am

Hello All,
I have been on cpap for 2 1/2 months,and I told my Dr. that I was
"afraid" to not sleep with it,if I ever had to.
So,I don't know if I could even sleep without it,and I'm sure in the future I will probably have to if there is a power outage.
He assured me that it would be alright. So,I know it is something that I will have to control,mind over matter.

Marie

Wen · Post by **Wen** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:18 pm

Hi everyone,
I've used a cpap for 4 years, When I was travelling in Singapore my Remstar died the lst night, I had changed the fuses for 240V operation but I believe a power surge fried the circuitry. I had to buy a new one there, I would be out of the country for 2 weeks and yes I'm addicted.. It was $1900. and since the insurance had paid for some of the lst one they didn't help .
I've had to use mine in several extended power outages. I use a power converter and plug it into the ciggarette lighter/power port. Then I run a 50' extension cord into the house and plug in the CPAP. It works great , I run the car each day about 20 minutes to recharge the battery. I've done this on several camping and extended power outages and It works just fine .
Good Luck Wen

Addiction to CPAP

Addiction to CPAP

Hi

"Cracked home"?????

Addiction

Addicted to cpap