Thinking about trying it again

Hi all. New person here. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and paid for a resmed 10. I tried to use it for about two months but I just felt even more tired using it than before. The head strap thingy hurt, the nose pillow thing was rubbing me raw and it was smelling like a dead animal. One day I recieved an email trying to sell me new parts for it and I responded by asking about a return policy. I was then told it was a rental and I could return it if I wasn't using it. So long story short that was what I did. Now I seem to be getting worse and would like to buy a machine from Craigslist and try again. What would be a good beginner machine?

Personally, I would give SecondWindCPAP.com a look. They have used devices which will, at least, have a warranty and a return policy, if you have an problem or another thought about returning again. I avoid Craigslist, at all costs!

esparzatj wrote:Personally, I would give SecondWindCPAP.com a look. They have used devices which will, at least, have a warranty and a return policy, if you have an problem or another thought about returning again. I avoid Craigslist, at all costs!

Here is Secondwindcpap return policy....

All sales are final.

Returns on [used] machines are based on mechanical defect only, and are accepted within the 6 month in-house warranty timeframe, or manufacturer warranty - whichever is greater. New masks cannot be returned if opened.

esparzatj wrote:Personally, I would give SecondWindCPAP.com a look. They have used devices which will, at least, have a warranty and a return policy, if you have an problem or another thought about returning again. I avoid Craigslist, at all costs!

Thanks for the tip, is there a simple model that would be easy to work with? Also I guess go online for mask and hose? How do I know what size, my last try was painfully tight with no adjustment.

You don't WANT a 'beginner' machine. You want one that does the job properly (and won't discourage you from use again), one that records full data and that can be used with (free) Sleepyhead software that most here use and can show you how to post results here. With no sleep study you need a Apap, not just plain Cpap, so you can know what's going on overnight and then adjust your machine accordingly. Look at Cpap.com for what's considered to be good (tons of reviews, pix, etc) and then if you can't afford new, bring choices to Secondwindcpap.com - great to deal with.

Ok thanks for your help.

Jussumguy wrote:

esparzatj wrote:Personally, I would give SecondWindCPAP.com a look. They have used devices which will, at least, have a warranty and a return policy, if you have an problem or another thought about returning again. I avoid Craigslist, at all costs!

Thanks for the tip, is there a simple model that would be easy to work with? Also I guess go online for mask and hose? How do I know what size, my last try was painfully tight with no adjustment.

For a lot of masks, they have a sizing guide for fitting. It's there with the mask ad (at least that's the case for cpap.com) under the "Important Tips" tab. You cut it out and use a mirror to pick out the size that's right for you. Pretty easy to do if you're looking for it.

As near as I can tell I just exhale and don't inhale. My airway is open but it takes conscious effort to breath. I guess I need to retrain my subconscious self. Maybe if I leave a note on the refrigerator door...

Of course you inhale (or I wouldn't be reading your note), but if you're overly aware of (or uncomfortable) exhaling however, there's a fix for that on most machines - at least those that aren't really old or obscure... it may be called C-flex or EPR (exhale pressure relief), and you set the amount of 'relief' you need so you don't feel pressured to exhale as forcefully as might be happening - if that's what you're referring to... let us know such things tho', so we can respond. People come here with all kinds of little and big problems using machines and masks, with pre-existing and new health issues, on all kinds of meds, etc. etc. and we help to sort them out so they can stay on Cpap... you wouldn't believe the (sometimes) strange ones that occur, but the exhale thing is quite common, so hopefully can be addressed.

maybe he's expelling all the air that's reportedly "pumped into" everybody else by cpap!

Inside joke.
Based on silly statement oft repeated by various twits.

Yeah I understand, I'm kind of one of them. : ). I ran out of gabapentin last week and it seems like I'm breathing better at night. I havnt woke up gasping for air for the last couple nights but I don't sleep all night and I'm ready to get out of bed by 4:30. On a happier note I can swim under water for a really LONG time now.