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[KMCKOB]

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[Wulfman]

ResMed S8 Escape II User Guide p.14 (can be Googled):
"However when the device is not operating, insufficient fresh air will be provided through the mask and
the exhaled air may be rebreathed. Rebreathing of exhaled air for longer than several minutes can, in some
circumstances, lead to suffocation. This applies to most models of CPAP devices."
"In the event of power failure or machine malfunction, remove the mask."

Well, if I'm asleep and there's a power failure, there's no guarantee that I'll wake up to remove the mask.
I'm having second thoughts about this system and may return this equipment* to DME supplier.

*ResMed S8 Escape II with ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask

First of all, that would be a really stupid reason to do that.
You have a full face mask (same one that I use). They (and many nasal masks) have anti-asphyxiation valves that will open up if the inside air pressure drops (as when the power goes off). The end result is that you will be breathing room air until you wake up.......which you WILL do.
I had the power go out on me one night and I immediately woke up. Actually, it was from the sense of the lack of air blowing into my face (which I had become used to).

If you have really flaky/unstable power in your area, you could get a UPS (battery backup) that will keep the machine running and beep to warn you that it's running on battery current.

Edit: One more thought......
Without your machine, you'd be suffocating ALL NIGHT LONG from Sleep Apnea.


Den

[DreamDiver]

ResMed S8 Escape II User Guide p.14 (can be Googled):
"However when the device is not operating, insufficient fresh air will be provided through the mask and
the exhaled air may be rebreathed. Rebreathing of exhaled air for longer than several minutes can, in some
circumstances, lead to suffocation. This applies to most models of CPAP devices."
"In the event of power failure or machine malfunction, remove the mask."

Well, if I'm asleep and there's a power failure, there's no guarantee that I'll wake up to remove the mask.
I'm having second thoughts about this system and may return this equipment* to DME supplier.

*ResMed S8 Escape II with ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask

It is fantastic that you actually took the time to read the manual. That's a good first step. Try not to be discouraged. If you have sleep apnea, this kind of sleep therapy is your best option. It will likely help you in these areas if you have problems with them: lose weight, reduce asthmatic symptoms, reduce kidney problems, lower blood pressure, allow you to go sleep most of the night without getting up for bathroom breaks... the list goes on. The benefits really do outweigh the risks.

The wording you encountered is purely a CYA effort on the part of the machine maker. They can point to their guide if someone ever dies and say it's not their fault - their manual clear states to take off the mask in the event of a power failure. Most masks come with antiasphyxiation valves that prevent this. You would be hard pressed to actually asphyxiate with the proper mask. Heck, enough of us have problems enough just addressing the large leaks. The truth is, you have a better chance of passing away if you don't use sleep therapy.

A better option: return the Escape and get an Elite or an S9 Elite - or even better, and S9 Autoset. You'll be able to track your data and get a better understanding of your own sleep architecture. This is like wearing glasses or contacts - it takes a little getting used to, but it's worth it.

Den is right - get a battery backup.

[SleepyInIndy]

Before you make a decision - try an experiment. Unhook your hose from the machine, put on your mask, cover the end of the hose with your hand, and breathe normally as you would while sleeping. I'll bet you can breathe, masks are designed to allow it. If you can't, your mask is defective and needs to be replaced.

Remember, nothing in life is guaranteed. If you drive/ride a car, you could be killed by another driver - there is no guarantee. You decide the reward (getting there) is worth the risk (driving/riding).

Now if you are looking for an excuse to not use the equipment. . . .

[jmelby]

If you don't wake up when the power goes out, you would probably wake up shortly thereafter when your body realizes it is not getting enough oxygen (if that is in fact the case). If it really freaks you out, why not try a nasal mask instead? Then you have your mouth to breathe with if no air is flowing to the mask. Keep in mind that with apnea, you are suffocating yourself all night long, many many times...

[dtsm]

I too read the manual (S8 AutoElite II) and it says the same exact thing. I asked my brother who has been in cpap for 3 years, he said power outage happened 3 times with mask at night; he woke up and took it off. I called sleep center, asked them same question; they said, masks designed to permit breathing without pressure and you'll naturally wake up.

Keep the mask on, sleep well and peacefully

[DottyG]

Your body doesn't just lie there and suffocate. It fights to breathe. That's why we're in the shape we're in here. Our bodies continually stop breathing and then we gasp for air. Our bodies are fighting to remedy the problem of not getting air.

If your machine goes off during the middle of the night, you're not going to just keep sleeping until you die! Your body's going to say, "WHOA! Something's wrong here! Wake up and fix it. NOW." And, then you will.

And, the previous poster was right. With all the little microleaks in the masks, you're going to get air if push comes to shove.

Wear the mask and do the therapy. It's worth it.

[JennyE]

We had a power outage and the lack of air made me start perspiring, which woke me up. I could breathe quite well. The room air came in through the ventilating holes. You'll get it worked out, but if you want to change anything, do it now before your 30 days are up.

[dtsm]

Y
And, the previous poster was right. With all the little microleaks in the masks, you're going to get air if push comes to shove.

Wear the mask and do the therapy. It's worth it.

I failed to also mention, my mouth is taped to prevent mouth leaks!

[Daffney_Gillfin]

If you don't want to do something, one excuse is as good as another. (Yiddish proverb)

Just do it already, and get on with your life. You may be amazed at how much of it you get back.

[SuperGeeky]

Really, if this is a concern. I believe Fisher and Paskell have a seamless battery powered CPAP. Power goes out, it continues on the backup battery. I think RestedGal has one.

Also, you could simply hook it up to a UPS that has an alarm. Firstly, the UPS will keep your CPAP going, the 'beeping' should be enough to wake you up.

For backup battery, I use the Black and Decker Electro 400. With a DC plug, I'll get a few days use out of it. $100 bucks, no brainer....

Good for you, reading the Manual, also with an active Spring coming up....

Take care,

SG

[Geminidream]

[/quote]Well, if I'm asleep and there's a power failure, there's no guarantee that I'll wake up to remove the mask.
I'm having second thoughts about this system and may return this equipment* to DME supplier.[/quote]

Trust me, your body will be so happy to get air while sleeping, that if the cpap shuts off, you will pretty much immediately notice it. As previously stated, our bodies fight to breath whether we are concious of it or not.....sleep apnea is proof positive of that function. No pun inteneded, but take a deep breath and decide to improve your quality of life by doing the therapy.....there is support on this forum when you need it.

[Uncle_Bob]

If this is possible then at least i get to go peacefully in my sleep

[pdean44]

I have not heard of a single death from cpap machines ever. So i would think the odds are pretty low anyone could ever die from using the equipment.

On the other hand i have heard of sleep apnea contributing to many deaths.

[Julie]

The reason those 'disclaimers' (whether or not they call them that) are in the manual is so that you won't sue them in the event you're dumb enough to keep your mask on while suffocating (believe me, you'll know you're suffocating whether or not you're asleep, whether or not the power's on or off, or anything else - your body won't allow it to happen - just as if you stay too longer under water - your body makes a tremendous effort to get air and while you end up with a mouthful of water, it's not because your body didn't try to get air). If they didn't put the thing about suffocation in the manuals some idiot would wear it without following instructions, kill himself and then the family would sue. They otherwise couldn't care less if you die.. they don't even know you !