cpap in the hospital

[this_is_nascar]

To each their own I guess. The same argument could be made about the bed linens, pillows, etc.

[BlackSpinner]

To each their own I guess. The same argument could be made about the bed linens, pillows, etc.

No it couldn't. None of that is necessary to continue breathing.
Also they have a limited number of machines available so you could be waiting for several nights before you get one. Personally I would want to be absolutely sure I have my machine and mask and mask liners and humidifier.

[DoriC]

Hospitalization and surgery are anxious times as well as being without the creature comforts of home, so why add something unknown into the mix. It was comforting for us to see our own machine/mask on his hospital night table.

[Randy32]

I agree it's nice to know your using your machine. i took mine back in jan when i had hernia surgery because they kept me over night and i was just glad it was mine i was using, kinda like having a comfort of home away from home

[Bons]

I was visiting a parish member in the hospital the other day and her roommate had a cpap. My former sleep doc came in to approve it for use. Asked what setting it was at, and was it hers, and left. I wonder how much she had to pay for that consultation??

[StevenXXXX]

I was visiting a parish member in the hospital the other day and her roommate had a cpap. My former sleep doc came in to approve it for use. Asked what setting it was at, and was it hers, and left. I wonder how much she had to pay for that consultation??

I think (but I am not sure) that my BCBS PPO would NOT pay for such stupidity.
They would deduct it from the charges as an "ineligible charge" and neither they nor I would have to pay anything.
They are pretty agressive about that sort of crap.

I have brought my CPAP into the Hospital more than once & at more than 1 Hospital and nobody ever looked at it, touched it, nor asked me Questions about it.

And I certainly would NOT let a "maintenance" man touch it.
Hell, I make the screeners at the airport change their gloves before they handle my machine. You know the TSA says I can do that.

[Slinky]

I ended up in ER one time for a cardiac "scare". I wasn't admitted to the hospital as an admission but I was transferred to the "chest pain center" overnight for observation". I had my CPAP w/me, was given no argument or questioning about it. An RRT was sent down to administer a nebulizer treatment and was really interested in my Resmed S8 Elite and also told me she was sooooo glad I wouldn't need one of theirs as they were so big and bulky. She was fascinated and impressed by the data available via the LCD screen!!

[DocWeezy]

DocWeezy...I have one up on you I think.I also have both artifical hips.They have been replaced in the past 4 years.

Wes

Congrats, Wes! How are they working for you? Seems like everyone I've known who has had one or two hips done has been very happy with the results. Isn't the technology incredible?

Weezy

[StevenXXXX]

but the mask and hose is brand-new, still in the packaging when it get placed on the machine.

Don't be so sure of that. How do you know they do not sterilize them & place them in sealed plastic only to keep them clean?

[kneemeister]

And I certainly would NOT let a "maintenance" man touch it.
Hell, I make the screeners at the airport change their gloves before they handle my machine. You know the TSA says I can do that.

I am a little offended by that statement....we follow the same handwashing protocols your nurse or doctor follows and especially Biomeds, have at least an AS or DoD cetificate, in medical electronics and touch every single machine and gadget on a regular scheduled basis. We know that our mother or child could come in the ER at anytime, so we strive to insure that everything works as the doctor ordered and the manufacture intended. Hospitals want to let you use your machine as its what your used to, we also have to make sure its safe and clean.

[Bert_Mathews]

I was visiting a parish member in the hospital the other day and her roommate had a cpap. My former sleep doc came in to approve it for use. Asked what setting it was at, and was it hers, and left. I wonder how much she had to pay for that consultation??

I think (but I am not sure) that my BCBS PPO would NOT pay for such stupidity.
They would deduct it from the charges as an "ineligible charge" and neither they nor I would have to pay anything.
They are pretty agressive about that sort of crap.

I have brought my CPAP into the Hospital more than once & at more than 1 Hospital and nobody ever looked at it, touched it, nor asked me Questions about it.

And I certainly would NOT let a "maintenance" man touch it.
Hell, I make the screeners at the airport change their gloves before they handle my machine. You know the TSA says I can do that.

I've been in more that I want to remember and each time with "MY" CPAP equipment - IT"S important that you teach your significant other how to set things up BECAUSE you are NOT always able to do it yourself.
Another IMPORTANT item is this FREE card. . . .http://www.medids.com/free-id.php

I never worried about a maintenance person - - More problems with Respiratory Therapist < Didn't find one that answered questions with right answers? >
I carry my travel <BACKUP> system in the car at all times and it has been helpful twice,,,

Bert

[Muse-Inc]

Ended up being admitted from ER where I went to have a weird spot on my skin cked out as my doc's office was waay late returning from their late lunch. Had to use the hospital's machine: the thing was the size of a desktop refrig! Scary next to the bed and as to masks? No pillow mask which was the only sty;e I'd ever worn at that point, ended up with a nasal mask -- nightmare experience for me with my severe claustrophobia & the continuous hissing noise worse with every inhalation which was key to wake up and close my mouth...I was awake until 4:45AM! Great relief when my mom was able to bring me my machine & mask for the rest of my 'vacation' hooked up to IVs dripping antibiotics. NEVER AGAIN!!!

[Kilopy]

I have been hospitalized on three occasions since CPAP treatment. Never an issue with bringing my CPAP, although I didn't ask for permission. On two occasions I set it up on my own, but on one I was not able to do so. The hospital staff sent a Respiratory Therapist to set it up, which was essentially filling the humidifier with water, connecting the hose and mask, and plugging it in. Having my own CPAP was never questioned. Could be my pleasant personality though - As in over the top type A.

[StevenXXXX]

I have been hospitalized on three occasions since CPAP treatment. Never an issue with bringing my CPAP, although I didn't ask for permission. On two occasions I set it up on my own, but on one I was not able to do so. The hospital staff sent a Respiratory Therapist to set it up, which was essentially filling the humidifier with water, connecting the hose and mask, and plugging it in. Having my own CPAP was never questioned. Could be my pleasant personality though - As in over the top type A.

NOT asking for permission is the best approach!

How much were you or your insurance charged for the RT to do this very difficult scientific task?

[Wanttosleep]

I must comment that I read these posts everyday and find them extremely helpful. I don't comment often because I've only been on CPAP since August 2009 and lack the experience to comment on most topics. This one I experienced first hand and I learned from that experience and from reading these posts today.

Back in Dec. 2009 I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance due to severe pains in my side. Because I have had 2 abdominal surguries I was/am suseptible to hernias. Only trouble is that I had no symptoms, until that day, that I had a hernia. According to the surgeon it was substantial in size and my intestines had not only pushed through but had twisted a good bit.

Long story short, I was put into ICU for 4 nights because of my CPAP history. I didn't have time to take my machine with me and because I was so 'out of it' for the first 2 days, I couldn't explain to my hubby how to take it apart and bring it to me (we have now had a lesson and he is fully versed). The hospital provided this monsterous machine BUT I was never taken off of oxygen for my time there because my oxygen levels were dipping into the low 80%s without it.

Truth be told I am still, after 6 months, having a tough time adapting to life with CPAP mask but I found that little oxygen thingee very comfortable and unobtrusive. However, I will never spend another night anywhere without my machine!

My CPAP numbers are terrific but I still feel exhausted and very anxious with the mask. I just had a visit with sleep doc and he has ordered my my 4th mask, the Swift FX for Her. I'm anxiously awaiting it. I'm hoping it will be as comfortable as the oxygen hose in the hospital (boy does that sound strange).