Newbie with a question

[dogdad]

Hello fellow CPAP’ers, I’m relativity new to CPAP therapy (10 months) and I’ve had a few of the problems described here be other users. I’m not at all bothered by small or tight surroundings, but the first time I tried out my new full face mask I had an acute claustrophobia-panic attack. After letting my heart rate go back to normal I tried several more times before I could use the mask. Now I don’t really like to use it but I do every night. My AHI went from 66 to an average of consistently under 3, and I have rediscovered REM sleep after more than 2 years. One problem I came across is that when trying to measure the wattage of my PR System One machine by plugging it into a KillaWatt meter, the CPAP machine went nuts. The ramp timing and the max pressure settings went crazy. I tried it twice with the same results. Has anyone else had an experience like this? I’m grateful to have a site like this were other users can discuss their experiences and problems in a supportive setting. Most of my friends have no concept of what CPAP is and think the mask looks like a “land snorkel device”. I look forward to learning from all your shared ideas……Paul

[chunkyfrog]

Hmmm, I plugged my S9 Autoset into a Kill-a-Watt meter to no effect.
Of course, I plugged it into the wall, and plugged the brick into the KAW.
I wonder if the transformer on some machines is a factor.
---Or the model of the meter, or settings on the meter, or your house current.

[Wulfman...]

Hello fellow CPAP’ers, I’m relativity new to CPAP therapy (10 months) and I’ve had a few of the problems described here be other users. I’m not at all bothered by small or tight surroundings, but the first time I tried out my new full face mask I had an acute claustrophobia-panic attack. After letting my heart rate go back to normal I tried several more times before I could use the mask. Now I don’t really like to use it but I do every night. My AHI went from 66 to an average of consistently under 3, and I have rediscovered REM sleep after more than 2 years. One problem I came across is that when trying to measure the wattage of my PR System One machine by plugging it into a KillaWatt meter, the CPAP machine went nuts. The ramp timing and the max pressure settings went crazy. I tried it twice with the same results. Has anyone else had an experience like this? I’m grateful to have a site like this were other users can discuss their experiences and problems in a supportive setting. Most of my friends have no concept of what CPAP is and think the mask looks like a “land snorkel device”. I look forward to learning from all your shared ideas……Paul

You might add your equipment and settings to your profile. Several things can contribute to or enhance claustrophobia......like high humidity settings, low pressure settings, low Ramp pressure and longer time settings.

As far as the power consumption, all that stuff is in the manuals that should have come with the machine.
I've never been curious or have a meter to check. If it works when it's plugged in, that's what I care about. They don't draw much power. I also plug my CPAP machines into surge protector strips.


Den

.

[LSAT]

Hello fellow CPAP’ers, I’m relativity new to CPAP therapy (10 months) and I’ve had a few of the problems described here be other users. I’m not at all bothered by small or tight surroundings, but the first time I tried out my new full face mask I had an acute claustrophobia-panic attack. After letting my heart rate go back to normal I tried several more times before I could use the mask. Now I don’t really like to use it but I do every night. My AHI went from 66 to an average of consistently under 3, and I have rediscovered REM sleep after more than 2 years. One problem I came across is that when trying to measure the wattage of my PR System One machine by plugging it into a KillaWatt meter, the CPAP machine went nuts. The ramp timing and the max pressure settings went crazy. I tried it twice with the same results. Has anyone else had an experience like this? I’m grateful to have a site like this were other users can discuss their experiences and problems in a supportive setting. Most of my friends have no concept of what CPAP is and think the mask looks like a “land snorkel device”. I look forward to learning from all your shared ideas……Paul

Why are you measuring wattage...and...why do you care what your friends think?

[dogdad]

Dogdad replies...Since starting to use the machine I have tweaked all the setting so that the therapy is as pleasant as possible. Sometimes on a hot night I will even add a few ice cubes to the humidifier to cool the air output. The concern about the wattage was to determine the size of a 12 volt emergency power source.
As for what my friends think, I really don't care, but I still take a certain amount of ribbing from then.

[Julie]

Why don't you explain it to them... maybe if they understand, they'll be less silly about it.

[Darth Lady]

Or just tell them that land-snorkeling is the most fun hobby ever and they really should try it sometime

And if they don't buy it, that you find their lack of faith disturbing.

[library lady]

I love your response, Darth Lady!!

[Darth Lady]

One problem I came across is that when trying to measure the wattage of my PR System One machine by plugging it into a KillaWatt meter, the CPAP machine went nuts. The ramp timing and the max pressure settings went crazy. I tried it twice with the same results.

On the serious side, my husband, who is an electrical engineer, says to measure the power consumption on the direct current side using a traditional volt meter and traditional amp meter (mechanical). You have to make a glorified extension cord adapter for it that has the amp meter and volt meter wired into it (I'd get help for that, maybe an electrician friend, or an EE friend perhaps). The problem is that the electronic power supplies often draw distorted current wave forms which cause all kinds of problems for measurement.

Show this to one of those electrical types, and they should hopefully know what it means .

Or you can PM me with a phone number and my husband will call you, if you like.