Asked to bring old CPAP machine to hospital "just in ca

momomom · Post by **momomom** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:45 am

I used a REMstar Plus for a time in 2001, eventually I lost a lot of weight with better sleep allowing increased exercise. At some point the CPAP became troublesome and I don't remember exactly in what way. I do remember my doctor saying the pressures might need changing. Meanwhile I stopped using it and continued to sleep well with snoring only if sleeping on my back. I slept mostly on my stomach or side and continued to do fine

On to the present.

On 4/9 I'm having surgery for my lumbar spine. I've regained some of the lost weight. I will have to do a lot of back sleeping.

The surgeon requested I bring my CPAP machine to the hospital "just in case" it is needed.

This worries me because
1) Are the pressure correct?
2) No recent sleep tests
3) Although it was in a box how clean can it be after 3 or more years in a shed?

So, Is it safe to use this machine without a sleep test on the old pressures after it has sat on the shelf for 3 years in an outdoor shed?

I think I know the answer is no.

What is the alternative. If when I begin back sleeping after the surgery does the hospital respiratory staff have the ability to set pressures, clean the machine, replace tubings, etc.? Or is that only done in a sleep center?

This all came on quite suddenly and there is not time to get a sleep study done pre-op.

Also, are manuals available online? I don't think I have time to order one.

Thank you for your thoughts.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, CPAP, clean

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, CPAP, clean

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, CPAP, clean

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, CPAP, clean

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:23 am

Ask the hospital to provide one for you when you're there (especially in Recovery). If you have any recollection of your old pressure, that could help (even a slightly 'wrong' pressure will be a lot better than nothing), but your best bet there would be to get a copy of the sleep study from 2001 from either your MD or the lab and use those numbers. If they were slightly off, it could mean they did need changing, but also could mean the mask didn't fit/seal well, and you might ask about using a full face mask (if you think you're a mouth breather) in hospital. They should have loads of equipment!

gatorglenn · Post by **gatorglenn** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:35 pm

Hi,

>>The surgeon requested I bring my CPAP machine to the hospital "just in case" it is needed.

Will you be spending a night or multiple nights at the hospital? I had some out patient surgery and they told me to bring my CPAP and when I asked them why they said just in case I ended up staying overnight, which i didn't, so I didn't need it.

Glenn

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:35 pm

I agree you should have the hospital supply an xpap for you to use. It is my understanding you will need to use the xpap in the recovery room. In some cases the xpap is even used during the surgery. It will be needed whether or not you are kept overnight.

If you can't get copies of your old sleep study report, insist the doc, sleep lab, or DME look up the info and tell you what pressure was prescribed for you.

Also, if you will be required to sleep on your back after surgery (in recovery), we stop breathing more often when sleeping on our back.

My brother had colon cancer surgery a couple of months ago, and they began cpap therapy in the recovery room. Jim (our own Goofproof) had to use his apap during the surgery.

You definitely don't want to stop breathing after surgery. If not during the surgery, you should be receiving xpap treatment in recovery room and every time you sleep (day and night) if your hospital stay is extended.

Regards,

Alisha

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:22 am

Well, I would sure check first to be sure the hospital even has a CPAP they "can" supply!

Your surgeon or anesthetist should be able to quickly obtain the results of your previous titration study. Even in 2001 that information was kept on computer and the generating facility will respond MUCH QUICKER to request from a doctor than from a patient. That old titration is better than nothing to work with.

Your hose, mask, etc. should be washed w/a surgical Betadyne solution (Betadyne douche from the drug store will work just fine). The hospital's equipment maintenance department should be able to check out the machine calibration and cleanliness. Most insist on checking your machine out first anyway before allowing its use in the hospital to ensure it is working correctly and doesn't pose a fire hazard.

Oh, and next time you "store" your CPAP and equipment, put it all in a good plastic bag and seal the bag securely shut w/a twist tie. Then you won't have the "cleanliness" worry.