Using Machine for 3 months, multiple questions

[mtb211]

Hi everyone,

I've been using a machine for 3 months as of now. Does anyone add in the water(minerals ) for the hudmidifier that might be healthy? I also hate that I can not reach the other side of my bed when I have the mask on and It always leaves marks on my face for a good 4 hours after...

I tried sleeping last night without the mask, I could move around and it was sweet... but I am SOOOOOOOOO tired

[bwhiting]

I specifically use de-mineralized water or distilled water to avoid having mieral buildup on the humidifier element. You're better off getting your minerals in a vitamin form IMHO.

I'm also a few months in and it sure can be tempting to lose the headgear and sleep "naked" lol. but you pay for it the next day!

[Julie]

Do a search here for Pur Sleep (it's like aromatherapy for Cpaps), but adding anything besides distilled water is a no-no as the machine can be damaged. If you can't reach as far as you'd like, get a longer hose.

[gasp]

Distilled water seems to be the popular water for the humidifier. It prevents hard water build up in the machine, hose, and mask. I buy steam distilled.

I put my machine just below mattress height, use the regular size hose, and a travel hosebuddy I put the hosebuddy near the middle of the bed but still on 'my side'. This seems to allow me to cuddle and roam a bit freely. It is smaller than this image may seem. They make a non-travel version but I like this one and take it wherever I go.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/travel ... ystem.html

[JohnBFisher]

... I've been using a machine for 3 months as of now. Does anyone add in the water (minerals) for the hudmidifier that might be healthy? ...

Best to just use distilled water. Otherwise you will end up with a mineral build up in your tank. Additionally, the lack of anything other than water leaves little on which organisms can feast. So, it's generally cleaner and safer.

... I also hate that I can not reach the other side of my bed when I have the mask on ...

There you have my heart felt empathy. I also miss that. Though frankly, my wife prefers me chained to my side of the bed!

You can purchase a longer hose ... Though a word of caution, that might not be recommended with your machine. Your DME (equipment supplier) should know if it will work.

... and It always leaves marks on my face for a good 4 hours after... ...

You can use a cushion material to pad the straps. (You can find that on the CPAP.com website). You can also message your face in the morning to help your face recover. And of course, if the mask is too tight it might do that. You might want to try nasal pillows instead of a mask, since it will place less pressure on your face.

... I tried sleeping last night without the mask, I could move around and it was sweet... but I am SOOOOOOOOO tired

I guess the good news is that you see it makes a difference for your sleep. You will adjust to sleeping with it, since it definitely helps you feel better. But I agree. It sure would be nice to not be tethered every night. But I give up that freedom to have better sleep if there is no other alternative.