newbie needs info

genesis3355 · Post by **genesis3355** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:56 pm

hello, im new here i have a few questions

how do i read my data card?
how long can water stay in a humidifier before bacteria grow?
how can i sanitize my machine?
if you have a head cold should you not use you cpap?

Guest-Ramona · Post by **Guest-Ramona** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:20 pm

1. I don't have a data card on my loaner, so I can't answer that.
2. Some people empty their humidifier every day. I use mine a couple of days before emptying and putting in fresh water. You should be using distilled water in your humidifier.
3. You can't sanitize your machine, but you can sanitize the humidifier and the hose. Here's a good cleaning regime: Daily-wipe out your mask with soapy washrag (Ivory dish detergent is good), then rinse well and let air dry. Hang up hose to air dry (I have a clothes hook in my closet where I hang mine). Weekly-wash humidifier and hose with warm soapy water and rinse well. Soak for 1/2 hour or so in vinegar solution (1 part vinegar/2 parts tap water). Rinse and let air dry.

Ramona

Guest-Ramona · Post by **Guest-Ramona** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:22 pm

Oops, forgot one!

You should always use your CPAP. Every time you sleep. If you have a head or chest cold, go ahead and clean and sanitize daily.

genesis3355 · Post by **genesis3355** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:13 pm

thanks

heard a rumor that it may prevent proper drainage and "push" mucus deeper into the sinuses.

no one ever said distilled only. what happens if i don't? is that what ate a hole in the bottom of my humidifier?

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:47 pm

I am paying 1.09 US for one gallon plastic jugs of distilled water.. they had a sale at a local drugstore chain 3 gallons for 2. bucks. I loaded up for a year by buying 12 gallons. I use about 1 gallon a month. Not a spot of wear in the 8 mths I am using it. I would use a few days of regular spigot stuff but not as a habit.
Barnaby

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:48 pm

I am paying 1.09 US for one gallon plastic jugs of distilled water.. they had a sale at a local drugstore chain 3 gallons for 2. bucks. I loaded up for a year by buying 12 gallons. I use about 1 gallon a month. Not a spot of wear in the 8 mths I am using it. I would use a few days of regular spigot stuff but not as a habit.
Barnaby

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:49 pm

I am paying 1.09 US for one gallon plastic jugs of distilled water.. they had a sale at a local drugstore chain 3 gallons for 2. bucks. I loaded up for a year by buying 12 gallons. I use about 1 gallon a month. Not a spot of wear in the 8 mths I am using it. I would use a few days of regular spigot stuff but not as a habit.
Barnaby

Barnaby · Post by **Barnaby** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:49 pm

I am paying 1.09 US for one gallon plastic jugs of distilled water.. they had a sale at a local drugstore chain 3 gallons for 2. bucks. I loaded up for a year by buying 12 gallons. I use about 1 gallon a month. Not a spot of wear in the 8 mths I am using it. I would use a few days of regular spigot stuff but not as a habit.
Barnaby

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:38 pm

genesis3355 wrote: how long can water stay in a humidifier before bacteria grow?

I would change your water everyday just to be safe, and make sure you use distilled and not tap water to prevent mineral buildup in your machine.

genesis3355 wrote: if you have a head cold should you not use you cpap?

I've always thought not to use CPAP when you have sickness such as sinus infection, because the forced air into your passages can actually make your condition worse. Someone correct me here if I'm wrong...

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, CPAP

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:09 am

anyone want to comment on that?

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:17 am

My doctor stressed using it all the time. Suggesting that if your nose is stuffed use nasal washes or spray to clear it or switch to a full face mask. I have found the heated humidity actually has cut down on the severity of colds and the two times I've had them it has reduced the duration of the colds.

Guest-Ramona · Post by **Guest-Ramona** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:18 am

I had a bad head cold a few weeks ago and used my APAP. It actually helped keep my passages open and clear.

sanctacaris · Post by **sanctacaris** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 3:21 pm

I had a very bad cold a couple months ago and felt that the cpap made my symptoms worse. It got to the point where I couldn't sleep with my cpap because the blowing air made me cough all the time. I stopped using it for a week. Neither my GP nor my sleep doc seemed concerned about that when I told them about it. Just my experience.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:15 pm

The instructions that came with my machine said CPAP use is contraindicated when patient has a sinus infection. For what it's worth...

newbie needs info

newbie needs info

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