CPAP issues

[tim987]

Hi
I have started using the CPAP about 3 weeks back. (Philips Respironics REMstar – set at 6 cm). From day 1, I am not able to use it for more than 1 hour. My wife says that I keep snoring with CPAP. I started with only nasal mask. Since changed to Nose + mouth mask. Both masks are standard ones. No improvement. I am using a rental unit. Do not feel, comfortable buying a new one with this kind of issue. If I go for a custom mask, will it improve? Any suggestions to get over this issue will be appreciated?

I need to do some air travel soon within North America (USA & Canada). Do airlines allow 2 hand luggage (laptop & CPAP)? Any experience/ issues you have faced during air travel with CPAP (in security or otherwise)?
Thanks
Tim

[Heavylids]

Have you talked your issues through with your doctor yet? It could be an indication or one or more of many different issues. That's the first thing I would do.

If you find someone who makes "custom masks" let me know.

[jencat824]

Hi & Welcome to the Forum!

For us to best help you, could you register & in your profile put the type unit & mask you are using. I know you put the unit name in your post, but it is easier for members for us each to have that info in our profile, see the blue type under mine.

Since its only been 3 weeks, I think you will want to give it enough time before deciding CPAP is not working for you. I don't have your mask listed yet, but it sounds like you may have the wrong type of mask. If your wife hears snoring with the full face mask, you may have leaks, which would seriously impair your treatment. There is no 'custom mask' in the US market, but masks are individual to each of us, a mask that works great for me, may be awful for you. Since each of us has different shaped faces, that is why it is so important to get a mask that works for you, but is hard to find on the first few trys.

Most DME's will allow you to change out a mask that isn't working for you. I would try to switch that one out for another mask with a better fit.

As for air travel, airline do allow the CPAP on board as a medical device in addition to your carry on. So if you take your laptop as carry on, your CPAP machine can go on board too.

Hope I've been some help to you & I hope your register so all of us can help you with your CPAP journey.
Jen

[2 B Sleeping Soundly]

The only thing I would add to Jens good response (as another possibility to look at) is that your PAP pressure may be set too low to keep your airway splinted open. If you are using straight CPAP you could need to increase your pressure a little. If you are using a APAP then your lower pressure setting may need to be increased or your upper pressure setting increased, if possible, as the setting may be such that it is not allowing it to treat partial obstructions which could be causing your snoring. If you use a Bi-PAP or ASV, someone else would have to comment as the pressure settings are more complex then what I use.

[Henry Jr]

Links to Resmed site with travel "tips": http://www.resmed.com/us/patients_and_f ... c=patients
http://www.resmed.com/us/service_and_su ... c=patients

Link to Resmed specific FAA compliance letter: (I suppose Respirionics has something similar)
http://www.resmed.com/us/documents/FAA_ ... Letter.pdf

[archangle]

We need to know more about your CPAP machine. "REMstar" doesn't really tell us much. Check the links in my signature line for info on how to figure out what model you have. If you didn't get screwed by your DME (CPAP salesman), your machine will record data on how your therapy is working.

[Renee from GA]

I have traveled nationally and internationally and no one has ever questioned my bringing a Cpap and a laptop as a carry on. I've heard there are luggage tags you can order online that read "Medical Equipment" if you are concerned about airline personnel (or other passengers) questioning you.

TSA requests that you open up the Cpap bag when it goes through the xray just as you do a laptop bag. Occasionally they've pulled my machine off the belt to do a residue test (using gloves), but typically they just look at it then wave me by. I did have to educate one worried guard once, but that was in a small airport, in a small country, a number of years ago Most are familiar with the equipment now and won't question you.

Everyone is different of course, but personally, it took me a few months to get used to using the Cpap every night. I was often frustrated, as it was uncomfortable, and I was already tired without it causing more lost sleep! But I tried a few different masks and found one that worked well for me, to the point where I don't even notice it anymore. I actually can't sleep without Cpap anymore. And I feel so much more rested, no headaches, better concertration. The results are well worth the effort if you can stick it out!

Good luck to you!

[cosmo]

One of my coworkers a fellow cpap'er was showing me the ropes about CPAP when I first got mine. She says she spots these Respironics bags all over the airport and to put a bright tag on mine

[LSAT]

Medical Equipment Tags
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medica ... pment.html

[JohnO]

TSA requests that you open up the Cpap bag when it goes through the xray just as you do a laptop bag. Occasionally they've pulled my machine off the belt to do a residue test (using gloves), but typically they just look at it then wave me by.

Who knew? I've traveled twice now with my PR machine, and did not take it out of its bag.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information ... -and-apaps

I was surprised by two TSA requests/comments on recent trips.

- 1) They said I didn't have to take off my metal-framed eyeglasses to go through the nudie scanner.

- 2) They said I should not put my phone in my shoe when I send it through the X-ray machine. They would rather I put it in my backpack.