Having OP surgery. Should I bring Tap Pap or nasal mask?

[ughwhatname]

I am having shoulder surgery in a couple of weeks. The doc needs to do many repairs, so I don't know how long it may be. I have a few questions for those with experience with surgery and apnea.

I currently use the Tap Pap mouthpiece, which affords me zero leaks. Should I bring that, or bring a nasal mask instead? I haven't used that one, but since I'll be coming out of anasthesia (sp?), I doubt I'll have any trouble with it. I wonder about the Tap Pap since its a tight fit in my mouth, and sometimes need some minor adjustments to seat the pillows correctly.

Also, I can certainly bring my machine, which is set for auto-start. Should I change that for the surgery date so they can just turn it on?

Do I need to bring my humidifier? I imagine I'll just be using the machine a short time, so I'm thinking of leaving it at home.

Anything else I haven't thought about? I already told the surgeon and the scheduler. They said that the surgery center will call one week before. I'd like to have an idea of what-all to discuss with them in advance.

Thanks

[dlchance]

I had my left hip replaced in late June and was in the hospital for 16 days. I took my entire machine and had no problems with using my equipment while in the hospital. I was worried about it after reading some related posts here, but my experience was positive. But, good luck sleeping in the hospital. Can't say that I got a whole lot of sleep given the constant interruptions and the heavenly cloudlike beds

[howkim]

I'd opt for the nasal mask. I know it's not your usual one, but it has the advantage that someone else (spouse, nurse) can apply it easily. You need to be able to cooperate at least minimally to use the TapPap. Hard to do if you're sedated.

[ughwhatname]

I'd opt for the nasal mask. I know it's not your usual one, but it has the advantage that someone else (spouse, nurse) can apply it easily. You need to be able to cooperate at least minimally to use the TapPap. Hard to do if you're sedated.

I think you're right. Thanks for the confirmation. I think I'll try it tonight and be sure there aren't leak issues, etc.

Fortunately, I'll be home in my own (or rather my guest) bed. Or a recliner, if I can find one before the surgery. I guess bed sleeping is quite challenging after shoulder surgery.

[squid13]

I had both my shoulders repaired extensively in 2005 and 2006 and both were done as an out patient surgery. Went to the hospital surgical center in the morning and came home in the afternoon. Recovery wasn't that bad and started therapy six weeks later. They may not keep you in the hospital.

[Stormynights]

I wouldn't want anyone else touching my Tap Pap.

[avi123]

Have your Doc or yourself contact the head of anesthesiologists (or if you know the anesthesiologist who will anasthize you then call him/her) in this hospital to verify how the respiration therapists at the Intensive Care Surgery are used to deal with patients throughout the hospitals who bring CPAPs. Do what they tell you.

[ughwhatname]

I had both my shoulders repaired extensively in 2005 and 2006 and both were done as an out patient surgery. Went to the hospital surgical center in the morning and came home in the afternoon. Recovery wasn't that bad and started therapy six weeks later. They may not keep you in the hospital.

It is outpatient surgery for me, too. I was of the impression that they will use my cpap in recovery while I'm still under. What experience did you have with that?

[squid13]

Back then I had sleep apnea only I didn't know it so I just woke up and when I was awake enough for there satisfaction I went home. Last February I had a total knee replacement in my right knee. I took my cpap but didn't use it, I found out I did OK by elevating my bed when I slept which wasn't much cause a hospital is the last place to go for sleep,stayed in 4days. Going to do the same thing this September 9th when they are going to do a total knee replacement on my left knee.