Activa & Tape Suffocation

Richm · Post by **Richm** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 6:40 pm

Has anybody actually had any experience with using the Activa while having their mouth taped during a power failure? The manufacturer assured me that there is a valve that should prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, through the tube, in the event of a failure. She also said that it is not meant to be as fail-safe, as the entrainment valve on a full face mask. I am still ordering various chin straps and trying other methods, but if all else fails, it may have to be the tape. Incidentally, I will probably use it in a developing country where power failures are common.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 6:57 pm

Power your cpap from a battery and don't worry about a power failure. It will run several nights (at least 14 for mine) on a charge. I've used mine for over a year. No worries when storms are in the area. I'm always on battery power.

As far as tape. You don't need duct tape. Use some bandage tape. If you really want to open your mouth you can. It just keeps the lips from flapping.

:twis ted:

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4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 6:58 pm

I wish I could help you... but I can't even IMAGINE taping my mouth shut while my nose is dependent on a machine. Got a bit of claustrophobia...

Yawning in OK · Post by **Yawning in OK** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:02 pm

I use a 2 inch wide headband. Works great; fast and easy removal if necessary and I don't have any adhesive that iritates my skin.

Newsgrouper · Post by **Newsgrouper** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:46 pm

I didn't think I could, but I have gotten accustomed to taping my mouth. I use the water proof tape that Rested Gal recommends and it is not uncomfortable at all. It is easy to remove and leaves no adhesive behind.

As far as power failures are concerned, I keep a Radio Shack power outage radio/light plugged in next to my bed. The moment the power goes out the radio blasts and a bright light turns on. I would have my mask off within seconds of a power outage.

The tape allows me to use any mask I want and I am no longer limited to full face masks. Even the best full face masks do not compare favorably to nasal masks and pillows.

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:25 am

Hey! Cool alarm system!!!

Even the best full face masks do not compare favorably to nasal masks and pillows.

Umm...? Unless your nose is blocked by a head cold?

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:10 am

I am quoting my doctor: "If you have a power outage - you'll wake up, just like you do when you have apneas".

O.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:21 am

Has anybody actually had any experience with using the Activa while having their mouth taped during a power failure?

Yes, I have....with taped mouth wearing my Activa. What ozij quoted the doctor saying is exactly what happened. I don't know how long it was, but I did wake up to notice, "Hmmm, power must be off."

Newsgrouper's solution sounds like a good one to wake a person up.

Since we have a lot of thunderstorms in Tennessee, I've been seriously considering going the "run it off a battery all the time" way that chrisp says he does. Not because of fear of suffocation -- but as the surest way to kill two birds with one stone. (Hated to use the word "kill" in this particular thread...lol)

1. not have my treatment interrupted during a stormy night.
2. not take a chance of getting my machine fried by a lightning strike.

qrlylox · Post by **qrlylox** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:52 pm

Since we are on the subject of battery backup - can anyone offer some advice on what to purchase? I have been wanting to do this but don't even know where to start. Will all machines be compatible to all batteries?
I have a ResMed S7 Lightweight and I dont see any ports anywhere on it that you could plug an alternate power cord into.