The "CPAP Headboard" (long)

Boomer · Post by **Boomer** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:06 pm

Hello all, it's been a while. Just wanted to "poke my head in", and say hey, and maybe yack a bit.....

I'm in the process of designing and building a "CPAP Headboard" for my bed. It will have a space specifically designed for the machine which will put the machine lower then the surface of the bed, but still be easily accessible, yet impossible for the machine to be pulled/pushed to the floor. It will also include a closed supply cabinet, for extra filters, hoses, masks, etc. There will also be an area that will support the hose, from above. It will be mounted directly to the wall, rather than to the bed, so moving the bed for cleaning, changing linens, etc. will not disturb the CPAP setup. The machine and supply cabinet will be mostly out of sight, except for the hose and mask. The rest of the headboard will be like most any other bookcase style headboard.

I'm making the headboard out of Red Oak, a hardwood, mainly because it is readily available in my area and looks great with just a sealer, no staining needed. This is, however, making the headboard pretty pricey. Materials alone are in the area of $300. I know, compared to just buying a bookcase headboard, 300 is pretty cheap, but there will be quite a bit of work involved here, too.

Also, I wanted to say, over the last 6 months, since starting CPAP in June, I have been having difficulty being compliant. To date, just 72 days, out of 180, that have been >4hrs on CPAP. The problem is, I put the mask on, fall asleep in minutes, then within the next 2 hrs., I pull the mask off in my sleep, and do not remember doing it, at all. Sometimes I would wake up, realize the mask was off, put it back on, and go back to sleep. Sure enough, shortly thereafter, the mask was pulled off again.

I have talked to my Dr. thinking it was congestion due to allergies, making breathing difficult, started on a decongestant, which made it more difficult to sleep, nasal sprays, benedryl, etc. It seems the nasal spray, Nasonex, seems to help the most.

I have also spent an embarrassing amount of money on masks, hoses and the like. I have an Activa, Breeze, Swift, HR FF, tried a CC. Also have an Aussie heated hose. The Activa is the only one I could get to work comfortably, but I was still removing it in my sleep every night. My credit card balance is...."scary".

On a whim, I ordered a ComfortGel, from cpap.com. It arrived yesterday and I used it last night. I slept an entire 6.5 hrs., my normal sleep time, without waking up, and still had the mask on when I slept through my alarm at 4:30 am! Finally woke up at 5 and rushed around getting ready for work, but was amazed how good I felt.

I know it's just one night, but the first night with the new mask, and it went great! I'm so stoked!

I guess I've rambled on long enough. I'll post some pictures of the CPAP Headboard when it's finished.

Hang in there everybody, it'll get easier.

Boomer

Colorado Jan · Post by **Colorado Jan** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:32 pm

Hi, Boomer....

What a project! I'm having trouble visualizing a bookcase headboard that allows the cpap machine to be lower than the bed.....but I'm sure you have that ALL figured out and this is going to be a great thing.

And apparently, it means that despite all of your compliancy issues, you are not giving up! That's a WONDERFUL thing.

Who would have known a Comfortgel would have been a great mask for you! After all it has the word "comfort" in the title and conventional wisdom has it that that is a bad sign! Glad you bucked tradition and gave it a try.

I'm complying well, but I'm not doing it happily. I'm on the "new mask a month" plan myself. Have the Aura, the ComfortLite (which also isn't that bad of a mask), the Activa (boo! hiss!hiss!, lol) and the Swift. Mostly wearing the Swift, which on the third or fourth day of usage starts doing very strange things to my nostrils, er, nares. Got a Breeze coming soon. I'm really hoping I find the mask of my dreams soon, because the adventure is kind of losing its luster, if you know what I mean.

When I first came to this board, I read a ton of old threads, and I just swear I read one that suggested that if you have a problem with taking your mask off in the night, you should check to see if your pressure is correct. Theory being that you may be lacking for air in the night and THAT is what prompts you to tear your mask off, gasping for air (but not waking up). As I remember, that thread was written as if it was the gospel truth, but I've not seen ANYBODY mention ANYTHING like that since I've been more or less a regular. But I still kind of like that theory...it does kind of make sense. I don't have personal experience with it, just passing along various theories in the hopes of finding the one that works for you or others.

Good luck...and are you going to post a picture of this marvelous headboard?

Jan in Colo.

dsg · Post by **dsg** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:05 pm

I think the idea of a headboard/cabinet dealie custom-built to accomodate a CPAP setup is one of the coolest things I've heard of in a looong time. I'm in awe of you, Boomer. And a great looking wood, to boot!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:52 pm

Boomer! What a great idea. That's going to be a wonderful setup for your equipment. Everything handy.

Colorado Jan wrote:if you have a problem with taking your mask off in the night, you should check to see if your pressure is correct. Theory being that you may be lacking for air in the night and THAT is what prompts you to tear your mask off, gasping for air (but not waking up).

Jan, I vaguely remember reading that too at some time. Sure makes sense. Could very well happen. Yet another reason why autopap, adjusting the pressure as needed, suits many people well.

btw, Boomer....good to see you back. You still look just as cute as ever, ya know?!

Boomer · Post by **Boomer** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:32 am

BTW, I have an APAP, and have been tweaking the pressure and I have pretty much settled at 5-10. The upper level of 10 does not get all of the apneas (I was titrated at 13), but keeps them at less than 5. I figure it's better to get most of them and hopefully keep the mask on longer, letting a couple slip by. I'll try bumping the upper limit up .5 at a time, after a few weeks at 10.

Yes, I'll post pics of the head board when it is finished.

Boomer

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:48 am

Good thinking by Jan and Rested Gal.

I the new mask is the solution - fine. If not, I would also start trumping up the bottom of the range. Assuming you were properly titrated (that does happen ) starting at 5 seems to me to be low, and maybe that could be the reason you're not tolerating the mask.

The suggestion that pressure too low is what makes you take off you mask appears in cpap.com's faqs: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/ALL.html#160

Why do I wake up to find my mask is off?
People remove their mask during sleep because they are not getting enough air.

The CPAP pressure may be reduced if your mask is leaking. Your mask may be too big or too old. Take our mask sizing measurements to see if you have the best size. If your mask fits you but is six to nine months old, it should be replaced. In time, the silicone cushion deteriorates and becomes too soft to hold a seal.

If the CPAP air is being delivered effectively, it may be that it is set too low. Pressure settings may require change due to weight gain or loss. The type of sleep study you had and the duration of sleep may indicate that your pressure could be adjusted. You should speak to your doctor if you think your pressure may need to be adjusted

Let us know what you do, and how it works.

O.

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:36 am

I have a bookcase headboard. I'm going to be building a new bed and headboard soon myself and one of the things I've been looking at is that my bed has drawers under it. I was thinking of taking teh drawer closest to the head of the bed and modifying it to allow me to simply extend the drawer as a platform containing my APAP. In the morning... close the drawer. I'd still have to make provisions for the hose, but.... not sure yet. HAven't really got into the design that far.

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:04 pm

Colorado Jan wrote: I'm on the "new mask a month" plan myself.

Maybe Cpap.com should start a "Mask of the Month Club" as an alternative to all those fruit of the month, beer of the month, etc. Think how exciting it would be waiting for the package to arrive every month

dsg · Post by **dsg** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:39 pm

Mask of the Month Club!!! I like that idea.

Yoga · Post by **Yoga** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:20 am

Yardbird,

Built in drawers are a great idea as then you don't have to dust under the bed!

Years ago my husband designed a bed which he made. While we were in Thailand, he upgraded the design and we had it made of teak wood by a cabinet maker. It has a built in florescent light across the top. two shelves including 4 electrical plugs. We sometimes plug in a heating pad, nightlights, noise suppressor, etc. There are 2 switches at each end on the lower shelf to control the flouresent light. There are four storage drawers underneath.

When I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, he added a board along the side of the bed with 2 metal arms attached to accomodate the different lengths of the masks, such as one arm for the Swift and another arm for the Ultra Mirage.

However, I just put the machine on a cardboard box for the heighth I wanted. On top of the box is a metal tray and under the metal tray is a non-skid material to keep the machine from sliding.

Hope this gives you some more ideas for your bed design. Good Luck.

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