cpap in the hospital

[jmcanzo]

I work in a hospital, and today I had to work on a PC in the Resp Therapy dept. I was talking to one of the RT's about cpap and one of the things she told me is if someone brings in their own machine they are not allowed to touch it. She stated that it was against the law. But she also stated that they can supply you with one while here. I then asked her if she ever gets any sample masks from the manufactures. She stated sometimes they do and asked me what type and size I wear! maybe a new mask will show up for me?
She was really nice to me because I fixed her PC even thou I was there for someone else PC. (fixed that one too!)

[DoriC]

When my husband was in the hospital recently I brought his machine and I had to sign something that said the patient had pre-set his own machine at home to 12cms. They also taped a copy of that signed form on the night table. They did help him with his mask though and turned it on for him. I had the option of using a hospital machine from the Respiratory Dept if I wished. I didn't wish.

[Stormynights]

I was given a machine to use when I was in the hospital. It smelled so bad I couldn't use it. The mask was new but I always wash my new masks before using them. Don't count on using theirs.

[DannyPh]

I was in the Hospital last month and I used the Hospital Machine and the Hospital mask for one night and then used my Mask and their Machine for the remainder of my stay with no Ill Effects. I guess it is an Individual preference and Hospital Policies vary. The Hospital mask that I used was new and sealed in the original Package.

[Jaylee]

Yay for potentially getting free masks.

[Janknitz]

If you are admitted to a hospital, ask the admitting physician to order something along the lines of "patient may use own CPAP machine and mask with home settings". If it's an order in your chart, the staff must comply. Inform your spouse or surrogate decision-maker, too, so that they can ensure that the doctor's order is obtained and followed.

I keep planning to write an instruction sheet for my husband to tell him things like that and also how to empty the humidifier and pack up the machine, because I know he'll forget "in the moment".

[DoriC]

Yes, I forgot that, our surgeon wrote on the admission orders that patient will bring own pre-set cpap machine/mask.

[wacyone]

I had a total knee replacement the 1st of October 2010.When making pre-admission call the gal said I could use a hospital machine.I said I highly doudt the hospital has a machine like mine.I use a Bipap auto SV with max IPAP of 30.She said bring my machine with,the RT department would check it out and than bring it to my room.Had no problems with that at all and the Rt helped me get it set up at bedtime.I am felling fine now(but now the other knee says it wants to be replaced)

Wes

[davecpap]

I stayed in the ER overnight thursday, brought my CPAP with me.. no one cared at all that I used it (I asked first). No paperwork, no fuss. I probably just got a doctor/nurse who didn't mind

[StevenXXXX]

"I" would never use a Hospital CPAP nor mask, nor would I let any Hospital personnel touch mine.

It would always be in the sole possession & control of my wife & noone else - PERIOD

Just becasue the Hospital may want to do it one way, does not mean that you have to agree to that.

Remember though that everyone needs to be told that you do use a CPAP machine - especially the surgeon and the anesthiesologist.

[DocWeezy]

I had a total knee replacement the 1st of October 2010....(but now the other knee says it wants to be replaced)

Wes

Welcome to the fake knees club! That happened to me too...got the one knee replaced and then I noticed how bad my other knee was (plus it had taken all the strain during the first knee replacement). Had the second one done about 8 months later. Love them both and have no knee pain now.

I only wish I had been on xpap during this whole time because I think I would have recovered faster. Oh well, I was in denial then and was ignoring it when hubby told me that I stopped breathing at night. I should've listened to him because he was right (but don't tell him that!)

Weezy

[this_is_nascar]

Assumng your insured, not sure why you folks would be lugging your CPAP to the hospital. I agree, it will never be a comfortable as your own, but the mask and hose is brand-new, still in the packaging when it get placed on the machine.

[kneemeister]

Here at our hospital, someone from Biomed or Maintainance must look at the machine to verify that it is mechanically sound, and free of critters , and tag it as checked ok. Back in the day, before double insulated cases, we had to complete an electrical safety test (ground check, case leakage current).

[StevenXXXX]

Assumng your insured, not sure why you folks would be lugging your CPAP to the hospital. I agree, it will never be a comfortable as your own, but the mask and hose is brand-new, still in the packaging when it get placed on the machine.

I expect my CPAP to be as comfortable as possible at all times - even more important in the hospital, so why not use something you KNOW does that?

Mask & hose may be brand new, but machine is not. Just 1 more thing I have to worry about as to whether or not they sterilized it properly. Even if machine would also be brand new, why would I want to struggle with something I am not familiar with when I am in a Hospital recupperating from whatever?

And what are the chances I would get the exact same mask that works for me.

I AM adequately insured, but why would I want to needlessly increase the cost of my Hospital stay when I already have something that would work better for me.

SORRY, but I see no reason whatsoever to NOT bring my own CPAP, etc. if I go into the Hospital.

[wacyone]

DocWeezy...I have one up on you I think.I also have both artifical hips.They have been replaced in the past 4 years.

Wes