CPAP newbie with questions

[glasscutter]

Hi all, I'm a CPAP newbie, with 4 nights down using a Respironics Remstar Plus C-flex temporarily along with a Swift FX nasal pillows mask. The DME had only this machine for me, saying it was based on my sleep study and general practicioner's Rx. Luckily, I started reading up on machines and DMEs on this forum so I knew when I met with my DME that I was being given a good machine but with limited data capability. I got my GP to give me a new script for an APAP with A-flex, which will be in next week. I'm not unhappy with my current machine, but without the data how will I really know it's helping? So to my questions: I'm having a hard time getting used to the mask and hose and am looking at hose buddies. Has anyone tried the Cozy Hose BOSS Hose Management System? It looks like two pulleys that attach to the wall. I have a really thick mattress and it seems like the other types won't extend far enough above my head. Has anyone found a pole-type system with a longer extension? I'll have to wait and see exactly what machine I'm getting, but it'll likely be from Respironics as the DME thinks they are easier to use. (It is definitely taking some work on my end to be included in the decisions!) I'd like to buy the software eventually but I use a MAC Powerbook G4. I also have a REALLY old Dell I might use. Any thoughts? And about cleaning the mask, hoses, etc. Should I just use Ivory dish liquid or can you use the special wipes without hurting the mask? I've read conflicting advice on that. Thank you to everyone who posts on this site! I've already printed out karlchrisb's 'list of essentials' and read lots of great advice on how to make living with xPAP as successful as possible!

[apneawho]

Hi Glasscutter. I am a newbie too. On cpap for 5 weeks. Glad you got a script for a fully data capable machine. Your current machine will work just as well as another in terms of positive pressure, but you are right about having access to meaningful data. You can know how well it is working though by some other metrics though- how you are feeling, how you are sleeping, if you have headaches, are they decreasing, is urination at night decreasing or absent? In my case, leg cramps went away completely. My kidneys, brain and most every organ seem to be working better.
I haven't tried any hose management systems. The hose doesn't usually bother me. I have an older sleep number mattress which is thick but not sure how it compares to your mattress. I just curl the hose up next to me.
I use Ivory liquid for cleaning once per week, hose, mask, water chamber. I use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water once per month for an extra disinfecting. I just follow the guidelines you can search for on this site. I haven't tried any of the special wipes. Good luck with your therapy. I wish you the best.

[Slartybartfast]

Whoa there! Hold on! Before you worry about those things, get to know your machine and your mask. Spend at least a couple of weeks before you start worrying about hose management, etc. You've got lots bigger fish to fry.

Re: hose management, I have never needed anything. Just let the hose go where it wants to. However, it's a good idea to find some way to prevent yanking your new machine off the nightstand if you should happen to roll over. I placed my machine on the far side of a table lamp.



And as for cleaning, I've never cleaned the hose and only rinsed the mask out once with dilute dishwashing liquid. It's just not necessary unless you have other health problems, like a compromised immune system. This isn't (or shouldn't be) a high-maintenance activity.

Welcome to the group. Pleasant dreams!

[ameriken]

So to my questions: I'm having a hard time getting used to the mask and hose and am looking at hose buddies.

Hi, when you say you're having a hard time getting used to the mask and hose, can you define ''hard time" and how specifically are you having a hard time'?

As for the mask cleaning, my DME recommended 'warm soapy water' was all that was needed. I tend to avoid anything else because I've heard it can be harmful to the cushions (such as vinegar is a no-no).

[apneawho]

You are right. Sorry, I forgot to specify I use vinegar solution for the water container only. Use diluted Ivory liquid for other parts. Also, I did take Slarty's advice awhile back and set my machine up with lamp in between me and the machine. It really has helped to keep from pulling the machine in my sleep.
These seasoned vets are correct about settling in with mask fit. Follow their good advice.

[nanwilson]

Glasscutter welcome
You have not finished your reading yet...do a search on hose hangers, you will get all kinds of info, some ideas will cost you a few $$$ others won't cost at all. Also do a search on cleaning, no-one does it the same, we're all different....and yes you can use wipes but they must be fragrance and alcohol free..try unscented baby wipes.
Welcome and good luck on your journey to better sleep.

[msradar65]

For hose management I have my S9 autoset on my nightstand. I use hose management clips to clip it to the bottom of my mattress. During the day I shove the mask under my pillow. Works well.

When i am sleeping I have route the hose under the covers. I use a sobakawa cloud pillow which is the perfect size for me and I have a fleece covers over my hose. I don't like the plastic feel, plus the cover allows the hose to stay put when under the covers.

[glasscutter]

Thank you for all the advice. I probably am putting the cart before the horse! I will spend some time just getting used to it all (and doing more google searches )before I jump into buying extra stuff I may not need. Ameriken, my nasal pillows mask pushes against that space between my nose and upper lip and the 'pillow' aggravates the outside bottom of each nare. Then the tubing hangs off the bed and pulls on the mask. Those are my main annoyances. I feel like I spend a half hour adjusting the mask so I can fall asleep! Then after a few hours I wake up and feel like I have to just get the mask off my face. I have been taking it off for an hour or two and putting it back on when I wake up again. (Still lots of waking up and still tired during the day!) I know it's just going to take time to adjust. Hey, I can already tolerate starting at full pressure (8) mostly because I felt like I was trying too hard to breathe using the ramp, so there's defnitely hope!

[Riorican]

When I finally got a hoZer I realized that I had been waking up due to getting overheated and then the uncomfortable feel of the plastic from the hose. It made a significant difference to get the hose off of me. I wasn't comfortable with it laying in bed next to me or laying on top of me when I rolled over. I have a thick mattress and the hoZer is definitely long enough when placed between the base and mattress. With some masks I have to take out one of the extension pieces as it's too long. It's pricey and many members have jerry rigged hose hangers that work just as well for a lot less money, but it made a huge difference to me. Every obstacle that you can eliminate gets you one step closer to that great sleep.

[Sheriff Buford]

Within the hour, I am going to cpap.com to buy a hose buddy. Though I saw dramatic improvements in managing my sleep apnea during the first few weeks of therapy, I am sensitive to the "subtle" improvements. One of them is that I used to reach up and adjust my hose when I flip over at night. Now I'm sleeping so hard, that I'm waking up and finding the hose under me. Last week, the hose was under me and when I turned, the hose ripped and I had to replace it. It's definitely hose buddy time!!

Sheriff

[apneawho]

Glasscutter, one inexpensive thing you can buy for the plastic barrel of your nasal pillow is called a barrel cozy, made by padacheek.com. I can't tell which nasal pillow mask you are using but go to the website and see if you can find a match. They make comfortable microfiber coverings that may alleviate your fidgeting with the nasal pillow.