Want to use my Cpap - but it's dirty

[DottyG]

Confession - it's been a long time since I've used my Cpap. I don't have a good excuse, but I just wasn't using it.

I've decided that I need to get back to it. I'm going to do my best to be compliant (please don't beat me up for neglecting it - I'm going to try to do better).

I tried boiling my hose and humidifier (it looked like it'd be safe to boil it) to see if I could get things disinfected. I'm washing the mask in the washer - the instructions said I could do that. I'm doing it on a Gentle cycle.

Found out that you can't boil the hose! It melts! So I'll be getting a new one. I was hoping to use the machine tonight, but I guess I'll have to wait. Everything else looks ok.

My concern, now, is the actual machine. It got really dusty since I've used it. I've wiped it off as best I can. But is there anything else I can do? If I use a new filter (I'll get one when I ask for the new hose), is that enough? Is there anything else I can do to clean it? I don't know how the machines, technically, work. Are there any places I'd need to check that might harbor mold or dust or anything?

I'm not even sure anyone here can answer these questions. But I thought I'd try. I was hoping to maybe get a good night's sleep tonight. Suppose it's going to have to wait until another night.

Philips Respironics M-Series REMstar Pro with Humidifier (C-FLEX)
SleepWeaver Mask

[Sclark08]

Do you stil have the manuals? Or you could call Phillips Resperonics. They are very helpful. Why do you think you need it if you were able not to use it for a while?

[same oldie]

Put new filters in it, yes. Plug it in and turn it on. Let in run for half an hour or so. Maybe attach a slightly damp mesh cloth in front of it to see if any dirt or dust come out.....Where did you keep it for it to get dirty??

[DottyG]

Do you stil have the manuals??

If I do, I don't know where they are. So, I'm going to say "no" on that.

Or you could call Phillips Resperonics. They are very helpful.

Lol! That's a logical solution. And one that makes complete sense. I don't know why I didn't think of that (unless it's for the reason as the answer to your 3rd comment/question), but I'll do that.

Why do you think you need it if you were able not to use it for a while?

It finally occurred to me that my daytime drowsiness and my wanting to sleep all the time is more than likely to do with the fact that I'm not getting enough rest at night. I should have been using the machine, and I've felt guilty about not using it. But I'm seeing some effects now that make me realize just how much I need to get back to it.

Put new filters in it, yes. Plug it in and turn it on. Let in run for half an hour or so. Maybe attach a slightly damp mesh cloth in front of it to see if any dirt or dust come out

That's a great idea. Thanks!

Where did you keep it for it to get dirty??

Maybe "dirty" is the wrong word. Dusty. It was kind of tucked away in my apartment in a place where it attracted more dust than I realized. Plus, they were doing construction near me for a while that increased the amount of dust in my home. I kept on top of cleaning, but I guess this area got more than usual.

[DottyG]

So much for calling Phillips Respironics. Not helpful at all.

I got transferred around the phone tree a while. Then I ended up with a recording that said, "Contact your DME." Never could get to a real person to ask for help.

I did talk to my DME - needed to order the new hose and filters. I want to get a new mask, but I read on here that the SW Anew may be coming out with a Version 2 model that fixes some of the Version 1 problems. If so, I'll wait for that.

Just out of curiosity, do any of you have a favorite mask that works for someone that sleeps on their stomach. The Sleepweaver is the only one I've found that kinda, sorta allows that. But maybe there's something I haven't heard of yet that you know about.

[Janknitz]

Since you've been a member since 2009, it may be time for brand new everything. Your prescription from 2009 may not be accurate anymore since there are many variables that could have occurred in the last 5 years (weight gain or lost, changes in your degree of sleep apnea, age related changes, etc.). Plus, you should be eligible for a new machine at this point.

I would recommend that you see a doctor and get a new titration study to see what pressures are optimal. Then perhaps a brand new, EFFICACY data capable machine, mask, hose, filters, etc. (be sure to read my blog post on "What you need to know BEFORE you meet your DME, so you'll be armed with information to get the right machine). Now that you know the downside of not using your machine, you can be much more invested in the process, and that will help you stay on track.

You can certainly start with your old one until all this occurs, and then keep it as a back up. But if you don't have the correct settings for how you are NOW, you may give up again if you see no real benefit. I think it's always best to set yourself up for success instead of failure.

[Pugsy]

Philips Respironics M-Series REMstar Pro with Humidifier (C-FLEX)

The M Series Pro cpap machine is a full data machine in terms of what was available when it was supplied.
Doesn't do Clear airway, RERA or Flow limitation (that that's because it's fixed pressure) or wave flow rate graphs.
Otherwise it gives enough data to allow for good evaluation.

Should have a Smart Card in it..if not easily bought on line.
Would also need the DT3500 Infineer Smart card reader..nothing else will do...and it is still easily found online.
Finally would need Encore software and Windows computer...I can help with the software if you supply the computer and other stuff.

If you want further information on where to get the Smart card, the reader or the software just send me a private message.

[DottyG]

Philips Respironics M-Series REMstar Pro with Humidifier (C-FLEX)

The M Series Pro cpap machine is a full data machine in terms of what was available when it was supplied.
Doesn't do Clear airway, RERA or Flow limitation (that that's because it's fixed pressure) or wave flow rate graphs.
Otherwise it gives enough data to allow for good evaluation.

Should have a Smart Card in it..if not easily bought on line.
Would also need the DT3500 Infineer Smart card reader..nothing else will do...and it is still easily found online.
Finally would need Encore software and Windows computer...I can help with the software if you supply the computer and other stuff.

If you want further information on where to get the Smart card, the reader or the software just send me a private message.

You just spoke Greek! "Clear airway"? "RERA"? "Flow limitation"? "Wave flow rate graphs"?

[Pugsy]

You just spoke Greek! "Clear airway"? "RERA"? "Flow limitation"? "Wave flow rate graphs"?

Those are available on the newer model Respironics machines.
But you still have good data on the M series. I mention it in case you didn't know and others might wonder if it was full data or not. It was one of the top of the line in its day. I had the Auto model which offered APAP mode where yours just offers CPAP mode.

Here's an old detailed report of mine from when I used the M series APAP machine. Your Pro M series machine offers the same except it won't flag FLs.

For examples of the newer model reports check out the SleepyHead tutorial at the top of the Announcements section on forum main page.

[Lukie]

Cheers for getting back with your CPAP. I'm curious as to what your sleep report showed for AHI. I'm also wondering if your doctor educated you well on the serious consequences that come from untreated sleep apnea. Not using your CPAP does not just amount to some drowsiness and poor functioning, it can over time because of drops in your oxygen level cause heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, dementia and yes, sudden death. When you stop breathing during your sleep your heart and other internal organs are put under severe stress. Your adrenal glands pump out cortisol to wake you up so you can start breathing again. It is now considered to be a factor in metabolic syndrome and/or obesity. Please get back to your doctor and good treatment. Sleep apnea is real and serious.....as serious as cancer.

[DottyG]

I'm also wondering if your doctor educated you well on the serious consequences that come from untreated sleep apnea.

Yes. Which is why I said I'm getting back to it.

[zoocrewphoto]

Welcome back. I agree with the idea of a new sleep study. If you can't go that route, see if you get a prescription for a new auto machine with full data. Then you could do a titration at home and see what your current needs are. Either way would be good, and much better than starting off with settings that were probably good 5 years ago (but might now have been, as many people need some tweaking once they get going).