First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Putterini · Post by **Putterini** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:27 am

Hey all,

I started using a Cpap with a full face mask in 2015. Since I drool I was really uncomfortable with the drool just pooling in my mask (yuck!), so we switched to a chin strap and nasal mask about 3 months in. I cleaned my machine and tried the new mask for about 2 months, but ended up knocking the mask off, feeling like I was going to suffocate or pulling the chin strap off in my sleep, which lead to me just giving up because I was so uncomfortable. Then I tried again almost two years ago and ended up with pneumonia so severe, I eneded up in the PICU. I haven't touched my cpap since, and it's just sat in my closet for a mix of my fear of getting pneumonia again, and a fear of just not having a good nights sleep and having to be even more tired than normal because the mask disturbs my sleep.

I was talking with a good friend who really convinced me to give it another shot after this morning I was ready to pass out at work, even after a good nearly 12 hours of sleep.

So tonight, I'm going to go buy a big bottle of Dasani and give it a go lol. I really hope all goes well. Any tips for a lapser like me?

V/R,
Putterini

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:02 am

I hope the Dasani is to drink cause you should use Distilled water in the machine. Why don't you fill in your profile with the machine and mask you are using...pressure setting would help too.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 11:39 am

Plain tap water is preferable to all bottled water except for distilled - which as LSAT said, you should be using. Dasani is NOT 'distilled'!

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 11:52 am

Putterini wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:27 am
Then I tried again almost two years ago and ended up with pneumonia so severe, I eneded up in the PICU.

Note that studies have found that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to have pneumonia than people without sleep apnea. Their risk is higher for two reasons. One, while struggling to breath, they may aspirate some of the stomach contents. Two, their immune system may be weaker due to the effects of sleep apnea.

If you use reasonable hygiene with your CPAP system, it should help prevent pneumonia.

D.H. · Post by **D.H.** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 12:03 pm

Yes, use distilled water if you can get it. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can get it at most supermarkets. If you live elsewhere, you'll have to check local availability. If you can't get distilled water, purified water is a good second choice. Do not use any water that is unsafe to drink!

Also, empty your reservoir every morning and run the machine for at least 15 minutes to dry. I don't really think that this is necessary, but if you're worried about infection, do it anyhow.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 12:29 pm

Purified is NOT a good substitute - tap water's better unless you know it's bad.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 1:50 pm

Distilled water is cheap, and way easier than de-liming the reservoir.
Of course, our Lincoln swamp water is extremely hard.
Old toilet tanks resemble limestone caves.
This means your case may be different.
All US municipal water supplies are required to provide a yearly
analysis for consumer viewing. Look for hardness or mineral concentration.

AirMech74 · Post by **AirMech74** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:03 pm

Ok, newbie question here...why is tap water better in a CPAP than bottled drinking water?....doesn't the minerals in tap water leave a residue or maybe an aftertaste behind?

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:24 pm

AirMech74 wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:03 pm
Ok, newbie question here...why is tap water better in a CPAP than bottled drinking water?....doesn't the minerals in tap water leave a residue or maybe an aftertaste behind?

If you are talking about in a CPAP humidifier, nothing should leave an aftertaste. But, both tap water and bottled drinking water will contain minerals. These minerals will be left in the tank.

Dasani, for example, lists magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt alongside purified water on its Nutrition Facts label. SmartWater contains calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate. Nestle Pure Life’s list includes calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium sulfate. And these are just a few brands. Bottled water companies are purifying water, but then they’re adding extra ingredients back.
http://time.com/3029191/bottled-water-i ... on-health/

If you are on a municipal or country water supply system, your local authorities can provide you a report of what is in your tap water.

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 5:12 pm

Putterini wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 27, 2018 8:27 am
Hey all,

I started using a Cpap with a full face mask in 2015. Since I drool I was really uncomfortable with the drool just pooling in my mask (yuck!), so we switched to a chin strap and nasal mask about 3 months in. I cleaned my machine and tried the new mask for about 2 months, but ended up knocking the mask off, feeling like I was going to suffocate or pulling the chin strap off in my sleep, which lead to me just giving up because I was so uncomfortable. Then I tried again almost two years ago and ended up with pneumonia so severe, I eneded up in the PICU. I haven't touched my cpap since, and it's just sat in my closet for a mix of my fear of getting pneumonia again, and a fear of just not having a good nights sleep and having to be even more tired than normal because the mask disturbs my sleep.

I was talking with a good friend who really convinced me to give it another shot after this morning I was ready to pass out at work, even after a good nearly 12 hours of sleep.

So tonight, I'm going to go buy a big bottle of Dasani and give it a go lol. I really hope all goes well. Any tips for a lapser like me?

V/R,
Putterini

i'm hoping that the dasani is for drinking and not for putting into you cpap humidity tank?

when you come back, please fill out your equipment profile. and let us know what your minimum and maximum pressure is, please.

not all of us use the same machine, or mask or even the same pressure. once the knowledgeable people here know what your particulars are, they will be better able to help you!

meanwhile, you might want to try wearing the mask without going to bed. sit up and watch tv in the evenings, for example. this may help your mind get used to that piece of plastic on your face!

raisedfist · Post by **raisedfist** » Tue Mar 27, 2018 7:53 pm

What equipment are you using and what is your pressure or pressure range set at?

Distilled water is best for the humidifier. Dasani water has four ingredients on the nutrition label - no bueno for CPAP use.

Using CPAP and sticking to it can improve your life immensely, so let's get you up and running with success.

First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

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Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Re: First Time trying Cpap in a good minute and SUPER Nervous

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Auto PAP; 13.5 cmH2O min - 20 cmH2O max