deleted

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
User avatar
LinkC
Posts: 3154
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:06 pm
Location: Amelia Island, FL

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by LinkC » Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:28 pm

dtsm wrote: my mouth is taped to prevent mouth leaks!

Yes, but you always fold the tape to provide an emergency "rip-cord" on both ends, of course. DON'T YOU????

_________________
MachineMaskHumidifier
Additional Comments: 11-14 cmH2O
The OSA patient died quietly in his sleep.
Unlike his passengers who died screaming as the car went over the cliff...

User avatar
JohnBFisher
Posts: 3821
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:33 am

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by JohnBFisher » Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:53 pm

Wulfman wrote:... Edit: One more thought......
Without your machine, you'd be suffocating ALL NIGHT LONG from Sleep Apnea. ...
Actually, I just talked with someone who had a friend, whose husband suffered SERIOUS neurological damage from what sounded as if it was untreated sleep apnea. I was able to provide a pointer to a board certified sleep specialist in their area.

Snoring, gasping ... all the time ... until that last time, when he did not restart. They resuscitated him, but he now needs to relearn how to talk and walk and ... !!!

No clear diagnosis yet, but I would not be surprised (based on the description of symptoms) if some sort of sleep apnea was not involved.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: User of xPAP therapy for over 20 yrs. Resmed & Respironics ASV units with EEP=9cm-14cm H2O; PSmin=4cm H2O; PSmax=15cm H2O; Max=25cm H2O
"I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing” from Rabbi Hillel
"I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams." from Zdzisław Beksiński

AirBreather
Posts: 118
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:34 pm

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by AirBreather » Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:55 pm

I agree with everything other responders have written about power-failure risk. I have used CPAP or Auto CPAP for 17-years and have experienced numerous nighttime power-failures during that time. Not once have I failed to wake-up immediately when power has failed. I don't worry at all about suffocation due to electrical power failure.

A greater concern is where power isn't restored for several hours, because, as likely is the case with many others who frequently post here, my untreated sleep apnea is severe enough that I don't think it is wise to sleep without CPAP. A couple weeks ago the power went off here at 10:15 pm and service wasn't restored until 3:00 am. I sat up and listened to a battery-powered music player until the power came back on, because of the risks associated with sleeping without CPAP.

_________________
Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset
Mask: AirFit F30 Complete Mask + AirMini Mask Setup Pack Bundle
Additional Comments: ClimateLine Tubing, Oscar Software, AirSense 10 Autoset Backup Machine

User avatar
GumbyCT
Posts: 5779
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:22 pm
Location: CT
Contact:

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by GumbyCT » Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:58 pm

KMCKOB wrote:ResMed S8 Escape II User Guide p.14 (can be Googled):
"However when the device is not operating, insufficient fresh air will be provided through the mask and
the exhaled air may be rebreathed. Rebreathing of exhaled air for longer than several minutes can, in some
circumstances, lead to suffocation. This applies to most models of CPAP devices."
"In the event of power failure or machine malfunction, remove the mask."

Well, if I'm asleep and there's a power failure, there's no guarantee that I'll wake up to remove the mask.
I'm having second thoughts about this system and may return this equipment* to DME supplier.

*ResMed S8 Escape II with ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask
The manual is CYA and you, my friend, have a classic case of denial. Yes, whether you know (or admit to it) YOU are looking for a reason to NOT wear the f'n mask all night for the rest of you life.

As already mentioned you have suffocated yourself already for (think back) - what maybe 15-20 yrs?
You have become used to the nite sweats, bathroom breaks, not being able to remember (what you had for lunch), waking during the nite gasping for breath w/heart racing (you may even remember some of these) believe me that most of them you won't remember cuz you body was staring for O2. Right now your ability to reason is impaired.

Welcome to the Party Pal
Start here -
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38249&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

fwiw - I'm not one to convince you to wear this getup - IF you don't want it, sell it to me or someone else who will use it!!!

'nuf said

_________________
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand
Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!
Last edited by GumbyCT on Thu Mar 18, 2010 5:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
;)
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!

User avatar
DottyG
Posts: 181
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:20 am
Location: Texas

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by DottyG » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:38 pm

AirBreather wrote:A greater concern is where power isn't restored for several hours, because, as likely is the case with many others who frequently post here, my untreated sleep apnea is severe enough that I don't think it is wise to sleep without CPAP. A couple weeks ago the power went off here at 10:15 pm and service wasn't restored until 3:00 am. I sat up and listened to a battery-powered music player until the power came back on, because of the risks associated with sleeping without CPAP.
Oh my goodness. That part hadn't even occurred to me. What happens if you do have to finally go to sleep without it? What are the dangers if (say, due to something beyond your control like this) you do end up going to sleep once without it? I'd try to stay awake if possible, but what if I did fall asleep?

Ok, now you have me scared!:D
Certe, Toto, sentio nos in Kansate non iam adesse.

"Every time you are compliant in using your machine, you take that first step to better health"- DJ_Boxer

dtsm
Posts: 1097
Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:34 am
Location: CT

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by dtsm » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:45 pm

GumbyCT wrote: fwiw - I'm not one to convince you to wear this getup - IF you don't want it, sell it to me or someone else who will use it!!!
'nuf said

Wow????

OP is new, and asked an innocent but legitimate question. I've been 99.9% compliant since starting therapy back in Jan but had the same concerns....let's not go overboard and scare him off the forum.

From a fellow CT cpapper

User avatar
DottyG
Posts: 181
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:20 am
Location: Texas

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by DottyG » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:49 pm

dtsm wrote:
GumbyCT wrote: fwiw - I'm not one to convince you to wear this getup - IF you don't want it, sell it to me or someone else who will use it!!!
'nuf said

Wow????

OP is new, and asked an innocent but legitimate question. I've been 99.9% compliant since starting therapy back in Jan but had the same concerns....let's not go overboard and scare him off the forum.

From a fellow CT cpapper
Gotta agree. AND, this is someone who was diligent enough to read the manual and find the part that talked about suffocation. I think the fact that the OP is reading up on this therapy and is asking questions is commendable.
Certe, Toto, sentio nos in Kansate non iam adesse.

"Every time you are compliant in using your machine, you take that first step to better health"- DJ_Boxer

User avatar
BleepingBeauty
Posts: 2454
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 5:30 pm
Location: Aridzona ;-)

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by BleepingBeauty » Thu Mar 18, 2010 5:00 pm

DottyG wrote:
AirBreather wrote:A greater concern is where power isn't restored for several hours, because, as likely is the case with many others who frequently post here, my untreated sleep apnea is severe enough that I don't think it is wise to sleep without CPAP. A couple weeks ago the power went off here at 10:15 pm and service wasn't restored until 3:00 am. I sat up and listened to a battery-powered music player until the power came back on, because of the risks associated with sleeping without CPAP.
Oh my goodness. That part hadn't even occurred to me. What happens if you do have to finally go to sleep without it? What are the dangers if (say, due to something beyond your control like this) you do end up going to sleep once without it? I'd try to stay awake if possible, but what if I did fall asleep?

Ok, now you have me scared!:D
Dotty, if you find yourself without power, try sleeping on your belly or in a more upright position, like in a recliner. Positioning can help get you through a power outage with no machine.

A few months into my therapy journey (and long before I found this forum), we lost power just as I was getting into bed. Having no choice, I tried to sleep without my machine, but I was truly miserable. When the power was finally restored several hours later, it was a real relief to put the mask on and go to sleep.

Shortly thereafter, I got myself a backup battery so I'd never have to experience that misery again. I sleep better (no pun intended) knowing that I have a backup power source at the ready.
Veni, vidi, Velcro. I came, I saw, I stuck around.

Dx 11/07: AHI 107, central apnea, Cheyne Stokes respiration, moderate-severe O2 desats. (Simple OSA would be too easy. ;))

PR S1 ASV 950, DreamWear mask, F&P 150 humidifier, O2 @ 2L.

User avatar
GumbyCT
Posts: 5779
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:22 pm
Location: CT
Contact:

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by GumbyCT » Thu Mar 18, 2010 5:07 pm

dtsm wrote:
GumbyCT wrote: fwiw - I'm not one to convince you to wear this getup - IF you don't want it, sell it to me or someone else who will use it!!!
'nuf said

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38249&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38249&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

_________________
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand
Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!
BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
;)
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!

jules
Posts: 3304
Joined: Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:51 pm

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by jules » Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:30 pm

SuperGeeky wrote:Really, if this is a concern. I believe Fisher and Paskell have a seamless battery powered CPAP. Power goes out, it continues on the backup battery. I think RestedGal has one.
Everest does this ----

User avatar
OldLincoln
Posts: 779
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:01 pm
Location: West Coast

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by OldLincoln » Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:43 pm

Sorry, I have to chuckle....

A while back a poster said his wife turned off his machine and the howls for killer echoed thru the halls. So now somebody read the manual disclaimer about suffocation and you say no problem. If the killer poster had the power go out instead of the wife turn it off, would he be dead or not?

So, here's a challenge for those so certain that you can breath just fine through the mask if the machine stopped. How about wearing your FFM with the hose port plugged and watch TV for 3 or 4 hours, then let us know how it went. I'm not certain so I need not apply. I'm not talking about the "brain wakes you up because you need air" thing, but the "don't worry because you can breath just fine with the power off" thing.

I do love all you guys and appreciate your advice, but have seen the story flip so often depending on circumstances I shake my head and chuckle.

EDIT: PS: The battery backup system developed recently is the RIGHT thing to do for those concerned. I know it casts some bucks, but you would replace a really bald tire if your family's safety depended on it, so suck it up and just do it.
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet / F&P Simplex / DME: VA
It's going to be okay in the end; if it's not okay, it's not the end.

DreamOn
Posts: 1920
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:13 am

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by DreamOn » Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:50 pm

I purchased this PowerOUT! power failure alarm: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/relian ... light.html. I didn't have anything else to order from cpap.com at the time, so I bought it for $13 at my local hardware store. An audible alarm and flashing lights are triggered if the power goes out. I have it near the head of my bed, so I'll be able to hear/see it. It can also be used as an emergency flashlight for up to 6 hours.

User avatar
GumbyCT
Posts: 5779
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:22 pm
Location: CT
Contact:

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by GumbyCT » Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:23 pm

OldLincoln wrote:So, here's a challenge for those so certain that you can breath just fine through the mask if the machine stopped. How about wearing your FFM with the hose port plugged and watch TV for 3 or 4 hours, then let us know how it went. I'm not certain so I need not apply. I'm not talking about the "brain wakes you up because you need air" thing, but the "don't worry because you can breath just fine with the power off" thing.

I forgot to mention - me thinks you are more likely to hurt or kill yourself IF you change your own pressures in the machine when you are awake then goto sleep.

_________________
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand
Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!
BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
;)
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!

User avatar
SuperGeeky
Posts: 414
Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 3:55 pm
Location: MaryEtta, Gawga (Now a part of the Union)

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by SuperGeeky » Fri Mar 19, 2010 2:41 am

SuperGeeky wrote:
Really, if this is a concern. I believe Fisher and Paskell have a seamless battery powered CPAP. Power goes out, it continues on the backup battery. I think RestedGal has one.

Jules wrote:
Everest does this ----
Thanks for the correction Jules! Everest 3 Travel CPAP System from AEIOMed: 1.8 lbs with battery, about $240, nice....

Has anyone used it??

SG

_________________
Humidifier
Additional Comments: Cozy Hose, Hose Boss Management System, PapCap F Series

User avatar
bdp522
Posts: 3378
Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2006 5:13 pm

Re: SUFFOCATION IS POSSIBLE

Post by bdp522 » Fri Mar 19, 2010 5:25 am

Hi SG, I have the older version of the Everest. Love this little machine! It has no bells or whistles (c-flex, data) but works just fine. It is a straight cpap, is small, light, easy to use and setup. The best part is the battery operation. If you keep it plugged in it switches automatically from wall to battery power and back to wall power. I find it to be a different pitch from my regular machine, but the sound doesn't bother me at all. If this machine had full data it would be my everyday machine, as it is I use it for travel and when the power may go out due to storms. And it's great for a nap on the porch in the spring time!!

Brenda

_________________
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5