CPAPtalk.com

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????

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 ----

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.

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.

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.

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

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