Poll: How Prepared Are You Regarding A Cpap Backup Plan

Lets see.....

2 Bipap Auto SVs (I do not trust "we'll have to order it" Apria to have a machine on hand if mine breaks.

3 Comfortlite 2 masks with six sets of nasal pillows

3 Headrest masks with 4 sets of nasal pillows

1 Zzz-mask full face (only used when sick)

3 extra CL2 straps which I also use on my Headrest after cutting the rubberized stuff off.

3 hoses and hose covers

2 Hozers, one for home, one for travel and emergencies like tripping over my own feet, falling onto the Hozer and breaking it

Just got the DC step up transformer which my machine needs for emergency power. Still researching batteries. Three times in the last three weeks, I've been awakened by a power outage. I did wake up at once and pulled off my mask. But hey, the weather was fine and we are having outages. What's it gonna do if there's a hurricane?

So backups are getting there....

boy have you folks got me thinking - i have 1 machine, 1 mask (only cause i just changed size so all my spare supplies are useless) and had never even thought about a power outage. then last week we had a ~3 hour outage - woke to a non functioning machine - and found i could not get back to sleep until the power was back on - i read the "is it habit forming like needing a sleeping pill can be" and laughed - it is habit forming in a way - i have now gotten into the "habit" of breathing thru the night and found i could not go back to sleep till i had cpap again. never knew about back up batteries - just found you guys yesterday - and have started the savings fund for that

My broke APAP story,

Back in September I went on a cruise on the Carnival Paradise out of Long Beach, Ca.

On the second day my wife insisted the beds be rearranged. The cabin guy complied. That night my cpap didn't work. They must have been rough on my machine.
I can repair it if I have the tools. Specifically a #10 Torx. I usually carry a tool kit with my APAP. But not this time.. Do you believe that they didn't have 1 on the ship. Anyplace! It was a terrible night of choking and snoring. I had a whopper of a headache. The next morning we arrived in Ensenada Mexico. I left the ship and went hunting for a Torx set. I finally found a hardware store that had what I needed. A complete set of Torx in a handy holder. About $5. I ran back to the ship and repaired my apap. I slept good that night.
Now I usually keep the required torx taped to the bottom of my 420E but TSA had a fit once so I took it off. I again taped it to the 420E and thats where it stays. Screw the TSA. On the way home TSA questioned me about the Torx. I told them that it was to repair my cpap when they break it by handleing it rough. He asked if I had a problem with them . I said I did if they continue to break my stuff. Thats why the Torx is taped to the bottom of my CPAP. He said ok.

I also keep a TAP in my cpap case but its "FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY"

Back at the house I have a spare 420E, Several masks, A few jump starters and 2 110 amp hr deep cycle batteries. I keep my 420 plugged into it always and it is charged by a battery minder brand charger. Never been without power in years.

It sounds like I am less prepared than most, but I kinda have a "cross that bridge when I get there" way of thinking. I have extra hoses, masks, etc., mainly because I get them every 3 months because my insurance will pay for them and at any time I could be without insurance. So, whether I need them or not, I stock up. I could barely afford my cost of a machine the first time around so I have not gotten a back up or back up power source. But I figure I will just wing it if that happens. One night or two will be crappy but, I will survive it.....at least I think so.

Just the thought of being one night without my machine makes me cringe.

The teethgrinding all night long trying to keep my airway open
All my neck muscles hurting the next day from clenching my jaw.
A headach, brain fog, dropping things and generaly feeling like dodo doesn't make me happy, it brings back all the bad memories. And I know it would be an almost sleepless night anyway.
I never want to have to go even one night without that machine.
Yes, I would surive, but I know how I feel after a bad night ON THE MACHINE, so I know a night not on it would be he** and the next day worse.

So, yes I have a good back up plan, but I still don't have a back up machine.
DME says you don't need a back up machine we will lend you a machine.
I say, right ,you leave early on Fridays and don't return till Monday.
Give me your home phone number then I'll feel comfortable not having a back up machine.

Just a note to others. This is an ancient thread - 2010.

Ancient but still for the most part accurate and relevant. Do you have a backup plan?

Way back when; I had only one machine, but intended to get a backup.
Instead I upgraded to an Autoset, and retained the Elite for backup.

HoseCrusher wrote:Ancient but still for the most part accurate and relevant. Do you have a backup plan?

I do not deny that. It's always good to know what, if anything, you need to do. Many DME's will provide a backup unit if yours fails during your rental period. After that, they may charge some exorbitant rental fee. Check before you need it. I continue to be on the lookout for an inexpensive backup. I have my prescription on file both at our sponsor and secondwindcpap, so if my machine actually does need service, I can order one right away. However, I have MILD apnea and the option to use my bro's old bipap. Someone with moderate to severe apnea probably can't go a couple of days without a machine.

The thought of dealing with my DME, doctor and probably a couple of sleep studies over a period of at least several months strikes fear in my soul and panic attacks in my wallet. Back ups are better for my health.

Tonight I got distracted on the couch watching TV and I fell into a deep sleep but very disturbed!
I slept on the couch until the morning.
After four months for the first time I did not sleep with APAP and was worse than a boxing match!
Headache, drowsiness, muscle pain ...
I lived a day of dreadful! Never again!
Now I think my APAP is very important to me! it is important to have a backup.

Oltremare wrote:Tonight I got distracted on the couch watching TV and I fell into a deep sleep but very disturbed!
I slept on the couch until the morning.
After four months for the first time I did not sleep with APAP and was worse than a boxing match!
Headache, drowsiness, muscle pain ...
I lived a day of dreadful! Never again!
Now I think my APAP is very important to me! it is important to have a backup.

Sorry to get a bit off topic, but here is a tip I learned from the forum. If I want to lie on the sofa and watch TV, I set the timer on my iPhone for 15 minutes and place the phone near my head. This has saved me a few times from having a too long sleep without my APAP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8MzHqkNBwo

Do "they" have a score category for Apple induced arousals...?

HoseCrusher wrote:Do "they" have a score category for Apple induced arousals...?