Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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snoozysue
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Location: Australia

Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by snoozysue » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:39 am

I have been using my APAP for almost 6 months and after lots of trial and error with everything (Quattro mask, Humidifer, Heated hose, Remzzs, Sleep Comfort Care PAds, TranquilEyes) - you name it - I have tried it, everything seems to be OK with AHI usually under 0.5.
We are just going into our warmer months now in Australia and I would like to be forewarned about any additional discomfort or problems that the warm weather might bring. During Summer we usually have temps around mid-high 30deg C (90s in F) so iy will get quite warm.
Any help with what to expect would be appreciated as I have only gone through Winter so far with APAP.

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JohnBFisher
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Re: Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by JohnBFisher » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:46 am

No, no! It's almost winter!

It does take some adjustment to strap the mask to your face in that type of temperature. Of course, if you have air conditioning that makes it easier. If not, you may need to take care to wash your face before using your mask.

Is it very dry in your area? You may need to humidify more. Is it very humid? Perhaps a wash cloth before the air intake to wring out some moisture.

Seriously, it's like anything else with xPAP thereapy. It takes some adjustment. Fortunately you started in cooler months. Your body is now fairly well adjusted. You will gradually adjust as the temperature increases. But don't be surprised if some nights you find the mask constraining. It is one reason I loved using nasal pillows rather than a nasal mask. Unfortunately, my current machine would not work with nasal pillows. And a full face mask is all that works for me now.

So, other than possibly researching nasal pillows, I think you will adjust as the temperature increases.

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Janknitz
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Location: Northern California

Re: Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by Janknitz » Sun Oct 31, 2010 11:56 am

Summer brings a few challenges. Some people complained that the heat made their faces sweat and masks slipped. You might try Remzzz's or a homemade version if this becomes an issue.

Allergies may be intensified during the summer and fall--the usual things apply to dealing with them (saline rinses, steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines).

I liked the "personal air conditioner" when I was warm I'd hold my hand a few inches from the vent and blow the cool air back to my face.

We had a relatively cool summer and I didn't suffer at all with CPAP, but not so sure it would be the case if we'd had a "real" summer (we have no air conditioning and get occasional heat waves where the temp is in the 100's Farenheit).
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boosmum
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Re: Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by boosmum » Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:18 pm

I'm so very glad you asked this question Sue because i'm in Australia (Melbourne) and have been meaning to post the same thing and now I can just read your answers LOL!!!

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Muse-Inc
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Re: Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by Muse-Inc » Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:14 pm

OK, hot weather changes for me (they don't call it HOT-lanta just for fun that's for sure)
  • Passover humidification, ie water in tank no heat
  • I sleep warm all yr long and hot weather makes me miserable, so it's AC all the time and a fan with a remote control. I go to sleep as usual, then during first wakeup whenever it occurs, I turn on the fan.
  • Cooler bed linens, hadda give up sheets 'cause they were just too hot, I sleep on the plush side of a large beach towel and under a very lightweight microfleece blanket.
  • Skimpier PJs
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chunkyfrog
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Re: Summer is almost here for me - will this bring problems

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:27 pm

Another use for those baby wipes:
A quick swipe on my sweaty face and cushion makes them all better and even a bit cooler.
I keep them next to my machine in the summer.

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