https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Bearcat42 2026-05-13T16:07:47Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.30.0 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Troubleshooting&diff=4141 2010-08-10T19:25:10Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div> As with any other undertaking that involves something that can go wrong, CPAP therapy can and will, at some point, require you to troubleshoot problems with your therapy, your equipment, or both. I will cover as much as I can here in an effort to help you save time and hopefully get your therapy heading in the right direction or just back on track.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Troubleshooting&diff=4140 2010-08-10T16:58:31Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: As with any other undertaking that involves something that can go wrong CPAP therapy can and will, at some point, require you to troubleshoot problems with your therapy, your equipment,...</p> <hr /> <div> As with any other undertaking that involves something that can go wrong CPAP therapy can and will, at some point, require you to troubleshoot problems with your therapy, your equipment, or both.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4139 2010-08-10T16:28:12Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, [[Truckers and CPAP]] but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.<br /> [[category:Travel]]</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4138 2010-08-09T22:46:51Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, [[Truckers and CPAP]] but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4137 2010-08-09T22:39:04Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the[[Image:Example.jpg/motel]] air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, [[Truckers and CPAP]] but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Bearcat42&diff=4136 2010-08-09T21:52:53Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>Hello,my name is David or Bearcat42 here on cpaptalk.com. I still feel as if I am new to CPAP therapy because I am still learning,still tweaking my equipment,to get the best result from my therapy. April of 2010 will mark my first year of cpap and I have learned so much from other users here.<br /> I hope I can help someone in some small way in the wiki by conveying my own experiences of cpap. I decided early on to take a pro-active,hands-on approach to my therapy and I have always tried to be compliant,even on those days when I just didnt want to. Now I can say that I dont want to go without my machine and the thought of not having it is distressing. <br /> For those who are having trouble with compliance I would just like to encourage you and implore you to not give up.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''09August,2010'''- I just added a new article entitled &quot;CPAP and general travel destinations&quot;. I hope this might help those newbies or anyone who may be traveling to consider what may lay ahead when they get to their destination. I hope it will show some insight into what is involved in traveling before you ever leave and maybe help to make some decisions that will have a positive effect on your therapy.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4135 2010-08-09T21:41:51Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, [[Truckers and CPAP]] but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4134 2010-08-09T21:40:44Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, ((Truckers and CPAP)) but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4133 2010-08-09T21:22:11Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.<br /> I believe most of us would agree that an RV, train, or even a cruise liner are indeed destinations and must be considered when traveling but I want to discuss any environment that takes you and your equipment from where you, and it, are accustomed to being.<br /> In my job I have to travel between 3 different states, those being Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. But we have also worked in Pennsylvania and Mississippi and we have to drive to all of these so you can see how many different locations, or destinations that I deal with just to do my job. Sometimes I am gone for a month or more and other times it may be a week or two so this means packing everything up and moving to another place that my machine is not used to being in. So therefore my machine is forced into many different environments and these environments do have an effect not only on your CPAP therapy but your equipment as well.<br /> These effects are created for the most part by just being in a different atmosphere such as a motel room where the air quality and even the humidity are going to be different than where you are accustomed to living and sleeping. Somethng as simple as the air inside of a motel room can play a part in how well your therapy goes while you are traveling and this can be caused in part by the level of cleanliness in the room by the motel cleaning staff to include what chemicals and other cleaning agents are used. Sleeping in an older room can also have adverse effect on your sleep and equipment just because of the fact that an older, shut up room can have musty odors which will linger in your equipment until cleaned. <br /> Okay, now I am going to make a comment here and I want to be clear that I mean no prejudice or judgement in any way toward anyone. Some of the worst air quality that I have experienced in a motel room while using my CPAP equipment has come from those who are from India and Pakistan. The operators of these motels tend to have their whole family living in the motel and they always cook their meals the same way they they were accustomed to in their homelands. Also there are different levels of hygiene and all of these seemingly innocent smells will collect inside of the filter of your machine as well as the humidifier tank and mask. The only way to rid your equipment of unwanted odors from any situation is to thoroughly clean everything including using a vinegar/water mix. <br /> Water also plays a part in your therapy when in a different environment. Being in a different city means using a completely different water supply which opens up a whole new discussion of water quality. Just how old are those pipes anyway? The easiest solution is to always use distilled water, no matter if you ar at home or if you travel. And for those who are proactive in their therapy and keep track of their data it is always important to keep as much of their therapy the same each night. If distilled water is used every night regardless of where you are then you know that any changes in your data were not caused by something you did not change.<br /> I cannot stress enough how important it is for a non-smoker usig CPAP to never, unless it cannot be helped, sleep in a smoking room, anywhere. I would encourage those of you who do smoke to not use your CPAP in a smoking environment. The nicotine in a smoking room will get into your equipment worse than anything and it is very noticeable and overpowering. Personally I have had to do this twice and it makes falling and staying asleep very hard. Stay away from a smoking room unless you are desprate, then wash everything, really well.<br /> It is so much easier to control your atmosphere in an environment that you are familiar with but when it comes time to get out of that comfort zone you have less and less control. So what can you do? Well, you do have the right to ask to see your motel room before you commit to paying for it. If the employee at the desk refuses your request then you also have the right to stay somewhere else. A polite explanation as to why you would like to see the room beforehand may go a long way in convincing them to see your point of view.<br /> Are you planning a trip to a relatives or to a friends for a holiday or just a visit? Are you staying with them? If so then it becomes important to you if they smoke or if they have pets inside their home, especially if you have allergies to pet dander. These things can wreak havoc with your sleep and effect your equipment as well.<br /> When camping you may sleep in either a tent or an RV but the fact still remains that you are in a different environment than what you are used to. If tent camping you might be without electricity and therefore on a battery back-up to run your CPAP machine. In this case you probably wouldnt use the humidifier to save your battery so water isnt an issue there but the surrounding atmosphere might be, from surrounding smells such as trees, foliage, or even a campfire. If you are in an RV then you have more control of your surroundings. <br /> CPAP therapy is for the most part an individualistic undertaking and it is up to the individual to make those decisions that will have a positive or negative effect on his or her therapy. This article is for informational purposes but it is up to you, the user, to decide what is best for you.<br /> Some of this information can also be found in an earlier article entitled, &quot;Truckers and CPAP&quot; but this aricle is meant to cover destinations in general. There are many destinations to be considered when traveling, not just motels. It is my hope that those who have travelled overseas or on cruise ships will add to this article and present those challenges.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=CPAP_and_general_travel_destinations&diff=4132 2010-08-09T06:19:51Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: By: Bearcat42 One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but...</p> <hr /> <div>By: Bearcat42<br /> <br /> One of the pitfalls to good CPAP therapy is the need to travel. This topic can cover many different areas such as RV, train, motels, etc... There many forms of travel but in this article I would like to concentrate on the destination and how it effects your therapy.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Building_Your_CPAP_Support_Team&diff=4104 2010-03-22T03:56:47Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>{{cleanup}}<br /> '''Building Your CPAP Support Team''' is a critical step in your treatment. There is the old saying &quot;It Takes a Village&quot;. There is power in numbers.<br /> <br /> [[Image:The_Thinker_Musee_Rodin.jpg|thumb|Food for Thought]]<br /> ==Why is it necessary to have a support team?==<br /> <br /> 1) Because it can be difficult to adjust to the cumbersome [[CPAP]] (CPAP, AutoPAP, BiPAP) treatment for OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). About half the people who start CPAP therapy fail, and failure increases their risk for heart attack, stroke, car accidents, and diminished quality of life.<br /> <br /> 2) Because selection of equipment, its set-up, and ongoing adjustments usually have some difficulties. There are many important details and variables. In addition, research is ongoing and equipment technology is rapidly changing.<br /> <br /> 3) Because for many people there are two missing links – good information sources and an informed person to help with frequent therapy questions. Patients are largely on their own with OSA treatment. Basic and detailed therapy information and ongoing assistance at a local [[DME]] (Durable Medical Equipment or home care provider) are not as easy to find as you might expect, or be used to from medical personnel in a hospital or medical clinic. Technicians (respiratory therapists, clinicians, or sleep technicians) even at many national chain DMEs, and even if patient-centered and kind, may be hampered in assisting you by organization constraints (business contracts and fear of litigation), misinformation, or dysfunctional organizational systems. For example, the technician is not allowed to share certain information with you such as general information about pressure settings and refers you to your doctor, who may not be an experienced sleep specialist. If you spoke to the same technician in a more neutral setting such as an AWAKE support group meeting, maybe they could share more general information from their experience. Or the DME sells equipment from only a few manufacturers, so their people only suggest those products, even though you may need better equipment from a different manufacturer. Perhaps they can get you other equipment, but they don’t volunteer that information, it may take a long time to get it, they don't have a refund policy for special orders, and they say they can't handle replacement parts for it. Your doctor, focusing on medicine, probably doesn’t have the time, nor anyone in his/her office, to assist with the many and frequent therapy issues better handled by a respiratory therapist.<br /> <br /> Ideal team members: a doctor experienced in sleep medicine, specialist doctors, sleep center/lab, local DME, online DME, online support group, community support group, others with OSA, family and friends acting as helpers or as an advocate, OSA web sites.<br /> <br /> 4)As with any major change or undertaking in your life a strong and viable support structure is important to success. Starting on CPAP Therapy certainly qualifies as a major change in someones life as they try to inform themselves in something they may know little about not to mention the actual therapy itself.<br /> With the start of therapy comes alot of unknowns from setting everything up to a point where the person is comfortable to which mask is the best. There are also things such as dealing with mask leaks or cleaning equipment and even products that make therapy easier to deal with. And with cpap therapy comes the usually inevitable problems that lead to the feeling of just wanting to give up altogether and this is where your support structure is so important in your therapy. As mentioned before, family, friends, and online resources such as cpaptalk.com are indespensable to get the most out of your therapy. (Sec.4 by Bearcat42)<br /> <br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> <br /> [http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=5326 Humor: Unofficial CPAP Glossary]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <br /> [http://smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com Original writer's Sleep Apnea Blog]&lt;br&gt;<br /> Source: Based on personal experience with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> <br /> Not written by health care professionals. The information and opinions offered are not intended or recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. © Mile High Sleeper, May 2006. Permission to use for free educational purposes.<br /> [[Category:Treatment]]</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Bearcat42&diff=3986 2010-01-07T02:37:09Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: Hello,my name is David or Bearcat42 here on cpaptalk.com. I still feel as if I am new to CPAP therapy because I am still learning,still tweaking my equipment,to get the best result from my...</p> <hr /> <div>Hello,my name is David or Bearcat42 here on cpaptalk.com. I still feel as if I am new to CPAP therapy because I am still learning,still tweaking my equipment,to get the best result from my therapy. April of 2010 will mark my first year of cpap and I have learned so much from other users here.<br /> I hope I can help someone in some small way in the wiki by conveying my own experiences of cpap. I decided early on to take a pro-active,hands-on approach to my therapy and I have always tried to be compliant,even on those days when I just didnt want to. Now I can say that I dont want to go without my machine and the thought of not having it is distressing. <br /> For those who are having trouble with compliance I would just like to encourage you and implore you to not give up.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Truckers_and_CPAP&diff=3925 2009-12-19T20:43:48Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> [[Image:Trucker.jpg|right|350px]]<br /> Some truck drivers spend many nights in different motels or truckstops during the course of their job. Sleeping in an environment different from your home is bad enough but for the truck driver it can be even more problematic due to the sheer volume of different locations and situations. Different environments can play a large part in Cpap therapy in that he or she has to deal with things such as air quality in a motel room,highway or train noise,or even water for a humidifier.<br /> <br /> Not all truck drivers have sleepers on their trucks. Some drivers have what is called a &quot;day cab&quot;,or just a cab with no sleeper attached. In this configuration a truck driver who must stay away from home must sleep in a motel and is therefore at the mercy of the motel as to what kind of room he or she will get. Some motels may have outdated establishments where the rooms are musty,with poor air quality. A driver may even run into the problem of non-smoking room's not being available. A smoking room should always try to be avoided when using Cpap.<br /> <br /> Also,A driver who has a day cab type of truck may also be short on room in his or her truck. Some trucks are vastly different than others in that manufacturers of trucks such as Western Star generally have ample room in the cab for extras such as luggage and a Cpap machine with its accessories,whereas Mack trucks are much smaller inside and extra room is nonexistent.<br /> <br /> A must for any truck driver who may have to stay in a motel is a hose hanger of some sort. I personally use a hanger made from PVC pipe,which can be found at most hardware stores. I used 1/2 inch PVC and it stands about 16 inches tall. The legs slide underneath the mattress so that my hose hangs with no problems. Many motels who have beds with headboards will attach the headboards to the wall and therefore have no way of supporting a hose. There are many different ways to hang a hose for Cpap therapy and it depends on your preference but is nonetheless important because hanging the hose will help significantly reduce any [[rainout]] you may experience. Rainout is basically condensation that forms inside the hose as you breathe and collects inside the hose.<br /> <br /> If you are a driver using [[Cpap]],on vacation,or even a salesmen who travels,it is important to carry distilled water with you to use in your humidifier,if your machine is equipped with one. Using city water from a motel will most certainly cause mildewing and bacteria growth much faster in your [[humidifier]] tank. It may also be a good idea to use Aroma Therapy while in a motel setting. Aroma therapy uses essential oils which act as a desensitizer to help you fall asleep and can be even more beneficial when used in a motel environment. The essiantial oil is placed on what is called a diffuser pad then placed in front of the air intake of the Cpap mschine. This keeps any oil from entering the machine,humidifier,hose,or mask.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Veterans_and_OSA&diff=3890 2009-12-08T00:45:54Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation than those who are civilians. The process can be different for everyone regardless of if they are a civilian or military. VA hospitals should be dealing with OSA and veterans more closely than their civilian counterparts due to regulations in place for the treatment of the veteran who has OSA.<br /> <br /> Here are some links concerning veterans<br /> [[http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/news/spotlight/sleep.cfm]]<br /> [[http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/docs/Positive_Airway_Pressure_Therapy_Sleep_Related_Breathing_Disorders.pdf]]<br /> <br /> First of all comes the diagnosis by the veterans Team doctor.Each registered veteran is assigned to a Team and his/her doctor within their team is the primary caregiver for that veteran. Once the diagnosis has been made then the primary caregiver will order a sleep study. Now,within the veterans affairs, sleep study's can have a rather long waiting list so be prepared. Your sleep study may not be close to your home either. Each VA facility is set within a certain region and a sleep study can be performed in any equipped facility within your region so again,be prepared. <br /> Now your actual sleep study,or Polysomnogram,is something that is hard to prepare for in that it is different from any test you may have taken before. Your surroundings are different not to mention all of the wires and electrodes connected to your body. If your PSG is a two-part sleep study then about halfway through the test you will be awakened and placed on a CPAP machine in order to collect the data needed for the primary caregiver to make a prescription.<br /> <br /> After completing the PSG you are sent home and told that your results should be in within 2 weeks. Again,be prepared for this to take longer than expected. Once your results are sent to your Team doctor,not you,then a prescription will be written and sent to the nearest VA hospital. Again you must wait for this order to be filled so keep exercising patience. When the day finally arrives and you are contacted to come to the VA hospital to pick up your CPAP machine,then your journey really begins.<br /> <br /> Most veterans are generally seen by a Respiratory Therapist who will sit down with the veteran and explain the machine,the features,the mask,hose,humidifier(if ordered),and so on. A good RT will explain everything in detail including fitting your mask and hooking up the machine while you watch to make sure you understand how to operate the machine before you leave. It is a good idea to have any questions that you may have written down so you will not forget. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't understand something.<br /> Also,do not leave without a copy of your prescription. This is always an important piece of paper to have. Keep it where you wont forget where you put it. I keep mine with all of my VA paperwork. Be sure to get your RT contact information because this is your first line of defense if something goes wrong and you need a replacement part.<br /> <br /> The VA is very good about replacing anything that goes wrong with your CPAP equipment. If it a minor replacement such as a mask or a hose then you will promptly be mailed a new one. If you are in need of a new machine or a humidifier then they may require that you travel to the VA hospital you went to when you picked up your machine. As a note,it is a good idea to take your data card with you whenever visiting the VA hospital to have the card downloaded. Any replacements are generally done at no cost to the veteran.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Veterans_and_OSA&diff=3889 2009-12-08T00:16:48Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation than those who are civilians. The process can be different for everyone regardless of if they are a civilian or military. VA hospitals should be dealing with OSA and veterans more closely than their civilian counterparts due to regulations in place for the treatment of the veteran who has OSA.<br /> [[http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/news/spotlight/sleep.cfm]]<br /> <br /> First of all comes the diagnosis by the veterans Team doctor.Each registered veteran is assigned to a Team and his/her doctor within their team is the primary caregiver for that veteran. Once the diagnosis has been made then the primary caregiver will order a sleep study. Now,within the veterans affairs, sleep study's can have a rather long waiting list so be prepared. Your sleep study may not be close to your home either. Each VA facility is set within a certain region and a sleep study can be performed in any equipped facility within your region so again,be prepared. <br /> Now your actual sleep study,or Polysomnogram,is something that is hard to prepare for in that it is different from any test you may have taken before. Your surroundings are different not to mention all of the wires and electrodes connected to your body. If your PSG is a two-part sleep study then about halfway through the test you will be awakened and placed on a CPAP machine in order to collect the data needed for the primary caregiver to make a prescription.<br /> <br /> After completing the PSG you are sent home and told that your results should be in within 2 weeks. Again,be prepared for this to take longer than expected. Once your results are sent to your Team doctor,not you,then a prescription will be written and sent to the nearest VA hospital. Again you must wait for this order to be filled so keep exercising patience. When the day finally arrives and you are contacted to come to the VA hospital to pick up your CPAP machine,then your journey really begins.<br /> <br /> Most veterans are generally seen by a Respiratory Therapist who will sit down with the veteran and explain the machine,the features,the mask,hose,humidifier(if ordered),and so on. A good RT will explain everything in detail including fitting your mask and hooking up the machine while you watch to make sure you understand how to operate the machine before you leave. It is a good idea to have any questions that you may have written down so you will not forget. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't understand something.<br /> Also,do not leave without a copy of your prescription. This is always an important piece of paper to have. Keep it where you wont forget where you put it. I keep mine with all of my VA paperwork. Be sure to get your RT contact information because this is your first line of defense if something goes wrong and you need a replacement part.<br /> <br /> The VA is very good about replacing anything that goes wrong with your CPAP equipment. If it a minor replacement such as a mask or a hose then you will promptly be mailed a new one. If you are in need of a new machine or a humidifier then they may require that you travel to the VA hospital you went to when you picked up your machine. As a note,it is a good idea to take your data card with you whenever visiting the VA hospital to have the card downloaded. Any replacements are generally done at no cost to the veteran.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Veterans_and_OSA&diff=3888 2009-12-08T00:16:27Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation than those who are civilians. The process can be different for everyone regardless of if they are a civilian or military. VA hospitals should be dealing with OSA and veterans more closely than their civilian counterparts due to regulations in place for the treatment of the veteran who has OSA.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/news/spotlight/sleep.cfm]]<br /> <br /> First of all comes the diagnosis by the veterans Team doctor.Each registered veteran is assigned to a Team and his/her doctor within their team is the primary caregiver for that veteran. Once the diagnosis has been made then the primary caregiver will order a sleep study. Now,within the veterans affairs, sleep study's can have a rather long waiting list so be prepared. Your sleep study may not be close to your home either. Each VA facility is set within a certain region and a sleep study can be performed in any equipped facility within your region so again,be prepared. <br /> Now your actual sleep study,or Polysomnogram,is something that is hard to prepare for in that it is different from any test you may have taken before. Your surroundings are different not to mention all of the wires and electrodes connected to your body. If your PSG is a two-part sleep study then about halfway through the test you will be awakened and placed on a CPAP machine in order to collect the data needed for the primary caregiver to make a prescription.<br /> <br /> After completing the PSG you are sent home and told that your results should be in within 2 weeks. Again,be prepared for this to take longer than expected. Once your results are sent to your Team doctor,not you,then a prescription will be written and sent to the nearest VA hospital. Again you must wait for this order to be filled so keep exercising patience. When the day finally arrives and you are contacted to come to the VA hospital to pick up your CPAP machine,then your journey really begins.<br /> <br /> Most veterans are generally seen by a Respiratory Therapist who will sit down with the veteran and explain the machine,the features,the mask,hose,humidifier(if ordered),and so on. A good RT will explain everything in detail including fitting your mask and hooking up the machine while you watch to make sure you understand how to operate the machine before you leave. It is a good idea to have any questions that you may have written down so you will not forget. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't understand something.<br /> Also,do not leave without a copy of your prescription. This is always an important piece of paper to have. Keep it where you wont forget where you put it. I keep mine with all of my VA paperwork. Be sure to get your RT contact information because this is your first line of defense if something goes wrong and you need a replacement part.<br /> <br /> The VA is very good about replacing anything that goes wrong with your CPAP equipment. If it a minor replacement such as a mask or a hose then you will promptly be mailed a new one. If you are in need of a new machine or a humidifier then they may require that you travel to the VA hospital you went to when you picked up your machine. As a note,it is a good idea to take your data card with you whenever visiting the VA hospital to have the card downloaded. Any replacements are generally done at no cost to the veteran.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Veterans_and_OSA&diff=3887 2009-12-08T00:15:35Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation than those who are civilians. The process can be different for everyone regardless of if they are a civilian or military. VA hospitals should be dealing with OSA and veterans more closely than their civilian counterparts due to regulations in place for the treatment of the veteran who has OSA.[[http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/news/spotlight/sleep.cfm]]<br /> <br /> First of all comes the diagnosis by the veterans Team doctor.Each registered veteran is assigned to a Team and his/her doctor within their team is the primary caregiver for that veteran. Once the diagnosis has been made then the primary caregiver will order a sleep study. Now,within the veterans affairs, sleep study's can have a rather long waiting list so be prepared. Your sleep study may not be close to your home either. Each VA facility is set within a certain region and a sleep study can be performed in any equipped facility within your region so again,be prepared. <br /> Now your actual sleep study,or Polysomnogram,is something that is hard to prepare for in that it is different from any test you may have taken before. Your surroundings are different not to mention all of the wires and electrodes connected to your body. If your PSG is a two-part sleep study then about halfway through the test you will be awakened and placed on a CPAP machine in order to collect the data needed for the primary caregiver to make a prescription.<br /> <br /> After completing the PSG you are sent home and told that your results should be in within 2 weeks. Again,be prepared for this to take longer than expected. Once your results are sent to your Team doctor,not you,then a prescription will be written and sent to the nearest VA hospital. Again you must wait for this order to be filled so keep exercising patience. When the day finally arrives and you are contacted to come to the VA hospital to pick up your CPAP machine,then your journey really begins.<br /> <br /> Most veterans are generally seen by a Respiratory Therapist who will sit down with the veteran and explain the machine,the features,the mask,hose,humidifier(if ordered),and so on. A good RT will explain everything in detail including fitting your mask and hooking up the machine while you watch to make sure you understand how to operate the machine before you leave. It is a good idea to have any questions that you may have written down so you will not forget. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't understand something.<br /> Also,do not leave without a copy of your prescription. This is always an important piece of paper to have. Keep it where you wont forget where you put it. I keep mine with all of my VA paperwork. Be sure to get your RT contact information because this is your first line of defense if something goes wrong and you need a replacement part.<br /> <br /> The VA is very good about replacing anything that goes wrong with your CPAP equipment. If it a minor replacement such as a mask or a hose then you will promptly be mailed a new one. If you are in need of a new machine or a humidifier then they may require that you travel to the VA hospital you went to when you picked up your machine. As a note,it is a good idea to take your data card with you whenever visiting the VA hospital to have the card downloaded. Any replacements are generally done at no cost to the veteran.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Truckers_and_CPAP&diff=3886 2009-12-07T22:15:54Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> [[Image:Trucker.jpg|right|350px]]<br /> Some truck drivers spend many nights in different motels or truckstops during the course of their job. Sleeping in an environment different from your home is bad enough but for the truck driver it can be even more problematic due to the sheer volume of different locations and situations. Different environments can play a large part in Cpap therapy in that he or she has to deal with things such as air quality in a motel room,highway or train noise,or even water for a humidifier.<br /> <br /> Not all truck drivers have sleepers on their trucks. Some drivers have what is called a &quot;day cab&quot;,or just a cab with no sleeper attached. In this configuration a truck driver who must stay away from home must sleep in a motel and is therefore at the mercy of the motel as to what kind of room he or she will get. Some motels may have outdated establishments where the rooms are musty,with poor air quality. A driver may even run into the problem of non-smoking room's not being available. A smoking room should always try to be avoided when using Cpap.<br /> <br /> Also,A driver who has a day cab type of truck may also be short on room in his or her truck. Some trucks are vastly different than others in that manufacturers of trucks such as Western Star generally have ample room in the cab for extras such as luggage and a Cpap machine with its accessories,whereas Mack trucks are much smaller inside and extra room is nonexistent.<br /> <br /> A must for any truck driver who may have to stay in a motel is a hose hanger of some sort. I personally use a hanger made from PVC pipe,which can be found at most hardware stores. I used 1/2 inch PVC and it stands about 16 inches tall. The legs slide underneath the mattress so that my hose hangs with no problems. Many motels who have beds with headboards will attach the headboards to the wall and therefore have no way of supporting a hose. There are many different ways to hang a hose for Cpap therapy and it depends on your preference but is nonetheless important because hanging the hose will help significantly reduce any [[rainout]] you may experience. Rainout is basically condensation that forms inside the hose as you breathe and collects inside the hose.<br /> <br /> If you are a driver using [[Cpap]],on vacation,or even a salesmen who travels,it is important to carry distilled water with you to use in your humidifier,if your machine is equipped with one. Using city water from a motel will most certainly cause mildewing and bacteria growth much faster in your [[humidifier]] tank.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3885 2009-12-07T22:08:41Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation [[Pressure Relief]](EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation. Here is a thread explaining some CPAP machines and their correlation to EPR. [[http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=56836]]<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3884 2009-12-07T22:00:10Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation [[Pressure Relief]](EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation. <br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3883 2009-12-07T21:45:04Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation Pressure Relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation. <br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3880 2009-12-07T20:51:52Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation relief Pressure relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation. <br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3879 2009-12-07T20:50:14Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation relief Pressure relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation. [[[edit] Exhalation relief ]] <br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3878 2009-12-07T20:49:25Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is Exhalation relief Pressure relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.[edit] Exhalation relief <br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3877 2009-12-07T20:48:45Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is [[Exhalatio[edit] Exhalation relief n Pressure relief]](EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3876 2009-12-07T20:44:53Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is http://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php/CPAP_Machine_Choices#Exhalation_relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3875 2009-12-07T20:44:09Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is [exhaltion relief] or Expiratory Pressure Relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3874 2009-12-07T20:42:22Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is [[exhalation relief]] or Expiratory Pressure Relief(EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3873 2009-12-07T20:40:48Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is [[[[Expiratory Pressure Relief]](EPR)]]which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3872 2009-12-07T20:38:23Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> Something else that can help to make high pressures more tolerable is [[Expiratory Pressure Relief]](EPR)which is basically a setting on your machine,if equipped,that relieves or softens the air pressure at the beginning of exhalation.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3871 2009-12-07T08:12:42Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3870 2009-12-07T06:15:58Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> [[Image:goodknight.jpg]]Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:Machine.jpg&diff=3869 2009-12-07T06:11:56Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div></div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3868 2009-12-07T05:42:57Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a [[Polysomnogram]](PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3867 2009-12-07T04:57:19Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a Polysomnogram(PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dealing_with_high_pressures&diff=3866 2009-12-07T04:55:00Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: By Bearcat42 Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sle...</p> <hr /> <div>By Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Obstructive Sleep Apnea,or OSA,is a condition where the airway closes during sleep effectively causing some people to stop breathing for a short period of time in their sleep. While some suffer from OSA others may have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br /> <br /> For those who have been diagnosed with OSA or SOSA the most popular treatment option is to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine,or CPAP. A Cpap machine offers treatment to the individual by providing a constant airflow during sleep in order to hold the airway open thus reducing episodes of breathing difficulties.<br /> <br /> A persons treatment is based on how much air pressure it takes to maintain an open airway during sleep. This pressure setting is determined during a Polysomnogram(PSG),more commonly known as a sleep study. During a sleep study the sleep tech may put you on a CPAP machine halfway through the test to determine if CPAP therapy will be beneficial to the patient. It is during this portion of the test that the most suitable air pressure for treatment is found.<br /> <br /> For those who have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea the chances are good that they will need higher air pressures for treatment. I say pressures because there is of course an inhalation pressure setting but some people will need an exhalation pressure as well. During a PSG the sleep tech may have to set an exhalation pressure to help maintain the airway during sleep. Personally I have 2 air pressure settings on my machine of 21/17. That is an inhalation setting of 21 and an exhalation pressure of 17. That is high. <br /> <br /> When dealing with high pressures every night,or day if you work the night shift,things work somewhat differently than for those with lower pressures. For example you may not be able to use nasal pillows because of the pressures involved so you might have to use a Full Face Mask,or FFM,and maybe even a nasal mask. You will find that personal preference plays a big part in CPAP treatment. High pressures cause the user more problems with mask leaks than anything else. Some people prefer using a FFM over a nasal mask and vice versa. Each has its own pros and cons but it depends on which one works for you. I have found a nasal mask is easier for me to keep sealed than a FFM. <br /> <br /> Air escaping from your mask is air that is not used for treatment,period. Every mask has a certain Leak Rate which is supplied by the manufacturer in the user manual and thus cannot be counted toward treatment. Air can also escape from your mouth and is an issue for those not using a FFM. Some find that using a chinstrap works best while others use tape or denture adhesive to seal their lips each night. Again,this depends on what works best for the individual but for those who deal with the higher pressures of CPAP therapy all of these things become very important to achieve the best treatment possible.<br /> <br /> With higher pressure settings you may have more to deal with so always make it a point to make only one change to your therapy at a time. By using this method of troubleshooting you will more quickly find what works the best for you.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Veterans_and_OSA&diff=3840 2009-11-26T07:18:55Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: by Bearcat42 Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation ...</p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> Veterans of the US armed forces who are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea are in a somewhat different situation than those who are civilians. The process can be different for everyone regardless of if they are a civilian or military. VA hospitals should be dealing with OSA and veterans more closely than their civilian counterparts due to regulations in place for the treatment of the veteran who has OSA.<br /> <br /> First of all comes the diagnosis by the veterans Team doctor.Each registered veteran is assigned to a Team and his/her doctor within their team is the primary caregiver for that veteran. Once the diagnosis has been made then the primary caregiver will order a sleep study. Now,within the veterans affairs, sleep study's can have a rather long waiting list so be prepared. Your sleep study may not be close to your home either. Each VA facility is set within a certain region and a sleep study can be performed in any equipped facility within your region so again,be prepared. <br /> Now your actual sleep study,or Polysomnogram,is something that is hard to prepare for in that it is different from any test you may have taken before. Your surroundings are different not to mention all of the wires and electrodes connected to your body. If your PSG is a two-part sleep study then about halfway through the test you will be awakened and placed on a CPAP machine in order to collect the data needed for the primary caregiver to make a prescription.<br /> <br /> After completing the PSG you are sent home and told that your results should be in within 2 weeks. Again,be prepared for this to take longer than expected. Once your results are sent to your Team doctor,not you,then a prescription will be written and sent to the nearest VA hospital. Again you must wait for this order to be filled so keep exercising patience. When the day finally arrives and you are contacted to come to the VA hospital to pick up your CPAP machine,then your journey really begins.<br /> <br /> Most veterans are generally seen by a Respiratory Therapist who will sit down with the veteran and explain the machine,the features,the mask,hose,humidifier(if ordered),and so on. A good RT will explain everything in detail including fitting your mask and hooking up the machine while you watch to make sure you understand how to operate the machine before you leave. It is a good idea to have any questions that you may have written down so you will not forget. Do not be afraid to ask if you don't understand something.<br /> Also,do not leave without a copy of your prescription. This is always an important piece of paper to have. Keep it where you wont forget where you put it. I keep mine with all of my VA paperwork. Be sure to get your RT contact information because this is your first line of defense if something goes wrong and you need a replacement part.<br /> <br /> The VA is very good about replacing anything that goes wrong with your CPAP equipment. If it a minor replacement such as a mask or a hose then you will promptly be mailed a new one. If you are in need of a new machine or a humidifier then they may require that you travel to the VA hospital you went to when you picked up your machine. As a note,it is a good idea to take your data card with you whenever visiting the VA hospital to have the card downloaded. Any replacements are generally done at no cost to the veteran.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3839 2009-11-26T01:42:26Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> <br /> A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most [[CPAP]] machine hoses are 6 feet in length and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a [https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-products/cpap-hoses-tubing/comfort-accessories/hose-management.html hose hanger] is to lessen or prevent [[rainout]] which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> [[Image:Example.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]<br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so '''cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose'''. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Rainout]]</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3838 2009-11-26T01:42:10Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most [[CPAP]] machine hoses are 6 feet in length and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a [https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-products/cpap-hoses-tubing/comfort-accessories/hose-management.html hose hanger] is to lessen or prevent [[rainout]] which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> [[Image:Example.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]<br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so '''cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose'''. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Rainout]]</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Truckers_and_CPAP&diff=3837 2009-11-26T01:41:12Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>by Bearcat42<br /> [[Image:Trucker.jpg|right|350px]]<br /> Some truck drivers spend many nights in different motels or truckstops during the course of their job. Sleeping in an environment different from your home is bad enough but for the truck driver it can be even more problematic due to the sheer volume of different locations and situations. Different environments can play a large part in Cpap therapy in that he or she has to deal with things such as air quality in a motel room,highway or train noise,or even water for a humidifier.<br /> <br /> Not all truck drivers have sleepers on their trucks. Some drivers have what is called a &quot;day cab&quot;,or just a cab with no sleeper attached. In this configuration a truck driver who must stay away from home must sleep in a motel and is therefore at the mercy of the motel as to what kind of room he or she will get. Some motels may have outdated establishments where the rooms are musty,with poor air quality. A driver may even run into the problem of non-smoking room's not being available. A smoking room should always try to be avoided when using Cpap.<br /> <br /> Also,A driver who has a day cab type of truck may also be short on room in his or her truck. Some trucks are vastly different than others in that manufactures of trucks such as Western Star generally have ample room in the cab for extras such as luggage and a Cpap machine with its accessories,whereas Mack trucks are much smaller inside and extra room is nonexistent.<br /> <br /> A must for any truck driver who may have to stay in a motel is a hose hanger of some sort. I personally use a hanger made from PVC pipe,which can be found at most hardware stores. I used 1/2 inch PVC and it stands about 16 inches tall. The legs slide underneath the mattress so that my hose hangs with no problems. Many motels who have beds with headboards will attach the headboards to the wall and therefore have no way of supporting a hose. There are many different ways to hang a hose for Cpap therapy and it depends on your preference but is nonetheless important because hanging the hose will help significantly reduce any [[rainout]] you may experience. Rainout is basically condensation that forms inside the hose as you breathe and collects inside the hose.<br /> <br /> If you are a driver using [[Cpap]],on vacation,or even a salesmen who travels,it is important to carry distilled water with you to use in your humidifier,if your machine is equipped with one. Using city water from a motel will most certainly cause mildewing and bacteria growth much faster in your [[humidifier]] tank.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:Example.jpg&diff=3780 2009-11-20T18:45:33Z

<p>Bearcat42: uploaded a new version of &quot;Image:Example.jpg&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>----<br /> Note: This image is used as the example image when you use the edit toolbar (English default installation of MediaWiki).<br /> ----<br /> * '''Description:''' Sunflowers in Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.<br /> * '''Source:''' [http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/k5751-1.htm www.ars.usda.gov] (cropped and reworked a bit)<br /> * '''Author:''' Bruce Fritz<br /> * '''Licensing:''' ''This image is in the '''public domain''' because it contains materials that originally came from the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.''</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3779 2009-11-20T18:43:14Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Example.jpg]]A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent rainout which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3778 2009-11-20T18:42:28Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most [[Image:Example.jpg]]cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent rainout which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3777 2009-11-20T18:41:54Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Example.jpg]]A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent rainout which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3776 2009-11-20T18:41:26Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent rainout which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3775 2009-11-20T18:40:01Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent [[Media:rainout]],which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hose_Hangers&diff=3774 2009-11-20T18:38:09Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A ho...</p> <hr /> <div>A hose hanger is a very important part of CPAP therapy. Most cpap machine hoses are 6 feet in lenght and there will,in most cases,be an extra portion of the hose which will hang down. A hose hanger helps to control this extra hose,suspending it above the head of the user in different ways.<br /> <br /> The most crucial function for a hose hanger is to lessen or prevent rainout,which is caused by condensation inside the hose caused by the breathing process and humidity inside the room. This condensation forms water which collects in the hose and can interfere with cpap treatment by letting water into the mask.<br /> <br /> This water problem can be alleviated by suspending the hose thus creating a dip in the hose for any water present to be collected. The hose should leave the machine,then start a downturn,before moving upward to the hanger. This will form a dip in the hose for any water. Water in a cpap hose can also lead to mildew and bacteria growth inside the hose so cleanliness is very important if there is any water inside your hose. Also,room temperature and humidity can play a role in rainout and by adjusting the temperature by just 2-3 degrees can help tremendously.<br /> <br /> There are many forms of hose hangers out there,from manufactured hangers you can buy from many websites to any number of designs that a person can make themselves. Some mount to a wall while others are attached to a ceiling and hang down to the hose. Personally I use a hanger made from PVC pipe,1/2 inch,which can be found at most hardware stores. Mine stands 16 inches tall and has legs to slide underneath a mattress.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Truckers_and_CPAP&diff=3753 2009-11-20T05:40:49Z

<p>Bearcat42: New page: Some truck drivers spend many nights in different motels or truckstops during the course of their job. Sleeping in an environment different from your home is bad enough but for the truck d...</p> <hr /> <div>Some truck drivers spend many nights in different motels or truckstops during the course of their job. Sleeping in an environment different from your home is bad enough but for the truck driver it can be even more problematic due to the sheer volume of different locations and situations. Different environments can play a large part in Cpap therapy in that he or she has to deal with things such as air quality in a motel room,highway or train noise,or even water for a humidifier.<br /> <br /> Not all truck drivers have sleepers on their trucks. Some drivers have what is called a &quot;day cab&quot;,or just a cab with no sleeper attached. In this configuration a truck driver who must stay away from home must sleep in a motel and is therefore at the mercy of the motel as to what kind of room he or she will get. Some motels may have outdated establishments where the rooms are musty,with poor air quality. A driver may even run into the problem of non-smoking room's not being available. A smoking room should always try to be avoided when using Cpap.<br /> <br /> Also,A driver who has a day cab type of truck may also be short on room in his or her truck. Some trucks are vastly different than others in that manufactures of trucks such as Western Star generally have ample room in the cab for extras such as luggage and a Cpap machine with its accessories,whereas Mack trucks are much smaller inside and extra room is nonexistent.<br /> <br /> A must for any truck driver who may have to stay in a motel is a hose hanger of some sort. I personally use a hanger made from PVC pipe,which can be found at most hardware stores. I used 1/2 inch PVC and it stands about 16 inches tall. The legs slide underneath the mattress so that my hose hangs with no problems. Many motels who have beds with headboards will attach the headboards to the wall and therefore have no way of supporting a hose. There are many different ways to hang a hose for Cpap therapy and it depends on your preference but is nonetheless important because hanging the hose will help significantly reduce any rainout you may experience. Rainout is basically condensation that forms inside the hose as you breathe and collects inside the hose.<br /> <br /> If you are a driver using Cpap,on vacation,or even a salesmen who travels,it is important to carry distilled water with you to use in your humidifier,if your machine is equipped with one. Using city water from a motel will most certainly cause mildewing and bacteria growth much faster in your humidifier tank.</div>

Bearcat42 https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php?title=Durable_Medical_Equipment&diff=3584 2009-11-18T06:16:05Z

<p>Bearcat42: </p> <hr /> <div>{{stub}}<br /> DME stands for Durable Medical Equipment. <br /> <br /> A DME Provider, also referenced as a DME, typically accepts insurance in exchange for CPAP Equipment.<br /> <br /> The initials stand for &quot;durable medical equipment.&quot; Message board posters use &quot;DME&quot; as ungrammatical shorthand to refer to home health care supplies stores as &quot;DME&quot;s, and also to refer to employees of those stores. <br /> <br /> '''Example:'''&lt;br&gt; <br /> My DME is Apria. (the store) <br /> <br /> My DME tried three masks on me, but she said only one fit me well. (the employee) <br /> <br /> Technically online cpap supply stores are also &quot;DME&quot;'s -- stores that sell durable medical equipment over the internet. But when message board posters talk about &quot;DME&quot;s, we generally mean the bricks and mortar home health care stores that you walk into in your town.<br /> <br /> The Department of Veterans Affairs is another type of DME.The process for treating Sleep Apnea is somewhat different for veterans than it is the civilian population in that a sleep study can be conducted at any sleep study equipped veterans facility within the veterans region. Also,the VA pays for all equipment and testing associated with the veteran and his treatment of Obsrtuctive Sleep Apnea.<br /> If the veteran requires replacement parts for his or her machine,including masks and chinstraps,the veteran needs to contact their Respiratory Therapist for those parts.The VA facility may ask the veteran to come to the facility to exchange the equipment,especially if it is part of the machine itself.If it is something like a new mask then the facility will generally mail the equipment to your home.These replacement parts are usually provided to the veteran at no cost.<br /> <br /> [[Category:CPAP Definitions]]</div>

Bearcat42