CPAP Technology Marches On

[billroper]

I'm still getting used to the new CPAP. It's got a feature that causes it to pause the blowing when you exhale to make it easier to exhale. No back pressure, right? Unfortunately, this made me nuts within an hour, so I dialed it back to the minimum setting. That was much better. It still makes a different noise than the old CPAP, but I'll get used to that.

I haven't been able to use the new mask, because the flap smells of mildew, even after washing it. Since I'm rather allergic to mildew, I've decided not to spend the night breathing it. I've got a call in to the supplier to see about exchanging the mask when daisy_knotwise goes back to get her new CPAP unit tomorrow.

The most entertaining thing about the new unit is that I don't have to hit the switch to start it. I put on the mask and inhale through my nose. The sensors detect the pressure change and start blowing automatically.

I still have to switch it off -- although there's a setting that would make it shut itself off too if it detected that I'd removed the mask! But that's something I'll think about later. :)

Comments

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

Sounds a lot like the one I have. My problem is that when my allergies bother me (about 90% of the time) it feels like I'm suffocating when using it.

[carolf.livejournal.com]

Does the mask have two small plastic plugs that cover the two small holes, one on each side of the hose?

If so, you can lift them, either one or both. This lets your exhaled breath leave the mask sooner, cutting down on the carbon dioxide build-up.

No one mentioned it to me -- I found it out on my own.