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Yay, I have been discharged
I started on CPAP on 19/12/11, and after a series of mask & pressure changes, the consultant has decided today to discharge me. I now only have go to them if I have a problem, need spares, or for an annual service of my machine. Today my pressure was upped to 15, and they gave me my 4th mask, an OptiLife Nasal pillows mask.
Cpap has changed my life beyond recognition, having gone undiagnosed for oner 20 years.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on
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That's good news Darryl in such a short time - a true success to CPAP :)
Don't get too attached to the OptiLife though as it's now ceased production. The replacement is the GoLife, although early feedback suggest it's a great upgrade!
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Permalink Reply by Darryl Milligan on
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One thing that struck me in the clinic... there were a lot of people who had a lot of problems with the therapy, most of which, having chatted to them was just ignorance. We really do need a support group in the North West, as over half of the problems I heard would never have arisen had more support been available. I made a point of researching OSA and Cpap, to the point that by the time I saw the consultant, nothing was new to me. A lot of elderly men do not access the internet.
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Yes, people do need support which is why I started this forum. It's difficult for people without computer access though, but I do ensure the Hope2Sleep newsletter goes out to people we hear about via post.
Support Groups are, thankfully, popping up more over the country now. I posted about one the other day on here which might be in your area Darryl SLEEP APNOEA SUPPORT GROUP and there's 2 more coming up which I'll post about in Huddersfield and Driffield. For anyone reading this, there's a link here to other Support Groups http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/local-support-groups.php
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Permalink Reply by Terry Vella on
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Darryl, It's good news about your success so far and it should get even better as you go on. With the nasal mask, if your happy with it why do you buy another to use when that one runs out. The only thing is that masks and machine improve so quickly the next one you tey maybe better than this one. On the support groups, I'm in Australia and we don't have any, so I really appreciate this type of forum.
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Permalink Reply by Julie on
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Hey Darryl, well done!! You must have put the time in and the hospital staff know they can trust you to use the CPAP. I've been on the same mask for nearly 3 years now and although I have tried others I keep coming back to the mirage quattro. I am however waiting on the new fitlife to trial for my clinic...so looking forward to that, Kath Hope just loves it so I thought it was worth trying. I still struggle with mask leakage so I think that is why the hospital is allowing a trial as it's a more expensive mask.
Glad it is making such a huge difference to your life unfortuantely I can't say the same thing but there is some improvement in how tired I get in the afternoon.
Anyway congrats!!
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Julie, I use the Mirage Quattro as well and had leaks at the start, since having the hose coming from above my head and since I have been using mask liners, I hardly get any.
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Hi Terry, Thanks for the info. Have tried and tested the mask liners but didn't like them, felt a little claustrophobic. I do occasionally have the hose coming from above my head but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Funnily enough a new mask cushion helps but that's before I wash it then it's doesn't fit as well. Have tried both fairy liquid and the cheap washing up liquid which is meant to have less conditioner in it and it doesn't seem to make any difference. In the end I still have leak issues. I also use the mask wipes in between washes and they are great.
Roll on the fit life, so looking forward to trying that.
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Julie, that's fine, I bought a liquid soap from where I get my mask and machine from which is just a liquid saop with no fragrance probably the same as I could get at a supermarket at a higher price and it seems OK. I wash everything once a week and the hose and mask twice a week unless I drool in the cushion. The mask liners do seem to help with oily skin and I do agree they make it more claustrophobic, but with a chin strap, eye plugs and eye mask, I don't have much left and it seems to work for me.
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I never use water or soap on the soft parts of the masks. I only use the mask wipes each morning, and once a week the mask sprays. In the days when I used the standard masks with replaceable cushions, my cushions never needed replacing until the masks did. I have a sneaky feeling the mask manufacturers tell us to use washing up detergents as the cushions won't last as long, so they'll need replacing ;)
Like Julie, I didn't like the mask liners as they used to flap and tickle me under the mask, so I had to disrupt the seal to itch. I did make my own, which were much better.
Now I have the FitLife, there's no need for any liners or strap covers - yippee! Hope you find it works for you Julie.
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Kath, It's interesting how we get different advice re cleaning, my person who I got it from (who seems to know what she is talking about) suggested putting it in the shower with you each day and washing it that way. I out mine in the sink basin after I shave and leave it while I have my shower. My cushion still seems OK and I have had it for about nine months. I totally agree on the liner tickling, as you know I make my own as well but still sometimes yet a tickle. I was going to try your suggestion of using a straw to scratch but I would probably poke my eye in the middle of the night. If the itch gets too bad, I somehow can loosen one of the clips, have a scratch and get it to re seal. It is a real juggling act in the middle of the night. Things are made to test us. Just a weather update, 34c for the next 4 days, this summer has been very mild with only one day of 40c so far.
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Deary me Terry, is there any part of your face that isn't covered, lol. Unfortunately my mask cushions only last around 6 months but I think this is more down to having greasy skin or sweating during the night than the washing up liquid. After six months of that the cushion just can't take any more!!
I use the wipes every morning which is quick and easy and a soak once a week.
Anyway I should have been in bed long ago so off now.
Thanks
Julie
Terry Vella said:Julie, that's fine, I bought a liquid soap from where I get my mask and machine from which is just a liquid saop with no fragrance probably the same as I could get at a supermarket at a higher price and it seems OK. I wash everything once a week and the hose and mask twice a week unless I drool in the cushion. The mask liners do seem to help with oily skin and I do agree they make it more claustrophobic, but with a chin strap, eye plugs and eye mask, I don't have much left and it seems to work for me.
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