I have just started using C PAP Machine and was not told whether the machine can stay on power or do I need to turn it off when not being used.
The instruction manual with the machine is written in Japanese and German.I will not be seeing the doctor until Tuesday and need assistance.
If any of my nomad friends can advise please send me a pm and a mobile number so we can have a chat. There are some other questions I would like to ask
but do not want to put on open forum as I would like to talk with someone who uses the machine.
Hi the machine should be kept on as it can interfere with the chip readings.
If you are new to using the machine you should be getting monitored for a month or so by your Specialist to ensure all is working in your favor.
Make sure you use the machine every time you go to bed as the chip in it will be read and if it reads that you have not been using it the y will take your license away.
This is mandatory .
You should have Instructions of how to use the machine in English it is there.
If you are not sure on using the machine go back to where you purchased it they also should have given one on one instructions having the machine set on Auto is much easier to use.
Good luck with it all.
John
I leave mine on all the time. I just hit the off button when I wake in the morning, and when I fit the mask of a night it automatically starts up.
I'm not sure what you would do if your doing the big loop and changing & interrupting power sources, but on all the time (at home) is for me.
Mongrel, You say you have just started using your C Pap machine. Good on ya mate. I went from 90 plus (non breathing episodes) an hour to less than one an hour. I have been going to bed looking like Hannibal Lector now for over 10 years and have not felt better in a long time.
My situation was very typical, middle aged bloke, overweight, etc. I used to think those "micro sleeps" (while driving) in the middle of the day was due to many years of working night shift. Boy was I wrong!
As Tomzys says though make sure you have the data downloaded and a specialist keep an eye on how your going. I have mine done at a local chemist (he is setup for this and has been trained). It's amazing how much data those machines create I sure theres a line for duration and loudness of farts! There is also a number of adjustments that can be made to tailor the machine to your situation (after a referral to a Doctor of course)
If you struggle with the mask, make sure you persevere mate. I know guys that have chucked it in after just one night and that's just Dumb in my opinion. Sometimes it just take a bit of effort but the benefits are stellar. Better sleep, longer life, happy wife, no unexpected fade outs while driving and less bruises in the night (the wife used to have to punch me when I hadn't taken a breathe for a minute or two).
Sometimes you can get a claustrophobic effect with the mask if you muck up you breathing rhythm as you put on the mask, lay down and try to relax. Just break the seal, take a couple of slow breaths, relax, and re-position the mask.
I find after all this time it's hard to try to sleep without the mask. I still manage a Nanna nap without it (sorry but Grandpa nap just doesn't sound right), but now I don't do while driving
I hope this little bit of advice is of help mate. As I said keep at it and you will be amazed how much better you will feel in a few weeks.
P.S. for some reason since using the C Pap machine I no longer have to get up in the night for a "leak". Go figure?
__________________
Live Long and Prosper
MN Triton auto diesel 4x4 & 20' 6" Kokoda Tribute II XL Platinum
Great info there Kendo. I am soooo exhausted these days after my accident 6 years ago and a heart attack last August. Went to GP today and he has organised a referral for me to do the overnight sleep test. I will get that done in the next week or two to either rule it out or rule it in.
When off the power grid do you run the C PAP machine off inverters?
I don't know about inverters mate but I don't think it will be an issue. The C Pap machine runs off 12 volts anyway. I imagine the "hard" part will just be finding a 12 volt power cord.
Those more technically minded than me might want to comment here, but I would imagine Jaycar might be of help or at least supply the bits to solder together to do the job.
I have included a photo of my machines transformer to give an idea of what the machine will require.
__________________
Live Long and Prosper
MN Triton auto diesel 4x4 & 20' 6" Kokoda Tribute II XL Platinum
Hi the machine should be kept on as it can interfere with the chip readings. If you are new to using the machine you should be getting monitored for a month or so by your Specialist to ensure all is working in your favor. Make sure you use the machine every time you go to bed as the chip in it will be read and if it reads that you have not been using it the y will take your license away. This is mandatory . ...l. John
what licence are you talking about? I have used a Cpap for about ten years now and I've never had a licence for it.
Once diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea there is the risk of loosing ones license if you do nothing about it. I'm pretty sure that's what can happen here is South Oz.
As I have said previously the benefits of using a Cpap machine far outweigh any negatives.
__________________
Live Long and Prosper
MN Triton auto diesel 4x4 & 20' 6" Kokoda Tribute II XL Platinum
Once diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea there is the risk of loosing ones license if you do nothing about it. I'm pretty sure that's what can happen here is South Oz.
As I have said previously the benefits of using a Cpap machine far outweigh any negatives.
Never thought of that licence obviously. Unless you suffer from narcolepsy as well (which is the tendency to just "fall asleep") I can't see what grounds they would have to take your licence away just because you have been diagnoses with sleep apnoea. I'm from NSW and I've never heard of that before.
Don't know how long you have been using your machine Chris but its now mandatory. If you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea dont use the machine your license will be taken away. The chip in the machine tells the story when the readings are read. If after a time you prove you are using the machine your Dr/Sleep Specialist may reconsider ticking the box to get your license back.
We know of one person used his only once and the rest is history he still hasn't got his license back yet.
Also last time I went to Specialist was told ots also mandatory for truckies to be tested for it when they apply for their truck license .Not sure if it's National or just some States will ask that when I go back.
John
I've been using mine now for about ten years. It is an autoset machine so it does its own thing with the pressure required. I don't bother having it checked by anyone anymore and my gp has never mentioned anything like that to me. I haven't been to the sleep specialist for years and don't really see the need to see him. I think the last one I saw has retired anyway. I actually have software that I could put on my computer and check it all myself but haven't bothered. When I renewed my NSW licence there wasn't anything on the form that you had to tick regarding sleep apnoea only epilepsy.
Having said all of that I use it every night anyway regardless of whether it's on 240v or 12 v.
Chris
PS I've just had a good look at the NSW site and it depends on whether my dr feels I have a problem or not and mine doesn't feel I do so I'm happy with that.
-- Edited by bowlerbear on Thursday 5th of June 2014 03:17:12 PM
My husband has been using a Cpap machine for 10 yrs and had to be monitored every year (sleep study) and have a read out twice a year. He carried a heavy vehicle license and his specialist had to send forms to the RTA every year to inform them that my husband was being monitored and was ok to drive. He never had micro sleeps or any real problem during the day until the sleep study found he stopped breathing up to 60 times. This was done when he had a knee replacement and he developed fluid on the lungs. Drs thought it was his heart so had him checked out.
After being retired for years my husband decided to give up his HD license for a normal driving license and now doesn't have to be monitored for the RTA although the specialist likes to see him every year to keep a check on him.
Boy was I wrong!
There is also a number of adjustments that can be made to tailor the machine to your situation (after a referral to a Doctor of course)
