Comments for New toys

New toys

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:19:43 -0600

How to tell you're no longer in a "young" demographic. With the added bonus of an observation about health care costs. That "young" thing - 1. You have to scroll when entering your birthyear online. 2. You have as much fun getting a new CPAP as you used to when you got a new gun, or a stereo component. Or car. No, really. Last Wednesday evening I got a new CPAP. Wazzat, you ask? Heh. That's how you tell which of your friends aren't young anymore. They don't ask what a CPAP is. They probably have one, or their spouse does. Only the youngsters ask. It's a breathing machine. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, to be more precise. Helps keep you from choking to death, stroking, or having a heart attack. As a side benny, you don't snore much anymore, either.

Comment from Josh on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:56:47 -0600

John, you are one of a rare breed. If only we could have an entire country full of people like you, we could probably get something USEFUL accomplished once in a while...

Grimmy, what exactly is XPAP anyway? I looked up BiPAP but I didn't see anything about XPAP.

Comment from Grimmy on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:28:53 -0600

"Grimmy - your last statement answers your question."

It only took two trips to the emergency room with blood coming out my ears from over pressure to sour me on the PAP thing.

The doc wanted to do a throat hole thing so I could hook up and bypass the ear issue, but I'm just not needing the therapy of the PAP that bad, yet.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:05:57 -0600

Woot! I win! I won! I'll pay, horribly, sometime down the pike...

Comment from Maggie on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:58:40 -0600

Yes dear.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:52:19 -0600

Hmmm.

I keep my mask clean. My hose, too.

If I notice a seal problem, I replace the rubber portion that provides the seal. Same thing is true of the hose. I replace the straps if needed, too.

If my mask seals, and I'm comfortable, good golly, why do I have to keep trying new $150 masks twice a year just because?

It strikes me, a solution resides in the data card. Make changes when the data indicates a change might be needed.

But yes, I get a little perturbed when we just assume what amounts to a $400 a year, per person swap of kit is needed because people don't clean their masks. Or there *might* be a more comfortable option.

If the thing is working, and I'm getting what I need out of it - why should everybody in the insurance pool just automatically pony up $400 a year, just because?

Especially with data cards, it doesn't make sense to me. Heck, put a USB port in the CPAP and I'll save on the postage, too.

I guess I just object to what I see as a huge cost just because some people are too lazy or stupid to do a little maintenance.

When they do that with their car, they pay the price. Here, we're all paying the price.

Comment from Ymarsakar on 2008-12-19

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:44:00 -0600

It looks like John doesn't want to waste stuff, even if he isn't paying for it. That olden view of conservation and what not.

Comment from Argent on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:13:14 -0600

I think you should listen to Maggie, the doctor and the callers. You're acting in blind knowledge too much here. Is it fair to assume you're stuborn enough to make the mule back off?

Comment from steveH on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:54:24 -0600

One of my daughters uses a CPAP. Huge difference for her; sleeps well, and the night terrors have completely gone away.

Our son-in-law occasionally was startled to see a small elephant sleeping next to him in the early morning.

The cats and dogs took a while to adjust, too, but they're OK now.

Comment from Maggie on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:34:11 -0600

The frequency of replacement is recommended for several reasons. One of the biggest is hygeine. What's the point of helping you with your pressures if something funky is building up in your mask? Also, most people are not careful enough with their stuff. Even when you are careful the components wear down. If you don't get a good seal, you don't get optimum results.

A replacement accessory schedule aims for the most people to have efficient use of their PAP. It also helps people try new equipment. There are so many different styles out there that it can take several trials to find the right one. Plus peoples needs can change.

You were obviously more careful than most, but even so, you should be replacing masks twice a year like your doctor told you. My point was that even insurance companies recogognize the need for frequent change.

I also said Nic made lots of calls, I didn't say that they were to the same people over and over. My point was that lots of people need reminding. Most people are grateful for the call.

You are crabby.

Comment from BillT on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:45:12 -0600

It fits, in a perverse way, too.

Well, geez, what else'd you expect from *me*?

Comment from Greg on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:38:14 -0600

If you have any tips on cleaning the water reservoir please let me know. That is the only thing I don't like about my ResMed CPAP.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:19:14 -0600

Heh. Congrats, Bill. I don't often have to look words up.

It fits, in a perverse way, too.

Comment from BillT on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:14:48 -0600

Nozzle + narghile = nozzile.

See? Easy fix.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:59:01 -0600

Gad, I actually typed "nozziles" and didn't notice it. Shoulda waited until after that first cuppa joe.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:44:06 -0600

Josh - looked up the CPAP Pro. No thanks. I'll stick to the mask. Sticking that thing into my mouth in order to hold those nozziles in my nostrils does *not* look like an improvment on my mask, no matter that it would reduce the "Alfalfa-look" my hair has in the morning.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:16:19 -0600

Grimmy - your last statement answers your question.

Me, I don't mind the mask and hose. I haven't from day one. Sleeping was so much better than what I was doing before I got the machine that the mask and hose simply aren't an issue. I've never used the "ramp-up" feature for pressure either. Full pressure from go. The new machine does have the smart card, but the Doc didn't prescribe using it. For some reason, he takes me at my word that I've been using the machine like I'm supposed to for 10 years, and that since I've no complaints about sleeping or breathing, another sleep study isn't needed, nor is a compliance check.

Maggie - I'm still not going to swap masks just to swap masks, or hoses, etc simply because there's a schedule. I'm getting the therapeutic benefit intended, I'll get a new mask when I need one, not just because I can. Same thing is true for the hose. If it's not holed, and still seals at both ends, why get a new one?

Filters? I'll change those according to the recommended specs unless experience or periodic checks indicate it needs to be done sooner - with the cats, well, they're hairy critters, sooner is always a possibility. Or if it's been windy, which around here, especially with winds from the west, also tends to mean dusty.

But the way I'll handle that is to order 'em in a bunch of 5 or so, on my own dime, the paperwork is a PITA, and toss 'em in the drawer so they're there when I need 'em.

And I'll get *crabby* if someone keeps calling me to tell me that I due a new mask. Well, that's not entirely fair - call once, take no for an answer. Call again the next cycle.

But don't be like the fundraising arm of the political parties and call and call and call and call and call and call and call and call and call. Because eventually I won't be nice at my end.

Comment from Grimmy on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:33:40 -0600

I had to migrate to XPAP. I have neurological oriented apnea more so that airway issues. So, at most times, the air flow required is quit low, but when the brain just forgets to breath for awhile, the pressure needs to be highest possible.

With straight CPAP, the pressure setting has to be so high that I wake up with stabbing pains in my inner ear from pressure inflation, and so bloated with swallowed air that sitting up in bed can risk gut damage.

Cant use BiPAP because I can't never get the dang machine to match my breathing rhythm so I'd wake up all the time feeling like I was suffocating.

Another something something to look into is self monitoring. Some CPAP, BiPAP and XPAP machines come with a smart card that records breathing, pressure, apnea events and so on. There's computer software that will take that data and chart it. Helps the doc fine tune your treatment needs.

Been off treatment for a year now. My old ResMed machine quit and I haven't gotten round to getting re set up. It's nice not having to wrestle with the hose and such while sleeping, but I do wake up grumpy and often as tired as when I went to sleep.

Comment from Josh on 2008-12-18

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:10:59 -0600

Oddly enough, despite being young and in (more or less) perfect health, I actually do know what a CPAP is...because our local Fox News Radio station (AM610 WIOD) is CONSTANTLY running ads for CPAP PRO. I sure as hell wouldn't want to have to sleep with one of those things, but they do LOOK cool. Any sort of complicated mechanical equipment gets me excited...especially if it makes you look like some kind of cyborg. Yes, I am a nerd at heart.

Now that you guys are both replacing your masks on a regular basis, maybe you should look into that CPAP PRO thing? I know the website by heart (nomask.com) seeing as I've heard that damn ad about 40,000 times...they're always claiming it's the greatest thing ever for sleep apnea patients...

Comment from Maggie on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:30:24 -0600

LOL! One of my girls does nothing but call recalcitrant patients like you!

Medicare will cover a new mask every three months, new headgear, tubing, and filters every six months. Blue Cross is similar. The technology is constantly changing and once people get used to the idea of being compliant, they like trying new masks.

Resmed is a great company and they really stand behind their products, we use them a lot.

I could have told you that you didn't have central sleep apnea.....those people are always a little "off", lol.

Proper use of a CPAP will add years to your life and improve the quality of those years.

LOL, this is not a discussion I expected to have here.

Comment from BillT on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:59:25 -0600

But I wish it made that noise the old one made.

That was *John*.

Give him some time to get comfy with the new one and the noise will be back. Right now, he just doesn't want to spook it...

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:35:39 -0600

Sarah, look closely at any pic of me. SWWBO already has a bear mask to look at...

Comment from Hunter on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:08:37 -0600

John, I just went through the exact same process. I had not been to the VA since I retired in '98. My old Sully V was just as you describe, never been recalibrated, my nasal pillows were falling apart and duct taped was holding the harness together. Now I've been issued a REMstar Pro. The thing is tiny compared to the Sullivan. The new CPAP is sure quiet. Debi has the same problem with it, it is too quiet. No more white noise. I even find myself waking to noises around the house that never bothered me before. My biggest problem with the whole VA process in Alaska...for one round trip to the VA clinic in Anchorage the cost is about 650-700 dollars to the American taxpayer. Air fare and hotel prices, don't ya know. Because of time constraints on one trip, I flew First Class on Alaska Air. If there is one trip to fly first on, flight 65 is the one. Three stops to get to Anchorage, ugh. Hunter Ketchikan

Comment from SSG Jeff (USAR) on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:05:45 -0600

Sounds like Beth might need one of those white noise generators they sell to make some gentle staticky noise at night.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:54:17 -0600

Thomas - that looks a lot more like Jay Leno's cousin than it does me.

I have shorter hair, and more of it on my chin.

Comment from The Thomas on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:08:46 -0600

Your new CPAP mask is cute. So, how did they get you to model for the patient brochure listed at the Mirage Micro web page? And, how did they arrange to get SWWBO to allow your picture to be taken in bed with some other woman?

It is amazing what we can get used to. I got my first bite splint back in the 70's to limit the damage caused by my teeth grinding (bruxism), now I can't sleep without it. By the way, I'm only on my second or third splint in all those years.

Although they typically show bulky people with CPAP equipment, that isn't always the case. I have a friend who is our height, but half our weight, that recently went through the soft palate surgery to help reduce the potential for the airway collapsing. The jury is still out on whether the surgery was effective.

Comment from RetRsvMike on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:15:51 -0600

oh baby, i'm gonna have to take one of those quiet ones out for a test snooze!

Comment from Sarah Dohack-Young on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:01:57 -0600

heh. Didja know you can get animal masks from a pediatric supply? That'd give your better half something to look at when you're sleeping. I understand they come in bear faces and elephants.

Comment from Beth Donovan on 2008-12-17

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:26 -0600

It's true, we were all excited about the new CPAP! Wow! It's so small! And John seems to be sleeping better!

But I wish it made that noise the old one made.