I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in 1995. Since that time I’ve used 5 different Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machines. About every 5 years, my health insurance company would tell me: “It’s time for a new CPAP machine.” And, I got to keep my old CPAP machines which were all in working condition. This was an annoyance to Diane who hates clutter. But, when the Pandemic hit and ventilators were in short supply, I called the Respiratory Unit at Memorial Hospital in Niagara Falls and asked if I could donate four working CPAP machines. They enthusiastically accepted my old, faithful CPAP machines.
A few months later a nurse from the Respiratory Unit called me to say those CPAP machines saved lives.
Sorry for the digression. On July 5, 2023 I got my 6th CPAP machine: the new Resmed Airsense 11. For the past 5 years I’ve used the Resmed Airsense 10–the best CPAP I’ve ever used. But now, after using the Airsense 11 for nearly a month, I have to say this new model is superior to the Airsense 10.
My first CPAP machine weighed over 20 pounds and the size of an old Macintosh computer. It was No Fun traveling around lugging such a heavy and awkward unit. It was also noisy: it had a vacuum cleaner motor. But, every CPAP machine since then grew lighter and smaller. The Airsense 11 is only 2 pounds, the size of a loaf of bread, and is whisper quiet. I love it!
My other sleep problem over the years was leaky CPAP masks. I’ve tried over a dozen different masks. The only one that didn’t leak (much) was the ADAM System nasal pillows by Puritan. Puritan was acquired years ago and doesn’t exist any more. I could still find parts online, but another problem attacked me: dry mouth. Even though I used a chin strap to keep my mouth closed, I’d wake up in the morning with my mouth feeling like the Sahara Desert!!
According to my CPAP advisor, Marcie, the answer to that problem was a full face mask. I’d used full face masks in the past, but they were heavy and uncomfortable. But, Fisher & Paykel just brought out a new full CPAP mask called the Evora. Once I got used to it, I found my dry mouth was a thing of the past and I had few leaks. I highly recommend the Resmed Airsense 11 and the Fisher & Paykel Evora Full CPAP Mask! There are few things more wonderful than a Good Night’s Sleep and now Airsense 11 and Evora are making that happen for me. How’s your sleep? GRADE: A+
The Macintosh metaphor is an apt one, George, recalling the days when computers took up whole rooms and running a CPAP was like operating an Iron Lung.
Dan, Diane had to use ear plugs when I first starting using that bulky, noisy CPAP unit back in 1995. But vast progress has been made in terms of weight and noise-reduction.
By the way, I still need your address!
Dan, you can always reach me at popeviagra@aol.com
I guess you can get used to almost anything, but I’m amazed that people can sleep in these things. In the last year or so I’ve been seeing tv commercials for these implanted devices (Inspire?) that make the CPAP unnecessary. My guess is they don’t work very well or everyone would have switched to them by now. Have you tried them?
Michael, four yers ago I went to a surgeon who performs the Hypoglossal nerve stimulator surgery. HIs first question: “Do you hate your CPAP machine?” My answer: “I love my CPAP machine.” That answer immediately disqualified me. I also didn’t have the right Body Mass number either. Right now, the new CPAP machine and new CPAP has me in a very Good Place!
Hannibal Lecter Kelley!
I’ve always slept really well. I know it annoys Jackie when she has trouble falling asleep and I am out shortly after my head hits the pillow. And I sleep soundly too. If there is a thunderstorm with raining pouring in, she will have to run around shutting the windows as I sleep through it! Also, since the prostate surgery I never wake up more than once in the night, usually after 4:00 and often after 5:00.
I know I’ve been fortunate.
Jeff, most of our friends have sleep issues. Diane occasionally has trouble falling asleep because she’s thinking about stuff. I immediately turn my brain off when my head hits the pillow. But after my bathroom break around 3 A.M. I sometimes have trouble falling back to sleep.
I’v also been using a CPAP machine for more than 20 years and regularly updated – but only every 7 or 8 years.
Right now I use a Sleep Cube and a Resmed mask, very light.
Before that I was a horrible snorer, sometimes in ahotel at nicht the phone would ring, voiceless – was surely one of my poor room neighbours.
Now I sleep really well.
Wolf, before I got my CPAP machine, I was a terrible snorer, too! One time when I was staying at a Hilton Hotel, the manager moved me to the farthest room on the floor because my snoring was disturbing other guests on both sides of the initial room I was given.
George, O used to ask for a remote room as far away as possible.
In Frankfurt ther was a small hotel where I slept a week almost every month (consulted several banks there) and they had a room in the “cellar” which was mine …
And now three funny stories on my CPAP machine I might have told before – the old one which was like Laptop but three times as high.
After 9/11 machines like that were checked in detail in Germany too so once I was stopped and the guy called out his neighbour: Come over!
And then he told him:
You always wanted to see a CPAP, now here it is.
Once I had the CPAP and the laptop in the same bag – that made a lot of frowns but all was clear afer I took out both machines.
And early in the 2000s after my wife dies I wanted to GAFIA so when I read that Steve Winwood did a tour through Texas I decided to fllow him. I already had adapters for the US sockets and also switchen the line voltage contact – but in the ,mddle of the third night (I think, it wasn’t the first) the machine stopped.
And then I realised that the current had to be twice because the voltage was half and I had forgitten to change the little fuse.
Now the problem was that European fuses were smaller than US fuses – so what should I do?
But I was lucky – pon the way to Austin I saw a sign “Radio Shack” and went there and they had those fuses – all clear.
So that was one of my best US trips:
Houston (concert), Space Center, Galveston, Austin (open air concert and the bats!), the “German Corner, Dallas/Ft Worth (concert) and then back via the Lufkin and theTexas forest) – really nice 10 days.
Wolf, great story! But RADIO SHACK isn’t with us anymore.
Sorry for the mistakes in typing – it’s just too hot!
Wolf, we’re headed for 90 degree temperatures later this week. I hate Summer!
I’ve had a CPAP gathering dust beside my bed for many, many years! My doctor knew I didn’t use it but didn’t make an issue of it! Now that I’m with the VA I’m going to see what they can do for me! I used to wake up choking because I stopped breathing in my sleep but that hasn’t happened for a long time! Losing weight probably helped (hint, hint)!
Bob, Sleep Apnea is caused by the soft tissues in the throat collapsing (like a paper straw). That choking and gasping sensation interrupts your breathing and your sleep so you don’t get the REMs you need. Long term Sleep Apnea can cause heart issues. I hope the VA can provide you with some help!
I know what causes sleep apnea!