My old ResMed Model 9 CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine gave me an error message: MOTOR LIFE EXCEEDED. PLEASE CONTACT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. I called up Apnea Care and Rachel, my Service Representative, told me, “You qualify for a new CPAP.” I scheduled an appointment and a few days later the new ResMed AirSense 10 was mine. The AirSense 10 motor is super-quiet! It automatically adjusts if you need more or less pressure for comfortable and safe breathing during sleep. The AirSense 10 keeps track of sleeping patterns and notifies you if your mask is leaking air.
I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea back in 1995. I’ve had four CPAP machines since then and now the ResMed AirSense 10 is my fifth. My first CPAP looked like a Macintosh computer and weighed over 20 pounds. Diane said it sounded like a lawn mower. Each new CPAP got smaller, quieter, and smarter. This new ResMed AirSense 10 looks like a clock radio and weighs a couple of pounds. Without these CPAP machines, I probably wouldn’t be here today.
Mine has lasted for many years because I never use it What kind of money do you have to lay out for these things, if I may so nosy!?
Bob, when I was working and had Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance, my CPAPS were covered 100%. I paid nothing. Now, with Independent Health, I have to “rent” the new ResMed AirSense 10 for $8 a month.
Congratulations, George!
I’ve been using a CPAP machine since 2001 when my apnoia was diagosed – my heart specialist sent me to a sleep lab, one night was horrible – the next night I slept like a baby with my new CPAP “Somnotron” 🙂
Since several years I’ve ben using a Devilbiss Sleepcube, very good.
So how did you or your doc find out that you had apnoia?
PS:
I’ve been using the classic Resmed mask all the time – every year I get a new one.
Wolf, back in 1995 I got a plugged ear after flying to Austin, Texas. I went to an otorhinolaryngologist (Ears, Nose, and Throat specialist) and she examined me. She saw my uvula was long and distended. After she fixed my ear, she suggested I go for a sleep study. I did and learned I stopped breathing over 200 times during my “sleep.” A few weeks later, I had my first CPAP and was sleeping like a baby. I use nasal pillows instead of a mask.
I remember Kathy’s first CPAP — I think it involved a guy working a bellows.
Dan, my first CPAP was very noisy. This new ResMed AirSense 10 is whisper quiet.
The only place I am going to sleep well is in my coffin.
Patti, many of our friends have sleep problems. There are solutions out there.
We know a number of people with apnea who need CPAP machines. I guess Diane needed to invest in earplugs if that first machine sounded like a lawn mower!
I’ve always slept pretty well (thankfully), but though I still fall asleep very quickly, I rarely sleep straight through the night the way I used to. Jackie’s insomnia changed after she retired, but like Patti, she still has problems sleeping. She will usually read for an hour or more in bed on her Kindle Paperwhite before she can fall asleep. She sleeps best from around 2-8 am, while I am generally up around 6.
Jeff, some of our friends have gone to Sleep Clinics and found solutions to their sleep problems. The first CPAP machines basically used vacuum cleaner engines (instead of sucking, the air was pushed through the hose). Noisy! Diane would fall asleep first, and then I’d fire up my CPAP machine. The noise didn’t bother me because I was always sleepy. I usually fall asleep in 2-3 minutes and sleep about 8 hours (with a bathroom break somewhere in the middle of the night).
Only one break? Lucky you! For me it’s at least two breaks – and of course sometimes it takes me half an hour or more to fall asleep again.
I have a subscription to the German “Sleep Magazine” – they have very interesting reports. One problem often overlooked is that people who can’t sleep at night fall asleep during the day – while driving even, horrible!
We call it Sekundenschlaf – sleep for a few seconds – not good.
I often told friends and acquaintences about my machine to make them fo to the doc, there’s a large number of people with sleeping problems and I’m really happy to have them solved.
I use my machine every night!
Wolf, as Bob’s comment shows, not everyone with sleep apnea uses a CPAP each night like you and me. Some of my friends tried using a CPAP and didn’t like it. Some had trouble finding a comfortable mask. But a good night’s sleep is worth the hassle!
Now cursing your enemies with a perpetual cold is no longer the ultimate misery.
J. Padrig, some people hate using CPAPs. I struggled at the beginning with masks that leaked air. But once I discovered nasal pillows, I adjusted just fine. Research is now showing that untreated Sleep Apnea can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.