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CPAP machine taking some getting used to

(41 Posts)
Urmstongran Sun 20-Aug-23 14:01:56

A friend’s husband needs one - my friend said it was like sleeping next to Darth Vader ... after a couple of weeks (and having it checked over) she moved into the back bedroom.

Marydoll Sun 20-Aug-23 13:50:23

Primrose, you singled me out. Why? That is why I was concerned about your response. You know nothing about me nor the fact that my health is extremely fragile and time is running out for me. I certainly can do without the digs.Those who know me here, know that I always try to be pleasant.
Absolutely nothing to do with punctuation, it was to do with the apparently snippy respone.
Perhaps better to think carefully before you respond.
Such a pity, since my post was intended to be supportive.
A lesson learned for me.

Nannynoodles Sun 20-Aug-23 13:40:03

Hi, well I hope no one picks me up on my punctuation because it’s not the best but I might be able to help Primrose.
My husband has used a CPAP for several years now and when it makes a noise it’s because it’s not fitted properly somewhere.
Either the tube has become loose at either end and air is escaping or the mask isn’t fitted tightly enough.
It does take some getting used to wearing the mask but when it’s on right it is virtually silent.
In the early days he went back to the hospital several times but can can now sort it himself, I suggest you go back and get them to check again but maybe try tightening the straps tonight.

Greenfinch Sun 20-Aug-23 13:35:38

What a worrying time for you Primrose. I do hope the machine solves the problem. My sleep apnoea was discovered before an operation and I had to have a spinal block instead of a general anaesthetic but obviously this wouldn’t be possible for a back operation. I hope his BP can be reduced by better sleep.

Primrose53 Sun 20-Aug-23 12:52:46

I don’t know …. I came on here to ask for advice from CPAP users and it turns into an argument because I used an exclamation mark. I then thanked Marydoll for replying but apparently that’s not good enough either and I should have said “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you.”

I didn’t say it was an emergency and I did say it was very early days for us and this gadget. I just thought somebody might have a helpful suggestion in the interim until we can get a hospital appointment.

My husband was gowned up and ready for a serious back operation a few months ago and as his BP was extremely high the anaesthetist and surgeon both came and said they dare not operate as he might have a heart attack or stroke during the op. We have spent months seeing consultants from many depts in the hospital who are all trying to decide why his BP will not come down despite being on 7 medications to lower it. After testing he has severe obstructive sleep apnoea so they are hoping a CPAP machine will lower his BP a bit but since it has been like this for many years this will not be the end of the story.

But hey ho, if people on here are more concerned about an exclamation mark then you need to have a good look at yourselves.

Thank you to those who did try to help.

Coolgran65 Sun 20-Aug-23 11:11:21

I use a cpap and dh barely notices it. Is the nose mask fitting properly. That’s the only time mine gets noisy ie if it slips and it can be adjusted in a moment by adjusting the straps.

Greenfinch Sun 20-Aug-23 10:56:40

It is not an emergency and so the assumption of all of us is that you would wait for a week day to contact the hospital. I took your exclamation mark to mean you were making a joke ??? That’s the trouble with this form of communication. The meaning is not always clear but I do hope your DH gets sorted. He will feel much better when he gets into the routine

25Avalon Sun 20-Aug-23 10:07:30

What happened to “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you?” Marydoll gave helpful advice based on her own experience.

Marydoll Sun 20-Aug-23 10:01:39

Why single me out, by quoting my post, when others made the same suggestion? To finish with an exclamation mark indicates annoyance.
I can only assume that you are finding the whole situation stressful.

Primrose53 Sun 20-Aug-23 09:35:56

Marydoll

Primrose53

Marydoll

Why doesn't he seek advice from the hospital dept, which supplied it?
My SIL uses one, but my DD has only heard the odd whistling sound. She says it is better than the snoring, which we could hear on different floor at the back of the house.

He probably will but it’s Saturday night!

No need for the exclamation mark. My response was polite and my suggestion reasonable.

Since when has an exclamation mark been impolite?🤔

Thank you for replying.

Marydoll Sat 19-Aug-23 23:28:59

Primrose53

Marydoll

Why doesn't he seek advice from the hospital dept, which supplied it?
My SIL uses one, but my DD has only heard the odd whistling sound. She says it is better than the snoring, which we could hear on different floor at the back of the house.

He probably will but it’s Saturday night!

No need for the exclamation mark. My response was polite and my suggestion reasonable.

Primrose53 Sat 19-Aug-23 22:10:21

Marydoll

Why doesn't he seek advice from the hospital dept, which supplied it?
My SIL uses one, but my DD has only heard the odd whistling sound. She says it is better than the snoring, which we could hear on different floor at the back of the house.

He probably will but it’s Saturday night!

Chardy Sat 19-Aug-23 20:26:57

Daughter has had one nearly 3 yrs. She says howling wind probably means the tube isn't connected properly between mask & tube or between machine & tube
Or
If it has a humidifier on the back, it could be that. That should be easy to spot, can you feel the air coming out there?

If none of this helps, phone hospital dept on Monday, they will make appointment to see him with machine.

Greenfinch Sat 19-Aug-23 20:24:02

I sympathise as I have one and it does take getting used to but I don’t think it should be quite so noisy as you say. My DH is not disturbed by mine and says if he does notice it it just sounds like rain. However I have a friend who has to sleep with ear plugs to cut out the noise of her DH’s. As far as the mask is concerned I had to go back to the hospital twice before I felt happy with the fit so don’t be afraid to go back. He needs to get it right for his own comfort. The sleep nurses will be only to happy to help.

Marydoll Sat 19-Aug-23 20:20:07

Why doesn't he seek advice from the hospital dept, which supplied it?
My SIL uses one, but my DD has only heard the odd whistling sound. She says it is better than the snoring, which we could hear on different floor at the back of the house.

Primrose53 Sat 19-Aug-23 20:00:12

My husband has had a CPAP machine for two nights. He has severe obstructive sleep apnoea where he stops breathing 30 times in an hour.

It sounds like howling wind when it is operating and he has tried to adjust it but it still makes this noise. We sleep together and I have fibbed and said it doesn’t bother me but my son can also hear it as his bedroom is next to ours.

The mask was fitted at the hospital to ensure a perfect seal but he feels it isn’t right.

I know it’s very early days so would welcome any comments or suggestions.