CPAP questions?

[Ironheadziggy76]

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 6 month check up and he is sending me to another doctor next month for a Sleep Study. The wife says I stop breathing several times each night while sleeping. I told her to stop holding the pillow over my face. :p

Guy, I read that you and Steve use these machines and I had some questions. Once you get used to them, do you have a hard time sleeping without them? Like when you go camping? How are they working for you? I didn't ask my doctor much about it since he was referring me to another doctor. I could have did a Google search, but I would rather hear from someone who actually uses one instead of just a definition if you guys don't mind. Thanks in advance.

[Mellow]

Here's a thread that was discussed previously on bike power for a CPAP while camping:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309

[Ironheadziggy76]

Thanks for the link Joe. After reading that post I'm not sure I want it.;)

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Ironhead,

I'm still having trouble using these screen names, oh well, nuther subject.

As far as the CPAP goes it'll take about a month to get used to, at least it did for me. But I do sleep alot better with it so I guess it's worth it. My wife sleeps alot better now and is less cranky, that alone is worth it. When I go camping for one or two nights alone, which is usually on the bike, I don't take it, but after that I will get fatigued a lot easier due to less sleep. When I go camping with the family, and I've got the truck to haul more stuff, I take it and just pay for a RV space so I have elec. It's worth it if I'm going to be running around with the kids all day. I need my sleep in that situation. So don't worry about it 1 or 2 nights won't hurt you, but you will feel it.

Hope this helps, anymore questions, just post 'em or PM me.

Guy

[Tx White Knight]

I have used a CPAP for several years. it took several months to get used to it but once I did the only time I have not used it is about 4 days when they fixed my nose for the second time :)

I have not gone with a battery unit yet as they are pretty bulky, when I get a cough hack trailer I will use a batter power supply. If insurance is going to pay for it see if you can get a battery powered one from the get go??? tell them it is for safety reasons when the power goes out ;)

I even use it to take a power naps of 30 to 40 minutes and it does wonders.

btw I averaged stopping my breathing 60 times a hour for the night they did my test

[Ironheadziggy76]

Thanks guys, I am scheduled to go the first of next month for the study so we will see how it goes. My main concern is that I will get used to the machine and have to rely on it. I don't see me taking it on my trip to Alaska considering I will be on the road for about a month. I sleep fair now, it's just the snoring that is getting to the wife.

[Tx White Knight]

you may be surprised at how you feel after you get accustomed to it :D

:tent4:

[ImRubicon]

I have been useing one for about a year and 9 months.
I sleep better with it as I am more rested the next day.
My wife sleeps much better and is in a better mood the next day,
That alone makes it worth the effort for me .
I would like to try one of those mouth and jaw peices that are to help also as I dont take my BiPap with me on shorter trips or camping as I sleep ok for a couple of nights without it .

[Mr. Guy]

I only went for the test because I was snoring and it kept my wife awake too. But at the test they found out if I slept on my back I would apnea (stop breathing) but not so on my side. I never realized this because I usually slept on my side. So I just sleep on my side when I camp, unless I'm car camping with the family, then I take my machine.

Guy

[Ironheadziggy76]

I tend to be a side sleeper also due to an old back surgery. It seems I wake up and switch sides about every hour. Setting in a recliner I snore so loud at times that I can actually hear myself snoring before falling into a deeper sleep. Sometimes it wakes me up. My nose having been broken several times probably doesn't help much either. I head butted a fist or two in my younger years.:p

[Mr. Guy]

I've got my back problems too. Had to have my neck fused between C5,C6,C7 about 10 years ago. It looks like the next joint up will get done in a few years too. But you learn to adapt, because sitting in a rocker on the porch just isn't an option.

Guy