ObesityHelp

i had that happen to mine, and i too thought the top did not come off the tank - but when i actually sat and looked at the book there was a small little latch on the tank that pops the lid off. i was sure there had to be a way since it was important to keep it clean - voila there it was. good luck with that.

Gosh, I'm counting on going off this "thing" as well.  I have to go back to my MD.  I'm down 70 lbs, but I don't think that this is enough as yet to even consider it. 

DONNA MY NAME IS ELVINA AND I WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH SLEEP APNEA AND I DONT HAVE ANY INSURANCE AND DESPERATELY NEED THAT CPAP MACHINE WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? SO THAT I KNOW HOW MUCH SHIPPING WILL COST I AM IN NORTH CAROLINA

I agree with ya Heather, this is exactly how I've gotten used to my machine, it works!

While browsing through this category in the forum, I noticed a few people talking about sores from their C-PAP masks. I, too, had the very same problem at first with boils, whiteheads, rashes and sores from my mask but I actually managed to rig something up for myself. I'm not going to guarantee that this will work for everyone but it most certainly worked for me.

So here it is:

- Take a Kleenex (or 4 squares of toilet paper) and fold it down the crease.
- Fold it over again (the same direction) and then again once more.
- Finally, take it from the center and fold it over so it looks like a triangular shape.
- Take your mask and the folded Kleenex and line it carefully over-top of the sides of the mask (the part of the mask that actually touches and sits on your face).
- Try to carefully hold it in place while putting your mask on and adjust your mask as needed.

NOTE: This works better if you usually slip your mask on over your head and your straps are pre-adjusted. I hope this helps for at some of you, at least!

I have a friend that is a nurse and desperately needs a cpap machine.  She had the sleep study but her husband has had many medical bills and she can't afford her insurance copay.  Call me at 580-512-9881.  My name is jackie.  Deb helps her husband and patients all day and I want to help take care of herself.

Thank you-
Jackie

The sleep center that I go through for my CPAP supplies told me to check out "Ayr gel" with aloe.  I personally have not tried it, but it is relatively cheap and safe enough to use on babies.  No prescription needed, but I guess you have to ask a pharmacist for it.  Worth the try if you have soreness from nasal pillows.

 Hi JOJO, your post caught my eye because five years ago a sudden vibration started in my left chest and got progressively worse, until it felt likes small machine rumbling in there. I became extremely frightened over the next year and was suicidal for awhile, afraid my heart would fail. After several stress and resting echoes (some I had to pay for), I was told my heart is structurally normal but iPad a mild leak in the Mitral. Seventeen doctors later, the doctor heard a systolic murmur and prescribed 120 mg of propranalol a day. Another doc in the meantime refused to treat me unless I first agreed i had a psychological problem...he put me on Sertraline. I don't know if the Sertraline helped; it appears the Propranalol did. In 2007, I was able to come off it altogether without any issues and no more 'vibration.' But in 2008, the symptoms returned and I went back on the propranalol. I also had another Echo, which showed the tricuspid was also mildly leaky. Do you think it is possible that leaky valves CAUSE sleep apnea; or is it the other way around? Doctors don't seem to know. Cardiologists generally don't know much about sleep apnea....I am now experiencing a frightening 'flutter' which wakes me up at night, and is there often during the day. I went for a sleep study in 2005 and was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea....but as I didn't sleep at all in the study, I didn't feel I had sleep apnea. In 2011 I went for another sleep study, and I was again diagnosed with mild sleep apnea (AHI of 21)which has got better, I am not sure why (I can now actually fall asleep). Unfortunately, I am still getting the flutter. I am finding it VERY difficult to consistently use the Bipap machine I bought....do you think getting my leaky valves repaired would CUrE my sleep apnea (and yours too?). It seems to me that perhaps if the heart is a bit weak (leaky valves), it may not be able to oxygenate us properly when we sleep (especially taking propranalol, which can cause bradycardia).....what doyouthink?

 hey i am in need of a cpap machine do you still have the one for free if so you can contact me by email tyroneducharme@ymail .com 

 I was diagnosed today with SA...yay me!  I can hardly wait to start wearing the mask every night, but people swear it changes the way you feel.  Honestly, I feel like I have been run over by a truck every day so I hope it helps!