Complete Sleep Apnea & CPAP / APAP Machine Information

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COPYRIGHT 1992 thru 2018 - David R. Woodsmall

I created these websites ONLY to provide free information to help other people

I AM NOT A DOCTOR NOR DO I HAVE ANY MEDICAL TRAINING

TWEET

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea KILLS, but is "curable". People that snore loudly are very likely to have Sleep Apnea - it affects more than twelve million Americans. Over-weight people are more likely to have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when your air passage gets abnormally closed while sleeping. "There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive (OSA) is the most common." - sleepapnea.org "Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, DEATH and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues. " - SleepApnea ORG The "cure" for sleep apnea is to use a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine when sleeping. Note that a CPAP machine will STOP YOU FROM SNORING. A standard CPAP machine will output are at a pre-set pressure - it does NOT increase the air pressure even if the patient NEEDS more air pressure. So you do NOT really want a CPAP !! you want an APAP (Automatic positive airway pressure) !! Different vendors have different names for APAP machines, for example, Auto-CPAP. You want the CPAP to automatically adjust the amount of air pressure to fit your current needs (called an APAP. For example, if you get a cold, you may need a higher air pressure to force air into your lungs - if you buy the cheaper (non automatically adjusting) machines, you could (MY OPINION) die because you are not getting enough air pressure to force air into your lungs. Do not let anyone prescribe a CPAP machine for you, IT MUST BE AN APAP device (a personal opinion, that I believe no sane person would dispute [another opinion]). - some vendors call their APAPs "automatic CPAPs". Wake up to Sleep - ResMed's Sleep Apnea Community

HUMIDIFIERs - Get one for your APAP/CPAP

You should get an APAP machine with a Humidifier (built-in). Most APAP/CPAP machines have (possibly as an option) a humidifier. The humidifier prevents the APAP/CPAP from drying out your throat and nose, preventing sore throats and possible bloody noses due to the increased air flow. I have read that dry teeth are more susceptable to DECAY. can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth Humidifiers are adjustable (amount of moisture injected) and can even be turned off.

RESOURCES - OTHERS

M series Respironic CPAP - Philips Respironics (ResMed) Wake up to Sleep - ResMed's Sleep Apnea Community Sleep Apnea, What Is Sleep apnea - Wikipedia Sleep apnea - MayoClinic.com Sleep Apnea - symptoms, causes, and treatment of Sleep Apnea Basics The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Sleep Apnea: MedlinePlus Sleep Apnea -- familydoctor.org Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, and Cures Sleep Apnea-Symptoms

APAP - Automatic CPAP

CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure (machine). CPAPs are used by patients for the treatment of sleep apnea - the patient wears a mask connected to the CPAP, while asleep. The CPAP pushes room air, under pressure, to the patient. These days, I feel that NO ONE should use a CPAP, they should all use an Automatic CPAP (an APAP, although different vendors call them by different names,for example, Auto-CPAP. The difference is that an APAP can automatically adjust the amount of air pressure to suit the user's current needs. For example, a patient with a bad cold might require a higher air pressure than he/she usually requires. It might be important for you to have an APAP that can compensate the difference in air pressure at different altitiudes. Most of "us" use and prefer the REMstar Auto M-series A-FLEX "CPAP machine" by Philips RESPIRONICS. Note that the REMstar auto-series is really an APAP, not a CPAP. APAPs automatically detemine how much air pressure you need at any given moment, and adjusts itself to that pressure. So if you have a bad cold, perhaps, and need more pressure than usual, it adjusts. CPAPs do not adjust (unless they are called auto CPAPs). I have it with the removable Humidifier. Mine actually runs on DC, but uses a wall plug (120-250 VAC) to supply the power. The advantage of an APAP/CPAP system that runs on DC voltage, is that you can usually get an adapter ro run them off your Car Battery (cigarette / accessory outlet) or a portable battery. REMstar Auto M Series with C-Flex or A-Flex bt Philips RESPIRONICS REMstar Auto A-Flex - CPAP specifications guide - Respironics

TRAVEL CPAP (APAP) - MY CHOICE is:

The Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine

I also feel (opinion) that it is great for use during a power failure

NOTE THAT AIRLINES ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO ALLOW YOUR CPAP AS A CARRY-ON, BUT YOU MAY HAVE TO "FIGHT" FOR THAT RIGHT (I did). The Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine is already set up to run off batteries, if so desired, and it will automatically switch (failover) from the wall AC power to an (optional) battery upon power failure, and even switch back to the plug-in AC power if it comes back on. I packed my CPAP in a bag all by itself, included my extension cord and outlet shape adapters and attached a label to this bag declaring it to be MEDICAL EQUIPMENT - this worked, athough I did have to insist with a few flight attendents who wanted to check my CPAP (on the plane). I bought my MEDICAL EQUIPMENT luggage tag from CPAP.COM: CPAP.com Medical Identification Luggage Tag for CPAP Equipment - Item # CPAP-TAG-01 I do NOT know if CPAP.com is the best place to shop - they did a good job for me. TEST YOUR EQUPMENT BEFORE YOUR TAVEL ANYWHERE. ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ANY NEEDED OUTLET SHAPE ADAPTERS I LOVE THE adaptelec.com ADAPTERS, EVERY (normal) PLUG USED IN THE WORLD, EXCEPT THE LARGE TYPE "M" WILL PLUG INTO EVERY ONE OF THEIR ADAPTERS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OF ANY KIND - CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF. If you are doing safaris in Southern Africa (Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe) you MUST have the OLD, LARGE, British TYPE "M" ADAPTER. This was the only outlet type available to us for 20 days, in 3 countries. There was ONE lodge that had a type G outlet. I and all my party had asked numerous places and they all said all we needed was type "G" and perhaps a Euopean adapter - WRONG. I checked further and it may have saved my life (CPAP). My research about electric adapters for Kenya, Botswana, Soputh Africa & Zimbabwe,... is HERE My research about other outlet adapters is HERE All CPAPs are supposed to be dual-voltage (110-120 VAC and 220-250 VAC). Ensure that yours will run on the voltages that will be supplied. If you booked through a tour company, ask THEM to confirm that you will have electricity 24/7 (if you do not have a battery powered CPAP). Our tour operators came back in 48 hours and confirmed that all but one of our lodges had 24/7, or get set some rooms for 24/7 electricity. The lodge that did not normally supply AC at night, said they would run the generator for me and supply an electrical hookup. TAKE A LONG EXTENSION CORD - I take 25 feet, and I needed that length in several places. Personally, if you do not have battery backup for your CPAP, I would NOT go. You do want to stress when you check in, that you require the electricity, all night, otherwise you may be DEAD in the morning (this seems to motivate them more, and could be true). Even then, some hotel staff tried to give the 24/7 electric room to others in my party. If you are traveling with a group, CHECK IN FIRST (before they do - it's easier than trying to fix the wrong room problem later). Verify that you will have electricity all night long.

(Smart) BATTERY / AC OPERATED APAP/CPAP

In MY RESEARCH, on July 7, 2010, I found what I (an opinion) believe to be the BEST APAP for TRAVEL. It can be setup (with the right type of optional, rechargeable batteries), to provide power even when the normal AC electricity fails (or is shut off at night, as happens in some remote areas of the world. It will go back to using the wall outlet if power is restored. I used it on African Photo Safaris when I did not have AC power source. This Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine is smart enough to use the Battery ONLY when there is no 120/250 VAC wall voltage available (if there is a power outage). If the power comes back on, this APAP will stop using the battery and switch back to the wall voltage. It could also run off of your vehicle's battery, BUT ENSURE THAT YOUR BATTERY CAN SUPPLY THE NEEDED CURRENT WITHOUT BEING DRAINED. You have to do your own research to determine how long a partiular, fully-charged, recharchable battery/batteries can support YOUR APAP machine at the air pressure level that you usually require (allow some reserve). Your battery may not be fully charged. I have chosen the Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine (really an APAP) for myself. I used it with two rechargable batteries. It can run on the AC, and switch over to DC (if you have also plugged in a DC source). It will even switch back to AC, if it comes back on. The Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine worked very well for me, during our 30 days in Africa. Unfortunately, I have not found what I consider an ideal rechargable lithium-ion battery back. I am going to use these lithium-ion battery packs from CPAP.COM - in my opinion, the manufacturer did not do a good job of planning. These batteries can EITHER be CHARGING or RUNNNING your APAP machine, but NOT BOTH, AT ONCE - so CPAP.com told me (and it is TRUE). I did use the batteries (see above) and while one of the two that I received was NO GOOD (would not hold a charge), they did work very well for me. They are not light, but are MUCH lighter than lead-acid batteries. My calculations show me that a single battery of this type (see above) could power my APAP machine through an entire 7 hour night of use FOR ME. You may not get as many hours on the same batteries - do your own research. Therefore, I will have one battery plugged into my IntelliPAP to act as a battery backup, while the other battery is plugged into the AC electricity and is charging. the Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine - CPAP.com Customize your IntelliPAP - CPAP.COM IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine - $435 (7/7/2010) - I had my doctor write me a note, saying I needed the travel CPAP to survive the trip. Insurance company paid about 20% of the entire portable CPAP and supplies expense (I already had a home CPAP). This product comes with: * IntelliPAP APAP Machine * Carrying Case * 6 Foot Hose * 8 Foot Power Cord * Reusable Foam Filter * Disposable Fine Filter * Patient Manual * Clinical Quick Set-Up Guide *** NEEDS ONE 12 VOLT DC POWER CABLE FOR THE BATTERY PACK IntelliPAP Integrated Heated Humidifier ($29.95) Buy Now & Save $120.00 SmartLink Software with Module, Cable, Data Card and Card Reader for DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Machines ($125.00) Buy Now & Save $24.95 Additional Disposable White Fine Filters (6 pack) + Included White Fine Filter ($13.99) # Bacteria Filter (1 Pack) ($6.95) # Bacteria Filter (5 Pack) ($22.90) <<< # Bacteria Filter (10 Pack) ($39.95) # 6ft CPAP Tubing (Included) # Additional 6ft CPAP Tube + Included 6ft CPAP tube ($9.99) # Additional Respiroinics 6ft Performance Tubing + Included 6ft CPAP tube ($14.95) # Additional 8ft CPAP Tubing + Included 6ft CPAP tube ($10.99) # Additional 10ft CPAP Tubing + Included 6ft CPAP tube ($11.99) Blue Snuggle Hose (6ft hose) ($14.95) - PREVENTs rain-out <<< *** NEEDS ONE 12 VOLT DC POWER CABLE FOR THE BATTERY PACK

SUMMARY OF MY TRAVEL SLEEP APNEA KIT

Prices from CPAP.com on 7/21/2010

1] Devilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine = $ 269 2] IntelliPAP Integrated Heated Humidifier ($29.95) Buy Now & Save $120.00 - $ 29.95 3] Two rechargable battery Packs withOUT DC cords ARE THESE DUAL VOLTAGE - YES, DUAL VOLTAGE. 4] 12 VDC cord to connect battery to CPAP - ??? 5] Disposable FINE filter - 6 pack - $ 13.99 6] Bacteria filter - 5 pack - $ 22.90 --------------------------------------------- TOTAL COST (excluding tax, shipping) = NO SmartLink Software with Module, Cable, Data Card and Card Reader for DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Machines ($125.00) Buy Now & Save $24.95. I did NOT get this.

CPAP BATTERIES for power backup or Camping

CPAP.com Battery Kit for IntelliPAP Machines ($217.04) Buy Now & Save $62.95 - HAS NO DC CABLE See also Battery Operated

DISTILLED WATER for CPAP - Getting / Using (or not)

humidifiers need pure (distilled) water

Thoughts on using, getting distilled water for your CPAP, and other CPAP subjects Phuket Forum: Distilled Water for CPAP Machine and other CPAP subjects See also: HUMIDIFIERS.

ELECTRICAL ADAPTERS for TRAVEL

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS / Plug Types / Voltage ELECTICAL ADAPTERS - Convert Foreign Outlet Shapes

THESE PLACES SELL SLEEP APNEA/CPAP/APAP DEVICES and other Services

www.ACTIVEHEALTHCARE.com I have used the one at: 9104 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 THEY CAN NOT ACCEPT MEDICARE - (Medicare only uses certain companies) Apria Healthcare offers a wide range of clinical services and equipment I have not used them. CPAP.com - has EVERYTHING - check prices I bought my wall AND battery operated DevilBiss (for African Safaris )here.

RELATED INFORMATION

AFRICAN SAFARI PLANNING African Traveler HEALTH ISSUES / Information AFRICA - Travel, SAFARI PHOTOS, Lodging... BUG BITES - Treat & Identify ELECTRIC ADAPTERS / CONVERTERS - Travel EYE HEALTH FREEZE YOUR CREDIT TO PREVENT THEFT HOTEL SAFES are NOT SECURE HUMIDIFIERS / DE-HUMIDIFIERS / HUMIDITY REALLY Complete INSECT REPELLENTS & Insecticide INFORMATION MILOCKIE in-room Safe LOCK MONEY BELTS / POUCHES PEST Control & Repellents Poisoning by Insecticides RID Insect REPELLENT SAFETY TIPS - TRAVEL Sunglasses - WHAT THEY NEED TO DO Surge Protectors TANNING - Complete TICKS - Complete TICK Information Time & Zones Travel Information Travel INSURANCE TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS TripleTred - Best all-weather tire BLUE LIGHT (HEV - 400 to 500 nm) - Macular Degeneration? UV400 = UVA, UVB plus UVC UVA = 320-400 nm UVB = 280-320 nm UVC = 100-280 nm Water Purifiers Windows (Microsoft) HELP

OTHER INFORMATION

I ASSUME NO LIABILITY - You do or do not do things at your own risk. I am NOT a business of any kind, and make NO money providing this information. I am NOT responsible for any errors of any kind - check it out yourself. There is NOTHING for sale here - Feel free to link to any of my web pages.I try to present accurate information. Call 911 (in the USA) or go to a Hospital for medical emergencies.