Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

drunkmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122392285#Comment_122392285

It doesn't go up the nostrils it's just resting underneath them and not tightly, I twist side to side so it's handy having the tube up top where you don't notice it during the night.

looksee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122392285#Comment_122392285

That's the one that made me feel as though I was suffocating. It just goes to show that individuals have to find what suits them personally.

Hontou

@drunkmonkey I'm on the AirSense 10 machine from ResMed and I have the full face mask and have tried the nasal mask too. Getting through 2 hours a night feeling uncomfortable but felt worse with the nasal mask. Was grateful the company sent it to me though. I'm asthmatic and panic with breathing issues so I think I'm very anxious with it all. I did sleep in the hospital with it when they gave me sleeping tablets for 5 hours but I really do not want to start taking sleeping tablets. I get up early and go to bed late so I really should be sleeping.

drunkmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122393476#Comment_122393476

Same machine as me, they had to make humidity and pressure adjustments for me for both masks until it was comfortable. Mines using nearly a full container of water a night now, I might get it dialled back a little as it does seem to be causing a tiny build up of water in the pillows mask and part of the tube.

If I was in your boots I'd get some Otrivine Sinusitis Relief Nasal Spray to see if you can breathe easier through your nose, if it doesn't help see an ENT consultant to find the blockage, it could be Nasal polyps causing it if you're never had some removed.

My settings with the pillow mask.

Tube temp 27

Humidity 6

Pressure relief on

Mask set to pillows.

Ideally you should be getting 7/8hrs comfortable sleep once you have the mask fit and settings nailed down.

Masala

Hi all…. first time booking a CPAP on as carry-on baggage on Aer Lingus

Looking at their terms…. its looks like I must complete a Medical Form and get it signed off by my Doctor and then fax it off!!! Am I misreading this…. ??? Ryanair is very simple but this looks like overkill.

Anyone got a a direct link to a quick authorization on this request…… I am fully booked flight wise so have a Booking No. etc.

Many thank all…..

Dublinandy3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122405647#Comment_122405647

Don't take what I'm saying as Gospel as it's been a while and my memory isn't the best but I'm pretty sure I needed nothing for air lingus as my machine (resmed 10) was on their approved list.

I may be getting my companies mixed up though.

Charles Babbage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122405743#Comment_122405743

Surely this link suggests that CPAP machines generally are approved?

https://www.aerlingus.com/support/special-assistance/medical-conditions/

Why should they not be? They are no bigger than a laptop, they need not have batteries, they have no dangerous chemicals or similar?

looksee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122406135#Comment_122406135

I think the issue is whether the size and weight will be taken into account when you take them into the cabin. You are allowed one cabin bag, is the machine that bag? Does it add to the 7 or 10kg allowance? The answer should be no in both cases, but that depends on all employees understanding that and being aware of the regs. If you have the form it makes it easier. I seem to recall that there were no issues taking my Resmed 10 on board and I didn't need any paperwork, but I had a letter anyway (I think the form is a recent thing).

Its a bit like Aer Lingus saying your carry on bag has to be exact dimensions and weight, which you abide by, then find people on board struggling to put large bags in the overhead locker and stewards putting them at the back of the plane with no hassle. I can be sure that if I took one of those oversize bags on it would instantly cost me money.

looksee

Just changing the subject completely for a minute, I recently went to A&E in considerable pain and was given two medications that both contained opiates. The doctor on duty suggested I particularly take them at night. I told her that I had sleep apnoea and she said that was ok. I checked the info sheets when I got home and found that it specifically said they can cause sleep apnoea and low blood oxygen. I used them just during the day for a couple of days but not at night.

Just something to be aware of.

Dublinandy3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122406135#Comment_122406135

I read that as it's a medical device that's allowed to be carried on board and do not need pre clearance.

But again, I don't use AL often and I have been on a fair few carriers so best to check with them. But the link you provided backs up my memory on the subject.

The bottom of that page tells you what is needed for pre clearance, imo anyway, but I could be wrong.

FaganJr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122405647#Comment_122405647

Literally just off an Aer Lingus flight, I just carried it on as hand luggage, never declared anything. I have a letter for RyanAir as they are bastards!

Charles Babbage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122410723#Comment_122410723

Again, under what basis would Ryanair prohibit such an item?

https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/articles/12890928594705-What-items-are-prohibited-on-board-and-in-Check-in-Bags

are you suggesting that they would prohibit it because of weight etc?

looksee

I think the issue is whether the machine is the hand luggage, or if you get it free in addition to hand luggage. Aer Lingus are far more easy going about hand luggage than Ryan Air. Also there used be issues about batteries, not exactly sure what they were.

Masala

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122411458#Comment_122411458

I reckon Ryanair would pull you on this if you arrived with 3 x bags at the Boarding Gate - your 10kg Cabin Bag + your Handbag/Backpack for under the Seat PLUS a CPAP Bag. They only expecting 2 x bags per person.

I was stopped by Staff before but advised that I had a Ryanair letter accepting it on the flight - and they then waved me on without having to produce it.

Another point - I put my CPAP overhead with my Cabin Bag and Stewardess took it down and insisted I put at my feet. I already had a small backpack there already and so it was a fair squeeze to force both under the seat in front of me!!

Charles Babbage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122411564#Comment_122411564

Batteries have to be in hand luggage they are dangerous in the hold.

I can't see why there should be special consideration for CPAP machines, you do not need them in the cabin and they can be accommodated in checked luggage or packed within a regular cabin bag if you have space.

FaganJr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122411458#Comment_122411458

No if you dont declare it and get a letter, they will charge you for it

Charles Babbage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122412225#Comment_122412225

They will only charge you for it if it is an extra bag! The machine itself is of no interest to them.

FaganJr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122412249#Comment_122412249

Incorrect, they do care and are very specific when you have to apply for the waiver! I have the letter in my passport. And have travelled frequently with CPAP. Think about this, it is an extra bag in any case!

FaganJr

https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-ie/articles/12892718483089-Medical-Equipment-Baggage-Waiver-Letter

Notice they mention it's only "FREE OF CHARGE" when equipment is listed on the waiver letter that you need to apply for with a Doctors letter prior to flying. In other words, bastards!

tohaltuwi

I have MS, and very prone to pneumonia. I wear an Apple Watch which monitors sleep phases and SP02. I notice that my oxygen levels can go down as far as 73%, most often during the first part of my sleep where REM and deep sleep is more frequent. I have an appointment later next month with a respiratory consultant. Might be looking here for tips.

looksee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122412428#Comment_122412428

I had the same thing, down to 70s and 80s constantly when not wearing mask, I was sleeping a couple of hours then taking the mask off in my sleep, when I had the mask on it was mid 90s, daytime its 98/99. I mentioned it to the consultant and he said 'yes, that's what sleep apnoea is, people don't realise how important it is to wear the mask'. Anyway I seem to have got that sorted and am sleeping better now.

skinny90

hi folks

I’m just over a month after using the Cpap. Resmed Air Sense 10.

I get an average 7/8 hours sleep and the sleep score overall over the last 30’days is 93

Initially I felt great but I suppose I was expecting to feel better 30’days on.

Mid 30’s , fairly active but I do find myself still low in energy throughout the day

noodler

Hmm. Glad I found this thread.

Im mid 30s, in reasonable shape, but gf is complaining about the snoring.

I got steroid nasal spray for 3 months to try and help breath through the nose.

However, recently I've actually 'felt' like there is extra skin or something around my throat making swallowing (and therefore breathing that little bit more difficult).

I really worry I'd never be able to sleep with a mask. Is the first step to tell the GP I need a referral for a test or what?

Charles Babbage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122414201#Comment_122414201

Absolutely speak to your GP in the first instance.

looksee

Definitely. You need a GP referral to a Consultant anyway, and you will need to go to a Consultant to get a sleep study. You don't even know yet whether your problem is sleep apnoea.

drunkmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122414170#Comment_122414170

Have you want way of seeing your blood oxygen at night? Smart watch etc, a 100% score on the resmed app doesn't mean your oxygen is ok, they said they were sending me out an oxygen monitor for a night shortly but I can already see the levels are good form my watch as it's monitoring all night.

drunkmonkey

Here's a link to the ryanair travel form for the machine. It's good for a year, https://onlineform.ryanair.com/gb/en/special-medical-device

Had to bring the machine on holidays recently nobody asked for the form though I just strolled on with it.

PatMurphy021987

Can anyone confirm if I buy a CPAP machine from Cpapstore can I claim health expenses on it back from revenue?

drunkmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122455512#Comment_122455512

Don't know about revenue, VHI would give me nothing for anything cpap related except for the doctor and consultant. I'll be claiming it under the drug payment scheme, so a little saving there along with other things claimable the rest of the house needs.

I will say it's handy resmed sending you a different masks, replacement tubes etc at no extra cost, the sim is also included so the consultant can access the data.

If this ends up being permanent I might have a completely different view but I haven't much faith in how long those expensive tubes last.

FaganJr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122455512#Comment_122455512

I think it applies to Irish approved suppliers for Revenue, ask them on Socials?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122455602#Comment_122455602

Irish Life will cover 50% of a new machine when you do their approved sleep test. This only came out in July.