Note that your CPAP is "medical equipment" and therefore does not count as a carry-on, you can bring it on the plane in addition to your carry-on and personal item, you don't need to put it in a suitcase. I did not know this at first and someone told me and so I pass this important knowledge on to you.
Brent beat me to this comment. I never let TSA risk losing this. I have "severe sleep apnea", which apparently means when I stop breathing during sleep it takes longer for the message to get to my brain and start my breathing again. When I went for the sleep study I had 56 instances per hour when I stopped breathing. Now I'm less than one per night. CPAP machine has changed my world. Keep at it Keith!
You and I are the same age… and I was put on one last year. I’d say it took me about 6 months to get “used to” it. I relate to everything you say. I hate it also, but it seems to be a necessary annoyance. I do notice that if I doze off on the couch without it, I start/stop with being asleep. But like you, I hate the idea I have to be attached to this thing for the rest of my life.
Welcome to the CPAP club. Others have covered the carry-on discussion. My other tip is to get a fabric cover for your mask (I use padacheek.com but there are probably others). I find it way more comfortable than plastic against my face and think it helps sightly with getting a better seal.
I have a CPAP and BiPAP and hate them equally. The BiBAP does the same thing but with two different pressures, allowing for easier exhales....the CPAP always left me choking after 2 hours. I still can't get more than 4 hours of sleep with the BiPAP so I've given up for the moment. Any secret besides sheer stubbornness?
Note that your CPAP is "medical equipment" and therefore does not count as a carry-on, you can bring it on the plane in addition to your carry-on and personal item, you don't need to put it in a suitcase. I did not know this at first and someone told me and so I pass this important knowledge on to you.
Brent beat me to this comment. I never let TSA risk losing this. I have "severe sleep apnea", which apparently means when I stop breathing during sleep it takes longer for the message to get to my brain and start my breathing again. When I went for the sleep study I had 56 instances per hour when I stopped breathing. Now I'm less than one per night. CPAP machine has changed my world. Keep at it Keith!
You and I are the same age… and I was put on one last year. I’d say it took me about 6 months to get “used to” it. I relate to everything you say. I hate it also, but it seems to be a necessary annoyance. I do notice that if I doze off on the couch without it, I start/stop with being asleep. But like you, I hate the idea I have to be attached to this thing for the rest of my life.
Welcome to the CPAP club. Others have covered the carry-on discussion. My other tip is to get a fabric cover for your mask (I use padacheek.com but there are probably others). I find it way more comfortable than plastic against my face and think it helps sightly with getting a better seal.
I have a CPAP and BiPAP and hate them equally. The BiBAP does the same thing but with two different pressures, allowing for easier exhales....the CPAP always left me choking after 2 hours. I still can't get more than 4 hours of sleep with the BiPAP so I've given up for the moment. Any secret besides sheer stubbornness?
Smithereens ref?
Good to have you back on the newsletter, Keith.
My group also loved Legacy Ticket to Ride. We had a blast with it. Sorry it ended so soon.
Keith. They make portable CPAPs for traveling.
I know. Insurance doesn’t cover them and it’s still another sizable thing to bring when I already have a computer, a radar gun, etc.