As always, do not use this blog post in the place of professional medical advice.
Keeps Taking Off Mask When Asleep
This was the big problem with Mom and her CPAP machine. Her subconscious was just not going to go along with it. It's hard to fix. I'd have to stay wake every time Mom slept or took a nap and stare at her to make sure she wouldn't take the mask off. Not. Gonna. Happen.
Machine or Mask Keeps You Awake
The purpose of a CPAP machine is to get you better sleep. If it's been months and you haven't had any decent sleep since before the machine arrived, no matter how many new masks you've tried, it's time to think about giving up.
You Can No Longer Afford It
There's no sense using a treatment that you cannot afford. I've been homeless and let me tell you -- it's damn hard to lug around a CPAP machine when you're getting chased by alcoholics with the DTs.
You Have Severe Incontinence Issues
This is another problem Mom had. By the time she unhooked herself from the CPAP machine, she'd soaked her undies, nightgown and sometimes the carpet. Mom has bad arthritis, knees and scoliosis. She has to use a walker in the house and so moves slowly. When she got back from the toilet and me cleaning her up, she was too upset to go back to sleep.
You Cannot Clean It Regularly
A CPAP machine needs to have the masks and hoses regularly taken off, cleaned and completely dried before being used again or dangerous mold and bacteria can grow in the warm, moist environment. Cleaning was not a problem for Mom since she had me do it, but it you have mobility issues and don't have a caretaker to clean for you then a CPAP machine may not be the best thing for you.
Image by JoJoJo04 from Wikimedia Commons
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