Why CPAP, Why?

I have been using my CPAP for about 5 years now. A couple of years ago, I had some hassles with getting supplies but that has been all cleared up by finding a new provider.

Overall, it's gone pretty well! Until...

My first CPAP problem

...was the recall on certain CPAP machines and other machines for breathing. Not worrying too much about it, I went online and answered all the questions that were being asked about the CPAP machine I have. And yes, mine was on the recall list.

Noticing particles in my water reservoir

This was not a big shock to me as I had noticed just a few times that there was black stuff in the water reservoir. This was before the recall announcement. I noticed it just a few times – when I had the heated air on. But I had to shut that off because it was causing my myasthenia gravis to flare up and causing breathing difficulties not related to sleep apnea. After I shut the heat off, there was no more black stuff in the water reservoir so I didn't worry about it until the recall announcement and finding out that my CPAP was on the recall list.  

I kept using my CPAP

I was advised to keep using my CPAP because I get extremely high blood pressure and using the CPAP machine seems to help keep my blood pressure a little more under control.

My second CPAP problem

Things were finally running really well with my CPAP even though it was on the recall list. And then in the middle of the night one night, the unthinkable happened!

I was sound asleep (and sleeping quite well may I add!) when I was rudely awakened by coughing and sputtering with my mouth full of something that smelled like a cross between propane and lighter fluid! Can you imagine that mix?! Since I woke up coughing and sputtering, I could taste that mix also!

Testing the machine while I was awake

Now because I was asleep when this occurred, I decided that I should try this again with my eyes open and sitting up – not to mention, I was wide awake now! No more did I get the nose pillows in my nose and my machine turned on then I had to rip it back off of my face. Yep, you guessed it. The same thing happened again.

An objective observer

OK so mind you sometimes I'm not the brightest! So, I waited a few hours and then told my husband what was going on. He agreed that sounded kind of weird and maybe that's not what was going on at all. This time though, I didn't put it on my face, I just turned it on. Lo and behold, that smell was still there! But we both could smell it! It was so bad that the nose pillows actually smelled without the CPAP being turned on.

A short-term remedy until I get a new CPAP

I contacted my provider the next morning and told them what was going on. They did not have an extra machine to loan me. I also got an email that day letting me know that in a few short weeks we would be getting a questionnaire and then they can start mailing out new CPAP machines to those who need them first.

So, for now, I just have a little fan by my bed to blow in my face while I sleep along with a couple of pillows to elevate my head. And actually, I've been sleeping very well!