HI, Just wondering if anyone was charged to lower the pressure on their cpap machine. My doctor said I could have it lowered so I took it to the home medical equipment co. and they charged me $70.00. I think it took 10 minutes at the most. Does anyone know how to change the pressure themselves? Thanks, Lynn

Yesterday I met with my surgeon for my last visit before my surgery next Wed. He said that I would no longer be able to use my bi-pap machine as it was dangerous to the pouch to use after surgery? Has anyone else here had their doctor tell them this? I have had for a couple of years now and sleep very well with it. How soon does the weight loss effect sleep apenea? thanks for any advice. ----off to pre-op appointments. will check back when I get home. Debbie

Hi Claudia - you definitely should try to wear your machine every night before surgery. You've been rattling on empty (oxygen) for awhile. Need to get your body in the best shape possible for surgery. Yawn away, dear. It's a way for your body to open all the air sacs in your lungs. Long, slow, deep inspiration is good for you! It's a drastic change. Persistance pays - you must keep practicing going to bed with the cpap on. You'll sleep... make sure you've done all you can to promote good sleep. Comfortable bedroom/bed. Lights out. Noise off soon... No caffiene at LEAST 6 hrs prior to bedtime. Exercise/walk early in the day. Relaxation exercises can be helpful - envision yourself laying in nice warm (or cool - your choice!) sand and let yourself sink into the beach. Let go of tension in your head, your face, your jaw. Notice how your breath cycles in and out of your body. Feel the nourishing oxygen infusing your lungs. Relax your neck. Your shoulders. Make sure your shoulders aren't up around your ears. Relax, relax, relax. Thick mucus makes me think of dehydration. Do you have a humidifier? Maybe you need more humidity. If not, be sure to humidify your body (drink water) before you go to bed. All the better if you have to get up to pee in the night. It'll allow you to know if you've kept the mask on or gives you another chance to sleep with the mask on. Probably - the key is relaxation. My little scenerio helps me - you get the idea - change it to your own. Get a relaxation tape to listen to as you go to sleep. I'm sure Amazon.com could find something along these lines... I have one that was a gift that I've never heard the end of! (I'm asleep before the end - every time!) Best Wishes for sleeping healthily and for a successful surgery on 6/22! Angela in Ok Lap RNY 5/23/05 288/272/?

Hi Shannon, Are you going to be camping where they will have electricity at the camp sites? If so take an extension cord along, if not then I don't know. When we go camping we always make sure our camp site will have electricity so I can plug my machine in. I haven't been in the "real woods" since being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Hope this give you an idea. Trisha

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I'm going to try washing it in something a little stronger. Shannon