Question:
How can you wear your C-PAP mask with a NG tube?

I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I WANT BE ABLE TO WEAR MY C PAP TIL AFTER THE NASO GASTRIC TUBE IS REMEOVED. I AM REALLY DEPENDENT ON MY C-PAP TO GET ANY REST. HELP MY SURGERY IS 11/6    — DIANE S. (posted on October 27, 2001)

October 27, 2001
Diane, before my surgery, I couldn't live without my CPAP either. It was set to 10. I didn't use it immediately post-op (though my surgeon asked me to bring it to the hospital) and I didn't have any problems. I didn't really need to worry about my oxygen levels dropping because they had me on a monitor and supplemental oxygen (with a nasal cannula, not a ventilator). By the time I went home from the hospital, I had ditched my oxygen AND my CPAP. My apnea is completely gone 5 weeks after surgery!! My neck is down 3 inches, from 17" to 14", and I'm sure that had a lot to do with it. In short, don't worry. Ask your surgeon, bring the CPAP to the hospital, but expect that you might not need it at all. And that you might be free of the old "scuba gear" sooner than you think!! :-) Good luck with your surgery and recovery. It is SOOOOO worth it!!
   — Julia M.

October 28, 2001
The oxygen cannula will do the trick for you. Also my surgeon would not let me wear the C-PAP right after surgery because depending on how high your setting is it may cause problems with your new gut(too much pressure). Best of luck to you.
   — Angela H.