undiagnosed use of machine

[nnmer]

I have really bad sleep apnea and bought a machine off CL and waiting for a free sleep study for an organization who helps people with low income and no insurance. But it will take months. I am wondering what dangers there might be in using it before hand with setting already on it. I have used it for a few nights and am feeling a lot better already, but don't want to kill myself if it is dangerous. I can't find info on this issue.

Marguerite

[GreenButterfly906]

well your machine has to be adjusted to a level that is right for you based on your sleep study! So given that you bought one already, what did they set it at? I would have waited as most likely now you will have to pay a fee for them to reset it, as you can't. Once it is set, that is all folks. My sleep studies determined that I wake up 33 times per hour, 18 being respiratory! I feel like a car without gas, and mine is in a corner collecting dust as it didn't work for me, however, my mom has 100% sleep apnea, and her life has changed for the better completely! Plus you haven't even been tested in the "matrix" yet, so really you may not even have sleep apnea, although it sounds like you know that you do! It is dangerous to mess with your system, and dangerous to buy medical equipment from anywhere, as I had a prescription to obtain mine? Also what kind of water are you putting in in. Bear in mind you can only use distilled, no tap, no RO or springwater! For your own safety, just wait until your test, get your machine to appropriate levels as deemed with test results and go from there. There is waiting lists everywhere, BUT this is the exact reason you should not borrow or buy equipment you are not familiar with! Say you are on a 1 and machine is set at 14, for example, not good i would think! I hope you get this all figured out! Good luck, be safe and Namaste!

[silverfox67]

Unfortunately, the CPap machines need to be cleaned and primed and set specifically for the individual.

I have a friend who has one and hasn't used it in about a year because she has to take it in to have it serviced and she has trouble remembering to take it - also her income is low and she doesn't have the funds to have it cleaned and primed. - She also needs to go to another sleep study to have it "set" to her individual needs.

The problem you would have is that you would be getting the germs and possibly dust from buying it on CL.  

I'm sorry that you are suffering this way... I hope you are able to get this problem resolved soon.

Best wishes.