Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on August 19, 2009 at 7:30pm

Susan,

Ebay

Use the search RESMED S8.

You will save lots of money compaired to a local DME.

I bought a years supply for the cost of what a local DME wanted for one pack of 3 filters.

I dealt with Tina's Home Health in Ohio on ebay.

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Permalink Reply by Susan M. Nelling on August 19, 2009 at 7:37pm

thanks Dan !!

Dan Lyons said:

Susan,

Ebay

Use the search RESMED S8.

You will save lots of money compaired to a local DME.

I bought a years supply for the cost of what a local DME wanted for one pack of 3 filters.

I dealt with Tina's Home Health in Ohio on ebay.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan mccord on August 19, 2009 at 7:58pm

Hi Susan--this is Susan (McCord). I know the answer to some of this. Re: new filters, my DME supplies them to me (Medicare). Why don't you call Praxair and ask them if they sell them, or if not, where you can buy them. Also, I'm sure you can buy them online. Mike (SG Mike) may also know 'cause he's hooked up in some way with a supply co. Re: cleaning: my understanding is manufacturer recs are to wash mask and water container daily in wam soapy water. DO NOT use anti-bacterial soap, just a mild detergent like Dove or Ivory or something like that. Most people I know don't clean them that often, some do weekly, some longer. The water container can be damaged /pitted by tap water which is why they say distilled. Again manufacturer's rep says not to use bottled water except in an emergency. However, my DME tech, who's had apnea and CPAP for 26 years, told me that he uses bottled water all the time and always has with no problems. I'm using cheap bottled purified water, individual bottles. If you think about trying to pour distilled water into those tubes, well...you know. DME said I can pour distilled water into smaller bottles if I want to, but that bottled water works just fine for him. that's what I'm doing 'cause I don't want to have to mess with filling bottles. I've already done that in my life!!!

I believe the hose is supposed to be washed once a week, again in a sinkful of warm, soapy water--just submerge it and manipulate it around till you have soapy water running around inside it for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Easy to do. I've done it. Do it early in the day, 'cause it has to hang to dry. I shake it good over the tub and hang it over the shower rod and it dries just fine. Again, DO NOT use antibacterial soap of any kind or bleach or any kind of antiseptic solution unless it's made specifically for CPAP. If you want that, you can get it over the internet, and Mike may know how to get it locally.

Forgot--re: washing the mask, they say to remove it from the head harness, so you can submerge it. I'm lazy and just dangle it from the end of the harness and swish it around for a few minutes. Again, do it early in the day 'cause you can't put ANY of this stuff in or on if it's not completely dry. My DME tech said to just wipe the mask out every a.m. with a clean cloth and then wash it once a week so the mask will last longer. So, to me, it sounds like a personal preference about frequency as long as you kinda follow the guidelines pretty much. The stuff just needs to be clean when you think about breathing through it all night for (?) nights in a row. And if you have some kind of infection, or cold, I'd wash all of it every day just so you won't be re-infecting yourself.

The head harness can be washed in the washing machine in warm water, BUT don't put it in the dryer. It has to air dry also. Everything has to air dry. I've heard wash it once a week, but I don't. I won't let it get icky, for sure, but mine's fine and I haven't washed it in the 5 or so weeks I've had it. If people's hair is oily it may be necessary to wash it more often, but mine's not.

I think I've answered all your questions. If not, leave me a message and I'll try to answer whatever it is. Also, you're almost certain to be getting other responses about all this--probably already have some now.

Good luck! Susan McCord :-)
'

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Permalink Reply by Susan M. Nelling on August 19, 2009 at 8:34pm

thanks Susan, you explained it all very well !

susan mccord said:

Hi Susan--this is Susan (McCord). I know the answer to some of this. Re: new filters, my DME supplies them to me (Medicare). Why don't you call Praxair and ask them if they sell them, or if not, where you can buy them. Also, I'm sure you can buy them online. Mike (SG Mike) may also know 'cause he's hooked up in some way with a supply co. Re: cleaning: my understanding is manufacturer recs are to wash mask and water container daily in wam soapy water. DO NOT use anti-bacterial soap, just a mild detergent like Dove or Ivory or something like that. Most people I know don't clean them that often, some do weekly, some longer. The water container can be damaged /pitted by tap water which is why they say distilled. Again manufacturer's rep says not to use bottled water except in an emergency. However, my DME tech, who's had apnea and CPAP for 26 years, told me that he uses bottled water all the time and always has with no problems. I'm using cheap bottled purified water, individual bottles. If you think about trying to pour distilled water into those tubes, well...you know. DME said I can pour distilled water into smaller bottles if I want to, but that bottled water works just fine for him. that's what I'm doing 'cause I don't want to have to mess with filling bottles. I've already done that in my life!!!

I believe the hose is supposed to be washed once a week, again in a sinkful of warm, soapy water--just submerge it and manipulate it around till you have soapy water running around inside it for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Easy to do. I've done it. Do it early in the day, 'cause it has to hang to dry. I shake it good over the tub and hang it over the shower rod and it dries just fine. Again, DO NOT use antibacterial soap of any kind or bleach or any kind of antiseptic solution unless it's made specifically for CPAP. If you want that, you can get it over the internet, and Mike may know how to get it locally.

Forgot--re: washing the mask, they say to remove it from the head harness, so you can submerge it. I'm lazy and just dangle it from the end of the harness and swish it around for a few minutes. Again, do it early in the day 'cause you can't put ANY of this stuff in or on if it's not completely dry. My DME tech said to just wipe the mask out every a.m. with a clean cloth and then wash it once a week so the mask will last longer. So, to me, it sounds like a personal preference about frequency as long as you kinda follow the guidelines pretty much. The stuff just needs to be clean when you think about breathing through it all night for (?) nights in a row. And if you have some kind of infection, or cold, I'd wash all of it every day just so you won't be re-infecting yourself.

The head harness can be washed in the washing machine in warm water, BUT don't put it in the dryer. It has to air dry also. Everything has to air dry. I've heard wash it once a week, but I don't. I won't let it get icky, for sure, but mine's fine and I haven't washed it in the 5 or so weeks I've had it. If people's hair is oily it may be necessary to wash it more often, but mine's not.

I think I've answered all your questions. If not, leave me a message and I'll try to answer whatever it is. Also, you're almost certain to be getting other responses about all this--probably already have some now.

Good luck! Susan McCord :-)
'

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on August 19, 2009 at 9:12pm

Susan,

I am going to take exception to the other Susan's posting. It may suit her, but let me point out some fallacies.

Any water with the exception of distilled water contains impurities. Sterile water is only sterile until the seal is broken. If you want to see what you’re breathing in from the heated humidifier, get your plumber to show you the old heating element which has been pulled out of a water heater. I can assure you that you will never use anything but distilled again. It is cheap enough, less than $.90 a gal at Wal-Mart. If you ask your doctor for a script for the distilled water, you can then deduct the water cost from you taxes as a medical expense.

In so far as cleaning your mask, hose, etc., use your own discretion. You know when it needs cleaned.

Keep in mind that the manufacturers directions, the DME directions are designed to create re-occurring revenue. That is the way they make money is by wearing the product out faster than necessary. My masks last me 9 months to a year and my hose is still going strong after a year and a half. When I do need to refresh the headgear or cushion, it only costs me about $30.00 compared to $250.00 for an "out of pocket" expense.

I keep my receipts and submit them to insurance and it applies to my deductible. All you need to do is request the proper form from your carrier.

In so far as cleaning them, I personally use a couple of drops of anti-bacterial dish washing soap in a sink of water. I rinse thoroughly and air dry. I have never had a problem.

I would never use bleach.

Some folks use vinegar. My feeling is since vinegar is an acid, I would never use it, I don't care how diluted it is.

I am glad Ms McCord has a great DME and Medicare. She is very much deserving of good service. The unfortunate side is not every DME or supplier is honest. Just watch your step and question everything they say.

Basically, do what you feel comfortable with and works for you.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on August 19, 2009 at 9:39pm

Isn't that the beauty of this site, Dan??! A bunch of people who really respect each other coming together to share information from all points of view, different perspectives, somewhat different situations re: apnea, but everyone seems to agree to disagree from time to time with the utmost respect back and forth....I think it's great.

Some of my comments to Susan were because she has a used machine and doesn't have a DME provider. I remember your talking with me about the same thing several weeks ago and your point re: DMEs making $$ is well-taken. She's in a little different situation. I WAS surprised to know about what you just said about purified water. I'm gonna check into that further 'cause I sure don't want to be damaging my equipment or myself for lack of enough knowledge. Thanks for your comments. And you're welcome to disagree with me anytime! Like I said, that's one of the really great things about SG is the variety of experiences and points of view. I value it highly. And I respect what you say--you've been a straight shooter with me ever since I came on here.....Susan McCord :-)

Dan Lyons said:

Susan,

I am going to take exception to the other Susan's posting. It may suit her, but let me point out some fallacies.

Any water with the exception of distilled water contains impurities. Sterile water is only sterile until the seal is broken. If you want to see what you’re breathing in from the heated humidifier, get your plumber to show you the old heating element which has been pulled out of a water heater. I can assure you that you will never use anything but distilled again. It is cheap enough, less than $.90 a gal at Wal-Mart. If you ask your doctor for a script for the distilled water, you can then deduct the water cost from you taxes as a medical expense.

In so far as cleaning your mask, hose, etc., use your own discretion. You know when it needs cleaned.

Keep in mind that the manufacturers directions, the DME directions are designed to create re-occurring revenue. That is the way they make money is by wearing the product out faster than necessary. My masks last me 9 months to a year and my hose is still going strong after a year and a half. When I do need to refresh the headgear or cushion, it only costs me about $30.00 compared to $250.00 for an "out of pocket" expense.

I keep my receipts and submit them to insurance and it applies to my deductible. All you need to do is request the proper form from your carrier.

In so far as cleaning them, I personally use a couple of drops of anti-bacterial dish washing soap in a sink of water. I rinse thoroughly and air dry. I have never had a problem.

I would never use bleach.

Some folks use vinegar. My feeling is since vinegar is an acid, I would never use it, I don't care how diluted it is.

I am glad Ms McCord has a great DME and Medicare. She is very much deserving of good service. The unfortunate side is not every DME or supplier is honest. Just watch your step and question everything they say.

Basically, do what you feel comfortable with and works for you.

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