has anyone ever bought a used machine? i have very limited funds and can get a good deal on a remstar plus w/ heated humidifier.
but im wondering if there are any bacteria type of concerns to worry about?
im pretty sure i wont be using the used hose and mask or can they be disinfected and cleaned enough not to worry about anything?
are these items dishwasher safe? the heat in a dishwasher should do a very good job at sterilizing things?
any help is appreciated!

has anyone tried the Respironics Total Face Mask?
i have a large melon and a full beard and was recommended this mask
looks a lot more comfortable then some of the other masks out there!

Northerner,

I can't answer most of your questions, but I have tried the Respironics Total Face Mask the last time I was at my DME.  Let me preface what I'm about to say with this:  Your results may vary.  Everybody's facial structure is different.  I can give you my experiences, but the only experience that really counts is your own.  When I tried the Total FM, it felt extremely weird.  I know I wouldn't be able to sleep with it simply because the pressure would be too much for my eyes.  They have warnings on the box that if you have any eye troubles like glaucoma, you shouldn't use this mask.  I normally use the Respironics ComfortFull, which seals perfectly and is very comfortable.  I have no trouble with it.  Just my $.02 worth, if it's really worth that much!


_________________
<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15

thanks for the info scott, i didnt think about the eye pressure cause i would have a problem with that!

I agree with Scott about the eyes haveing pressuer on them, and to add to that thought wouldn't it dry out your eyes if you even opened them for a few moments.  
Have you tryed a nasal pillow or the ones that have two little prongs that go into your nose.  Those dont look like they would interfere with a beard too much.  

And finally regarding used equipment.  I have not a clue.  I would think that you could clean out the hose and the mask with 2 parts water one part vinagar.  I know there are charities out there they will help with the cost of equipment.  I am sorry I do not know who they are or where they are but maybe you could google it and see if you can find some finical help.  

Best wishes to you and please keep us posted.

I know someone with a pressure of 22 and she liked the total face mask quite a lot and then later went to a nasal mask.

Northerner,

Unless you get a used CPAP from someplace like www.awakeinamerica.org, you do not know what you are getting (you might want to check them out).  You may get a CPAP which is not performing well or up to specifications or is not providing an accurate pressure and you have no way to check its performance.

Buying a used mask and hose is a very bad idea.  The main purpose of rinsing our equipment with vinager is to get rid of any mineral build up.  It might be a little bacterial static (inhibits bacterial growth), but I doubt it is very effective at killing bacteria, fungi or viruses.  Masks are not designed to be put in the dishwasher and if you use the heated drying cycle, you would probably end up with a lump of plastic.

Bacteria, viruses and fungi can be much harder to kill than people realize.  That is why the medical profession sterilizes everything with an autoclave.

One bug (of many) I'd be particularly concerned about catching is TB.  It is very hard to kill.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

i did check into awakeinamerica.com but they want you to jump through so many hoops its just crazy!

as for a nose pillow setup i dont think it would work well for me since my sinuses are constantly plugged up.

and no, no heat cycle witht he dishwasher, i think just a hot cyclewith normal detergent should be hot enough
to kill any bacteria, but hopefully not hot enough to melt plastic or the hose?

as for a used machine, thats still up in the air i guess

Hi Northerner,

Awake in America does have to make sure individuals have a true need and they do have to see financial records.  It is really a small inconvenience to get something that will start improving your life immediately and save it in the long term.

Washing the hose in the dishwasher will not adequately clean the inside of it.  And you would still be taking chances that even if you cleaned every nook of the mask (taking it completely apart) it might not kill something communicable such as TB.  But, of course, that is your chance to tatke.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.