I just got my first CPAP mask and machine this week from Home Medical. I haven't tried it yet because I'm still getting everything ready and trying to figure it all out. Yes, they explained things but it was done in clockwork fashion and was an overwhelming amount of information.
Just making lists of cleaning schedules is boggling, I don't know how everyone manages to keep it all straight and also find time to do everything required.
Anyway, I'm trying to figure out where to actually place my machine. It says not to place it on anything flamable (it has a heated humidifier in it) so where do I put it? Our nightstand is too high, plus it is wood (which is flamable). I could put it on a footstool by the bed, but then do I have to place metal or something between the machine and the plastic stool so it doesn't melt?
I'm also hoping the 6' tubing is long enough since it says to place the machine low.
Thanks for any help,
Denise

I was able to purchase a cheap wooden table that is just right for my machine and humidifier.  It is wood but that is not a problem.  I place a thick computer mouse pad under the machine.  It cuts the noise (which isn't alot) a bit more.  You can put a small towel or cloth under the machine nothing very thick or anything that might cause a problem with air circulation).
My little table has a shelf near the bottom.  I  could put my machine there but instead i put my gallon jug of bottled water there and the power brick (it is with the Remstar M Series).  It is not near the water jug so no water issues with it.
Your machine should be lower than the bed to prevent rainout (moisture coming throught he hose).  Mine is 8" below the top of the mattress.  Some people even put it on the floor.  I used to clip the hose (with one of the velcro clips that come with some masks) onto the bedsheet at the top of the mattress.  It worked well but recently I bought online a "hose buddy".  I like it better since I can also hang my hose on it to dry when I wash it.  I don't think the humidifier will get hot enough to cause a fire (someone may correct me on that).  A 6 foot hose has been long enough for me over the almost 6 years I have been using cpap.
  There are 10 foot hoses available.  You don't want it too long or you lose some pressure.
Everyone has different setups so you may get lots of ideas.
Don't get obsessive with the cleaning.  I wash my mask every day (the parts that touch my face) with "CLassic Ivory Dishwashing Liquid" or wipe it with Citrus 11 wipes which are available for cpap masks.  Once a week I wash (with the same dishwashing liquid) my hose, humidifier chamber, any other mask parts and the headgear (sometimes the headgear doesn't get washed once a week)!
I have an extra hose so that I can use it if the one is not dry. I don't take my humdifier water chamber apart to wash it, since the seal can wear out faster if you do that.  If I have a cold or flu, I wash things in a vinegar and water solution more often and rinse well.  This is so I won't keep breathing in my own germs!  Some think my cleaning schedule is obsessive!
Good luck with your therapy!  I know that everything can be a bit overwhelming when you get it all home and are on your own with it!

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My little table has a shelf near the bottom.  I  could put my machine there but instead i put my gallon jug of bottled water there and the power brick (it is with the Remstar M Series).  It is not near the water jug so no water issues with it.

I do exactly everything Hawthorne does and the placement of the machine and water is exactly as mine.

When they say do not place the machine on anything flammable...that is precautionary for the manufacturer.  Setting it on a wood night stand etc is not a problem.  You may want to protect the surface due to water spillage, the warmth etc, if your nightstand is of value.  Do not sit it on anything that is too fluffy.  Some people keep it in the drawer of their nightstand...open it while in use...close it when not in use.  If that works out...they cut a hole in the back of the drawer for the cords and ventilation..

If you do nto have anything to set it on for now...instead of the foot stool, bring in a straight chair/kitchen chair and set it on that.  Little higher than a foot stool.  (I do that when visiting my brother)


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

If you don't use a humidifier you can place the machine anywhere that is convenient; it can be at, below, or above the top of the mattress.  Without the humidifier you don't have the potential problems associated with water or a heat source being used near the bed.  

If the machine is set on the floor, make sure that the a rug or the carpet doesn't block the air intake.  Placing it on the floor may cause the filters to need more frequent replacement.

it helps to clamp the airhose to the bedhead so if you roll over in your sleep this will stop the air hose eventually pulling the CPAP off where you have it and also perhaps upsetting the water in the humidifier

some people finish up with the hose wrapped several times around their neck


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resmed S6 lightweight, respironics comfort gell mask using CPAP since 1995, no humidifier
during my many years of severe fatigue, no doctor ever asked me if I snored

You all have been really helpful, thanks! I am so glad I found this forum and have a lot of searching of posts and learning to do here. This site is a wonderful resource with nice people.

Thanks again, I will use all your information. It really helps to talk with people who have been there/done that.

The thought of a hose wrapped around my neck, however...

Denise

The hose wrapped around the neck isn't dangerous; the hose is big and stretchy.

The hose wrapped around the neck is a far stretch....don't worry about that...it is not an umbilical cord.  I have been on xPAP for 5 years and NEVER experienced that...and I have had tons of different configurations...and been in 3 diferent houses with different placement of the xPAP....and hose.  Listen to BeardedOne on this one...the hose around the neck idea seems to be just a spur of the moment thought.  All I can say is 'Golly Gee" to the hose around the neck, fear instilled, I am going to stangle myself, statement.  I will bet you my life taht NO ONE has EVER been strangulated by their xPAP hose!...unless they intentionally used it to end their life!


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

I figured (hoped) that the tube around the neck was tounge-in-cheek. Seems like it would be practically impossible.

My mask is the kind that the tube goes up over the middle of my forehead (I haven't tried it on to look in the mirror, but I imagine I look sorta like an elephant with it's trunk raised). It was the same style (though different maker) as the one I had in the second sleep study and I was able to sleep then - even with the too large nasal pillows and the tightness that made my nose ache for almost a week, and all the stuff hooked up everywhere.

I think I'm going to put a cookie sheet pan on the carpet of our floor and try that for the humidifier. The plastic step stool I was going to use probably isn't 8" lower than the mattress.

I hope this works, when I finally get around to trying it. I'm tired of being tired and my husband would love it if after 16 years he was able to sleep through the night without my snoring blasting him awake.
Denise

The machine doesn't have to be 8" below the top of the mattress.  My setup just happens to put it 8" below the top of the mattress.  It just needs to be far enough below the mattress top to prevent rainout.  If you don't use the humidifier then, as someone pointed out, this is not a problem since you won't get rainout wherever the machine is set.

I have my CPAP on the carpet next to the bed. I didn't realize I shouldn't have it sitting on the carpet.   It's been there since April and I haven't had a problem. We don't have a bed frame right now, just the box spring and mattress, so our bed is pretty low to the ground.

I've only woke up with water in my mask once, and that was the first time we went camping and I put the machine right next to me on the bed, since I was sleeping next to the wall in the camper. I learned my lesson!


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Started CPAP 4/08, pressure 10
nights camping with CPAP: 11!

I use a small wooden step stool that I found at a yard sale. Keeping it off the floor helps keep the dust and dog hair away from the machine.


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