CPAP: Tips for Nurses

My DH has a cpap in every bedroom, and his newest cpap has it's own rolling suitcase for when we travel. He has power a converter for the car too. It has made a world of difference in his life being able to sleep a full night and not falling asleep every time he sits still for a minute or two.

Inappropriate use of abbreviations! ... Mostly b/c I don't know what DH is I do have to say that I've had so many people that their CPAP/BIPAP masks are either insufficient or they're not adjusted properly... This is one of those things where, "Well I got a CPAP machine when I was 50 ... I gained about 40#'s and haven't been back in the past 10 years since I got it." Needless to say if the straps, as a last resort, doesn't work, PLEASE get an order for a full face mask - those nasal pillows, for someone that is already respiratory compromised, just *don't* do the job.

Great points . . . thanks for sharing. A couple of other thoughts. It is great when you have patients who are compliant enough to remember to bring their own equipment when they come to the hospital, but perhaps even more important are those who are not compliant. What kind of (gentle) education can you do with them . . . pointing out that several people noted them gasping while sleeping, or that the flow on their Nasal Cannula had to be increased because they were continually desaturating. If they are having problems with the mask (or pillows) not fitting properly, have they considered getting a second person to try to fit them? As you all know, there are many different manufacturers out there, and different people strap those masks on differently. Also remember that some leak is okay (even preferred, according to several experts today). The biggest question is whether the CPAP settings and Interface (mask, pillows) are doing their jobs. If you still note that the patient is obstructing while sleeping, perhaps it isn't!

There should also be a policy and procedure for patient use of home medical devices. In some places, bio-med or engineering have to inspect the device to make sure it is electrically sound.

Quote from country momthere should also be a policy and procedure for patient use of home medical devices. in some places, bio-med or engineering have to inspect the device to make sure it is electrically sound.

Quote from shiccyInappropriate use of abbreviations! ... Mostly b/c I don't know what DH is