Sleep Apnea

[Nunyacreek]

The z2 Mini, despite what some videos claim, runs on 15 volts. Most 12 volt batteries (I often use a Rockpals unit but Goal Zero and others are similar) produce a little over 12 volts and will power it for a bit but soon run out of power. I ordered a $15 12-15 volt converter (in no electrical engineer, it’s a little box that makes 12 volt into 15 volt) from Amazon and soldered it between a 12 volt cigarette lighter plug and the machine. Now my 280 Amp hour pack will run it for 5 or 6 nights. I have no idea how long a regular deep cycle battery would last but I’d think a couple of weeks..
I just ordered a 160 amp hour battery from Amazon for $35 which should last several days and weighs 4 lbs.
My very basic calculations seem to say that batteries shouldn’t last that long but I think that it only draws maximum wattage when you are breathing out (against it) and so it actually only draws about 1/2 the amperage.
Long story short for a Z2 Mini converter a 12V battery to 15V and it last a long long time.

 

[Bambistew]

I just ordered a 160 amp hour battery from Amazon for $35 which should last several days and weighs 4 lbs.

you have a link for this? Something seems off with the specs and price.

 

[Nunyacreek]

You are 100% correct. 16 amp hours.

 

[Hammsolo]

Following. My aunt went through the same thing, and seeing her symptoms made me start questioning my own health. Lately, I’ve been noticing similar signs and can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. I’ve been planning to dial the ModivCare phone number for ages now, but honestly, there’s a part of me that’s afraid it might confirm what I suspect. Still, I know that avoiding it won’t help — better to face it head-on and get answers. Maybe they can guide me on the next steps or even rule things out.

Time to get in and take care of yourself. You’re worth it. If the worst thing in your life is a cpap machine you’re kicking ass. I’ve used one for a couple years now.

 

[Hammsolo]

And they say "he died peacefully in his sleep" Nope. I have occasional nightmares of dying in various ways, usually quite frightening-which I believe is my brains way of giving me an andrenalin rush to speed up my heart and wake my butt up. C-pap does not work for me. Breathe right and nasal moisturizers every night, sleep on my side, elevated the damn bed. I have come to accept the fact that I just may very well die in my sleep. Probably not peacefully though.

Drowning dreams for me.

 

[longbow51]

There are many options other than the cumbersome face masks now. Simple nasal cushions are generally well tolerated. Efficacy of the oral appliances is roughly 50% as effective as CPAP. Inspire is too new to know what happens long term. Hopefully it will be great, although I always worry about any implanted device. Murphy's Law.

 

[rjthehunter]

you have a link for this? Something seems off with the specs and price.

I was gonna say, damn I need one of these for the boat! I'm running 100 AH Lithiums for graphs and they're about 26lbs and the size of a group 31

 

[Bonasababy]

If you are overweight I would try to lose weight first to see if that helps. If you have a history of trying and not being able to lose much, I suggest trying one of the new weight loss drugs with dieting.

Weight loss medicine has grown in leaps and bounds I have found--there are more alternatives these days, and ways to ID what you need as an individual.

CPAP is a frustrating experience for many. Some-like me--can't tolerate it and end up in a extremely frustrating battle with doctors who think everyone is the same and all can tolerate it if they just keep trying.

Weight loss drugs coupled with dieting--and those diets don't have to be as hard to follow as some of the popular diets out there--work wonders for many people who have tried and not had luck with other methods.

 

[recon6036]

I have sleep apnea and have used a CPAP for a few years now. It was scary trying to sleep, at times, before I recognized what was going on and went to see the Doc.
I’ve lost 45 lbs (230-185) and have maintained this weight for some time now, but have not seen/experienced and relief with sleep apnea, unfortunately.
I thankfully, don’t have any issues using a CPAP nightly. Purchasing A Resmed Air Mini, for backpack style hunts is in my near future.

 

[Wellzbells]

I have sleep apnea and have used a CPAP for a few years now. It was scary trying to sleep, at times, before I recognized what was going on and went to see the Doc.
I’ve lost 45 lbs (230-185) and have maintained this weight for some time now, but have not seen/experienced and relief with sleep apnea, unfortunately.
I thankfully, don’t have any issues using a CPAP nightly. Purchasing A Resmed Air Mini, for backpack style hunts is in my near future.

Did insurance cover the Air mini in addition to your at home unit? Curious if I should ask the insurance company…

 

[recon6036]

Did insurance cover the Air mini in addition to your at home unit? Curious if I should ask the insurance company…

I haven’t purchased the Air Mini yet. My insurance, unfortunately, will only cover the home unit.

 

[2rocky]

Did insurance cover the Air mini in addition to your at home unit? Curious if I should ask the insurance company…

I bought the AirMini using my HSA funds.
I found the DC power cord on ApriaDirect. I just ordered a USB adapter with the idea being to connect to my Goal Zero Sherpa Powerbank. The idea is I don't want to lose the 15% of power because of the inverter. That powerbank is $250. a portable solar panel is $150 (Nomad 20) ~$400 total cost. 8-16 hours to fully recharge. (so charge before half empty)

The off Grid package that includes a Medistrom battery and solar panel is $635.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

I have sleep apnea and have used a CPAP for a few years now. It was scary trying to sleep, at times, before I recognized what was going on and went to see the Doc.
I’ve lost 45 lbs (230-185) and have maintained this weight for some time now, but have not seen/experienced and relief with sleep apnea, unfortunately.
I thankfully, don’t have any issues using a CPAP nightly. Purchasing A Resmed Air Mini, for backpack style hunts is in my near future.

That’s because weight has very little to do with apnea.

 

[grizzly63]

My insurance company sets it up over two years so you get stuck paying two years of coinsurance. F'ers. Cannot pay it off in one year to save money.

 

[FamilyMan]

Have severe sleep apnea and have used CPAP for about 15 years. Just the nasal cushion on the upper lip with a head strap, not the full face mask. Definitely improves sleep.

My biggest trouble is traveling with the dang thing because it simply takes up space which, when flying, is typically at a premium in my luggage. Hope to do a lot more traveling in the next couple decades (retirement is less than 10 years away) including hunting trips to Africa and those European vacations my wife has always dreamed of, and the last thing I want to have to do is lug a stupid machine with me everywhere. I will continue to watch for alternatives.

 

[jpc01101]

Have severe sleep apnea and have used CPAP for about 15 years. Just the nasal cushion on the upper lip with a head strap, not the full face mask. Definitely improves sleep.

My biggest trouble is traveling with the dang thing because it simply takes up space which, when flying, is typically at a premium in my luggage. Hope to do a lot more traveling in the next couple decades (retirement is less than 10 years away) including hunting trips to Africa and those European vacations my wife has always dreamed of, and the last thing I want to have to do is lug a stupid machine with me everywhere. I will continue to watch for alternatives.

My Dad flies all the time with his and takes it onboard in addition to his carry on and personal item. Above and beyond. It is a medical device and no one says anything. Just FYI.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

My Dad flies all the time with his and takes it onboard in addition to his carry on and personal item. Above and beyond. It is a medical device and no one says anything. Just FYI.

Exactly , never put your cpap in your luggage, what if they loose your luggage I need my machine to sleep, it goes onboard with me because it’s a medical device.

 

[2rocky]

Heads up if anyone is considering buying a travel CPAP. You can find a DC connector

 

[Sunski]

I got sleep apnea, it’s new to me haven’t had it for more than a year now, it freakin sux, and it’s scary sh!t, I would definitely do lots of research before going under the knife, it might be the right choice.. but I personally would try everything I can before that.

There are non-surgical procedures that can make a real difference,Weight management,positional therapy or even things like improving sleep hygiene.I think it's smart to do your research and take your time with this.