Is using cpap without osa dangerous?

[Poppy56]

Ooh, didn't see the post where you said it was. I go there and I think they're fantastic. Very quick service and if I need any spare bits they just post them. If I need to see them I just phone or email - no need to go through the GP first. Only thing that has annoyed me is that they won't let me have a Sleepweaver mask!

[ElleCee]

Hi Poppy,
I am already impressed. The technician phoned me last night at about 8.30pm to see if she could help before my appointment on the 1st Dec. We had a chat and she gave me some very good advice. We also talked about machines and masks and she asked where I got my sleeepweaver from. Of course I said that Intus we instrumental in my getting it and are the UK importers of it, she was very interested so I have said I will take the advertising, paperwork and sample with me next week. I cannot believe how nice she was! After East Surrey I didn't think anyone cared.
I am looking forward to going there and will let you know how I get on.
Regards
Lorraine

[Poppy56]

Perhaps if she is impressed by Sleepweaver masks she will let me trial one! I did ask them but they said no. It's a good set-up there though - I have a Fisher-Paykel CPAP and the mask is fine - I just want one that means it is easier to sleep on my side with and one that looks a bit more interesting. Hope you get on well there.

[ElleCee]

Poppy,
Does the F&P machine have EPR or the equivalent? )Thats the bit that makes it easier for you to breathe out, incase it is called something else with F&P)
What mask to you use?

Lorraine

[Tigers Fan]

Another one!!

We wait for John to return and tell us which fantastically excellent mask he uses and now Lorraine joins the club by telling us about receiving good advice but without passing it on.

We will finish up with a two tier forum - The Secret Side and The Open SIde.

!!!!!!!

[Poppy56]

Lorraine - the mask is a Flexifit 407 I think. Don't know about the thing that makes it easier to breathe out. They give everyone a humidifier.

[Tom @ Intus]

Poppy,
Does the F&P machine have EPR or the equivalent? )Thats the bit that makes it easier for you to breathe out, incase it is called something else with F&P)
What mask to you use?

Lorraine

Hi Lorraine, I don't think any F&P machines have exhalation relief - not even the soon-to-be-released Icon.

Respironics have it (called C-Flex or A-Flex), DeVilbiss' is called SmartFlex, and ResMed is called EPR as you mentioned above.

At this stage they are the only three manufacturers using it as far as I am aware.

[ElleCee]

In that case, when I do go to the new clinic I will not let them take away my machine
Thanks Tom.

Lorraine

[symmit]

Add the Hoffrichter Trend II to the list with exhalation relief, but add to that the inconvenience of a pressure sense tube (internal to the hose) to make getting spares harder...

[James @ Intus]

Bit late but to answer the original question of whether CPAP is unsafe if no OSA... There are people with confirmed "snoring only" - so no OSA as per their sleep study or studies, and they choose to go on CPAP just to tackle the snoring, being left frustrated with other solutions.

CPAP can be a health hazard to some, mainly those who are obese to such an extent, that the weight of their chest prevents the lungs from filling up properly. CPAP here can upset the oxygen CO2 balance to such an extent that it may become dangerous. That's why CPAPs are only supplied to those who can demonstrate a sleep study has taken place, along with a health questionnaire that rules out contra-indications like the above.

Ambulances in the States are often equiped with CPAP, not for OSA patients but they have been found beneficial as a low level ventilator of sorts. So that's another area where they find it safe in non-OSA patients.

The pressure is only slightly above atmospheric pressure so in short, there is little harm that can be done.