Hallelujah for the brilliant minds behind Bongo Rx! I have been a CPAP user for my severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea for a few years now. (You can read all about my initiation to using a CPAP here.) I found that it was pretty refreshing to actually get enough oxygen during the night. It was a welcome change to feel rested during the day. I loved waking up without a dry mouth and throat. My husband was thrilled that he didn’t have to worry when I choked for air throughout the night anymore. I learned how to navigate the tubing quickly- even found comfortable ways to sleep on my side. Travel with the device wasn’t too much of a hassle. Overall, the trade-offs were worth the health benefits.
Then came the recall. My particular device- the Philips DreamStation- was part of a worldwide recall that included several types of CPAPs and ventilators. The order stated to halt use immediately and register the device with their website. Okay- I registered my device. I stopped using it.
Now what? I still had the same sleep issues. I still needed to get enough oxygen every night.
Enter the Bongo Rx system– first released by AirAvant Medical in 2019! It is a portable nasal device that uses expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP). A prescription is needed. My doctor and I agreed to try it, and I’m so glad we did. After fitting the right-size nasal device for my nose (the starter kit has four to try), I found my breathing felt similar to using CPAP. I’ve been using the device for almost three weeks now with no complaints. The only weird thing is that it came out of my nose twice during the night, and I didn’t notice until I woke up. This was when I was trying to figure out the proper size- I just needed a tighter fit. (I easily found the device near my pillow.)
Here are some of the best things about using Bongo Rx:
- It’s portable! On a recent flight, I just popped the small container into my purse! No carry-on bag just for my CPAP.
- It doesn’t require electricity. I can literally use it anywhere!
- No tubing to maneuver throughout the night.
- No distilled water to fill.
- Care and cleaning are a breeze! Just wash the nasal device with gentle soap, then set it on the little stand included with the kit to air-dry.
- No telltale CPAP strap lines across my face. Those lines take quite a while to fade every morning.
- That CPAP belly bloat from the continuous air pumped into my body every night is gone!
- I can move around in bed, or even get out of bed, without worrying about turning off the machine or removing the tubing.
I doubt I’ll go back to the CPAP even after this recall mess is cleaned up. Bongo Rx is the way to go for my needs. If you’re a CPAP user with questions, talk with your doctor and do your research, especially if you’re looking for a possible solution from the recall. It could be good for you, too.
