Forced to use CPAP machine?

matthewkevin84
matthewkevin84 Online Community Member Posts: 65 Contributor
edited May 2022 in Mental health and wellbeing
I was supplied a cpap machine after the Respiratory lung department at a hospital determined that I stopped breathing multiple times during my sleep and the technician who dealt with me and supplied me with the machine/mask said that the department had determined that I am an extremely light sleeper even though I am anything but an extremely light sleeper!

Anyway, my issue is that I have been compelled by the manager of my assisted living accommodation to use the machine otherwise he says that I will not be able to live in the accommodation and my social worker backs the manager up regarding this cpap machine/ mask and says if I refuse to use the machine/mask that I will be residing in a much more unpleasant place where there will be screaming kids and people recently released from prison!

If any has anyone who comes across this post has knowledge of housing/conveyancing law or does not but still feels they could assist me please reply to this post? I would like to know by law if the manager of my supported living accommodation is allowed by law to evict me for refusing to use this machine/mask?

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello @matthewkevin84 and thank you for reaching out to the community.

    Thanks for telling us about what's been going on, I'd just like to double check a few things, so that I understand more fully. 

    Can you tell me if you've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea? You can read more about it on the charity 'Hope 2 Sleep's website if you'd like. People with Sleep Apnoea stop breathing or struggle to breathe regularly during sleep, and most are unaware of this.  

    Since you've been given the CPAP machine, have you been using it, and is there anything which is making it difficult or uncomfortable to use?

    Have you been able to talk to your GP or another specialist about how things are going?

    It's a bit concerning to hear what your assisted living manager and social worker are saying, I wonder if you have any family nearby who could support you in discussing this openly with them, and asking them to explain things more clearly? 
  • matthewkevin84
    matthewkevin84 Online Community Member Posts: 65 Contributor
    edited May 2022
    I have an appointment with the respiratory department this month, I do have nearby family but don't feel they could assist with this.

    Yes, I have been using this cpap machine but under duress, as I have explained, I find the mask uncomfortable and Closter phobic, and yes I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Thanks for explaining @matthewkevin84 I remember we've talked previously now.

    I'm glad to hear you've got family nearby, can I ask why you don't feel they can help?

    I'm sorry to hear you're still finding the mask uncomfortable to use, the feeling of claustrophobia must be very off putting. 

    If I remember correctly, you didn't find the hospital especially helpful, but I think it would be well worth raising your concerns again at the appointment this month, as it's really important that you feel comfortable and happy using it.
  • matthewkevin84
    matthewkevin84 Online Community Member Posts: 65 Contributor
                    Alex_Scope

    Do you know if the manager of my assisted living accommodation is legally entitled to evict me unless I use my cpap machine, I would appreciate it if anyone could answer this question? 

    I don't think there is anything my family can do, anyway any advice from anyone would be appreciated. 

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    I'm not sure anyone would be able to give you a definitive answer as we are not legal experts 

    Maybe try cab or look for local advice in your area by searching advice legal 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Morning @matthewkevin84 as Jane has mentioned we aren't professional advisers on the forum, but I can encourage you to try searching for help on AdviceLocal, under the 'Housing' category perhaps, or Citizens Advice.

    In the meantime, keep us up to date with how your appointment with the respiratory department goes. They will want to help make sure you get the treatment you need to manage your sleep apnoea, so it's worth explaining how you've been feeling about the mask again.

    If there's anything more we can do to help, please do ask.

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