People ‘turning off lifesaving machines to save electricity’
FEARS THAT LIVES ARE AT RISK
PEOPLE with a sleep condition who require machines to keep them alive at night are scared to keep them on for fear of how much the electricity is costing, a local charity has revealed.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition affecting an estimated eight million adults in the UK - as well as one in 30 children - and causes some people who snore to stop breathing in their sleep.
But a Hull charity has now shared its fears that some people living with the disorder could be risking their lives to avoid the extra expense.
Hope2sleep supports people living with sleep apnoea, providing the equipment needed to manage their condition.
But the charity’s founder, who suffers from the condition herself, has said leaving the life-supporting machines on through the night could be costing double in electricity bills compared with this time last year.
People with sleep apnoea can use ventilators called CPAP machines which regulate their breathing during sleep by pumping air into a mask to prevent airways from restricting. There are also non-invasive ventilators, which are more costly to run with most people ineligible for financial support.
The charity is now urging anyone to consider other ways to cut electricity costs if they are afraid of the machines’ impact on their rising utility bills.
“We want to put the message out there - please do not switch your machine off,” said Kath Hope, founder and CEO of the charity.
Kath said many people had been in contact worried about the costs of running the machines.
She said: “One lady told us she was using hers only every other night to save money. The problem is, that one day you don’t use your machine could be the one which results in a heart attack. Sleep apnoea can be a ticking time bomb because of your heart.”
Running a CPAP used to cost approximately £5, according to founder Kath’s previous estimates. But as energy bills continue to rise, it’s thought this has risen to around £10 in the past 12 months - an extra £120 a year which some people will struggle to find.
“Not using your machine can lead to higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and driving accidents,” said Kath. “Leaving the condition unmanaged may make people more likely to lose concentration at the wheel.
“My heart bleeds for people that they are having to face this dilemma. We want people to know that sleep apnoea doesn’t have to cost as much to manage as you think.”
The charity, which is based in Ings Road, added that while many patients are not entitled to disability payments for the condition, not using ventilators comes with risks which could cause someone to become disabled.
“Please, please if you are on a CPAP machine don’t be tempted to switch it off,” Kath said. “There can be other ways to reduce energy bills.”