embarrasing newbie question

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:07 pm

Hello all,
I just got my cpap machine 2 days ago. I have a question. When you have to go to the bathroom, do you take off the entire face mask or is there another way? Both nites I had to go, and by the time I figured out how to put the mask back on in the dark, I was awake again.
I have the REMstar M Series with C-Flex and the nasal pillows. I have no idea what brand the pillows are.
Thanks so much,
Andrea

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:10 pm

I think you could just disconnect your mask hose from the main hose ... just don't run into any burglar(s) cuz you might scare the the you know what out of 'em.

Just funn'in with 'ya

Really though you can just disconnect the hoses.

Welcome to the gang!

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:13 pm

Most masks have some form of quick disconnect from the hose. I just leave mine on my face, disconnect from the hose, and come back.

If yours doesn't, then that's why I keep an Activa extender bit lying around.

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:17 pm

I was hoping it would be an easy answer. I wasnt sure if it would hurt the machine, tubes or ?????
Wow, is this ever a new experience. Yesterday I woke up feeling pretty good, minus almost scaring myself. I had a dream I was being probed and examed by aliens, and woke up with tubes and a mask on my face. I SCREAMED!! Then realized it was just the CPAP. lol

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:23 pm

With my mask, all I have to do is un-do one of the lower clips and slip it off over my head......AFTER I've shut my machine off. It's easier then fiddling with the "quick" disconnect.

Den

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:25 pm

I just disconnect the mask hose from the main hose as others have suggested, but before I do that I push the off button on the machine. Otherwise it is going to be registering one heck of a major leak while you are gone!!

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:26 pm

odawa wrote:I was hoping it would be an easy answer. I wasnt sure if it would hurt the machine, tubes or ?????
Wow, is this ever a new experience. Yesterday I woke up feeling pretty good, minus almost scaring myself. I had a dream I was being probed and examed by aliens, and woke up with tubes and a mask on my face. I SCREAMED!! Then realized it was just the CPAP. lol

That's why I have an alien symbol on my mask ... they have not abducted me once so I know it works ... makes 'em think I'm one of them

Oh BTW - don't forget to shut off your machine before you disconnect the hoses so you don't blow all of the stuff in your bedroom out the window.

Best of luck!

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Fri May 04, 2007 1:40 pm

Dreamstalker, you look different without your facial and head hair. Are you SURE they haven't gotten to you?!?!? And I love your beautiful blue eyes!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:07 pm

I agree with just disconnecting the mask hose from the main hose. Just like breathing through a snorkle for a few minutes while you use the facilities.

Although now I sleep deeply enought that I rarely have to get up and take that trip anymore.

odawa · Post by **odawa** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:09 pm

Ohh that would be so nice not to have to get up to go at nite. I'm just glad I'm down to once a nite. Thats a huge bonus!! I just have to get use to sleeping with the stuff on. I like to sleep on my side and back, and its been a bit difficult. I woke up tired again this morn. I figure it'll take some time.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri May 04, 2007 3:17 pm

Bonnie wrote:Dreamstalker, you look different without your facial and head hair. Are you SURE they haven't gotten to you?!?!? And I love your beautiful blue eyes!

Nah! That's not me. That's my half-wit laboratory assistant, Shorty (he just hates it when I call him that ... he he's only a foot tall ).

I make him wear all my prototype mask modifications first ... if he wakes up all bright eyed without any complaints ... then I try it for myself.

odawa wrote:Ohh that would be so nice not to have to get up to go at nite. I'm just glad I'm down to once a nite. Thats a huge bonus!! I just have to get use to sleeping with the stuff on. I like to sleep on my side and back, and its been a bit difficult. I woke up tired again this morn. I figure it'll take some time.

Yep ... I used to wake up 4 to 5 times a night pre-PAP days ... now I sleep right through each night.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Fri May 04, 2007 3:33 pm

Hmmmm... So, you're saying that my ripping off my mask and letting it blow on without me while I potty and perambulate and contemplate fridge contents is going to mess up my Smart Card and make me look very non-compliant? Or at least Leaky?

Good to know... I'll start hitting the off button more regularly.

Many thanks!
Barbara

JFMARSHA · Post by **JFMARSHA** » Fri May 04, 2007 3:35 pm

I'm new to this too. But I figured people would tell Andrea the easiest thing is just to use the quick release on the mask headgear and leave the mask/tubing on the bed while you hit the john.

On my Comfort gel nasal mask the quick release works easily and that's what I do. Is there a reason I should be disconnecting the tubing from the mask and wearing the mask to the toilet.

Confused,

John (really)

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri May 04, 2007 3:53 pm

John, not all masks have quick release. So some of them are easier to wear to the restroom than to remove and leave on the bed.

Odawa, with nasal pillows or a nasal mask, you have to make sure you are not mouth breathing. If the pressure is going in your nose, but out your mouth, then you won't get therapy. If you are getting a really dry mouth, that would be a sign.

roster · Post by **roster** » Fri May 04, 2007 4:24 pm

[quote="odawa"]Hello all,
I just got my cpap machine 2 days ago. I have a question. When you have to go to the bathroom, do you take off the entire face mask or is there another way? Both nites I had to go, and by the time I figured out how to put the mask back on in the dark, I was awake again.
I have the REMstar M Series with C-Flex and the nasal pillows. I have no idea what brand the pillows are.
Thanks so much,
Andrea

embarrasing newbie question

embarrasing newbie question

Headgear quick release

Re: embarrasing newbie question