NEED HELP: keep taking mask off in my sleep

[zoolander]

I've got a problem. I keep taking my mask off during the night without realizing it. I put the mask on before bed, affirm to myself that I will keep the mask on, and then wake up in the morning with the mask off. When I check the compliance info it shows that I only had the mask on for an hour or so.

This concerns me somewhat because it appears to be developing into a habit. What can I do? I'm considering anchoring the mask to my face with a velco strap.

Below is a compliance snapshot of the last week or two.As you can see I am not doing that well. I keep taking the mask off without realizing it. I sometimes put it back on but not for long.



Note: On the Saturday and Sunday I worked nightshift hence the timing is a little different.

What are people doing here to keep their mask on?

On a positive note I understand that I've just started with CPAP therapy and the small amount of time I have spent with the mask on has really improved my quality of life

Mask: Ultra Mirage Full Face mask

[bap40]

Could it possibly be that the fit of the mask is just not right for you? Is it comfortable or not? Did you wake up in the middle of the night before you started therepy?

I am by no means a pro at this since I have only started therepy this month and have no problems with any aspect of treatment, but the above questions are the first ones that came to mind reading your post.

[Guest]

Be patient and don't get discouraged.
I started CPAP Feb 2007, and struggled with taking off my mask while asleep for about 8 or 9 months.
I would sometimes have a good stretch of almost 2 weeks at a time when I would keep the mask on all night. If I was under stress it got worse. I tried changing masks, etc. but didn't really see any improvement from that (although you might!). In the last three months I have not (knocking on wood- ) taken my mask off without realizing it.
Stay with it. Don't get discouraged!!!!!

[zzzzman]

Some CPAP units have a mask alarm that can be enabled so that it will alarm if you remove your mask. This may help to keep you from taking your mask off in your sleep. Ask your sleep center or equipment provider if your model has this feature.

[ozij]

Zoolander,
Combining this with your (3 days) of data may hint you should raise you bottom pressure close to 10. It seems like your machine is responding too slowly to avoid the events that arouse you, and once you're semi awake, and subconsciously aware the you've just been semi-choked, you naturally do what anyone does and that is get rid of this weird thing on your face. Your subconscious hasn't learned yet that this thing is helping you breathe (the thing on your face hasn't done this enough, objectively, yet)

I would first raise the bottom pressure - certainly up to 6 at least, and possibly even to a fixed of 10.

Look at the rest of you data to see if you have events just before taking your mask off - and at what pressure.

You may also try wearing mittens to bed - that should make it more difficult to take the mask off.

And tell yourself: I will wake up before I decide to take the mask off.

O.

[zoolander]

cheers. Thanks for the replies guys and gals.

I did a CPAP trial late last year and into the new year and for 2 weeks I was on straight CPAP at a pressure of 10 to 11cmH2O. I might try that again

[dudley_doright]

I think it has something to do with the change of climate because I went through the same phase for a week. I noticed also that you have the same mask as mine. It has to be the humidity or room temperature.
However, I got over it and you will be too.