Trouble Committing to CPAP- Now What?

Kabuto wrote:The mask has been uncomfortable, and my sleepy self accidentally takes it off mid-sleep without thinking=
The mask is on the floor for some reason when I wake up in the morning. Probably due to reason #1.

Trying using a piece of tape or a bandaid placed across a strap and onto the cheek. The discomfort of removing it will hopefully wake you enough to become aware of and stop the unwanted behavior.

Kabuto wrote:I've been too lazy to clean my machine

Maybe you're trying to do more than is absolutely necessary. Many of us have settled into routines less stringent than originally instructed.

Kabuto wrote:I've simply been unable to commit to it most nights, even when I make a pact with myself or make a conscious effort.

Sounds like you are not convinced of its value to your health and well being. I didn't have that issue because my health had deteriorated badly and the episodes of waking up choking with a rapid pulse and short of breath scared the dickens out of me. Hopefully you can come to grips with this now and prevent that experience. Early on in my sleepy stupor I would find myself unintentionally falling asleep before I put the mask on. Had to make some "NEVER EVER" rules for myself. That included not even sitting down on the side of the bed unless my mask and machine were on. Couldn't trust a sleepy brain to make that decision after that point. You know better than anyone else what it is you'll need to do to be successful.

Kabuto wrote:So: What do I do now? If I haven't been able to commit to my CPAP, what do I do about this lousy disease? And the depressive side effects that come from sleep apnea?

The depressive side effects related to OSA run uninhibited with untreated or under treated sleep apnea. Once your apnea is consistently therapeutically treated, you have every reason to expect an improvement in your mental status. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are trying to make difficult efforts with a body and brain that has been assaulted by untreated sleep apnea. You can't expect to be at your best. When I came here I leaned heavily into those who offered the wisdom of experience. I was too depleted to figure out much for myself. But somehow I managed to summon up one thought - I WILL do this. Hope you can get there, and begin to find the turnaround that I and others found. We can encourage you, but we can't do it for you.

Hm: that idea of putting band-aids on the face to let the mask stay on actually ain't a bad idea! You find this effective?

1) How do you recommend cleaning the mask? Anything, preferably with natural ingredients? What about the hose?

2) https://www.proventtherapy.com/ : Is this any good/viable?

I've had some of these issues when I first started. I think a lot of us do. I had to switch the type of mask a few times. Now I use the nasal pillows and it's the best for me. So try different masl types. Getting the right one will help a lot. You can pluck or trim some of the nose hairs to help stop the tickling, itchiness. As for cleaning I'm not the best either so I just don't use the humidifier. I clean the short hose and pillows a couple times a month. Guess I could do better on that part myself. Once you realize how much better you are using the machine you won't be able to sleep without it. I never realized how bad my apnea was until I used the machine regularly. I tried to slepp without it once a kept waking up gasping. I love my machine now. Good luck!

There are very many of us who never touch the hose from one decade (really) to the next - no earthly need to.

Kabuto wrote:Hm: that idea of putting band-aids on the face to let the mask stay on actually ain't a bad idea! You find this effective?

1) How do you recommend cleaning the mask? Anything, preferably with natural ingredients? What about the hose?

2) https://www.proventtherapy.com/ : Is this any good/viable?

Early on I used the bandaid trick. Didn't need to do it but a few nights and my brain figured out it wanted to avoid the pain of ripping it off. Once you are consistent and your brain accepts the mask as your new normal, the impulse to take it off should diminish as long as it is a proper fit and your treatment is actually preventing events. Some take the mask off during sleep when their pressure is not adequate. This should be self resolving before too long.
1) I'm probably a bad influence, but I haven't washed my hose in years. Literally. I use nasal pillows so my mask cleaning would not be relevant.
2) Provent? Seen several on here have tried them and discussed them. Might want to search the forum.

Okay, first night trying the machine in a LONG time. I just tried the bandaid trick: It actually seemed like a good idea, and I noticed myself not taking off the mask for a while.

However, what ultimately got me to take off the mask was a feeling of nose clogging/mild nose pain. I had to take the mask off then. I'm hoping that there's a way to rectify this without using that humidifier.... :/

Kabuto wrote:Okay, first night trying the machine in a LONG time. I just tried the bandaid trick: It actually seemed like a good idea, and I noticed myself not taking off the mask for a while.

However, what ultimately got me to take off the mask was a feeling of nose clogging/mild nose pain. I had to take the mask off then. I'm hoping that there's a way to rectify this without using that humidifier.... :/

Why not use the humidifier? It usually just takes a little trial on different settings to get what helps you.

Keep learning and trying. You can get this working. I didn't see your machine or mask listed. We need to know that to help you along with what settings you are using. This link will show you how to put your equipment in your profile. wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile
Once we know your machine we can point you to the Clinical manual that has a lot of useful information.

OkyDoky wrote:

Kabuto wrote:Okay, first night trying the machine in a LONG time. I just tried the bandaid trick: It actually seemed like a good idea, and I noticed myself not taking off the mask for a while.

However, what ultimately got me to take off the mask was a feeling of nose clogging/mild nose pain. I had to take the mask off then. I'm hoping that there's a way to rectify this without using that humidifier.... :/

Why not use the humidifier? It usually just takes a little trial on different settings to get what helps you.

Keep learning and trying. You can get this working. I didn't see your machine or mask listed. We need to know that to help you along with what settings you are using. This link will show you how to put your equipment in your profile. wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile
Once we know your machine we can point you to the Clinical manual that has a lot of useful information.

Ugh, I hate having to use all the equipment and to always have to change the water...

Humidity is a comfort feature. Many of us use and need the humidity to be comfortable. Try it.

Kabuto wrote:
Ugh, I hate having to use all the equipment and to always have to change the water...

Now, that's just plain whining, which has never solved anything. Before you make any further adjustments to your machinery, sit yourself down in your big-person panties, and make an attitude adjustment. Do you want to treat your sleep apnea or not? If so, then make a decision to give CPAP an honest trial: get serious about understanding how your machine/mask works and is to be maintained. Read the operation manual/s that come with it, or have your respirology technician explain the details. As others have said to you, getting used to CPAP is do-able. But YOU are the only one who can DO IT for you! I think you will find it is no harder than brushing your teeth, washing your face and hands, or combing your hair. If you think of accommodating it into your life as simply another evening and morning routine, like personal hygiene actions, you may find it easier. It may take longer than just one day to feel totally comfortable; most routines take at least 3 weeks to become ingrained.

You seem to have mastered the use of computers and chat forums; I'm sure you have the inner resources to master CPAP technology, too.

Go for it, and good luck!

Don't give up, keep trying. Maybe try a different mask, and lots of great suggestions above too. As mentioned, sleep apnea is *terrible* for your heart. Don't wait a long time like I did.

Maybe a bipap or auto-bipap migt be easier for you to get used to. Keep trying to live with the machine. Treatment is critical.