Newbie that keeps taking mask off.

[adamv038]

Good Evening All,

I decided to stop lurking and to start posting, I've had bad sleep apnea for a number of years, to the point that I would fall asleep in meetings and the such. I finally had a sleep study done last August and had an AHI in the 130's, not sure how consistent that was as I've just done 1 sleep study.

When I first used the machine I sleep for hours on end and felt brilliant, however Im finding it harder to use, not easier as experienced by most.

I'm having so many vivid dreams which i dont like, I stopped remembering dreams for years before using the cpap.

I tend to take my mask off several times during the night, without recalling doing so, ive tried different size nose pillows, different masks to no avail, anyone had the same issue?

Cheers Adam (Melbourne, Australia)

[palerider]

I'm having so many vivid dreams which i dont like, I stopped remembering dreams for years before using the cpap.

Remembering dreams is actually a bad sign.

Do what's requested in the 'READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" post in the announcements section, fill out your profile with the type of machine you have, here's a list of common ones: wiki/index.php/CPAP_models then, if your machine has data, post some screenshots, as requested.

[Sheriff Buford]

Get some light medical tape and place a strip with one end on your mask and the other end on your cheek. Do this on both sides. That way, when you try to take the mask off at night, the pulling of the tape off will wake you up. Don't use the strong tape. Some of that stuff will take skin off!

Sheriff

[zonker]

Good Evening All,

hello and welcome! i think the sheriff has a good idea. you want something that will give your sleeping mind a bit of a mild jolt to wake you up just enough to think "hey, i shouldn't be taking my mask off!".

if not tape, maybe a sweat band laying about with the rest of your athletic gear?

good luck!

[zonker]

I'm having so many vivid dreams which i dont like, I stopped remembering dreams for years before using the cpap.

Remembering dreams is actually a bad sign.

Do what's requested in the 'READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" post in the announcements section, fill out your profile with the type of machine you have, here's a list of common ones: wiki/index.php/CPAP_models then, if your machine has data, post some screenshots, as requested.

HEY! yer hornin' in on MY racket, pardner.

[Julie]

Your pressure settings may be too low (now) - what are they?

[palerider]

I'm having so many vivid dreams which i dont like, I stopped remembering dreams for years before using the cpap.

Remembering dreams is actually a bad sign.

Do what's requested in the 'READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" post in the announcements section, fill out your profile with the type of machine you have, here's a list of common ones: wiki/index.php/CPAP_models then, if your machine has data, post some screenshots, as requested.

HEY! yer hornin' in on MY racket, pardner.

No no... just setting up for your entrance, since you were sleeping, m'lord.

[zonker]

No no... just setting up for your entrance, since you were sleeping, m'lord.

oh, well, uh...all right then.
<leaves, slightly mollified>

[adamv038]

Get some light medical tape and place a strip with one end on your mask and the other end on your cheek. Do this on both sides. That way, when you try to take the mask off at night, the pulling of the tape off will wake you up. Don't use the strong tape. Some of that stuff will take skin off!

Sheriff

Thanks for the replies all, okay Sheriff ill get some medical tape and give that a go, my machine starts on 5 and i usually average around 13, maybe ill start on a higher number.

[Julie]

Raise the 5 to 7 but you could leave the max at even 20 for now... no reason to lower it until there is (rare instances).

[Muse-Inc]

Recommend Micropore tape for use on face.

[AHI88]

Same my side, wake in the morning, no mask on ???

[ajack]

It's very normal to have vivid dreams, because you are now getting rem sleep. it will settle down.
Use a chin strap, headband or anything else to make it harder to take the mask off. The suggested Micropore is also a good idea if needed. You also need a full face mask for when you have a cold. They are harder to take off and easier to make it harder to take off. I have a f20 off ebay with silicon seal, the foams won't last long enough, Sizing charts are available on net. The aussie retail suppliers will charge megabucks, as you have probably found out.
Download sleepyhead from apneaboard and get some charts up. To see if there are other issues.

[palerider]

It's very normal to have vivid dreams, because you are now getting rem sleep. it will settle down.

This is factually inaccurate.

It is NOT normal to have vivid dreams unless one's sleep is disturbed. Also, one can dream in any sleep stage, not just REM.

[mommycpap]

I just put socks on my hands at night for the first few weeks. That kept me from tearing off my mask while asleep. Worst case, you can wake up and give yourself a puppet show