Multiple Masks All Removed While Sleeping

[jackieboy]

Hi folks, first I want to say thank you in advance for helping me here. I really mean it. I've been struggling for one year with my CPAP and I'm starting to give up hope.

I have a mild case of sleep apnea with any where between 9-12 events per hour. My machine is set for 5 centimeters of pressure with no ramp.

I am at peace with my CPAP machine and usually fall asleep within 5 minutes of hitting the sheets. From there is where the issues begin.

No matter which mask I try, I remove it while sleeping. Most times I don't recall when it was removed or that I was even removing it. Sometimes I get 1 hour with the mask on and other times I get 4 hours. On very rare occasions, I might get 5 or 6, but most times, it is between 1- 4 hours.

What's odd is that most masks I've tried usually start out great for the first day or two, then get worse with usage each day.

For example:

I am currently using Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear. I bought this one because I figured the way its designed would make it harder for me to remove it. The nose and mouth piece are actually quite comfortable even though I feel the extra straps on this one. The first night I wore it for 7 hours, second night 5, third night 3, fourth and subsequent nights, less than 2.

Same experience with the ResMed AirFit F30i Full Face Mask

Same experience with Dreamwear (nose cushions)

I've also had similar results with these too:

Dreamwisp
N30
Airfit F30
Airfit N20
Bleep ports

The common advice I find is keep trying different masks. But in my case not one of these stays on my face long enough to provide the treatment I need.

What do you think? Is there anything I should do or buy to make this work for me?

I can't imagine that this is going to be the way I leave this earth

Please help, thank you.

[Julie]

You will get help here from many others who've had the same problem - it's common, and the answer is not at all always about changing masks.

One idea is to tape the straps to you, somewhere with a little hair underneath on your face, so when you go to pull it off, you''ll wake up(!) and reseat it.

But there are other ideas as well... just wait a bit.

[ChicagoGranny]

What is your AHI for the hours you do sleep with CPAP?

My machine is set for 5 centimeters of pressure with no ramp.

That is a very low pressure. Many of us have a feeling of "starved for air" at pressures that low. Could it be that you get that feeling after falling asleep, and then you reflexively remove the mask?

[jackieboy]

Good question. At one point my pressure was up to 7, but what I found was the mask was coming off sooner when at 7, so it was adjusted back down to 5.

When the mask is on, I usually have between 0.7 - 2.8 apneas per hour.

[jackieboy]

You will get help here from many others who've had the same problem - it's common, and the answer is not at all always about changing masks.

One idea is to tape the straps to you, somewhere with a little hair underneath on your face, so when you go to pull it off, you''ll wake up(!) and reseat it.

But there are other ideas as well... just wait a bit.

Thank you. I feel like something is wrong after trying one full year with the same results. I thought of tape too and ended up trying Bleep Ports. These are actually taped underneath the nose without a mask. Surgical tape is used and it was actually quite strong but it wouldn't rip your skin off while removing them. They worked for a day or two then I went right back to the same behavior and started taking them off in the middle of the night. Even while they were taped.

[ChicagoGranny]

Mittens?

Or this watch, but unfortunately it's not yet on the market? - https://vybpro.com/

[jackieboy]

Mittens?

Or this watch, but unfortunately it's not yet on the market? - https://vybpro.com/

certainly an interesting idea, hoping for further insight.

[chunkyfrog]

Or do like comedian Mike Birbiglia, and wear MITTENS.
Way more affordable.