23 days

[Bubbles2024]

So as a newbie I jump right in. Tend to be all or nothing soooo first night bad, second night better, most nights after that good as far as actually sleeping. Day 19 started waking up about 4 hours after going to sleep if that's what you want to call it. Lie awake for a couple hours than go back to sleep maybe 2 good hours a night. Why? I'm not gasping for air. I am uncomfortable mask bothers me. Mostly way it feels on my face. I know I know... Deal with it, it takes time, problem solve, yada yada! Has anyone ever just taken of the mask and tried to sleep for the rest of the night instead of laying awake. Thinking about how much sleep they are missing. I'm about ready to try. I can't afford to be tired tomorrow it's a busy day. Oh wait I was tired before CPAP and got it all done. I'll be fine. So frustrated. Want to be positive working on radical acceptance but come in I need some sleep. FYI don't have problems breathing, ramp is set at 4 usually run around 9 in pressure, AHI three or under, humidifier, heated hose, no complaints about any of that. Using p30i or n30i. Original p30i was to small hurt the tissue in my nose. Tonight's issue seems to be related to the feel of the frame on my check... I do have a satin cover on but it's hot and itchy. Just want to sleep a full night.

[ozij]

Has anyone ever just taken of the mask and tried to sleep for the rest of the night instead of laying awake.

Many have. It hasn't helped them get used to sleeping with the mask.
So, here's what you should do:
Take off the mask.
Get out of bed.
Do something pleasant and relaxing until you feel you want to sleep.
Go back to bed
Put on the mask and try to fall asleep.
If you're not asleep in about 20 minutes - remove the mask, get out of bed - etc.

I know I know... Deal with it, it takes time, problem solve, yada yada!

No, it's not that easy, and what you're saying sounds kind of angry and scolding. Not conducive to either relaxation or sleep.
In order to get used to this very weird way of sleeping you have to train your brain and body with one simple rule:
Sleep time is mask time.
If you can't sleep with the mask, if the mask is too annoying, you take it off and get out of bed.

Since your brain is so unused to this strange way of sleeping it's staging a rebellion. Accept the rebellion. Don't get angry at it. But don't give that rebellion any reinforcement by saying "Oh, OK, since you woke me up, now I'll sleep without the mask". Don't scold, don't waste your time fighting the mask or the idea that you need it. Get up and do something relaxing and pleasant till you're ready to try sleeping with the mask.

Yes, you need your sleep. But you need it for the rest of your life, and now is training time, to make sure you have the therapy you need for the rest of your life.

Just want to sleep a full night.

You will, eventually. It's harder for some of us in the beginning.

[Bubbles2024]

Thank you that makes so much sense. I think I was so worried about reaching compliance as this is also a financial stress that I just pushed and willed myself to lay there with it on to rack up the hours to get a 100 in the app. I'm competitive that way. I found out from insurance when I asked what happens when I reach compliance they said we don't have a compliance procedure.... The DME never contacted us to find out. So that aside I met compliance according to DME so now I will allow myself to get out of bed and go to the living room. The only worry I have about that is falling asleep out there and not in bed. Cross that bridge when I get there. I definitely will allow myself the grace to get out of bed and my husband will just have to deal. This is about me not him. Thank you for the help!!

[bwexler]

You may also need to consider a different mask.
I have a collection of 2 dozen different masks. I have my favorites which happen to be SleepWeaver cloth masks. I have used every model they have ever made. Occasionally my Sleepweaver will get an uncontrollable leak so I get up and switch to my Dream Wisp. If I have a stuffed nose I will switch to my F&P 431 Full Face mask. I can't tolerate anything that touches my nostrils so that style mask doesn't last 20 minutes.
Study the hundreds of different mask options. Using my background knowledge, when my wife started PAP last Christmas I chose the mask for her. She has been doing well since day 2. I prefer a mask with the hose connection at the top of the head instead of in front the nose. That allows for easy, active movement during the night without getting tangled in the hose. I have also found that routing the hose up high ~3 feet above the head helps. We have had tall head boards which makes that easy. Others use hose hangers.
Talk to your insurance about another mask. Talk to your DME or better yet talk to CPAP dot com, they offer mask insurance allowing you to return a mask within 30 days if you don't like it.

[chunkyfrog]

Sleepweaver masks are the softest, lightest, and quietest masks possible.
They are fussy, but well worth trying.