Removing mask while asleep

[Chewtoy]

So far so good with the new machine.. I've not switched it into auto mode yet, I'll probably leave it in cpap mode until after the download for my followup with the sleep doc at the beginning of March, but now I have another challenge: I take my mask off at night. Sometimes I remember doing it (though I never remember why), other times I don't, I just wake up to find the mask under my head. One night I even disassembled my mask. I vaguely recall doing it, but only vaguely.

Is there anything I can do to maybe keep myself from doing this? Following suggestions I found by searching, I turned c-flex off in case the pressure reduction made me feel like I wasn't getting enough air, but still took the mask off. Has anyone else successfully solved this problem? Does it go away with time? (I've only had a machine for about 2 weeks)

Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy

[Gerald]

Jeremy.....

My opinion might be considered "radical"......

You need to sit down and have a long "talk" with your sub-conscious. That's the "mind" that's in charge when you're asleep....and it hasn't signed off on this project.

Your sub-conscious isn't convinced that you're headed for trouble if CPAP therapy doesn't work. Your sub-conscious is "in denial"....and is subverting the process.

Consciously, you may be mildly convinced that it's the "right thing to do"......but your sub-conscious doesn't go for it.

When I got my CPAP machine, I was so scared that I slept upright....for a week....until I could get my machine. That's been 2-1/2 years ago.....and I've used the machine absolutely every night.

I'm a "mechanic"....meaning that I study Physics......and when I realized that I was on a short road to heart attack or stroke, I got with the program....FAST.

That's the best I can do for you.

[Chewtoy]

My opinion might be considered "radical"......

Radical doesn't necessarily mean wrong, I'll give it a try.

Thanks!

[KevinMWHM]

I had this same problem - I've found a few reasons and I've been trying to clear them up with some success. First and foremost, get into a ritual at bed time. I actually set up my machine about an hour before bed. And I'll lay in bed for a few minutes before putting the mask on as a way to get comfortable. Also, I've found that where I have the hose is a big deal. I sleep on my side and snake the hose under my pillow from the top of the bed leaving about a foot of slack. Otherwise the hose will tug slightly and I'll pull at the mask in my sleep.

[jda1000]

Following a suggestion here, I upped my pressure, from 7 to 8 cm. I seem to have quit pulling my mask off - the idea was 7 cm was delivering enough air, and feeling deprived, I tore it off without waking. Sort of an activist apnea, perhaps.

The other chief suggestion was to turn down or turn of my EPR (which I think is like c-flex, only for ResMed machines?) but I've not tried that yet.

Whether it's psychological I cannot say, but it frankly wouldn't surprise me in the least.

**
On the hose, I've rigged mine so it's suspended via cord from a curtain rod a couple fee above my head. With the swiveling elbow on my Mirage Quattro, I think this allows pretty good nocturnal movement, which might help me keep the mask on, as well.

Good luck!

[NeurosurgeryNP]

I did this often in the beginning and only VERY occasionally now. It eventually stopped. It may be just getting used to the whole thing.