another frustrated newbie...

[meg20]

I was recently diagnosed with OSA and have had my CPAP for a month. My main problem is that I take my mask off and turn off the machine in my sleep. I was tempted to tape the straps it to my face but I don't want to irritate my skin. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also I'm 20 years old and am having an Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty but I was told that won't help much. Has anyone had Maxillomandibular advancement? If so or if you've considered it do you have any advice for or against it?

[Wulfman]

Welcome to the forum.

Go up to the Search line and put in "MMA" and there will be about 16 pages of links to threads/posts to read.

Also, if you put in "UPPP", there will be many, many more to read. I'd strongly advise NOT having that procedure done from all of the posts I've read on that subject.


Den

[ozij]

Put mittens on your hands.

One reason for taking the mask off during sleep is when it cause pain - is your mask on tight?

Why are you having a UPPP? If you're having it for non OSA related reasons, that's one thing, but it's really not a good solution for OSA. MaxilloMandibular Adancement, on the other hand, has great success rates for treating sleep apnea (UPPP does not) -- and is a major operation, which some people absolutely need.

Here's a thread you might find interesting, with links to MMA:
viewtopic/t44679/viewtopic.php?p=326322#p326322

O.

[meg20]

Thanks for the quick responses!

Dr. Li is actually doctor who is preforming the surgery. He said that although it won't cure me it will at least open up my airway since it's so small and I should see a small improvement. However he also said that that wasn't the problem, it is my small and narrow jaw. Since my OSA is severe, and I'm only 20 and I'm not fond of the idea of using a CPAP for the rest of my life. Now I guess its my time to start reading all those posts and decide whether its worth it!

Also I don't think the mask is too tight, I actually find it comfortable. I will definitely try mittens though!

[ozij]

I'm glad you're in good hands, Meg. Hang around and tell us how you're doing.


O.

[Muse-Inc]

Some have used tape to tape the mask on. When you try to pull it off, it pulls and reminds you not to pull it off. 3M micropore tape or Lowe's blue 'delicate release' painter's tape seem to be the more popular tapes. Good luck!

[meg20]

So on Sept. 8th I had a UPPP and turbinectomy and all went well. I am breathing better through my nose but my throat and tongue are still swollen. I went off the pain killers 3 days after the surgery and haven't had any complications. Overall for me it wasn't that bad

Unfortunately since I haven't been using my machine, I have slowly started to go back to my old sleeping habits. But I am staying optimistic and will know more after my next sleep study.

[Muse-Inc]

Meg20, let us know how it goes and what they find since you've had the surgery.