When do you wear your mask?

Davidmcc · Post by **Davidmcc** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:28 pm

Given the number of queries concerning the interference of CPAP with an active sex life that have, quite frankly puzzled me, I am curious to know when most users put on their mask and start pumping.
It sounds as is some put their mask on as soon as they enter the bedroom/bed if not before, and maybe keep it on long after they hay have woken up, which could understandably restrict ones'activities.
I put my mask on, generally in the dark, AFTER indulging in all other pre-sleeping activities (including reading in bed for a short time) and believe I fall asleep withing 5 - 10 minutes of doing so, and I generally remove the mask in the morning as soon as I have fully awakened. I do not read or watch tv wearing the mask or use the pump at any other time of the day unless I intend to sleep. Whilst I assume this is normal, one should never assume anything, Consequntly I am curious to hear when other users wear ther mask.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:27 pm

Pretty much the same for me, I don't put it on for naps either. I usually fall asleep fast with it on

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:37 pm

Same as you as well. it's to help me get rest when I sleep, it's not a fashion statement.

FairSpirit · Post by **FairSpirit** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:01 pm

I put my mask on right as I'm about to go to sleep. I sure don't wear it for/during "other" activities. LoL

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:09 pm

Same here - I am still pretty new to the thing and don't like to be hooked up in front of the family.

Which raises a question - those of you with kids: how do you explain the rig without scaring them? My boys are both teenagers so I just don't make a big deal about it and just answer their questions. Wondering what other people do about this?

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:18 pm

Our CPAPs do not interfere with our sex life.

Tom is retired, I am disabled so how about when you first wake up and then in the afternoon and early evening.

We kiss, say good night and then we put our masks on.

Tom and I are both on CPAP machines

thewebbie · Post by **thewebbie** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:28 pm

I have an 11, 9 and 2 year old boys. I have not shown the rig to the older two boys yet.. Not sure if they would understand.. Frankly I think it would FREAK them out! The two year old on the other hand saw me with it on and started to make Elephant noises and laughed at me..

Jere wrote:Same here - I am still pretty new to the thing and don't like to be hooked up in front of the family.

Which raises a question - those of you with kids: how do you explain the rig without scaring them? My boys are both teenagers so I just don't make a big deal about it and just answer their questions. Wondering what other people do about this?

tlc95066 · Post by **tlc95066** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:31 pm

I put on my mask when it is dark also. I am not exactly fond of how I look, or my persecption of how I look with my mask on. I am extremely near sighted though, so unless i have my glasses on, I would only be able to see a fuzzy blob in the mirror.

We purposefully do not have a tv in our bedroom and we rarely read in bed either. We like our beadroom to be for sleeping and other activities.
Teri

Craig · Post by **Craig** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:41 pm

"She Who Must Be Obeyed", has stated I love my APAP more than her since acquiring it in June. I've assured her that she is mistaken as it can't cook and the humidifier water container is too small to wash clothes in!

P.S. I'm working on "supercharging" the humidifier heating plate. When I get it perfected I will be able to prepare many dishes only requiring the addition of hot water. It is my belief I will then be in a better bargaining position as to who does the windows each Spring and that I may be able to bring home an occasional bag of something that is NOT fat free and tastes good!

P.P.S. Can someone please explain to me what a "sex life" is? (NOTE: If it requires removal of my APAP mask..... never mind.)

Curly · Post by **Curly** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:21 pm

Mask on = No sex . So if my wife is awake , I hold out till last minute , if none to be had, then mask goes on. Kids think mask is cool , they call me darth vader

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:52 pm

Jere wrote:Same here - I am still pretty new to the thing and don't like to be hooked up in front of the family.

Which raises a question - those of you with kids: how do you explain the rig without scaring them? My boys are both teenagers so I just don't make a big deal about it and just answer their questions. Wondering what other people do about this?

I think those with small children should just explain the truth to them...and maybe let them feel the air on their hand so they won't be scared of it. Maybe even put it on in front of them so if they happen to come into your room in the middle of the night, you don't scare the heck out of them.

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:56 pm

Curly wrote:Mask on = No sex . So if my wife is awake , I hold out till last minute , if none to be had, then mask goes on.

I got a good laugh at this...I think sometimes my husband is disappointed when I put my mask on too....but he is very happy if I turn towards him without it on...

Snuffle-nose · Post by **Snuffle-nose** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 1:20 am

Hello Fellow Hoseheads

When I wear my nasal mask, or better known cpap mask I am often going to sleep. I wear it the minute I want to go to bed at night. Whist sleeping I keep it on my snoz!!![nose]When moving around the house it is on me, even when I am prowling to the toliet which is in the bathroom at night.

I unhook myself from my machine on, sometimes leave the machine still operating, do my stuff return and lower the pressure using the ramp buttons and hook up and fall alseep again!!!

ITeach · Post by **ITeach** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 7:37 am

My mask is kind of a signal to hubby. On=no. Off means maybe.

As for the kids, I shared a story recently that I think is worth sharing again. Sorry for those of you that have heard it.

I showed my kids (3 and 6) my mask when I got it. I also turned it on and put it near their faces so they knew it was nothing to be afraid of. They little guy (who was 2 1/2 at the time) never cared for it, but said I could wear it if it helped me. A few weeks ago, he had a very severe case of croup. My parents had the boys and Mom got him to the hospital before I could get there. (Yes, they tried the steamy bathroom thing first, but to no avail.) When Johnny and Mom got to the ER, they immediately took him to a room and sent in an RT. She said Johnny would probably not want the mask, but it was necessary for him to have it on. Mom said he looked at it and said something to the effect of, look, it's a mask like Mommy wears to bed to help her breathe. And he let them put it right on. So, even though I didn't get there until about 30 minutes later, he patiently wore the mask and later, once I was there, was fine getting a nebulizer treatment and keeping the mask on until he had had plenty of steroids and could easily breathe again on his own. He knew I was on my way, and we had a special connection with the mask. I am surely glad I talked about mine with him prior to that!

By the way, I am, as my name suggests, a teacher. And, I am a firm believer that kids know a lot more than we give them credit for. I didn't want to take the chance on them walking in during the night and being freaked out my the whole thing.

My family all calls me Dark Helmet, thanks to my husband.

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:33 am

ITeach...that was a great story about your little guy...

Mask

Additional Comments: Newbe