Ripping mask off in the middle of the night

[IncyderEMT]

I started my CPAP journey 1 1/2 weeks ago. The first couple of nights, I did okay with my machine I had some trouble sleeping on my side due to leaks, and I have spent most of my life training myself NOT to sleep on my side. The last couple nights, I've realized that I rip my mask off in the middle of the night, and it lays on the floor for a couple hours running, until I realize it and put it back on. I think what is happening is that I am on a nasal mask, and I try to mouth breathe sometime in the middle of the night. I realize this, but I guess for some reason it takes me a while react to this. I take it my data is all screwed up? Any other people have this problem? And what was your solution? I did notice that my machine states I sleep 4 hours a night, even though the machine is on 9:30 pm to about 6:00 am...are these machines really that smart? Im looking for some encouragement I guess.

BTW
I have a Respironics C-Flex Plus machine 9.0 w/ a nasal mask....do mouth breathers usually have to use a full face mask?

[echo]

Welcome to the forum! If you fill in your equipment profile it will help us when giving you suggestions.

Solutions for mouth breathing = taping, full-face mask, or some CPAP guru's say you can train yourself not to mouth breath but I have not yet attained that Nirvana . For more info on these and other anti-mouth-breathing tactics visit LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard

Taking your mask off in the middle of the night is not so uncommon. In the beginning I too took off my mask without even noticing it. I even did it once after a whole year of successful therapy. I think it's probably a subconscious reaction to something not feeling right : congestion, uncomfortable straps, rainout, possibly even mouth breathing! Once you get used to your CPAP it should stop.... but DO something about that mouth breathing because mouth breathing = no therapy!

[park_ridge_dave]

Im looking for some encouragement I guess.

BTW
I have a Respironics C-Flex Plus machine 9.0 w/ a nasal mask....do mouth breathers usually have to use a full face mask?

IncyderEMT

Don't give up! It'll get better!

I just got my FF mask today. I have allergies that just kicked in (Just got my machine March 18, 2010). I was thinking that I would need one anyway as my reports showed that I open my mouth a lot. AND I wear a chin strap Go figure.

I will let you know what my experiences are as they occur, but if you search the posts and follow a few of the threads there are alternatives to a FF mask for mouth breathers (e.g. Hybrids.... tho I have not tried a hybrid yet.)

I am firmly convinced that if there is a user of some product or technique having to do with OSA (esp. CPAP) you will find them contributing to this forum.

Good luck!

Dave

[IncyderEMT]

Thanks for the info guys...gonna wrap my mouth shut with an ace bandage tonight....that, and a benadryl, and I should be good to go. Also, is the software used to see your data free? And do you know here I can get it?

[jules]

if you have a PLUS you don't have any data worth seeing - just hours used - get your doc to order you a Pro or an APAP for data

[IncyderEMT]

if you have a PLUS you don't have any data worth seeing - just hours used - get your doc to order you a Pro or an APAP for data

Good info...thanks. My silly training session, pretty much included my RT telling us about his vacation to Vegas, and how his BMW was in the shop...so..I'm sure I will get 10x's better info here than going and bugging them again. But I really thank you for the info.

[echo]

...or get a copy of your prescription and buy online from cpap.com

[jules]

are you dealing with APRIA and an HMO?

[IncyderEMT]

are you dealing with APRIA and an HMO?

DING DING DING! LETS SHOW HIM WHAT HE'S WON! YEAH...AND IVE HEARD THAT IM REALLY NOT IN THE BEST HANDS

[jules]

yeah, you want data then follow what Echo said - get the Rx and buy online from a place like cpap.com

No one else has training sessions that I know of. Just Apria and they do it mainly for Kaiser I guess but have done it for other HMO's.

Did you even have a real sleep study in a lab?

btw: jules isn't a he

[IncyderEMT]

yeah, you want data then follow what Echo said - get the Rx and buy online from a place like cpap.com

No one else has training sessions that I know of. Just Apria and they do it mainly for Kaiser I guess but have done it for other HMO's.

Did you even have a real sleep study in a lab?

btw: jules isn't a he

DID HAVE A QUALITY SLEEP STUDY AT LOMA LINDA...THEY WERE AWESOME. APRIA WAS JUST KIND OF WHATEVER.

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, IncyderEMT! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

You're lucky to have found this forum as you begin CPAP—took me almost year before I found this place and, with the help of folks here, got my CPAP therapy working as it should. Yes, removing the mask subconsciously during sleep is a normal reflex for awhile. Many of us had that experience, I know I did. It does take time to get everything tweaked and working at its best, so patience is key as one begins CPAP.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[zorrro13]

Think of it like a broken heart. It can take months or even years but you will get over it. Your brain will finally accept CPAP therapy, took me nearly 1 year of mask throwing

[Ronnieadl]

I am also one of those folks who rip the machine off my face in the middle of the night. I am really cool though, because I can also shut it off while I am asleep! I think I do this because I know the alarm and lights will go off so I want it off before that happens. I just recently got a new FFM. I am also a mouth breather due to allergies.. I am now on meds for that and then the new mask really seem to help alot. I also have a chin strap that I don't use. It feels too confining and it is too much stuff to try to have to take off while I am asleep.. <G> But overall the FFM has really helped and I am glad I got it.. You might give it a try and see if it will help you as well..

Cheers!
Ronnie

[park_ridge_dave]

IncyderEMT

Well I got my Quattro FFM yesterday and my first night went great! I slept all the way through (7.5 hrs total) The Good News.

My wife reports that I was Snoring The Bad News

I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll start a new thread to see what I can do about the snoring.

Bottom Line The first night with my FFM went fairly well.

Good luck on your "journey"

Cheers,

Dave