BIPAP

[insomniac51]

Hi,
Does anyone out there use a BIPAP machine. Every forum I've gone to are all about CPAP, but I have questions about this annoying BIPAP.
My question is, does anyone else using the BIPAP have trouble keeping the head gear and mask on while sleeping?
First I have a very hard time falling asleep. The ramp doesn't help because it's having all the crap wrapped around my head that keeps me awake, not the pressure. In fact I could use a little more IPAP pressure.
Anyway the problem is that after 3-4 sleepless nights Iim so exhausted that I finally pass out even with the mask on, But later when I wake up, sometime during the night in my sleep, I've ripped the mask and all the head straps off and tossed them across room. I don't remember doing it but there's no one else there that could be taking the stuff off but me.
Has anyone else out there had this problem? And have you found a way around it?
I have central sleep apnea and I really want to make this work. The symptoms of central sleep apnea are very debilitating and I'm willing to try anything to prevent the symptoms of central sleep apnea.
Any tricks or ideas on how to stop me from removing the mask in my sleep will be appreciated. I don't care how silly or outrageous it may sound, I'll try anything to make this work. If can't sleep with it for a min. of 5 hours a night my ins. co. won't pay for the BIPAP machine. Plus I only have 40 days to learn how to use it and keep it on my face while sleeping or they take it away.
So HELP me please.
Sincerely,
Sleepless in Oregon

[Patrick A]

Yes there are a lot of people that use Bi-Pap machines on this forum. I for one use a Respironics M-Series Bi-Pap Auto. I have been using one for several years now. I use a Swift Mirage II mask. I also have a Opti-life mask. I prefer the swift. I don't really like the chinstrap contraption. Also yes the ramp feature is a little useless I started this adventure 5 years ago with a Remstar Plus set at 20cm (what a piece of junk) Thank you APRIA RIPOFF. I am not sure what kind of mask or what machine that you have. If you could post that information maybe some other folks on the forum could give you some help in solving your problem.

[rubymom]

I think alot of people do the same thing, so know that you're normal. I certainly did. I kinda psyched myself into being more aware of what I was doing in my sleep so that I could stop myself. Not exactly sure how to tell you to do that though. A positive mindset (your mask is your friend--not crap ) will help.

If that hadn't worked, I was going to try the tape approach. Tape the thing to your face in such a way as you will feel it (ouch!) when you start removing it. Again though, you need to be aware enough and determined enough then to stop yourself.

Right now I'm using the Mirage Liberty and in order for the nasal pillows to lay properly I need to have a shoelace tied around my head and pushing them down a bit. So that makes it more difficult to take off, even when I'm awake and I want to.

Keep at it! It takes time, perserverence and commitment.

[Jaylee]

I am on BiPap too I suggest reading with the mask on. It worked for me, I got used to it faster that way, I think. Right now I just need to figure out how to keep my chin strap on. I am going to try bobby pins, maybe.

[sandster]

I am using a C-PAP at this time and it seems to me that you are having a hard time with the mask issue. Have you looked at a pillow mask like the OPUS 360. I couldn't use one that had headgear all over my face, I tried many years ago when I used a Bi-PAP and was unsuccessful. I am currently using a OPUS 360 and being very successful. I don't know if you can use one like that with a Bi-PAP but just thought it might be worth investigating.

[bilnap]

Try afternoon naps. Get into a comfortable recliner, do all the hookups, set a timer for 35 minutes, so you don't spoil the nights sleep. It is a matter of getting comfortable with the mask, ramp, noise, your breathing all the distractions. After a while you should be able to ignore the distractions.

[Hope1952]

It sounds like yours is a mask issue, NOT a BiPap issue. I've only been using a BiPap for one month but it is a huge improvement over the almost identical cpap/apap for me. Many of us unintentionally/unknowingly take our masks off in our sleep. If your IN pressure is not high enough, or your nose is stopped up, or you block the (mask) exhale vent while sleeping, (that's what I keep doing right now) you could feel like you're suffocating and rip it off in your sleep. It's easy to convince myself that there's a logical reason for removing the mask when I'm not coherent. It's a recurring problem for me.

I keep a journal by my bed to record anything I can remember about my sleep or sleep preparations each night. In big letters I write "DON'T TAKE OFF MASK." That's the last thing I see before I turn off the light and it helps me remember in my sleep that there are no logical reasons for doing that. I also use nasal spray when I need it.

If your pressure is not set high enough for your needs, then that problem needs to be fixed or you'll probably keep ripping off the mask no matter what else you try.

[Jaylee]

Okay the bobby pins work, the chin strap stays on. Yay for me.

[insomniac51]

Yes there are a lot of people that use Bi-Pap machines on this forum. I for one use a Respironics M-Series Bi-Pap Auto. I have been using one for several years now. I use a Swift Mirage II mask. I also have a Opti-life mask. I prefer the swift. I don't really like the chinstrap contraption. Also yes the ramp feature is a little useless I started this adventure 5 years ago with a Remstar Plus set at 20cm (what a piece of junk) Thank you APRIA RIPOFF. I am not sure what kind of mask or what machine that you have. If you could post that information maybe some other folks on the forum could give you some help in solving your problem.

To answer your question, I'm using the nasal pillow. But I have to use size small, I have a little nose. Plus I'm way to claustrophobic to wear a nasal mask or a full mask. I'm using a Resperonics BIPAP Pro, it's a nice little machine.
They gave me a different one at first, but it was really old and out of spec. It just about blew my nose of my face . So my Doc. told the supplier to give me a new one and it's better, but I still rip it off in my sleep.

[insomniac51]

It sounds like yours is a mask issue, NOT a BiPap issue. I've only been using a BiPap for one month but it is a huge improvement over the almost identical cpap/apap for me. Many of us unintentionally/unknowingly take our masks off in our sleep. If your IN pressure is not high enough, or your nose is stopped up, or you block the (mask) exhale vent while sleeping, (that's what I keep doing right now) you could feel like you're suffocating and rip it off in your sleep. It's easy to convince myself that there's a logical reason for removing the mask when I'm not coherent. It's a recurring problem for me.

I keep a journal by my bed to record anything I can remember about my sleep or sleep preparations each night. In big letters I write "DON'T TAKE OFF MASK." That's the last thing I see before I turn off the light and it helps me remember in my sleep that there are no logical reasons for doing that. I also use nasal spray when I need it.

If your pressure is not set high enough for your needs, then that problem needs to be fixed or you'll probably keep ripping off the mask no matter what else you try.

I think you may be right about the IPAP being to low . When I'm wearing it just to watch TV to try to get used to it, the IPAP stops before I finish inhaling. It starts to feel like I'm suffocating. So it makes sense that if I'm not getting enough IPAP when I'm asleep, I'd pull the mask off so I can breath.
Thank you, I'm going to call my sleep Doc. on Mon. (6-28-10) and ask him to have the IPAP increased. I'll let you know if it works out, and if increasing the IPAP stops me from ripping the the head gear off.

[GumbyCT]

I think you may be right about the IPAP being to low . When I'm wearing it just to watch TV to try to get used to it, the IPAP stops before I finish inhaling. It starts to feel like I'm suffocating. So it makes sense that if I'm not getting enough IPAP when I'm asleep, I'd pull the mask off so I can breath.
Thank you, I'm going to call my sleep Doc. on Mon. (6-28-10) and ask him to have the IPAP increased. I'll let you know if it works out, and if increasing the IPAP stops me from ripping the the head gear off.

Tell your doc you feel like you are suffocating and let him know you have been ripping your mask off.

You really need to know what pressures your machine is set at for us to be any help. The reason I say all the above is - it is the EPAP that does the work in a BiPap and if your pressures are not set correctly - you WILL feel like you can't breath.

Do you know how your sleep study went or have a copy of it to refer to? There is a lot of info in it that could help us help you.
Also do you have any other health issues?

[doughsthoughts]

I too am on a Bipap (auto SV) but bipap none the less, I also have severe claustraphobia, that keeps me from wearing certain masks. I am on my 4th mask as we speak. I started with Opus 360, the plastic on it hurt, Mirage Quattro Full Face mask. OMFG that piece of @#$ wouldnt make it 30 mins, i would rip it off while awake panicing.. Swift FX my fav mask by far, its light, its soft, dosnt even feel like im wearing it. BUt occasionally it gets blown off my face by high pressure.. My latest mask, i just got a few days ago is a liberty. I like the design but it leaks way to much because of my bear / goatee and mustache..

You are not alone, you really are having a mask problem not a Bipap problem, keep explaining to your DME and doctor they will do the best to get you a proper fitting mask I have not paid a penny for my masks..

I agree with who ever said its a mental fortitude, think of the mask as your friend and not crap. Its your life saver, its what will return your life to a good time and keep it on. tell your self these things and your mind set will change...

[insomniac51]

I am on BiPap too I suggest reading with the mask on. It worked for me, I got used to it faster that way, I think. Right now I just need to figure out how to keep my chin strap on. I am going to try bobby pins, maybe.

I wear mine every time I'm stationary, to try and get used to it. It's been 7 wks. and it's still leaves me gasping for air. I'd like to try bobby pins too, but my hair is really short. I had to cut it all off when I injured my back, less to deal with. So now it's an inch or so long blond & spikey. It's easy & fun, but can't hold onto anything. Bobby pins fall out without anything weighing them down.

[Dnap]

2 months into hell. Cpap to BIPAP to hell. Is all this worth it or should I go back to life before hell? Will life get easie? End of rope please reply.

[DrPepper00]

2 months into hell. Cpap to BIPAP to hell. Is all this worth it or should I go back to life before hell? Will life get easie? End of rope please reply.

My bipap is not hell. Yes, it will get better. You need to tell us what problems you are having and get some of the good advice that people here are willing to share. Hang on.