I am a newbie. May first night with the cpap (Respironics TEMstar Pro C-Flex +)was Saturday. I find that I am taking off my mask (Swift FX Nasal Pillow) when I am sleeping. I wake up and have to put the mask back on. This happens 2 -3 times a night. What can I do to keep my mask on? I am hearing impaired so a alarm will not work. Having the mask on isn't uncomfortable.
Thanks for replies
Taking off mask when I am sleeping
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blschue@gmail.com
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:31 pm
Re: Taking off mask when I am sleeping
Many people have this trouble. You are going to have to get used to it. You will be able to get used to it, but it will take time.
You can aid the process in a couple of ways. My most important tool was monitoring my thoughts. Before I even went for my first sleep study, after the doctor had told me I might have OSA, I monitored my thoughts. As soon as I had any negative thought regarding wearing a mask, I IMMEDIATELY cast it out and replaced it with a positive thought, like, "wearing a mask will be good, because it will help me get the therapy I need so I won't be so tired."
Other people have suggested wearing the mask while awake to help you get used to it. I think that's a good idea. I didn't need it because I had so brain-washed myself that by the time I got to the point of wearing a mask, it was a piece of cake.
Stick with it. It will get better.
You can aid the process in a couple of ways. My most important tool was monitoring my thoughts. Before I even went for my first sleep study, after the doctor had told me I might have OSA, I monitored my thoughts. As soon as I had any negative thought regarding wearing a mask, I IMMEDIATELY cast it out and replaced it with a positive thought, like, "wearing a mask will be good, because it will help me get the therapy I need so I won't be so tired."
Other people have suggested wearing the mask while awake to help you get used to it. I think that's a good idea. I didn't need it because I had so brain-washed myself that by the time I got to the point of wearing a mask, it was a piece of cake.
Stick with it. It will get better.
Re: Taking off mask when I am sleeping
I believe that our sub-conscious takes over when we're asleep.....letting our main brain go through a maintenance process. I'm betting that your sub-conscious is not yet convinced of your need for CPAP therapy.
Have a little "talk" with yourself and convince your sub-conscious that you're gonna die early if you aren't successful at therapy. You have to be convinced all the way down to your toenails that CPAP therapy is vital....or you'll give up.
It helps to understand that Apnea is "suffocation".....hundreds of times a night. It's sort of like continual "waterboard torture" while you're sleeping. Insufficient O2 wrecks your systems.....and shortens your life.
The solution to the mask removal problem is "mental".
Have a little "talk" with yourself and convince your sub-conscious that you're gonna die early if you aren't successful at therapy. You have to be convinced all the way down to your toenails that CPAP therapy is vital....or you'll give up.
It helps to understand that Apnea is "suffocation".....hundreds of times a night. It's sort of like continual "waterboard torture" while you're sleeping. Insufficient O2 wrecks your systems.....and shortens your life.
The solution to the mask removal problem is "mental".
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blschue@gmail.com
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:31 pm
Re: Taking off mask when I am sleeping
Thanks for the replies. I should probably add that I also have insomnia and delayed sleep phase syndrome besides mild sleep apnea. The 2 sleep studies I had this summer were day studies because I usually cant get to sleep until daylight so I am out of sync with the rest of the world. I also have Fibromyalgia and Diabetes. I really want the improved sleep so I can have some energy. I watch what I eat so with just one pill my diabetes is in control.
I find the mask comfortable, to the point that when I am awake I have to check to make sure it is on.
I am so thankful that I found this forum. I have learned so much. I have a $7500 deductible for my health insurance so when I went in to get my machine, etc I was told it would be better if I could find something online as it would cost me $1600. I was given the presciption and I asked for their prices. Then I went to Craigslist and lucked out that a guy had a new Respronics and wanted only $125 for it. He was given the machine at a sleep study but he needs a apap. He has been on a machine for 10 years so he was a great source for info. He even told me how to change the pressure of my machine. I bought the mask on the cpap auction.
I find the mask comfortable, to the point that when I am awake I have to check to make sure it is on.
I am so thankful that I found this forum. I have learned so much. I have a $7500 deductible for my health insurance so when I went in to get my machine, etc I was told it would be better if I could find something online as it would cost me $1600. I was given the presciption and I asked for their prices. Then I went to Craigslist and lucked out that a guy had a new Respronics and wanted only $125 for it. He was given the machine at a sleep study but he needs a apap. He has been on a machine for 10 years so he was a great source for info. He even told me how to change the pressure of my machine. I bought the mask on the cpap auction.
Re: Taking off mask when I am sleeping
Hi,blschue@gmail.com wrote:I am a newbie. May first night with the cpap (Respironics TEMstar Pro C-Flex +)was Saturday. I find that I am taking off my mask (Swift FX Nasal Pillow) when I am sleeping. I wake up and have to put the mask back on. This happens 2 -3 times a night. What can I do to keep my mask on? I am hearing impaired so a alarm will not work. Having the mask on isn't uncomfortable.
Thanks for replies
This is another one of those places where duct tape can really help. Well, actually not duct tape, but rather, either surgical tape or blue painter's tape. Simply put a strip on your face across each of the straps. That way, when you go to take it off, the resistance of the tape will keep you from doing it in your sleep. If you do manage to start taking off the mask, the sensation from the tape will wake you up, and you can convince yourself to stop taking it off. Most folks out grow this, so the tape is sort of like training wheels--it helps you get through the learning phase.
-john-
5 posts
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