Newby - Sleeping problem

[pkemery410]

First up can I say that the wealth of information on this site is astounding, and greatly appreciated.

I have been on apap for 6 weeks now, using a Resmed S9 with humidifier, and after trying a variety of masks, found the Quattro FX to be the best for me.

I have never had any trouble sleeping before going on pap, and the only reason I went to the doctor is because my wife (and children) complained of my snoring.
I have no trouble with the mask, or claustrophobia or even breathing against the air flow.

My problem, is that I wake up after 2-3 hours with an itchy nose, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, I can't. This results in taking off the mask and scratching.
Then when i put the mask back on, I lay awake for the next half hour trying unsuccessfully to fall back to sleep, until eventually I take of the mask. Then I have no trouble sleeping.

Is this normal? I thought I would have adjusted by now. But getting only 3 hours sleep with the mask and it's getting frustrating.

[pemery]

Sorry. The original post was mine, but I forgot to logon first. I'm used to reading forums, but not posting to them.

[Mary Z]

Some times it just takes a little longer to adjust to wearing the mask. Try something like a PM medicine (tylenol, advil, ect.) and see if this helps you. Alsso try just wearing the mask a little longer each night. Some white noise or soothing music might help you forget about the mask and get back to sleep.
Good luck.
Mary Z.

[xenablue]

I think I remember someone mentioning to rub your whole face briskly right before putting your mask on - apparently it stops the itches where the mask sits - worth a try.

Cheers,
xena

[pemery]

Thanks, I'll try both those suggestions, especially the face rubbing. That nightly itch is driving me nuts.

[rested gal]

I've read on here about some people keeping a popsicle stick handy. When an itch happens, they insert the popsicle stick under the mask cushion to scratch the itchy spot without having to remove the mask.

Welcome to the forum, pemery!

[pemery]

I've read on here about some people keeping a popsicle stick handy. When an itch happens, they insert the popsicle stick under the mask cushion to scratch the itchy spot without having to remove the mask.

The popstick idea is simple, but great.
Thankyou

[flowergal3]

Hi, I'm new to this too, about three weeks now. I hear you about the face itching...I wonder if sometimes it's just a tickle from the airflow? I'm in the same boat, so don't despair, you're not alone. Very frustrating to have everything just right and then find you have an itch you just can't scratch, but with time, I think this will work itself out. I like the popcicle stick idea!

[jabman]

I like the popsicle stick idea, after 6 months I still get an itch every once and awhile.