new to cpap machine

[firegoat]

hey everyone. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and set up with a cpap. I was first given a mask that just covered my nose. I woke up the first few nights with a dry mouth no matter how I had the humidifier set. then I started waking up with the mask either on the floor or the night stand. I called the company who set me up with the machine and they got me a full face mask.

when I saw this thing I figured that there was no way I'd knock it off while I was asleep, but the first night I wore it I woke up in the middle of the night with it on the night stand. this thing has a big harness that goes around my head below my ears and another part that goes above my ears. if I don't unclip it, I can't pull it off. I found it on the night stand and the cpap turned off. basically the same as with the old mask set up.

somehow while I'm asleep or just plain out of it, I am taking the mask off and turning off the machine. I've had it since last thursday and since then I've only made it through one night without taking it off. has anyone else had this problem and if so, how did you stop it from happening?

[cflame1]

Few things to try (and I've only had this happen once so I've never tried these):

1.) Mind over matter... convince yourself to keep it on
2.) Tape the straps to your face (making it difficult if not painful to take the mask off thereby waking you up if you try)
3.) Wear tight fitting mittens to bed (making it difficult to take the mask off)

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum. If you will formally register at the forum you will be able to go to the user account control and in your profile add your equipment (text please) and others will be able to see what you are using and be able to help you better. It costs nothing to register and you won't get spam or anything like that. You will be able to send and receive private messages though.

[slojuggler]

firegoat: did you buy the unit online or locally? if locally, have the DME (durable medical equipment) supplier fit the mask for you. my local DME sat down with me to teach how everything works and how to put the mask on.

I have a Resmed Swift FX with nasal pillows. It took me a few days to figure out that the largest size was the most comfortable. Small and medium felt too tight in the middle of the therapy session.

I have also determined that my dry mouth situation is most likely a result of mouth leakage (air escaping via my mouth). There is a chin strap available via your DME or through Amazon that might help assist with that issue, hopefully.

Good luck.

[Bugdude]

Sounds like you're ripping the mask off in your sleep: it's common.

My guess is that you're leaking out of your mouth so the machine ramps up the pressure to compensate, the high pressure is uncomfortable and difficult to breath against, so you throw the mask off.

[Sheriff Buford]

Try diffent masks. You may be a candidate for a full face mask.

[firegoat]

Sounds like you're ripping the mask off in your sleep: it's common.

My guess is that you're leaking out of your mouth so the machine ramps up the pressure to compensate, the high pressure is uncomfortable and difficult to breath against, so you throw the mask off.

I have almost the same exact set up as you do. the resmed s9 w/humidifier, but I have the ultra mirage facemask

I was originally using the shift LT mask and the company that set me up with the machine upgraded me to the full face mask. I find the mask to be quite comfortable but I still end up taking it off in the middle of the night. I managed to keep it on all night last night, but that's only the second time that's happened.

[firegoat]

Welcome to the forum. If you will formally register at the forum you will be able to go to the user account control and in your profile add your equipment (text please) and others will be able to see what you are using and be able to help you better. It costs nothing to register and you won't get spam or anything like that. You will be able to send and receive private messages though.

I just did that, thanks!