CPAP and memory issues

[Rhrh]

This is for people who have memory issues, or loved ones who use CPAP and have memory issues.

A few weeks ago, I put my mask on and went to sleep, but apparently didn't have the machine on. Around 4 am, I woke up to water entering my mask (not just gurgling). The ResMed AirSense 10 that I use has a default flow which is annoying when I take the mask off in the morning and it is still hissing even with the machine off. I sat up and left the mask on, because initially I didn't understand the extent of the water. It settled in the tube and then I realized the machine wasn't on. I took the hose to the bathroom to dump it out, and put it back on the machine. Yet even when I turned the machine on, it took a long while for the water in the hose to settle down. I have a heated hose so that helped I guess?

It's really nice that I didn't suffocate, but if I was really out I don't know what the water in my lungs might have done. I suppose I am lucky I am a mouth breather because water only entered my mouth.

The sad reality is that I have memory issues that are getting worse - so the question is, is there a machine/mask or combination that will automatically turn the normal prescribed flow on when the mask is put on?

I had upwards of 40 episodes per night, and dropped to 82 %O2 sat during my at-home sleep test, so I really should use the CPAP as much as possible. But it was really scary, and I don't know what to do to make sure it doesn't happen again. Another comment is that I often feel it is very difficult to breathe with the CPAP on - I'm a mouth breather and I can't maintain nose breathing for very long. Sometimes I wake up, even when the machine is on, and have to rip the mask off - sometimes I apparently do that when I am asleep (as noted by the huge rushing noise of the hose when I wae up!).

Any thoughts?

[Doug_Nightmare]

IIRC the user guide says that after use and turning off, the fan continues to blow for 30 minutes to dry the tube and mask. Your clinician can enable Auto Start.

I am not a mouth breather but tape my my mouth with duct tape.

[HoseCrusher]

I believe you can turn on SmartStart in your machine. Then the machine starts when you put the mask on and start breathing. When you take the mask off the machine will shut off.

[Doug_Nightmare]

I believe you can turn on SmartStart in your machine. Then the machine starts when you put the mask on and start breathing. When you take the mask off the machine will shut off.

SmartStart is in the Clinical Menu.