Newbie here with a question about keeping my mask on.

[jimmye4golf]

I just started using a CPAP machine about a month ago. I ended up getting the mask with the nasal pillows. It feels fine, but every night after I fall asleep I end up taking it off and it winds up in the floor. I have no idea how long I wore it. Any suggestions?

[Pugsy]

I just started using a CPAP machine about a month ago. I ended up getting the mask with the nasal pillows. It feels fine, but every night after I fall asleep I end up taking it off and it winds up in the floor. I have no idea how long I wore it. Any suggestions?

This is a common occurrance. Some suggest applying a little tape to mask and skin so that when you take it off you will wake up and realize what you are doing. Some suggest covering hands with something that will make it difficult to remove the mask.

Finally you have to consider that there may be some reason you are removing it. Possibly leaking causing ineffective therapy causing apnea events and discomfort.

Does your machine offer any data support that you can get to?

If you will edit your user profile's equipment page with your equipment, someone can help you access the data if your machine has that capability.

[jimmye4golf]

OK thanks. Im not at home, but when I do I will update it. I was feeling the benefits at first and now I feel like I did prior to that machine. So Im pretty sure it isnt staying on very long.

[lfzguud]

Jimmy - I just posted a similiar response on a similiar thread but here it is again.

Pugsy is right that there is probably some reason why you are taking it off. In my case it turned out that one of the settings required by my prescription was not set - the EPR. Since there was no exhalation relief my body could only handle a few hours of getting air forced into me at 13cm. It took me almost 18 months to figure this out and only did because I did a TON of research and reading on here. Finally, when I set the machine the way it was SUPPOSED to be set (and let the DME know I wasn't happy that they somehow missed it), my therapy got amazingly better and the mask stays on all night now.

My advice, find out why you are ditching the mask and fix that. Otherwise you may find a way to keep the mask on(like tape, mittens, etc.) but it still might not do you any good.

[jimmye4golf]

Well I talked to my sleep study guy. My machine doesn't have a setting for exhailing. He is going to check and see if my Ins will let me get one of those. Thanks for the advice. I hope this works out. I'm tired of being tired!

[Gerald]

Ifzgood is telling you the way it really is.......and your sub-conscious needs to be convinced that CPAP therapy is necessary for your survival. Your sub-conscious is the "one" taking the mask off at night.

Pull out all the stops........and get an auto CPAP with the capability of running software. An example is a Respironics "M" series auto with AFLEX and an integral humidifier. If you get your hands on that machine....or something comparable....your chances of success go way, way up.

Gerald

[rosiefrosie]

it is common when first starting therapy, to pull your mask off. I did and as I have said before, I would tell myself after I put my mask on for the night, not to take it off. One night I woke up and realised I was arguing with myself whether to take the mask off or leave it on. I also don't think that you need approval from your insurance company for an exhalation relief machine (EPR), but I may be wrong about this. You may need your prescription to say this though.

[GumbyCT]

Well I talked to my sleep study guy. My machine doesn't have a setting for exhailing. He is going to check and see if my Ins will let me get one of those. Thanks for the advice. I hope this works out. I'm tired of being tired!

This sounds like the beginning of the scam where they will tell you it's OK but more money is required. There is but one billing code for the insurance to pay for your machine. Your policy does NOT matter.

My suggestion - call your insurance to ask them about this so you are well versed when you talk with evil DME again. Be sure to ask insurance if you are able to choose another DME. When your evil DME tells you how much let them know what you know and that you will take your business elsewhere.

I would in fact do so or you are actively supporting this type of business behavior and they will likely screw you again as soon as they can. I just can't see trusting my health to people like this, sorry.

Be sure to ask insurance if you can buy online so you know all of your options.

You can search this forum for more info on just this type of DME rip-off service.

Good Luck

be sure to let us know how you make out.

[harry33]

masks are otten removed in sleep for no particular reason by new users, CPAPs are sometimes also switched off

simply tape mask to face so the pain will remind you to leave it on

untreated sleep apnea sufferers do generally die young from the extra strain on the heart, keep reminding yourself of this, perhaps as you get off to sleep

[bdp522]

You can also try wearing the mask while awake with the machine on. Read, watch tv or listen to the radio while you wear it. It seems to help you adjust better to keeping it on.

Brenda

[GumbyCT]

I just started using a CPAP machine about a month ago. I ended up getting the mask with the nasal pillows. It feels fine, but every night after I fall asleep I end up taking it off and it winds up in the floor. I have no idea how long I wore it. Any suggestions?

It was pointed out to me that you are listing the DeVilbiss RPM Bilevel as your machine, please confirm that this is correct.

If it is, it appears the DeVilbiss RPM Bilevel has no data to see just how long you are wearing the mask or the many other problems. But more importantly any bilevel would be the ultimate in exhale relief and it is puzzling why the DME would say there is no setting for exhale on a bilevel.

Sounds to me that this DME is up to no good , so please confirm you have listed your machine correctly. You need to work on getting a data capable machine, period.

[jimmye4golf]

I obviously listed the wrong machine. I have a Fisher and Paykel (spelling?) SleepStyle600. I was told my insurnace wont let me get another machine for a year. So I am looking at buying one myself. I am looking at a REMstar Plus M Series. Is this one a bi-level machine? I am also thinking of using a full mask. I think my mouth opens during the night because I wake up and my mouth is really dry. I havent even used it in the past month. Any suggestions?

[cflame1]

no it's not... and it won't give you any more data than the one that you have either.

Get a Pro or an Auto

[DoriC]

How long have you had the machine? Have you checked with your insurance yourself? How about getting your Doctor involved? It sounds fishy to me too. You really need a data-capable auto machine with exhalation relief, either Respironics or Resmeds are the ones used most here, so we can be of the best help to you.