can't seem to keep mask on whole night

[springsteenfan75]

Hello all:

I am a 34-year-old male who recently got a sleep-apnea diagnosis. I've found a mask that I like to some degree: the Mirage Swift LT. It took some practice, but nowadays I usually don't have a problem falling asleep with the mask on.

However, for one reason or another, I take it off in the middle of the night. It used to be more of a subconscious thing (I'd wake up and the mask would inexplicably be on the floor); now I'm generally aware I'm doing it. I've tried upping the humidifier setting, have put Vaseline on my nose to prevent nasal-pillow irritation (I've actually heard contradictory advice about whether this is a good idea), and taken a variety of maneuvers to ensure that the mask doesn't get filled with water (is this more likely to happen with a high or low humidifier setting? Again, I've gotten contradictory info). But there's some X factor which keeps me from wearing this thing the whole night. I wake up and I just know it will be easier to fall back if I remove the mask.

Any suggestions? How have others moved beyond this point? I feel like I'm really close to getting a regenerative night's sleep; I just need to cross a few small hurdles.

Warm thanks,
Ross

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, Ross! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

Taking the CPAP mask off while sleeping is SO normal for many us as we begin using CPAP. Just a natural reflex to remove/push away anything unnatural/different on one's face. Just keep putting it back on--you should adjust and eventually stop removing your mask in your sleep.

You're lucky to have found this forum as you begin CPAP—took me almost year before I found this place and, with the help of folks here, got my CPAP therapy working as it should. It does take time to get everything tweaked and working at its best, so patience is key as one begins CPAP.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[Geminidream]

I second what RIPVW said. It is perfectly normal to want to get that thing off of your face for a while. I have only been on CPAP therapy for a little over a month and I have done it a few times myself. It does take a little time to tweak everything just right...patience is key and don't give up on it. I have a mask that I like fairly well, but I am still getting used to the idea. The more you use the equipment, the better you will feel and you will not want to go back to the draggy, always tired zombie you probably once were. I know I was one of those. This forum is a blessing. Good luck!