Night Terrors

[Maryaz]

I am still trying to get used to all this. It is not easy for me. Four times now I have been screaming and my husband woke me up or I woke myself up about the time he said something. I mentioned to the Tech recently that this happened a couple times and he told me they are called Night Terrors. He didn't say anything more. I had no dream that I remembered and could not tell you why I was screaming. It is an awful feeling.

Is this common? This could keep me from using the machine. I am really upset and it is spooky after I wake up. I did find out that I have severe sleep apnea. I never asked before.

I did a search on this subject before posting. Was not getting anywhere with answers. I see a lot about numbers and where are those coming from. They are like A1 or such. I have only made one other thread here and it was as a newbie and explains more of my situation.
Thanks

[Wulfman]

Which mask are you using when you have the night terrors? If it's when you're using your nasal mask, it might be an indication that your therapy air may be leaking out your mouth which results in your therapy not being effective. Are you taping your mouth shut when using your nasal mask? In other words, night terrors are more of a symptom of pre-therapy or ineffective therapy.


Den

[Maryaz]

Wulfman, thanks for the reply. Yes I am using the Swift FX nasal one. What you posted makes sense.

I am surprised when you asked if I am taping my mouth shut?? Can you explain that? Do people do that? I could try a different mask and see what happens. Not sure if I can deal with it but could try. I have preferred using the nasal one over the others so far. It doesn't feel like the pressure is a much as it was when I first started. Maybe the mask is not working right. Is that possible too? Thanks again.

[Wulfman]

Wulfman, thanks for the reply. Yes I am using the Swift FX nasal one. What you posted makes sense.

I am surprised when you asked if I am taping my mouth shut?? Can you explain that? Do people do that? I could try a different mask and see what happens. Not sure if I can deal with it but could try. I have preferred using the nasal one over the others so far. It doesn't feel like the pressure is a much as it was when I first started. Maybe the mask is not working right. Is that possible too? Thanks again.

Yes, many nasal mask users do tape their mouths. There's a blue easy-release painter's tape that seems to be popular.....I think it's made by 3M. Some also use chinstraps but they're not nearly as effective from what I've read.

Here's a link by "rested gal" on this subject.

viewtopic.php?t=8011


Den

[jdm2857]

Most people prefer the 3M Blue Tape for Delicate Surfaces (#3080) over the regular blue tape (#3090).

Others have tried various other types of tape. Seach the forum for "mouth taping" and you should find plenty of practical advice.

[Maryaz]

Thanks for more input. I will consider tape or chin strap. Not sure yet. I read a lot of the info on the link Wulfman posted. I will read more of it later. I have very severe COPD and I am a little concerned about taping my mouth shut. I know I am not suppose to mouth breath but just not sure about this having my mouth taped shut.

From what I have read already, it sounds like the chin straps can become warm. I googled them and see there are various types of those also. I saw a few different types of tape. It is becoming overwhelming again and I am going to take a break from reading for a while. Maybe I will even take a nap. Thanks again.

[elena88]

I only have those night terrors when I have a big mouth leak, and my husband wakes me up..

I am going to try taping again, I stopped because when my nose gets all plugged up, then I pretty much was suffocating with the tape on..

I also have to cough a lot at night, so that wasnt so grand..

so, Im going to try taping my mouth shut and cut a sliver in the middle of the tape, so if I have to cough or suck in some air, I can if I HAVE to..
but, it will keep my mouth closed, which is what a chin strap would do anyway, without all that extra gear..

[sunnyway]

There is a product called "Chin-Up Strips", hyperallergenic medical grade tape used to keep mouth closed by pulling the chin upwards. It comes in two shapes, "horse shoe" and "boomerang", although those aren't very accurate descriptions. I ripped some skin off my cheek using one, so I'm not enthusiastic about trying again. However, it did help keep my mouth closed all night. Do a google shopping search to find where to buy online.

[araminta]

My impression is that night terrors sometimes can be triggered by apneas. Hopefully, as you master the art of reducing your apneas, the night terrors will diminish, and hopefully, no longer be an issue.

[Maryaz]

Slow getting back this time.

Elena, With my bad breathing, I don’t like taping my mouth. I might try it but not sure. I am going to talk to my Tech soon again and see what he suggests.

Sunnyway, I doubt I would like those any better than you. My skin is sensitive. That blue tape sounded better. You should try something different.

Araminta; If apneas is when you quit breathing, then how could you be shouting. (grin) I have not had any of these since I last posted. I also do not use my mask as long as my insurance would like. Not yet anyway. I keep trying. I have yet to get 4 hours in at one time.

For years I have been on oxygen and medicines that tend to dry you out. With all this I do have sore nose. One side is worse than the other. It is sore just like if you skinned your knee and had scab on it. After all the air blowing I think it makes my nose worse. Not sure yet and not sure I explained this very well. I have all the Ayr gels and Ocean/Saline sprays. That does not clear it up. It has been harder to deal with using the mask. I do have the humifier on the bipap.

I was preferring the Swift FX and getting better with it. I went to a mask to give my nose somewhat of a break.
I tried the Easy Life and the Comfort Fusion. Neither are too comfortable. I have been working with the Easy Life. The Comfort looked more comfortable but is not. It is hard to maneuver the ball off the plastic to undo the strap. Yet, Easy Life has no clip or such. You have to undo the Velcro and so each night have to re-adjust the fit. Bummer.

Nothing is comfortable. The best for comfort has been the Swift FX if it was not bothering my nose. I thought maybe I could ultimately use 2 different ones.

Thanks again for all the help. I am still at it. If I ever give up, I will let you know, otherwise, my replies just might be slow. Summers are busy here. Have a nice Fourth to anyone reading this and in the USA.

[Goofproof]

You can get a better handle of what's going on in your sleep, by getting and using the software for your machine, that way you can see when you are having NTs, and see how your leak rate and setting pressures are at that time. Everyone that cares about their treatment should use the software to monitor what's really going on. Jim

[Maryaz]

Goofproof; What a name! (grin). Thanks for the info. I had been wondering what I was reading about sometimes. Some of it is what you referred to I think. I know nothing about software. I wouldn’t mind at all if and when I feel this is going to continue. I am not sure enough. I committed to really give it a good try and still am but not to the point of knowing I won’t give it up.

The word software usually is not cheap. Do you have an idea of the price. Also, where and how do you get it. Once you are used to using it, does it become fairly simple to use and read.

Thanks for the help Jim.

[quinnberry]

Thank you guys for the helpful posts

[Goofproof]

Goofproof; What a name! (grin). Thanks for the info. I had been wondering what I was reading about sometimes. Some of it is what you referred to I think. I know nothing about software. I wouldn’t mind at all if and when I feel this is going to continue. I am not sure enough. I committed to really give it a good try and still am but not to the point of knowing I won’t give it up.

The word software usually is not cheap. Do you have an idea of the price. Also, where and how do you get it. Once you are used to using it, does it become fairly simple to use and read.

Thanks for the help Jim.

This is the software, you will need a reader for your card, I don't use your machine but I believe it's a SD card. Theirs also a version of reader bundled for a higher price. Many computers nowdays or printers have card readers that will work. What causes lots of trouble is if the Operating System on the computer is 64 bit, 32 bit installs easier.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... chine.html Jim