Newbie having some troubles

tig-ger · Post by **tig-ger** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:53 pm

I was diagnosed on June 3rd with OSA. I got my machine that same day from the same lab that did the sleep study. I did great for first couple of nights I sleep for 8 hours with the machine. I woke up the third night at 4:30am wide awake and ready to go. The problem is now I sleep for 2-3 hours then I take the mask off in my sleep. I have even turned off the machine and put the mask in the ziplock bag I keep it in and woke up the next morning not remembering I did it. Are there any tricks to keep myself from taking it off? Is this normal or should I call the Doc/Sleep Lab?

Thanks,

Tig
______________________
AHI is 59.3
Resmed S7 elite/w hum. set @ 8.0 cm H2O
6ft hose
Fisher & Paykel Aclaim2 mask

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:33 pm

In the zip-Lock bag?? That's quite a performance!

From what others have said here, it seems to be quite normal to take the mask off during the night and not remember it. I always woke myself up doing it, but it's all part of getting used to sleping with something attached to your face. It might take a few weeks, if you're lucky.

Let's see what others have to say about this (or look through the threads for other newbie posts to see what they say.)

Welcome to the forum! (from another newbie of about 1½ months!)

- JB

texan27028 · Post by **texan27028** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:42 pm

I had the same problem (without the ziplock bag though). Several times I had taken my mask off and turned off the machine, and not remembered any of it. Over the course of several weeks, and adjusting the straps on the mask and trying different settings on the humidifier, I finally began sleeping somewhat through the night again. I asked my sleep doctor about it, and he said 'the honeymoon is over'. He said to just give it time. I have another appointment with him in August and if it didn't get better we would try to work on the problem.

Luckily, I've started to get used to the machine and mask, and I've recently started sleeping better. I would say just give it time, and don't give up. You'll begin getting used to it. If after a few weeks you still are taking the mask off, I would definitely talk to your doctor again.

Good luck!

4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:20 am

Wow - that's my story too (except for the Ziploc). I've had my CPAP for three weeks, and the most I've ever kept my mask on is three hours. I've had no idea why. I have no problem falling asleep with it.

But when I woke up last night it was because my nose hurt. I'm wondering if the CPAP pillow is too big for my nose, or if the mask is too tight.

I'm calling the company that sold it to me, hoping they can help.

I'm so tired of being tired.

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:33 am

There are so many variables to this equation: the mask fit, mask noise, pressures, sensitivity, humidification....

.... and don't forget about your bed pillow. The wrong pillow can throw the whole balancing act out of kilter. Each person has their favorite, from Tempurpedic to CPAP pillows (are these bed pillows?) to water pillows, and my own favorite, the "shapeable" pillows.

And placing the humidifier lower than your head, selecting the correct temperature for you and for your environment.

Good luck with your choices!

- JB

tig-ger · Post by **tig-ger** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 8:08 am

Well I forgot to clean my mask yesterday when I got up. I remembered there was an extra face seal in the box my mask came in. So I took off the dirty seal and washed it and set it a side to dry. I got the other one out of the box and put it on the mask. I noticed when I put seal on it had a large opening in the middle than dirty one I took off. It seems this my have been part of the problem as I sleep for 6 hours last night with the machine. I did wake up before my alarm went off but I think that maybe because my three year decided that Daddy didn't need any blanket this morning when she climbed into bed with us.

4Katie · Post by **4Katie** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:17 am

Wow - we seem to be on the same track here. Last night I slept for six hours on the machine - FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. I was so amazed this morning when I looked at the clock!

And it's all because of this board. I spent some time yesterday looking through pages of posts for ideas, and learned so much! I figured out that my mask was probably too tight, so I loosened it a bit last night. Must've done the trick!

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:22 am

Different sized seals?? I don't know, Tig-ger, is that customary?

Which mask do you use?

I know that the Swit includes different size nasal pillows, but my mask only came with one seal.

maybe the DME or RT waws experimenting with different masks and accidentally put the wrong seal in your box?

- JB

tig-ger · Post by **tig-ger** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:33 am

IF they put the wrong seal in the box or not it worked We'll see if it continues to work:)