DOES SLEEING WITHOUT "IT" FOR 2 HOURS RUIN THE AFFECT?

[Lizistired]

I have been using the CPAP for about three weeks now and it is taking me sometime to getting used to having something on my face when I sleep! I am using a half mask, which is comfortable but annoying! Nose pillows did not agree with me. I fall asleep between 10 and 11 and sometimes wake up at 4 or 5am and then take off the mast and it is a pleasure to go back to sleep without the mask!! Am I ruining the positive affects by doing this? Should I force myself to keep it on all the time, while I get used to it?

You could get an oximeter to monitor your non-mask time. That might give you an idea of what's happening when you aren't wearing it.

[chunkyfrog]

Like Georgio, I cannot even nap sans machine without getting a pounding headache.
Awakening with a clear head and no pain is consistently my reward for wearing my mask all night--no matter what.
I now realize that my 'duck to water' response to cpap was inevitable--given my built in 'punishment system'.
I salute those of you who have to work at compliance. The effort is well worth it; whether immediate or long-term.

[SUEBRIT]

Thank you everyone for your replies...this topic really got everyone going! I see that I am not the only one taking off my Mask, and I do understand that it is a NO NO! I promise to do better, and may be my spelling will improve!!!! Susan