Both arms keep going numb...

[purple]

Lack of O2? An issue with blood glucose in relationship with restricted circulation.

Look at your data and see if it reveals any hints. And/Else call doc.

[Addercatter]

I can't imagine any form of mask producing the symptoms that you describe. The nerves that provide sensation and motor control to the arms all arise from the vertebral column below C5 (C5 to T1). And I don't believe that any form of mask could put pressure on those nerves. And those nerves are pretty well protected as well.

There was obviously something wrong or you wouldn't have experienced the paresthesias in the arms. And whatever that cause may be, it should be investigated. More commonly it would have been pressure on the nerves, regardless of the source. Certain sleeping positions can cause paresthesias but more commonly on one side or the other. Sleeping on your stomach with both arms under your body can cause paresthesias on both arms. Any possibility that you may have been sleeping on your stomach in such a position?

I have Chiari Malformation and I've had the Posterior Fossa Decompression w/Duraplasty and Laminectomy, so I never sleep on my stomach. I can't last any more than a couple of minutes on my stomach before it makes me really really sick. So that possibility has been eliminated. I'm wondering, as some have also commented, if this is something other than sleeping position. My doctor hasn't called me back yet, so I guess it will be tomorrow before I can get his input.

[jencat824]

Sometimes I awaken with numbness in some or all of the fingers in one or both hands.
If I sit up and do a slow, gentle range of motion stretch of my head and neck, it goes away almost immediately.
The stretch is nice to do at my desk, too. Never hurry.

It seems like every treatment I try for various health issues end up causing a new set of problems. I guess I was just expecting to put on my mask, go to sleep, and wake up to my new energetic life. This is kind of a last resort to me. My quality of life is awful. I'm 33 and feel like I'm 100.
Sorry, I'm getting emotional. I'm so afraid this is going to turn into another nightmare.

No it will not turn into another nightmare.........you are asking for help and you are getting suggestions...relax, go through the suggestions one at a time until you find the solution. If you think "nightmare", then it will be a nightmare.......if you have good thoughts and concentrate on a solution, then you will be in a happy place with good results.
Keep trying with a positive attide ...you WILL get there!!!!!!!!
Good luck
Cheers
Nan

A agree with Nan, a positive attitude goes a long way when dealing with medical issues. Mind over matter really does work. At least it does for me and obviously for Nan. We are all here to cheer you on!

[chunkyfrog]

I should mention this to my doctor. My little stretch is probably harmless, but. . .?

[avi123]

I just got my ASV machine yesterday. When I got home with it, I set it up by my couch so I could show/explain it to my 13 year old son. I decided to put the hybrid mask on to attempt to get used to it. After about 20 minutes, both arms were numb. Same thing all throughout the night last night. I kept waking up with both arms numb from my arm pits to the tips of my fingers. I sleep on my side and move a lot during sleep due to unrelated pain. So I was laying in my normal positions as usual. It is too early to call my dr, I was wondering if anyone has experienced this when first starting... I am a little worried.

Reply,

You could use a camcorder to take a movie of yourself while asleep and see if and how long you lye on your arms. Another scenario is that you are used to move from position to position before CPAPing. But now while using the mask you don't do it any more. So you are just lying still with both arms not moving and that could cause the situation that you described.

[hopingitworks]

I wasn't familiar with your PMH, nor the type of mask you are using. I found a video of a person using the hybrid mask on YouTube. It appears that the bottom strap goes around the neck in the area that you had your PFD, laminectomy, duroplasty etc.

Supine, or combined side and supine sleeping, doesn't usually result in paresthesias in both arms so I wouldn't think that is the problem you are experiencing. A talk with your doctor would certainly be in order. When you see him/her, be sure to bring the mask and show the doctor the positioning of the lower strap, and the tightness of the strap as you are currently using it. Given the nature of your previous surgery, the mask (as demonstrated on the video) could possibly be a culprit in the symptoms you experienced.

Worst case scenario is that you may need to use a different form of mask in therapy. But stick with the therapy, and keep your spirits up, as it can make a world of difference!

[Addercatter]

I should mention this to my doctor. My little stretch is probably harmless, but. . .?

Yes, I think it would be wise for your doctor to know about this as well. My father in law used to be a scuba instructor. He suggested that maybe I am getting too much oxygen once the machine ramps up. He said similar symptoms are seen in inexperienced divers who breathe too quickly under water, dangerous for them because they lose the ability to control their limbs. Could this be possible?

[Addercatter]

I wasn't familiar with your PMH, nor the type of mask you are using. I found a video of a person using the hybrid mask on YouTube. It appears that the bottom strap goes around the neck in the area that you had your PFD, laminectomy, duroplasty etc.

Supine, or combined side and supine sleeping, doesn't usually result in paresthesias in both arms so I wouldn't think that is the problem you are experiencing. A talk with your doctor would certainly be in order. When you see him/her, be sure to bring the mask and show the doctor the positioning of the lower strap, and the tightness of the strap as you are currently using it. Given the nature of your previous surgery, the mask (as demonstrated on the video) could possibly be a culprit in the symptoms you experienced.

Worst case scenario is that you may need to use a different form of mask in therapy. But stick with the therapy, and keep your spirits up, as it can make a world of difference!

Thanks for taking the time to do some research! I'm trying to get used to the mask. Last night my husband woke me up when he got home from work. My mask was off and I was laying on the opposite side of the bed somehow. I also kept waking up to bad leaks after that. So here I am again, awake at about 3am. Wide awake, even though I am super exhausted, if that even makes any sense. I'm not going to give up on this, I just wish it wasn't so difficult. I've heard about people who take right to this therapy and I was so sure I would be one of them...

[Addercatter]

Update: this is still happening, but not as bad as it was I'm wondering if my father in law was right, maybe it's caused by getting more oxygen than my body is used to... Very strange