Ripping mask off while asleep

Helllo fellow machine breathers,

I've been slowly optimizing my CPAP experience over the past year and have largely got the settings figured out, finally.

However, one recent (and previous/recurring) issue that I've had recently is that I'll simply rip the mask off while I'm asleep and continue the rest of the night mask-less. I seem to do this about 2-3 hours into my sleep schedule. I suspect it could be discomfort with the mask that makes my subconscious self rip it off, but who knows.

I was wondering if anyone has any tips, strategies or tools that help combat this self-destructive impulse while asleep?

Thanks in advance,

Franko

You don't mention what machine you're using.

Doesn't your machine have an alarm that can be turned on to alert you when this happens?

Apologies - I have an AirSense 10 card to cloud and I use the F30i mask. I wasn't aware of any such warning sensor - is that available with the AS10?

We need more data to know what's happening before you remove the mask.

I don't know that the AS10 had an alarm. I do know it can turn itself off if the leak is too large - and theoretically, you may be ripping off your mask because the machine is no longer supplying pressure after a large leak.

Please share the data from the machine so we can all see what precedes those "mask off" responses of yours.

We need info - Please read and follow the instructions

My first few months using CPAP included pulling the Full Face mask off nightly during sleep without waking. Those nights I often would have a nightmare about some "thing" gripping my face like an octopus or the Alien movie monster. I thought I would not adapt. I tried changing the dream to being on a long-distance jet flight needing an oxygen mask and it worked. I imagined I needed the oxygen mask to survive, fell asleep and finally I quit pulling the mask off. That was 18 years and 5 mask models ago. Now I wonder how I ever suffered through the cumbersome mask as compared to the much smaller hybrid I use now. Unfortunately, I've never gotten my pressures right but I can keep a mask on for up to 6 hours.