pulling mask off during the night

todd105 · Post by **todd105** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:47 pm

Hello all. Ive got a very frustrating problem I'm hoping to get fixed.

Sometime during the night, I pull my mask off without even knowing it. I woke up a couple times during the night and was taken off both times. This has been a ongoing event for the past month.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:57 pm

This happens to a lot of people when they are getting accustomed to cpap therapy. Don't worry about it, but keep putting the mask back on every time you find it off, and eventually, you will be able to go all night with the mask.

Moogy

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:41 pm

If it's a very regular occurrance and it's annoying the heck out of you, some have taped the headgear straps down in the hope that if they start pulling the mask off in their sleep, the discomfort will wake them.

pedroski · Post by **pedroski** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:30 pm

Gidday Todd,

Would the leak alarm on your cpap be loud enough to wake you up when you pull the mask off (massive leak)?

Peter

SleepGuy · Post by **SleepGuy** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:48 pm

The mask is irritating and it's unnatural to have something "blocking" the airway so many people take it off in their sleep. This is a common problem--just keep at it. Some have suggested wearing the mask during the day just to get use to it (seriously!) That might help, too.

ejdischer · Post by **ejdischer** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:50 pm

Hey Todd. I've been on APAP for a little over a month and I do this from time to time as well. The funny thing is, some nights I'll wake up, take off the mask thinking I have to wake up shortly anyway, and I go back to sleep for like 6 hours because it was only around 3:30am and I had only been asleep for a little over an hour. I'll wake up and it'll occur to me what I did. Do you have any recollection whatsoever of taking the mask off? Obviously you're not conscious of it when you do it, but what do you remember when you wake up?

EJD

todd105 · Post by **todd105** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 9:56 pm

thanks for replying all..

I dont have the leak alarm on. my DME set my unit up with the auto on/off feature. but that is a good idea of finding out about.

As for wearing during the day, if i take a little rest nap, I wear my PAP. I feel I should wear it any chance I can. I even wore it the other night to watch a movie before bed. But its deffinately a challange to watch tv with the mask on. had to watching out of one eye.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:30 pm

Todd, what pressures do you have your auto machine set for, and what was your titrated pressure.

Sometimes a tech doesn't set a machine right. He might leave it too wide open, or too low, or too high.

I'm wondering if it's possible that it is set too low and you start feeling suffocated while sleeping - so you take it off.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:32 pm

And will someone post the instructions on how to get the LCD to show the previous nights numbers, please.

I promise I will copy them down and save them for if and when I need to help someone.

Todd, if you don't know how to do this (get your stats from the previous night), you might want to keep the info handy.

SleepGuy · Post by **SleepGuy** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:38 pm

And the Ramp feature can be a problem--if it's too low you might not be getting enough air and take it off.

todd105 · Post by **todd105** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:41 pm

Linda3032 wrote:Todd, what pressures do you have your auto machine set for, and what was your titrated pressure.

Sometimes a tech doesn't set a machine right. He might leave it too wide open, or too low, or too high.

Well my starting pressure is 5 and my max is 12. I've been running average between 8-10.

I personally think my starting at 5 is too low. I feel I have to take deep breaths to feel my comfort zone, but after I relax I'm ok.

As for remembering taking off the mask. I dont remember anything on all times. My wife could sleep through a tornado so she isnt any help. Only thing i could think of is I have the software so I try to keep track of what time each is happening. But I think if I get the leak alarm on that will wake me enough. I am a light sleeper to sound. Sounding funny.
but cant remember doing it..

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:50 pm

So if you are running between 8 and 10, then 5 is too low to start out. If you are "allowed" to bump it up, then I think you should do so. Because if your pressure drops down to 5 while you are asleep, you might feel like you can't breathe and pull the mask off.

Also, you should consider the humidifier. If the heat is set too high, you might be getting too warm and pull the mask off.

Keep watch. Someone will post the instructions to get details on AHIs , etc. Or do you already know how to pull that info up?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:53 pm

Todd, now I see that you have the software for your machine marked in your profile. Do you actually have the software or just the option of getting the software?

todd105 · Post by **todd105** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:56 pm

yes. i have the card and the program. just got it couple days ago.

as for the changing pressure i think it should also. im going to call my rep about this stuff in the AM.

as for getting the previous night info i think it is hold the left and right keys together untill the led shows the info.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:02 pm

Well Todd, you have some very good equipment, so you should be able to get this to work. I would suggest you post your stats because the numbers will give us alot more to work with.

You might be getting major mouth leaks - and pull the mask off because of them.

You might need to use your full face mask. Here is a link with tips to help make it work:

viewtopic.php?t=17077&highlight=ultra+mirage

Humidifier