Unconciously removing mask?

YELLOWBUG · Post by **YELLOWBUG** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:09 am

I have had my machine for a week now & I wake up in the middle of the night & my mask is laying next to me blowing air. I am having a hard time getting the masks to seal I have a fullface mask & a goofy nasal pillow setup. I just ordered 2 more masks because I really want this to work. I had to pay $700 out of my pocket for the machine to cover deductible. Can anyone help me?

YELLOWBUG · Post by **YELLOWBUG** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:15 am

Oh yea I am running 11psi & having a hard time getting the masks to seal also the nasal pillows have to be pushed into my nose so far they kind of hurt and the full face mask has to be sinched so tight to seal it hurts so am I screwed or can anyone suggest a mask that will work. Is there anything like the people that you see at the casino boat that have the oxygen tank, a mask like that that goes up my nose with 2 little hoses I think might work. Please help

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:47 am

YELLOWBUG:

I had the SAME problem - for the first month or so after getting my cpap.

Part of the problem is "merely" getting used to the foreign thing on your face and everything else involved. It will take time and persistence.

As far as masks go, I have a small face, and had many leaks with a full face mask. I switched to the Comfort Lite 2, (simple cushion),and had great success for awhile, then started having some small leaks. Since I was due for another mask, I chose the Activa, which is great for me. Some people have problems getting used to it, but I didn't - may depend on your pressure (I'm at 7-13). This mask doesn't have the great visibility that the Comfort Lite 2 does, BUT it virtually sucks itself to your face. Rarely leaks, and I've never removed it in my sleep. You can take a look at both of these on cpap.com.

I'm sure others can provide more input also; this is my experience w/masks.

Good luck, and remember that it takes patience and persistence.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:15 am

There are lots of great folks here providing technical advice as well as emotional support. So consider it a large step forward that you have found this forum.

Finding a comfortable mask to fit your unique face and seal correctly is perhaps the most difficult part of this treatment … although there are likely to be other bumps in the road.

As has already been said, it also takes time getting used to sleeping with something attached to your face. Your machine may have an alarm that you can set to go off and will alert you that you have taken your mask off. Tell us what machine you have and someone will tell you how to set it correctly.

There is a “Nasal Aire II” mask that is much like what you are asking about. These types of masks are called nasal prong systems.

Hang in there and not give up … it will be well worth it and will eventually prolong your life as well as improve the quality.

KeziasPurr · Post by **KeziasPurr** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:03 pm

Yellowbug,

I'm fairly new to cpap (bipap) as well (5 weeks). I often pulled my mask off in my sleep at the beginning, but am getting more and more used to it. Now I only take it off once every three days or so.

What equipment are you using (masks, machine)? Maybe we can suggest other masks that might be worth trying out. What is your facial structure like?

Lisa

major_works · Post by **major_works** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:12 pm

I, too, am relatively new to CPAP (about two months). I guess I'm one of the lucky ones in that I seem to have adjusted well to this new way of sleeping. I don't believe I've had an instance in which I pulled the mask off during the night.

Having said that, just this past Saturday morning, I woke up to find it on the pillow next to me. I was wearing my Swift pillows, and I'm pretty sure that the straps just came off my head in the midst of my tossing and turning. I'm also pretty sure it happened not long before I woke up.

What I'm saying is that it could be that you took it off, or perhaps you have the straps too loose and you inadvertently knocked it off in your sleep?

jackr · Post by **jackr** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:22 pm

Offerocker wrote:YELLOWBUG:

As far as masks go, I have a small face, and had many leaks with a full face mask. I switched to the Comfort Lite 2, (simple cushion),and had great success for awhile,ose the Activa, which is great for me. then started having some small leaks. Since I was due for another mask, I chSome people have problems getting used to it, but I didn't - may depend on your pressure (I'm at 7-13). This mask doesn't have the great visibility that the Comfort Lite 2 does, BUT it virtually sucks itself to your face.
_________________

I have had a hell of a time trying to get my comfortlite 2 with the simple cushion to seal and the pillows made my nose really sore.

I am using the nasal air II but the the tubes bother me when I lay on my side. That doesnt stop me from using it anyway though, even after less than a week, I could think of sleeping without it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:38 pm

Subconsciously taking the mask off in your sleep? Then program your subconscious not to do it.

#1. Before bed, touch the mask and say this three times:

"I will not take off this mask before [desired wake time]."

#2. Touch (but not open!) the clasp/release mechanism, look at your bedside clock, and say this three times:

"If I want to take off the mask, I have to look at the clock. If it's before [desired wake time], I will not take off the mask."

#3 - do #1 once more, and really mean it this time.

When your subconscious mind wants to take off the mask while you're sleeping, it'll usually obey the new "orders". Sounds silly, but it's not. It works. Try it.

YELLOWBUG · Post by **YELLOWBUG** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:03 pm

I have a comfort lite 2 & I struggle with it b-4 bed to get it fitting right then I go to sleep fine & wake up in the middle of the night not wanting to dick with fitting it right so I switch to the full face I think its an activa (but not sure) then I go to sleep only to wake up with it laying next to me or air blowing in my eye the seal is not a big deal as long as I dont exhale it seals fine but when I exhale it blows the seal open & I have no idea how I get that off my head because I have to have it so tight it leaves indentions in my forehead but when I take it off in the middle of the night I dont unclasp it I just rip it off I guess. are these supposed to be the best masks to get because I was hoping these were junkers & thats why I am having trouble.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:29 pm

YellowBug, it sounds to me like you are using the Hybrid which is a full face mask with nasal pillows. Click on this link to see if its the same and read the tips for making it more comfortable. If it is the Hybrid, many have cut off the Chin piece.

viewtopic.php?t=10936

Please fill out the equipment section of your profile so we will know what equipment you are using - and can help you more.

YELLOWBUG · Post by **YELLOWBUG** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 6:01 pm

My full face mask is a mirage ultra how old is that they got me for $245 at apria healthcare but they also charged me $1500 for the remstar M series . I dont need anyone to tell me about cpap.com I figured it out myself.

YELLOWBUG · Post by **YELLOWBUG** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:37 am

I am looking for sugestions on a mask. any help would be appreciated.