Sleep mask and worsening apnea...

I've been using my CPAP machine for about a year now and my AHI is usually around 1 so it's been working quite well. I have never been a sound sleeper and have been on supplements for insomnia for years. I read about the benefits of using a sleep mask and its ability to keep out light and therefore have a better nights sleep. I sleep by a big window and there is always quite a bit of ambient street/moon light in my room despite my closing the blinds. I started using a sleep mask about a week ago and I have to say that I think I'm sleeping better - but my AHI is now around 4 or above every night! I have to think that the recent high (high for me) AHI and the use of a sleep mask are related. What's going on? Am I going into a deeper sleep and causing my muscle structures to relax more than they have before?
Thank you!

Are you wearing the sleep mask over or under the CPAP mask?
Make sure that it's not causing more CPAP mask leaks, and that you are not in any way obstructing the CO2 vent.

I wear it over the mask...

Powerhands wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 08, 2022 4:00 pm

I wear it over the mask...

That might be dangerous if it is able to slip down over the vent on the front of the mask in your equipment profile. The vents are designed to clear breathed air from the mask and prevent CO2 buildup in your lungs.

Is it possible you are spending more time on your back since starting to use the sleep mask?

Sorry! The mask pictured was the mask I started with, I just changed it. The sleep mask nose bridge just touches the CPAP mask full face nose bridge. The air exchange is located at the front of the mask down by the mouth.

Powerhands wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 08, 2022 11:19 am

What's going on? Am I going into a deeper sleep and causing my muscle structures to relax more than they have before?

We don't know. The first thing to tell us is your machine model, your machine pressure settings, your daily leak level, and the breakdown of your AHI (obstructive, clear airway, hypopnea).