Neck pain from wearing mask straps!

Since wearing my Aptiva loosely, I am experiencing neck pain on a regular basis and spending more time at the chiropractors office. I recently bought one of those memory foam pillows which I think has helped but I still manage to wake up with what feels like a dislocated neck. I am wondering what other mask I should consider that won't aggravate this problem. Any one else out there having neck problems from the cpap headgear? Please Advise CareS

Just a thought...the neck pain might not be from straps, whether worn loosely or tight. Might be from subconsciously trying to keep the head still and in one position. That under-the-surface knowledge of having a mask on and not wanting to dislodge it.

I may be way off target with that theory, since when we sleep we're oblivious to most things. But maybe the feeling of a mask/straps is nudging you up closer to awareness just often enough that you freeze your head neck and shoulders into the same "gotta-stay-still" position throughout most of the night. Dunno.

If it wasn't happening for you with other masks and does only with this one, I guess just go back to another. The Breeze, and especially my deconstructed Aura, give me the most "free" feeling to move my head all around. With the Aura, I'm able to sleep with my body and head comfortably in any position. While side sleeping, my head can be in the middle of the pillow without any problem. With other interfaces I used, I always had to have a firm edge to the pillow and have the mask hanging out over space.

Hope you find a solution soon, CareS!

I am using the comfortlite inerface from respironics where the hose is attached to a swivel at the top of my head. I know that isn't the same as your mask CareS but I too had a neck strain at first. Mine was caused by bad advice.

I think that my problem was caused by feeling tethered to the headboard of my bed. I was always fighting with the hose. Someone had suggested that I loop the hose over the headboard and that way it was off the bed and not a strangulation threat (lol). Every time I tried to move from back to side etc. I felt like I had to whip my head around to make the hose follow me and that was straining my neck muscles. I now lay the hose on the bed beside me and it doesn't feel like it is tugging at my head so that I have to fight with it. The most that I have to do is move it out from under my shoulder once in a while. My neck feels fine now no chiropractor needed.

You are probably right about being aware at some level of wearing the mask. How could anyone not be aware subconciously or otherwise. I think I probably do go through a number of head and neck contortions in the night trying to get into a comfortable postion with this thing and perhaps stiffen my neck or sleep in some awkward position. Last night, I slept without the darn mask on and although my neck still wasn't 100% it was much improved. I really had a nice sleep (without the mask) and was fine when I woke up. no headaches or anything. The aptiva is a really good mask as far as masks go but I suppose I will have to look into something where the straps do not go around my neck. What is the Aura like and who makes it?

CareS,

Click on the word Aura in your post and it will take you right to the site for the info and a description of the Aura. I hope you find what will help you with your neck problem. This new way of sleeping can bring about other problems, but none usually with the serious consequences that periods of apnea throughout the night produce. Wishing you the best of luck!