Does anyone have ideas to keep the mask on?

Kristy R.
on 4/18/11 4:29 am - Santa Clara, CA
 I have tried everything I can think of, but I still take my mask off in my sleep

I wear a hat that ties under my chin.  It worked for a little while, now I take it off too.
I keep my machine in my drawer (opened somewhat of course) so I don't turn the machine off.
I wore mittens, but they don't help.
I tried weaving my hair all around the straps, I still took it off somehow.

My husband checks on me, but he has to sleep too!  Help!

I am thinking about taping the clips, but I am sure I will still just yank it off my head without unclipping, I do that all the time.  Plus, I occasionaly feel like I am suffocating and need to unclip for a few minutes.

I have really severe apnea, and need to keep it on.  They told me as long as I can do 4 hours, that's fine - which I do.  But I would really like to keep it on all night.  
~Kristy~ VSG 3/29/11 ~ 15 pounds lost pre-op, SW - 240/GW - 150
 
dwpersel
on 4/20/11 1:32 am - Fredericksburg, VA
Are you a newbie to using the CPAP? It takes time to acclimatize to it. Some people I know sleep face down in their pillow to keep it on. You might want to just keep on building up the time sleeping with it every night and one night you'll surprise yourself and have slept the whole night.

Diana

Kristy R.
on 4/20/11 5:41 am - Santa Clara, CA
On April 20, 2011 at 8:32 AM Pacific Time, dwpersel wrote:
Are you a newbie to using the CPAP? It takes time to acclimatize to it. Some people I know sleep face down in their pillow to keep it on. You might want to just keep on building up the time sleeping with it every night and one night you'll surprise yourself and have slept the whole night.

Diana

 No, I am not a newbie.  I've had it for a couple of years.  I can wear it about 4 hours a night, I ALWAYS take it off.  I cannot sleep face down, but thanks for the suggestion.  I tried the nasal pillow, but that was worse, I have to be able to open my mouth.  
~Kristy~ VSG 3/29/11 ~ 15 pounds lost pre-op, SW - 240/GW - 150
 
lostmary
on 1/5/12 9:44 pm - VA
Diana,
I justt found this site and i am in Spots.  I go Tue to be fitted for my cpap. wish me luck.  I figured as we are neighbors I should say hi

Mary
Tammy G.
on 6/6/11 6:46 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
 You are wearing the full face mask?  OMG the claustrophobia!  

I can think of only 2 suggestions for you.

1.  Have your respiratory therapist bring lots of sample mask types to you and let you try several to find what is comfortable enough for you not to yank off.  I wear the ComfortLite2 with the nose cushions--they cover the whole nose, not into the nostril, and it fits like a baseball cap, so no straps across the cheeks.  There are so many to choose from, I am sure you can find a suitable mask.

2.  Take a mild sedative or prescription sleeping pill before bed.  I actually take hydroxyzine and xanax, but that is because I have claustrophobia and anxiety issues.  Something as simple as a benedryl might work for you.

Good luck!
Kristy R.
on 6/7/11 7:56 am - Santa Clara, CA
On June 7, 2011 at 1:46 AM Pacific Time, Tammy G. wrote:
 You are wearing the full face mask?  OMG the claustrophobia!  

I can think of only 2 suggestions for you.

1.  Have your respiratory therapist bring lots of sample mask types to you and let you try several to find what is comfortable enough for you not to yank off.  I wear the ComfortLite2 with the nose cushions--they cover the whole nose, not into the nostril, and it fits like a baseball cap, so no straps across the cheeks.  There are so many to choose from, I am sure you can find a suitable mask.

2.  Take a mild sedative or prescription sleeping pill before bed.  I actually take hydroxyzine and xanax, but that is because I have claustrophobia and anxiety issues.  Something as simple as a benedryl might work for you.

Good luck!
 Thanks for your reply :)

I have a mouth/nose mask.

I take 1/2 an Ambien.

I've tried multiple masks, I can't wear any mask where I can't open my mouth.  

I fall asleep fine with the mask on, and leave it on for a few hours.  Then at some point, I just take it off in my sleep.  Sometimes, I turn my machine off in my sleep too.  

Best thing I have been able to do is set an alarm to put the mask back on.  There is not much you can do if you are taking it off when you aren't aware, short of duct taping it to the head, which my husband is in favor of.  Snort.

Thanks again!
~Kristy~ VSG 3/29/11 ~ 15 pounds lost pre-op, SW - 240/GW - 150
 
Tammy G.
on 6/7/11 12:35 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
 Yep, it sounds like duct tape might be your only option at this point LOL  
Solon
on 6/7/11 2:15 pm - Arkadelphia, AR
Try ambien CR (Zolpdiem CR 12.5) i had the same problem, the ambien woke me up when it wore off halfway through the night... that's when I was taking it off.
~ Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality.        
Richard M.
on 6/27/11 1:37 am - OH

Is this something new or an old habit? If it is something new if you have not had your pressure ajusted it might be ti high with you weight loss.

(deactivated member)
on 6/28/11 2:16 am - Canada
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