Recent Posts

Tammy G.
on 6/7/11 12:35 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
Topic: RE: Does anyone have ideas to keep the mask on?
 Yep, it sounds like duct tape might be your only option at this point LOL  
Kristy R.
on 6/7/11 7:56 am - Santa Clara, CA
Topic: RE: Does anyone have ideas to keep the mask on?
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 6/6/11 6:46 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
Topic: RE: Does anyone have ideas to keep the mask on?
 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!
Tammy G.
on 6/6/11 6:39 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
Topic: RE: Cpap issues
 I have constant dry mouth, so I keep a glass of water beside my bed and sip every once in awhile.  Do you think your mouth is opening while using the CPAP?  If so, you can get a chin strap to keep your mouth closed.  I wouldn't recommend stopping CPAP unless you know for sure your apnea has ceased.
Tammy G.
on 6/6/11 6:36 pm
RNY on 06/16/11 with
Topic: RE: new to cpap... any ideas on a stand or holder of some kind?
 I use a LONG hose--8 foot, so I tie it to the headboard.  You could also put a hook above the head of your bed and hang it from that.  It is really just trial and error until you find out what is comfortable for you.
dsettle
on 6/3/11 4:55 am - Gurnee, IL
Topic: Cpap issues
Just wondering if anyone else has/had the same experiences.  Since about 50lbs lost, I started having issues with my mouth drying out while wearing the mask.  I stopped wearing it and about 2 weeks ago, I noticed the headaches again after sleeping.  So, last night, after a full washing, I wore the mask and AGAIN, my mouth dried out.  I ended up waking up many times last night till I eventually took off the mask at 4am.  Not my best sleep I must say.
Is this normal?  What has anyone else noticed?
Thanks
            
Tooty
on 5/24/11 3:54 am - Germantown, TN
Topic: RE: Coming off the CPAP for good
I still use my CPAP, but not every night.  I use it about 2-3 times per week.  I can definitely tell when I need to start using it again...I get sooo grouchy/*****y!!!
Cathlena - 39, 4'11"   Start - 210  3/31/09    BMI  Start: 42.4    
 LilySlim - (OdX3)
JamesMoore
on 5/22/11 9:33 pm
Topic: RE: Just got CPAP machine
 I recently bought a Remstar Pro C-Flex+ from http://www.cpapandsupplies.com but am having a great deal of problems with the SD card. Is it possible to read it from the computer and work out exactly what's going on? (I'm a computer geek but useless with CPAP! :P)
JamesMoore
on 5/22/11 9:28 pm
Topic: RE: new to cpap... any ideas on a stand or holder of some kind?
 I find it helps to place two pillows at each side, sort of creating a chamber to sleep in and run the hose above them, thus allowing a lot of give as well as ensuring you don't roll onto it.
babynurse1217
on 5/12/11 3:19 am - NC
Topic: RE: Hi sleep apneics!
Hi.  I noticed problems after even 25 lbs loss (had my surgery on 3-7-11).  I was getting hiccups and felt nauseated at night.  I have lost a lot of fullness in my face and went back to the company that handles my equipment.  We did a 2 week trial with auto-pap to see if I could tolerate lower pressures.  I was also fitted for a smaller mask.  I went back yesterday for a download and was ok'd to go down on the pressure.  I am back to cpap now, but just at a lower maximum pressure.  Between that and the mask change, I am MUCH more comfortable.  So, try contacting your equipment company and see what they can do for you.  Hope it helps and good luck! 
            
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