Question:
How can I stop myself from removing my CPAP mask while sleeping?
I need to be on a CPAP for 6 weeks prior to my surgery (March 6, 02). I have had the CPAP for five days and each night I find that I have removed it in my sleep. Also, the air is so cold coming from the machine (it has a humidifier attached) that it often wakes me up. Any suggestions? — Cheryl A. (posted on January 21, 2002)
January 21, 2002
Cheryl - I've had my CPAP for a few years, and I just hate it. I find that
I take mine off in the middle of the night as well. However, my
pulmonologist, who is very supportive of my decision to pursue WLS, says
the fact that I can't tolerate use of the CPAP may work in my favor when my
request for surgery is being evaluated. So, in an ironic way, this may
work in your favor. Claire
— Claire C.
January 21, 2002
I have had a CPAP for several years. I have gotten used to it. I still have
problems when my nose gets stopped up and the air can not get through. My
PCP prescribed nose sprays and allegra to keep the sinuses open. Good luck.
— Don D.
January 21, 2002
I remember that when I first got my CPAP machine (6 years ago) that there
was a tip about warming up the air coming in. Unfortunately I can't
remember what it was. You might try contacting the place where you got it
or the manufacturer to see if there's a way to do that. When I first
started using it, I used to pull the mask off in my sleep quite a bit. Now
I almost never do that. It may be that you just need to get used to it.
— garw
January 21, 2002
I've had my cpap about 3 weeks now and it's definitely a love/hate
relationship I have with it. I don't find it actually uncomfortable (I
rent a Respironics RemStar with a very nice mask and headgear), and don't
pull it off while sleeping. Sometimes I don't put it back on if I remove
it to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It's a process, I
know. I actually put the hose underneath the covers and I think this may
warm the air somewhat. I don't use a humidifier with my cpap. Good
luck...I know it's difficult, but the benefits of using it are quite
substantial. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
January 21, 2002
I was put on cpap in May2001. I pulled the mask off every night, too. It
never woke me up, but in the morning many times I was hold the mask in my
hand. I went on Paxil for depression in June and sometime in August I was
able to sleep the night with the mask on. Now I just wake up at night due
to the depression! I found that the mask needs to be snug but not tight.
When it was too tight was when I pulled it off. I also found if I slept
with the hose over my head so my arms didn't get tangled, I do pretty well.
Once you can get used to it, the sleep is much better. Keep trying.
— [Anonymous]
January 21, 2002
Try asking your cpap provider for nose pillows!! they are not a mask and
they just sit on your nostrils. I had the mask and absolutely could not
sleep with it!!! The pillows work wonderfully!!!!
GOOD LUCK):):):):):):):):):):)
— Blase K.
January 21, 2002
Im goin through the same thing,i asked this question at my support group
meeting and they suggested getting a chin strap from the cpap provider,,,i
did and although i still pull it off in the middle of the night i keep it
on for about 2 hrs longer,look into it it might work even better for
you!..good luck
— TRULUV2329
January 21, 2002
I pulled mine off every night for 8 months. i had a humidifier, you name
it, i had it ! i took the d*** thing in and said here, i'm not wearing it!
and that was that!
— joanna G.
February 5, 2002
I used the mask initially and would pull it off after 3-4 hours. I
developed a sore on the bridge of my nose that would not heal and left a
scar....... My dr. then switched me to the nasal pillows. I had tried them
in the sleep lab but it would not stay on my head. At that time I slept on
my stomach. Once I learned to sleep on my back the nasal pillows get up
stays on better. BUT, I do not pull it off anymore and get a GREAT 7-8
hours sleep a night.
— Janet S.
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