I have sleep apnea. I am on a CPAP machine/full face mask. Any suggestions to be

[tammie722]

able to keep it on at night? I currently have a full face mask on my machine. I first started keeping it on all night; but lately I can't . I would appreciate any ideas/suggestions to help with this slight "problem".
I'm not sure why I can't; sometimes I feel "closed in" when I have it on. My doctor suggested contacting my medical supply company & see about getting another mask--maybe it isn't fitting right. I was wondering if there was anything else I could do, as well.

[barbara]

Your question lacks detail but here are some ideas.
If you have lost/gained weight you may need a retitration study to adjust your setting.
If the mask is over a year old you may need a new mask. If you have changed your hair or gained/lost weight in your face you may need a new mask.
All the Yahoo answers in the world won't help-you just need to go to your doctor and let him work with the sleep lab to find a solution.

[Grand pa]

It takes time to get used to . Call the people who sold the unit ortake it back they will fit for you they may lower the pressure. Are you using the ramp button? I prefir the face mask. The nose mask kept me awake blowing air into the nose. Hope this helps

[Joe McManus]

Hi Tammie,

When you say you are not able to "keep it on at night", does it just come off or is it a psychological thing, being unable to cope with the idea of a mask on your face?

If the CPAP mask slides off during the night you have some mask fitting issues. Best case scenario would be to simple readjust the headgear straps and worst case indeed that you need a new mask, or entire sleep study even!


If the problem is of a mental nature, like a claustrophobic reaction, you may want to try a nasal mask or a "nasal pillow" even. These have less "presence" and when fitted well could largely go unnoticed. When you get used to any mask though you should be able to last all night.

If you could expand on the nature of your mask issue we may be able to assist you with more detail.

[Pedigaba]

able to keep it on at night? I currently have a full face mask on my machine. I first started keeping it on all night; but lately I can't . I would appreciate any ideas/suggestions to help with this slight "problem".
I'm not sure why I can't; sometimes I feel "closed in" when I have it on. My doctor suggested contacting my medical supply company & see about getting another mask--maybe it isn't fitting right. I was wondering if there was anything else I could do, as well.

Hi Tammie
I have the same problem . I wake up at all hours of the night and find the mask off my face and the machine still on. Ithink my problem is that I have a constant pressure machine which seems to build up uncomfortable pressure withinn about an hour and a half to 2 hours of switching it on. I have applied for an auto machine which I hope will solve the problem
Pedigaba

[acebass]

The problem, is that Fixed pressure is better at treating Apnoea (Breathing Stopped) events and Auto titrating machines are better at treating Hypopnea (Shallow Breathing) events. If you have more apnoeas than hypopneas then the APAP is less likely to work for you.