Keep losing mask

[dominics]

Hi folks,

I have been using CPAP for about 3 weeks, yet still no joy yet. I am using a Resmed Autoset Spirit machine which starts at about 4.0 and then increases if I need it. I have a comfort2 full mask, It seems comfy enough, but I cant seem to keep it on all night.

I keep waking up every hour and a half to find the mask on the floor. The doctor fitted the mask for me and I have "tweaked" the straps but with no luck. Has anyone else had the same problem?

Regards

Dom

[gvader]

Hi Dominics,

Sorry to hear that you are having problems, it sounds like you're subconciously taking the mask off.

If your sleep clinic is anything like mine then you may have a follow up apppointment with them due soon but you should also have their contact number, I would phone them to talk about it straight away as it may simply be that you are uncomfortable with that particular mask and that another one may be better suited to you.

I was lucky in that I have settled down to using CPAP quite easily, I started with a ResMed Ultra Mirage full face mask but am now using a ResMed Quattro full face and I find that to be much more comfortable.

Give the clinic a call on Monday and see if they can get you set up with a better mask, they are there to help.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Regards,

GV

[SteveP]

Give the clinic a call on Monday and see if they can get you set up with a better mask, they are there to help.

That's the best advice you can get. There is no shame in going back to the Clinic saying the mask doesn't work for you. Trying the mask in the Clinic and using it at home are two different worlds. There are so many different masks, one is going to do the perfect job for you. You just need to find it.

Keep trying. Success and better life is out there!

SteveP

[dominics]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the advice, I contacted my Sleep clinic this morning and the doctor wants me to carry on with the comfort2 full face mask and come back and see him in 2 weeks. He said he will analyse the machine data and make a decision about the mask and possibly medication then.

I will let you all know what happens in due course.

Regards

Dom

[acebass]

It's good to try and persevere with a mask, as the clinic say, but don't let them put you off trying another mask if you feel it isn't working for you. At the end of the day, it is you that has to wear it night after night, not them, you have the right to try as many masks as they have available......

[SteveP]

...the doctor wants me to carry on with the comfort2 full face mask and come back and see him in 2 weeks. He said he will analyse the machine data and make a decision about the mask and possibly medication then.

those doctors....

With the mask on the floor, the machine data will not tell the doctor a very interesting story....

and the comment about "possible medication"... a tablet just before going to bed to make you keep the mask on? repeated at 2-hour intervals maybe?

Hummmm, best of luck in the mean time!

SteveP

[Joe McManus]

One trick is to fix the headgear to your hair or head so at least when you subconsciously do take it off, it'll hurt and you wake up so you can correct yourself. This type of conditioning could help. Hair-pins, tape, bandages, whatever it takes.

[acebass]

Now, hair-pins I can see being a good trick, but Tape? that's just plain masochistic..............

[Joe McManus]

Desperate times require desperate measures my friend.

They key appears to be the need to becoming aware of pulling it off. Pain can be very helpful

[puffin]

I went through a stage of taking the mask off during the night. Its just a matter of retraining the brain to accept the mask. Which may take a few weeks. You will quickly get used to it and wonder what the fuss was about.

Good luck.

[gvader]

Hi Dominics,

You could try disconnecting the mask from the air pipe, fit the mask comfortably to your head and just wear it around the house for a couple of hours (possibly remove the elbow from the face as that would make breathing less noisy). Watch telly, read a book or something along those lines. A pastime where you are on your own would probably be best, maybe not going for a walk in the park or nipping off down the pub though as trying to explain yourself to the police could be a bit of a problem. This could get your mind used to having it on for extended periods and might help.

Regards,

Gerry

[dominics]

Thanks Peter, Steve and Joe,

It gives me a lot to think about, although I cant use hair clips, as I have a receding crew cut

Mind you I did discover that my machine has an alarm on it when it detects a leak, which did wake me up one night after I set it. That may help.

However I discovered another slight hurdle today, I now have a chest infection, which will have certainly hindered the whole "getting used to the mask" thing. So once the antibiotic s have done their thing, then hopefully I wont have too much trouble using the mask.

Thanks for your support, i'll let you know how it goes.

Dom

[dominics]

You could try disconnecting the mask from the air pipe, fit the mask comfortably to your head and just wear it around the house for a couple of hours (possibly remove the elbow from the face as that would make breathing less noisy). Watch telly, read a book or something along those lines. A pastime where you are on your own would probably be best, maybe not going for a walk in the park or nipping off down the pub though as trying to explain yourself to the police could be a bit of a problem. This could get your mind used to having it on for extended periods and might help.

Regards,

Gerry

Actually thats not a bad idea, I will try that tonight, while watching tv. Thanks.

[acebass]

Having had a couple of bouts of pleurisy in athe last 3 years, i know it isn't easy with a chest infection, but it does at least keep the airways slightly clearer than if you weren't using it