cpap mask

[verytired]

hello

im sure ive seen a thread on here somewhere about taking your mask off unknowingly through the night but cant seem to find it any tips hints or just point me to the thread!! id be very grateful

the problem i have is i wake up in the night and i have removed my mask but i havent just ripped it off i have undone the clips and rested it on the bedside table i didnt do this for the first week but for the last 3 nights i have and feel back to square 1 in the morning! IS THIS NORMAL?????????

thanks
vtired

[leswaller]

Hi and welcome to the group. What you are experiencing is quite normal when some people start with CPAP. There is no 'one size fits all' asnwer to this as it varies from person to person. Try using the ramp feature to change how quickly the pressure builds up to see if you can get into a better sleep pattern. Some people have a relaxing drink before they go to bed, others have a stronger drink. Some people try a mild sedative, some make it more difficult to get the headgear off. You will get used to it eventually and the improvement in your energy levels etc is well worth the initial effort. As the saying goes ' there is no gain without pain'

[James @ Intus]

To at leats make you aware, so you can self-correct, when it happens, you can tape the mask to your hair or head so when you rip it off you'll feel it. Hair clips may work too. This doesn't prevent it but at least makes you aware so you can tell yourself off and go back to bed with the mask.

[verytired]

hi

thanks for that ill give the tape or/and hair clips a try!!

another question though!!!
do they do masks in different sizes on the nhs because i find when i am comfortable the mask leaks and when the mask isnt leaking it sort of sits under my bottom lip and i wake up feeling like i have been punched in my mouth?????

i do hope this gets easier!!!

thanks again
vtired

[Sleep2Snore]

There are all sorts of masks and nose pillows (which go direct onto the nostrils) out there.
It is very much a case of trial and error till you get something that suits you.
Don't know if you can get them off the NHS in England or not.

I tried lots before I found the system I could get on with

[leswaller]

The NHs should be able to offer you any mask in the ResMed range have a look at this link

http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/products/maskslist.html?menu=products

[Sleep2Snore]

Nice link leswaller Thanks.

[verytired]

thanks for all the advice!!!

im back at the hospital next friday so i will ask and see what they can offer me

thanks again!

vtired

[verytired]

ow



ello

i know im at the hospital friday but i was just wondering did the mask put anyone else through pain i wake up most mornings with a bump on my nose where the mask sits and my teeth ache where it sits under my lip!!!!!

i have resorted to putting plasters on my nose of a night but this ony slightly relieves it!!!

i suppose i should mention the fact that i have had a problem breathing through my nose since i was a child so it sort of rules out the nose mask!!

HELP PLEASE IM IN AGONY!!

ta
vtired

[Sleep2Snore]

Been there verytired and got the T shirt.
Had blood coming from the bridge of the nose and teeth hurt like hell

Just a case of getting the correct mask/nasal pillows to fit you that you can get on with.
Most people for a start just take what the clinic offers as they don't tend to show you much of a range.
I ended up with Nasal Pillows, easier to get off and use, but not everyone can get on with them. They did hurt to start with as well till the nose got used to them being there.

Ask to see what they have to offer on Friday.

If you have trouble breathing through your nose it may limit your options but they should still be able to help.

[leswaller]

Yes we have all suffered with the nose problem, it is usually caused by you burying your head in the pillow whilst asleep, a sticking plaster is probably not the best solution as it will have a softening effect on the skin, try Micropore which is just a porous sticky tape, or try a small piece of velvet type cloth. Aching teeth are usually the result of the cold air coming through the mask for we mouth breathers. The definitive answer is a heated hose or a heater/humidifier. I just use a heated hose and it is like having a sleep on a warm summers evening, very relaxing and problem solved. Make sure that you have an insulating wrap on your hose if you go down the humidifier route otherwise you will negate the warming effect and may drown in condensation

[James @ Intus]

Sounds like a case of overtightening the straps. Keep tweaking them! If too much presure is on the bridge of the nose, one with a forehead support pad may help relieve this. Masks like the Mojo or ComfortFull2 have this. For the lower lip you can consider the FlexiFit 432 which cups under the chin as oppose to pressing on the lower gums.