I have sleep apnea and im taking off my mask without knowing?
when i first got my cpap machine it was a blessing ….but here latley i will go to bed as normal mask on nice and comfie then i awake to find that my mask isnt on my face …so i put the mask on again just to awake that ive taking it off again ..im really at a loss i love my mask but im removing it without knowing plez help
Tagged with: cpap machine • mask
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
I don’t know what kind of mask and headgear you are using. I use a Respironics headgear which consists of elastic velcro straps.
There is a chin strap available, which is intended for people who have trouble keeping their mouth closed (and thus having a hurricane of air escape through their mouths). Perhaps a chin strap would make removal enough more difficult that you wouldn’t remove it?
If the mask removal isn’t too frequent, it may not actually be a problem. Even a couple of apnea incidents per night doesn’t amount to a serious problem. If I were worried, I’d try adjusting the headgear to be tighter (or looser). I’d try adding another attachment point (such as a chin strip). I’d perhaps try a different mask and headgear completely.
Or, I’d wait a few days and see if the problem corrected itself. Perhaps you are digesting a conundrum and sleeping more lightly than usual.
You can also consult with your doctor, medical equipment supplier, or support group. They may have better answers.
Ask the home care company if they can put a low pressure alarm on it. When you take it off you will loose pressure.
I tried either a cpap or bi-pap machine for the first time in my life at the ER the other night as I’m an emphysemic and it probably kept me from being intubated which I consider a real horror. The mask was strapped on, but I was awake so no dislodgement problems. However, since I am on 02 and use cannulas, I got the same problem until I devised another "connection." If you’ve straps rather than hose, get a cowboy neckerchief or ndn headband and put velcro on the straps and the inside of your headband. If female, wear a headscarf to bed to anchor it on with or without the velcro. A pharmacist can supply you with some of the tape cannula users get, but the velcro is more stable and no tape residue to wash off in the morning.