Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
gabagoo
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Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by gabagoo » Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:58 am

A strange question to ask, and at the moment I remove it, I have my reasons, but in the morning when I awake I can't remember why. I find it OK going to bed and actually enjoy the forced air. I have yet to go a full night and wonder now if it is just habit or is there something really bothering me. I was told by the sleep clinic that it can take 3 to 6 months to get used to the machine.... Just curious how others stop themselves from removing the mask?

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by ChicagoGranny » Fri Apr 20, 2018 7:10 am

gabagoo wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:58 am
Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?
This is a common problem. You are rejecting a foreign device.
gabagoo wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:58 am
Just curious how others stop themselves from removing the mask?
Treat yourself well during the day. Practice good sleep hygiene. Give it time - be patient - don't get upset with yourself if you find you pulled it off.
gabagoo wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:58 am
I was told by the sleep clinic that it can take 3 to 6 months to get used to the machine
Don't worry about comments like this. This is about you not what other people report.

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MrsRinPDX
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by MrsRinPDX » Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:18 pm

I did the same thing, went to sleep with the mask on and woke up with it off. It was placed neatly by my pillow, though I had no recollection of taking it off or why. The good news is that I only did this for a few days and I am hopeful the same proves true for you.

I am guessing something was making me uncomfortable with the fit, and instead of fiddling with the mask, my very sleepy self chose to take it off. As my skill in adjusting the mask got better there no longer was the need to remove it.

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D.H.
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by D.H. » Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:22 pm

To the OP:

IF you have a data capable machine, you will be able to determine when you're taking the mask off. If you find it's always off by 1 AM, set an alarm for 1:15, and put it back on. Hopefully, this will allow you to have it on most of the night. Eventually, you should stop doing this.

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TedVPAP
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by TedVPAP » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:03 pm

Usually it is because the mask is foreign.
Other times it is because the pressure is too low so you feel like you are not getting enough air. Other times it is because treatment is inadequate and you are having too many events. Looking at your breathing data should help you determine the reason.

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Chris8243
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by Chris8243 » Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:37 am

I also sometimes wake and find my mask off. It makes me mad!

Half the time I don't remember, other times (recently) I had an itch so I needed to remove it, but fell asleep before I put it back on. Other times I was aware that it felt like too much air was blowing on me. If I realize I'm taking it off, I tell myself it's just for a few minutes, but then wake in the morning and it's still off. Glad I can fall back asleep, but mad because I'm sincerely trying to wear it all night.

SeekSleep
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Re: Why do I keep taking the mask off at some point during the night?

Post by SeekSleep » Sat Apr 21, 2018 4:12 pm

I would do this on occasion at first, but now it's only a rare time or two through the year. The tendency to do this went down with time for me. One time I woke up flat on my back, arm aching from evidently holding it straight out above me for a fair amount of time, mask gripped in my hand. If you do find the gremlins that make us do these strange things, please ask them what that was all about for me. I'm still curious as to what the thought process in my tired head was.

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