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I keep removing my nasal mask

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jr186a +0 points · over 6 years ago Original Poster

So I BARELY started getting accustomed to sleeping with my mask (nasal pillow mask) and i can fall asleep easily now, even without pressing the ramp button.

BUT I keep waking up with my mask off and I don’t know how to stop that.

My readings show that I only sleep for an average of about 2 hours. My insurance recommends 4.

Can anyone help? or suggest anything? I just want my ZZZs

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Sierra +0 points · over 6 years ago Sleep Patron

The most comfortable mask I have tried is the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow type. However, I find the headgear that keeps the mask on your head very poor, and I have had the same issue as you have. The mask falls off in the night. One solution that I have found is to wear a chin strap like the Breathewear Halo. It not only keeps the mask in place, but it helps to keep your mouth closed. You put the mask on first, and then the chinstrap over it. The other solution I have tried is wearing a nylon and lycra head cap. They sell them for swimming, and other purposes. Just be sure to get one that is not waterproof, and is just fabric, or it would be way too hot. Speedo and others makes them. Again, put the mask on first, and the cap on second. The only downside of the cap is that depending on how tightly it fits, it can leave a mark on your forehead.

Hope that helps some.

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jr186a +0 points · over 6 years ago Original Poster

would you be able to send me a link to the chin strap you’re talking about? i wouldn’t mind trying it out.

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Sierra +0 points · over 6 years ago Sleep Patron

In Canada I found it at a place called Sleep Yedi for $25 plus shipping:

Sleep Yedi - Halo Chin Strap

I see that it is available in the US at CPAP.COM for $24:

CPAP.com - Halo Chin Strap

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snuzyQ +0 points · over 6 years ago Sleep Commentator

My husband wears his nasal pillows mask more snuggly - yet still comfortable. He tightens the top band so that there is no play in it and then makes sure that the back straps are fitted against the back of his head, again with no play or "wiggle room". This works for him and his mask stays on all night. If you find you are still loosing your mask in the night, check in with your feelings (yep...men have 'em too) and see if you might unconsciously be rejecting your CPAP therapy. If so, you can work on this by repeating affirming thoughts just before you go to sleep each night...gentle, believable thoughts to convince yourself that CPAP is your very best friend to help you get great sleep. Remind yourself of all the illnesses it is saving you from (name them and if you don't know, find out so that you can name them), that it is safe to go to sleep now because your mask is on and that you will wake up in the morning with your mask on your face in the same place it was when you went to sleep, etc. Be creative when directing your thoughts. Focus and relax and then let yourself drift off to sleep land with thankfulness. Voila! Mask is on face in the morning.

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RockyColo +0 points · over 6 years ago

Hi, JR. So, you are new to CPAP? When I started, my nasal pillows mask slipped all over the place, and my DME provider was no help. Then I found the suggestion online to make sure that the straps are not sitting on top of a lot of hair -- the hair shifts around under the straps, and off comes the mask. Now I use a rat-tailed comb and pull all of the hair that is under the back strap (Pilairo Q) over the top of the strap. This puts the strap directly on my scalp and also, the hair creates a barrier to keep it from moving up or around much. Just one suggestion. Hope it helps.

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Sierra +0 points · over 6 years ago Sleep Patron

I forgot to mention a couple of other things I do to try and keep in the mask in place when I sleep. I was using a memory foam orthopedic pillow, but found it was too firm and when I side sleep it would dislodge the mask due to the pillow pushing back. I switched to a softer down alternative pillow ($18 a pair at Costco). And I found an old satin pillow case to make it easier for my head to slide around without dislodging the mask and straps. My next purchase is going to be a Rest & Renew Satin Pillow Protector from Bed Bath and Beyond ($10 in Canada, $8 in US). They are sold to help keep your hairdo in place when you sleep. I just want to keep my CPAP mask in place! Hope that helps some...

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psilver +0 points · over 6 years ago

When I started using my APAP I had to decide which mask type was best for me. I felt the full-face mask was too bulky, and the nasal pillows' headgear seemed way too flimsy, like it would slip off. So I settled on the nasal mask. You might try switching to a nasal mask or full-face - they're much more secure.

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