Removal of CPAP

Hello everyone I'm new to this forum but wanted to raise something to see if others have had the same experience. I have been using my CPAP now for about three weeks. I haven't noticed any marked improvement in my sleep. I still wake up several times in the night and I remain tired nearly all the time. It seems to be a very regular pattern of waking ie 2am and 4am or thereabouts. What is troubling me though is that there have been several occasions when I have removed my CPAP whilst asleep. On most of these occasions I have been unaware that I am doing this. Last night was the same and I have little recollection of removing it. Has anyone else had a similar experience and do you have any suggestions? Graham

Hi Graham,

If you are removing it with intent there should be some awareness.

How you would prevent that I'm not sure other than becoming used to the mask over time.

Could it have been accidentally dislodged?

I've woken with the mask dislodged many times through the years.

I doubt that there is an ironclad method to prevent it but there are ways to reduce the frequency.

Changing masks can help because nasal pillows are harder to displace when you turn on your side.

Changing masks can also help because some headgear and strap systems are more secure than others.

Chin straps might stabilise the mask straps more effectively.

A hose stand might also be helpful.

Having short hair can help because the straps can slide more with longer hair.

Having slippery pillow covers can help prevent drag that can dislodge the straps too.

There are many things to avoid in diet and lifestyle that might prevent sound sleep as well as things you could do that might encourage more peaceful sleep.

Welcome to the forum. Can you tell us what type and model of a mask you have? I started out with a ResMed AirSense P10 nasal pillow mask, and I found it came off quite easily. I initially solved it by wearing a Breathewear Halo chin strap over top of the mask headgear. Using a satin pillow protector seemed to help as well. Now I have converted my P10 mask to use the headgear from a Swift FX mask and have dropped the headgear.

As far as not sleeping through the night I have done a few things. I try to sleep 7-8 hours a night, and not more. I avoid naps during the day, and liquids later at night. One thing you might consider is downloading SleepyHead and using it to track what your machine is doing during the night. It may be able to tell you if you are waking up due to mask leaks, or high pressure.

Hope that helps some,

Sierra Thank you for your response. I have a ResMed Air Sense 10 with a nose and mouth mask. I did wonder if the pressure is too high and I have adjusted it so I will see what happens tonight. I wondered whether my removal of the mask was a sort of instinctive unconscious reaction and that may be other people had experienced a similar reaction to wearing a mask. Thanks for the advice about SleepyHead. Graham

I went through the same thing and know of several others that have taken the mask off during the night without realizing it. All the above suggestions are good but mostly it's just a time of getting used to it. If you wake up during the night and it is off, put it back on ASAP. Honestly, none of the masks or pillows are comfortable so your subconscious (or conscio) self takes it off. Keep at it and eventually it will get easier.

Many people have done the same thing. Your body must learn that CPAP is a good thing. You can try reading, watching TV, playing games on your phone while using your CPAP.

ResMed Air Sense 10 is a product line with several models, what else does it say on the front? That will indicate the model and thus your machines capabilities.

Maybe try putting the mask on without the hose during non-sleep hours and reading, TV, phone, etc. to get used to "the thing" on your face. It would be normal being extra aware of a mask when first starting therapy and having it disrupt your sleep. Good luck.