Taking off CPAP mask or hose at night!

[louman1961]

A bit better night last night, I got 4.18 hrs and an AHI of 0.9 events/hr.
I noticed last night that I'm leaving my mask on but disconnecting my CPAP hose in my sleep.
I hooked up again trying not to get frustrated about it..
Eventually with persistence I will sleep longer with my mask on..getting there...

[Dormeo]

Isn't the unconscious mind ingenious? But yes, it does sound like you are getting there. Keep us posted.

[sheepless]

I'm convinced that removing the mask during sleep is caused by discomfort. either the mask itself is uncomfortable or pressure is too low or high. leaks are disturbing too.

it might be a stretch, but the fact that you disconnected the hose rather than remove the mask could indicate that the mask isn't the problem and pressure is.

in addition to pressure that's too low or high, frequent &/or dramatic pressure changes can be very disturbing.

also, some people are sensitive to resmed's FOT pressure pulses used to differentiate obstructive from central apnea.

usually these kind of things wake us but some people sleep through arousals which can be as disturbing as full awakenings, especially since they are more frequent.

if you haven't already, use oscar to scroll through the last few minutes of each session at a 2 minute view scale looking mostly at flow rate to look for anomolies that might shed some light on why you're unconsciously stopping therapy.

[louman1961]

An update, still taking of my mask at night..avg 3 hrs per night..last nigh only 1hr. find it hard to tolerate CPAP pressures due to seasonal allaergies. GERD bloating..frustrating!
I did order a new Resmed Quatrro Fx mask, my current one is worn out and old and uncomfortable on my face..I think this iis the reason that I take it off at night..it digs in the skin..my Resmed F10 mask hurts the ridge pf my nose and leaks..I can only tolerate wearing the masks for a short time!
Hopefully a new mask will solve the issues of feeling uncomfortable wearing the CPAP mask at night and eventually not taking it off..and getting better CPAP therapy!

[Dormeo]

Good luck with the new mask. An uncomfortable or poorly fitting mask is definitely a reason people take masks off during the night, so with luck you're on the path to longer usage.

[Hydrangea]

Have you tried the F20 with memory foam? I find it to be the most comfortable of the FFMs, and I like not having to crank it down tight.

[louman1961]

Hi hydrangea,
I did try the F20 without the memory foam but went back to the quattro fx, heard the reliability of the cushions don't last long..
I always went back to the Quattro Fx when I tried other masks in the past..I've been using it for along time...I regret purchasing the F10 & F20 I found these masks uncomfortable around my face.
With this covid-19 pandemic I can't try or test different masks with my CPAP store technician, one that is comfortable to wear.
The Quattro Fx is my go to mask for now.

[louman1961]

An update..
I have found one of the reasons why my CPAP hose comes off at night, the coupler of my Resmed F10 mask slides off if I tug the climate air tubing while I sleep, and it drops to the floor while I'm asleep, and I'm not aware of it.
I have taped the mask coupler to my CPAP hose.
I guess when i do pull off the hose coupler for my mask in my sleep, I realize that it came off when I woke up, and slept a couple of hours.
It's an irony now..I keep my mask on but I pull off my CPAP hose.  
My CPAP therapy time has increased to 4-5 hrs.
I also have increased the humidity level to 7 and reduced my EPR to 1 on my Resmed Airsense 10, it makes it more comfortable and helps with my dry mouth & throat.
I also have 0 events of sleep apnea recorded.
I'm hoping in time that it will increase to 6 or more hours.
Haven't received my new Resmed Quattro FX CPAP mask yet, with the more comfortable fit, and the higher humidity levels on my CPAP machine and the EPR of 1 comfortable settings will solve my taking off my mask or hose at night while I sleep.
It has been uncomfortable feeling waking up in the morning with untreated sleep apnea but with time I will feel better when my issue is resolved with compliance of more CPAP therapy time, I will feel a lot better!

[Dormeo]

It's good to hear you're making progress! I hope the new mask will come soon and help you increase your hours of treatment per night. Keep us posted, would you?

[louman1961]

Yes, I'm anxious to increase my CPAP therapy, as I don't like feeling lethargic and tired because the hours that I did not have my CPAP mask on, want to feel refreshed in the morning, not the opposite.
I have to be patient I guess..until I break this bad habit of removing my CPAP hose in my sleep!