Sleep Apnea Support Group

i would say just be glad you're getting 4 hours and focus on that. We can worry too much about being "bad," or non-compliant. I now it is serious. But, i am just saying focus on the positive for now, keep increasing that.

I wear my chin strap OVER my headgear. That way, I'm a little more aware that I'm removing it. Also, some CPAP's have an alarm that sounds when you remove your mask. Check with your CPAP provider to see if that function is on your machine, but not activiated.

Like BeckyJoMcd said, some machines have an alarm that goes off when the mask is off. Well, I set my alarm on and went from getting 4 hours to 10 hours of sleep per night. Also, I got a prescription nasal spray for my congestion because I think that's why I was pulling it off in the first place. Hope you find something that works. I know how frustrating it is.

Becky,
Your chinstrap suggestion is working! I don't think I have an alarm.

I have only had the mask for about a year, and I think I have kept my mask on all night less than 5 times. When I talk to my doctor about this, her answer is to have yet another sleep study, to see if I'm getting enough air at the right time. I haven't made up my mind yet if I'll go for my 4th study. I don't know how all of you feel, but I just want to get the rest I need, and have been lacking, for the past 2 years.
I think I take the mask off because my face swells just a little during the night. If the mask is properly sealed when I go to sleep, it becomes uncomfortable when my face swells. How do I fix that? Any help out there? When I told my doctor, she just gave me the oddest look....

I feel I have some swelling as well, and pain over my nose. I put some plastic first aid tape over my bridge. That helps there. Somebody suggested drool is a source of the broken seal. I find that is true for me. If I just get up, splash my face or run an alcohol pad around where the seal hits my face, and even clean the mask a little, I get my seal back (usually). I've also started running my hose up over my head and securing it to the top of my headgear with those hose clips. Then that chin strap on outside makes the mask fairly stable and I don't have to tighten it down so much. That helps reduce some swelling.

ChaCha1, I'm glad the chin strap suggestion worked for you. Aren't we sexy looking with all the straps, masks, clips, etc??? LOL

I was already using my CPAP when I met my husband, so it was something he had to accept if he wanted to be with me. Luckily, he accepted it fine & we've been together for over 12 years (and married for almost 11!)

Has anyone noticed that you personally know a number of people who have sleep apnea? There are 3 other people where I work, and my niece (not a blood relative) who all have these lovely machines and masks. Is it because the tests are more sensitive, or is there something else brewing? My niece is the only one I know who doesn't rip the mask off in the middle of the night. Wouldn't you think someone would invent something a little less problematic for such a condition? I am still pulling the mask off and turning the machine off in my sleep...but I keep trying...

Oh, and by the way, BeckyJo, I also put the chin strap over the headgear, and yes, I kind of feel like Darth Vader. Sometimes, my husband looks at me and just smiles. I must look wonderful....

Reading all this is starting to make me feel a little better. watch ...I will be posting MY story in a complete thread of its own because it is a combination of problems/issues including MEDICARE.......S I G H.......................I don't like doctor offices and sleep equipm3ent comanies "threatening" me......I now am worried I have a "fear" of some sorrt???? Plus I truly H A T E having a mask at all. LOVE my machine, a bipap....but evern 4.0 pressure is sometimes too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry Am way frustrated. Will be posting sometime today.....