Pulling off the CPAP mask

by Elsie
(Lawrence, Kansas)

My boyfriend wears a full face mask with CPAP and has gone through several adjustments of pressure, humidity levels, dry mouth etc... He is pulling off his mask during the night and does not know why. He tosses and turns allot in his sleep could this be why (getting air ok) and what can he do? Thanks

Answer


Dear Elsie,

If your boyfriend is taking his CPAP mask off during sleep, then it could be a mask problem or having to do with the changes of sleeping position during sleep.

A lot of CPAP users who toss and turn a lot during sleep (like your boyfriend), experience this problem.

When you said that he has gone through several adjustments of pressure and humidity levels, who changed the settings? Your boyfriend or his doctor?

Only a qualified person should change the settings.

This type of challenges should be reported to his sleep doctor or CPAP supplier, because only when the pressure is properly adjusted and the mask is fitted correctly on his face, only then does it all work.

Does he have a dual cushion mask? This is important because these masks are meant to be worn loose on the face, not tight. Having the mask loose allows those two seals to inflate properly, providing a very good seal.

So, the CPAP mask doesn't need to be overtightened.

More info about fitting a mask:

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

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Oct 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hopeful
by: Elsie

Thanks so much for the response. We had not heard of a dual cushion mask so we will look into that.
My boyfriends' adjustments have been made with his doc/sleep lab techs so they are working on it. It did get mentioned that his sleep study was not exactly through in that they had very little time recorded in REM sleep with a mask on so he may need another test. Again thanks so much, sometimes I get discouraged that nothing is going to get better. Elsie
Oct 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Glad to help
by: Anonymous

Here is a type of CPAP mask (full face mask) with dual wall cushion:



There are many masks, so be sure this time to test different types. Read the tips from this site to know what to do before choosing the mask.

Good luck!
Remy

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