does anyone know if there is a limit to the time you should wear a mask at one time. i feel really good after 6-7 hrs under my mask. trouble is it is usually 3 am. ugh i generally lie there for awhile with sleeping, get a little drowsy then mask again for 2 more hours. is this strange? thanks  dave

I am a new member and am having trouble using your website, so I'm just writing a message to whoever will help me.  How can I change my user name?  It's my real name and I now realize I should not use my real name.  I will sign my real name this time, because I don't know what else to do.
Marlene Watson


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Started with face mask, had skin problems with silicone, tried many tried many types of masks, methods to avoid skin problems, currently using $25 ?disposable? vinyl nasal mask, with no skin problems. CPAP set at 17.

Just sign up again under another name?

I have a hunch you are sleeping much better and therefore need only 6-7 hours of sleep. Could this be?

Maybe you could stay up later...something you haven't been able to do for a while?

In my case, I wake up early too, but usually it's due to burning nose. Still new to this.

Hey, kmoffat!  Your suggestion makes perfect sense--Thank you!
   Duh.  Obviously your brain is more rested than mine was!  Thanks again, Marlene


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Started with face mask, had skin problems with silicone, tried many tried many types of masks, methods to avoid skin problems, currently using $25 ?disposable? vinyl nasal mask, with no skin problems. CPAP set at 17.

david poto wrote:

does anyone know if there is a limit to the time you should wear a mask at one time. i feel really good after 6-7 hrs under my mask. trouble is it is usually 3 am. ugh i generally lie there for awhile with sleeping, get a little drowsy then mask again for 2 more hours. is this strange? thanks  dave

Hi Dave,

Different schools of thought here.

Some sleep specialists have stated that 4/5 hours should be sufficient, others (the ones I would be more likely to believe) say that you should use cpap for whatever length of time that you are asleep.

The first batch are of the opinion that you should have built up sufficient quality sleep during the 4/5 hour period and any sleep after that (without cpap) would have little or no effect. The more cautious school point to the ongoing protective nature of cpap (relating to cardiac and other problems) and the ongoing continuous nature of apnoea, so that to sleep without cpap (either a nap or a full blown sleep) removes the protective nature of the device and also allows apnoea events to continue, albeit for a short period, but apnoea events non the less.

Your experience is not unusual. IMHO the fact that you 'remask' is very good. Everyone has their own way of dealing with cpap, so whatever works is OK.

Kind regards,

Daniel


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)