Hello.
I am fairly no to this with a question. I have had the same mask for about 4 months and still wake up in the morning with the mask off. Don't know when I take it off.

Is there anything to help with this. I love the nasal pillows. I breathe well at night but when I wake up I usually have a sore throat from sleeping without the mask on.

My supplier said this is normal and just live with it.

Any input would be appreciated.

In your previous posts you've asked about mask problems. I'm sorry it hasn't improved for you. Have you tried any of the suggestions offered?

Here's another recent discussion:

viewtopic/t46692/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46643&p=419265&hilit=taking+off+mask#p419265

You could go to cpap.com and use their Mask Fitting Guide--you measure your face, and then get a list of masks that fit your measurements.

It's not normal to wake up with a sore throat, and I suggest you try a full face mask like the Ultra Mirage because it will not only allow you to sleep with your mouth open (which it sounds like you're doing - losing Cpap air to the breeze) but is also harder to get off while sleeping. It's easy to take off on purpose (I use one) but not if you're asleep.

While it is common to take the mask off during sleep early on, and it is common to get a dry throat when mouth breathing, having your supplier suggest this is acceptable for the long haul is inexcusable. Does your doctor know that the supplier is dispensing advice that is detrimental to the success of the prescribed therapy? I'm sorry, this kind of thing really ruffles my feathers. The goal of sharing mask experiences here is helping others achieve successful treatment. Hopefully you are trying some of the suggestions to see if they can help you reach that goal.
Kathy

thanks for the input. the suppliers regional mgr told me that an average of 4 hours with the mask on would be sufficient sleep. I am calling my doctor about this. from all the reading it seems like I should be sleeping like a baby by now.

I wore my beloved OptiLife for 17-18 months before losing therapy air via loose lips. I now wear the RespCare Hybrid; fits well (cover mouth and has nasal pillows). Might be based on similar facial anatomy. Worth investigating.

Four hours is the minimum requirement you need to have the insurance company cover the cost... does that tell you anything?