How to Prevent a CPAP Mask Emergency

I've had many issues with using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy over the years, but being woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of my CPAP mask clip breaking is a new one. The mask in question is the ResMed Airfit N20 in size medium. This mask attaches with 2 magnetic clips and 1 of those clips broke at a weak point.

Making an emergency choice

I lay there, half-asleep trying to weigh my options. I had 2 choices: try to push through the night without CPAP or get my replacement mask. I have a secondary mask that came with my new machine. However, I haven't had a good experience with this mask because it hurts the bridge of my nose and causes a painful swelling.

So I chose the lesser of 2 evils, I tried to sleep without the CPAP mask. I did, however, try to rig the mask somehow to see if it will stay in place without the clip, but that didn't work. Eventually, I threw it off and tried to sleep.

The next morning

Needless to say, this was a big mistake. I had an awful night's sleep. My diagnosis is severe obstructive sleep apnea and when I sleep without CPAP, I toss and turn all night. I also wake myself up multiple times a night, sometimes by biting my tongue.

The next morning I was groggy, grumpy, sleepy, and had a poor day at work. Not even coffee or my morning workout could help. Usually, my keys to having a good, productive day are to get at least 8 hours of sleep with my CPAP, do a 30-minute morning workout and have a good breakfast. This time, the missing piece of the puzzle was the good night's sleep.

I couldn't go through another night like that, so I superglued the broken clip back together. Thankfully, it held and continues to hold. I also contacted my DME (durable medical equipment) supplier and was surprised to learn that they sell those replacement clips. Eventually, I bought a new mask and headgear to have on hand for emergencies like this.

How to prevent a CPAP mask emergency

I learned some valuable lessons that I think could help other CPAP users avoid a CPAP mask emergency.

• Firstly, keep a spare mask and headgear that you know and are comfortable with. It doesn't make sense to have an extra mask on hand that doesn't fit properly or is too uncomfortable to wear. Thankfully, my insurance covers my CPAP supplies, so it was not a huge out of pocket expense.
• Secondly, check with your DME supplier to see if replacement parts are available and consider keeping them on hand. In my case, the replacement clips were only $10 for the pair.
• Finally, check your mask and headgear regularly for potential problems and weak points and replace if necessary. I have to admit, I did see a hairline crack on the clip a few weeks before it broke, but I thought I would have to replace the entire mask and head gear.

In conclusion, that disastrous night reminded me of exactly why I continue to use my CPAP every night and now I'm better prepared for CPAP mask emergencies.

Have you experienced a CPAP mask emergency too? Please share your story or comment below: