NOSE MASK WITH MOUTH OPEN ?

[KMCKOB1]

Started sleep test recently with nose mask. Technician wanted mouth
kept closed, but with one nostril 80% blocked could not keep mouth closed.
Had to switch to full face mask as previously posted.
My question: Does anyone use nose mask with mouth open and still get relief?
Thanks for previous reply, ozij and Harry33
KMCKOB

[OutaSync]

I use the Activa LT, which is a nasal mask. WHen I fall asleep, my jaw relaxes and falls open, allowing air to rush out of my mouth. To prevent that I tape my mouth shut with 2 in medical tape and wear a chinstrap to keep my jaw from falling open and slamming back shut on my lips. This method works well for many of us who use a nasal mask.

Bev

[Guest]

Answer is NO. Air goes up your nose and out your mouth will not splint open the blocked throat. I use the Breeze nasal, and a 2" vertical tape to keep mouth closed. Leaves a little exhale space occasionally.

[Doogie1MD]

@ KMCKOB1:

If you want a nasal mask with the option to open your mouth without all that good CPAP pressure escaping out into the room, rather than down your trachea (windpipe), ResMed makes a nasal "Pillow" mask called the Mirage Liberty that also has a seal around your mouth.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/mirage ... llows.html

I've found this mask to work well for myself, as long as you use about 2.5 inches of "Absolute Waterproof Foam Tape" by Nexcare™ /3M (I buy mine at Wal-mart) to secure under the nasal pillows and up the sides of your nose. Without the tape, I have no idea how ANYONE keeps those pillows just under and inside your nose. But WITH the tape, the mask is very secure with no leaks, as long as you get the headgear adjusted properly. It is much lighter, and transparent than other masks, and since it doesn't cover the bridge of your nose, you can see much better, read, or watch TV, etc. Also has a quick release, hose couple, and quick release headgear straps. You can keep your mouth closed if you prefer, or if it falls open, not a problem. No chin strap is needed.

The mouth piece only comes in two sizes. Small and large. Most people will use the small, unless you have a REALLY large face. All three sizes of Nasal pillows in SM, MD Lg come included, and most find the med or sm nasal pillows fit best.

Tip #1: With this mask, (as with any mask) I've found it especially helpful to make sure your mask is clean (washed daily) and your FACE is clean - free from oils, moisturizers, makeup, etc. Then just before securing the nasal pillows on your nose with the tape, use a 1" alcohol pad and clean your nose immediately prior to applying the tape. This will remove any residual oils from the skin and insure the mask and tape hold securely and don't move.

Tip #2: Secure the mask with the straps just tight enough in a normal lying/sleeping position only to stop air leaks at your highest possible CPAP pressure. Too tight, and it's uncomfortable, and also deforms and flattens defeating the purpose of the thin inner silicone seal, which conforms itself to the contours of your face from the natural pressure of your CPAP machine if not squashed too tightly against your face by over tightening the straps. Once you get it right, it has quick disconnect straps to allow you to take it off and on, preserving your strap adjustments.

Hope that helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I should be free this weekend, but after that the price goes up... lol

Doogie1MD