Newbie - brief introduction and need some quick advise

[rested gal]

LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
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Machines I like:
Nov 08, 2007 subject: Switching to an Auto Adjusting Machine - No help from DME
viewtopic.php?t=25834

[engrdad]

Wow, there is sooo much information on this site. It is a good thing that I am not that busy at work this week.

Presently I am researching masks. Thanks for the information about breaking the mouth-breathing habit. It appears that many people have a full-face mask as a backup for those stuffy-nosed days. Since insurance will pay for first mask, I am thinking of going the FFM option first (since they cost more). However, the smaller nasal masks seem more appealing.

I posted my pic as my avatar which shows I have a small beard (i.e. goatee). I used to always have a full beard untill about 6 months ago. Anyone with experience with masks and beards?

[gasp]

Wow, there is sooo much information on this site. It is a good thing that I am not that busy at work this week.

Presently I am researching masks. Thanks for the information about breaking the mouth-breathing habit. It appears that many people have a full-face mask as a backup for those stuffy-nosed days. Since insurance will pay for first mask, I am thinking of going the FFM option first (since they cost more). However, the smaller nasal masks seem more appealing.

I posted my pic as my avatar which shows I have a small beard (i.e. goatee). I used to always have a full beard untill about 6 months ago. Anyone with experience with masks and beards?

I wear a mask and my husband has a beard. Probably not what you had in mind - LOL!

I'm not a man, but it would seem that a nasal mask or nasal pillows might seal better. However, your plan to get the FF 1st makes sense. I'll bow out now for someone with REAL experience with a beard to answer

[Wulfman]

I haven't had a beard for quite a few years (long before CPAP therapy), but there are others here that wear full face masks with success (UMFF & Quattro).

You shouldn't have too many problems with that "chin-warmer" you've got.

Den

[Guest]

I've found the same thing too, Gasp - keep my mouth closed when breathing now. New experience! Seriously, does make your throat feel better too. And yes, there's a world of gags in that one for a talker and foot-in-mouther like me!

[DreamStalker]

Wow, there is sooo much information on this site. It is a good thing that I am not that busy at work this week.

Presently I am researching masks. Thanks for the information about breaking the mouth-breathing habit. It appears that many people have a full-face mask as a backup for those stuffy-nosed days. Since insurance will pay for first mask, I am thinking of going the FFM option first (since they cost more). However, the smaller nasal masks seem more appealing.

I posted my pic as my avatar which shows I have a small beard (i.e. goatee). I used to always have a full beard untill about 6 months ago. Anyone with experience with masks and beards?

I have a full beard. The traditional full face masks have not worked for me because of the pressure they place on my sinuses (same issue w/ nasal cushions masks). The beard itself has not caused any problems.

I use a nasal pillow type mask ... and I have tried pretty much all of them except for one or two. For stuffy-nose backup, I have been trying to get the Hybrid to work and this past long turkey-day weekend I also trialed the Liberty which has worked the best so far as stuffy-nose backups go.

The hardest part is finding a mask that will conform to your face comfortably rather than trying to conform your face to a mask with uncomfortably tight straps. Another key thing to remember with masks that make contact with your face is to keep the facial oils to a minimum (wash it right before going to sleep and use an astringent if needed and wash the mask seal daily too).

[goose]

The thing I noticed while reading through the thread is the beard.....

I have a goatee beard and mustache as well. I have had a real problem with full face masks trying to get the chin portion to seal properly. I've used a nasal mask and my very favorite mask is the Headrest which has nasal pillows -- BUT, that said, I'm not a mouth breather (though I used to be). I trained myself to breathe through my nose.....it wasn't simple and it took some time, but after reading this forum before I got my "stuff" I noted that with the facial hair, I was going to have issues......

The polident strips have been mentioned....I believe some of the info that RG put in the links for will also have some of that info (cut 'em in half length wise and at a triangular angle, put the wide part at the edges etc....). I only know about the procedure because to ensure I wasn't having mouth leaks, I tested myself using the strips.

The actual machine you'll need will be determined by the sleep tests as someone already mentioned. If CPAP is what is prescribed try your hardest to get an APAP (which is an Auto CPAP). My preference would be the Respironics M-Series Auto with A-Flex (but there are others on the market). As was mentioned in another post, if you require a higher pressure you will want a Bi-PAP machine -- an Auto Bi-PAP with Bi-Flex. They are more costly, but are supposed to be more comfortable.

The Holy-Grail is the mask.....

Read, read, read. Hit that yellow light bulb......

Oh yeah....there's no pass or fail....ya either have it, or ya don't, and it sounds like you do. Be thankful it's been diagnosed before you have many more health issues that can be directly attributed to the condition!!!!!

Welcome to the forum -- keep us up on how you're doing!!!

cheers
goose

[gasp]

I've found the same thing too, Gasp - keep my mouth closed when breathing now. New experience! Seriously, does make your throat feel better too. And yes, there's a world of gags in that one for a talker and foot-in-mouther like me!

LOL I also found it has helped my asthma. The Buteyko breathing method supports this thinking.