Switching to a FF Mask

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Dog Slobber
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Dog Slobber » Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:58 am

Because of continuous nasal and congestion issues I'm trying to switch to a full face mask and convert to mouth breathing for when my passages are pretty blocked up.

I tried last night for about an hour wasn't able to get to sleep and hoping to get some tips and advice.
  • I found my lips where getting pretty dry, should I be using up some lip balm. I didn't have any as I've never used it before.
  • I've always had my Humidity fairly low when using a nasal mask. How well does this translate to a FF Mask to help prevent mouth dryness.
  • Occasionally my mouth would open to wide and then the air would blow open my mouth and puff out my cheeks and lips.
  • Occasionally upon exhale, I would feel an unusual fluttering in my mouth. Tough to describe by very irritating.
It's an ResMed f20 and my pressure is 8-14 cmH20

Advice, tips or links to help with the above or help switch to mouth breathing with a FF mask is appreciated.

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Rubyslipperss
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Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 2:57 pm
Location: Houston

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Rubyslipperss » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:19 am

Dog Slobber wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:58 am
Because of continuous nasal and congestion issues I'm trying to switch to a full face mask and convert to mouth breathing for when my passages are pretty blocked up.

I tried last night for about an hour wasn't able to get to sleep and hoping to get some tips and advice.
  • I found my lips where getting pretty dry, should I be using up some lip balm. I didn't have any as I've never used it before.
  • I've always had my Humidity fairly low when using a nasal mask. How well does this translate to a FF Mask to help prevent mouth dryness.
  • Occasionally my mouth would open to wide and then the air would blow open my mouth and puff out my cheeks and lips.
  • Occasionally upon exhale, I would feel an unusual fluttering in my mouth. Tough to describe by very irritating.
It's an ResMed f20 and my pressure is 8-14 cmH20

Advice, tips or links to help with the above or help switch to mouth breathing with a FF mask is appreciated.
I can’t use anything but a FF since I am a mouth breather. Do you have the RESMed AirFit F20? It has been extremely comfortable the 3 nights I have used it. You might want to increase your humidity for the dryness. If you have the AirFit F20, the cushion is supposed to “inflate”. That “fluttering” I have experienced and readjusting my mask or making the headgear just a bit snugger helped.

Don’t give up. The mask is wonderful and actually very comfortable. Not having anything sitting on your forehead is great too.

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Rubyslipperss
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Location: Houston

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Rubyslipperss » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:23 am

Forgot to suggest that you buy some Melatonin to help you fall asleep. I am taking 10mg a night. Doc said it is safe to use. It even helped when I was waiting for my replacement CPAP but I took a higher dosage then.

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LSAT
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Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by LSAT » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:26 am

Here's something to watch in your spare time..https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/v ... 0&fr=yfp-t

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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LSAT
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Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by LSAT » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:39 am

Rubyslipperss wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:23 am
Forgot to suggest that you buy some Melatonin to help you fall asleep. I am taking 10mg a night. Doc said it is safe to use. It even helped when I was waiting for my replacement CPAP but I took a higher dosage then.


Interesting, My MD recommended 1-3 mg....Watch for side effects and interactions
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre ... /melatonin

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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Rubyslipperss
Posts: 61
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 2:57 pm
Location: Houston

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Rubyslipperss » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:50 am

LSAT wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:39 am
Rubyslipperss wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:23 am
Forgot to suggest that you buy some Melatonin to help you fall asleep. I am taking 10mg a night. Doc said it is safe to use. It even helped when I was waiting for my replacement CPAP but I took a higher dosage then.


Interesting, My MD recommended 1-3 mg....Watch for side effects and interactions
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre ... /melatonin
Will check it out. Thanks.

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chartle
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Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2018 7:56 am

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by chartle » Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:54 am

Dog Slobber wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:58 am
  • I found my lips where getting pretty dry, should I be using up some lip balm. I didn't have any as I've never used it before.
  • I've always had my Humidity fairly low when using a nasal mask. How well does this translate to a FF Mask to help prevent mouth dryness.
  • Occasionally my mouth would open to wide and then the air would blow open my mouth and puff out my cheeks and lips.
  • Occasionally upon exhale, I would feel an unusual fluttering in my mouth. Tough to describe by very irritating.
I started with a Simplus FF mask and have only used this one mask. I've had all those issues. I now have my humidity set to auto but fiddle with my hose temp to try to control what I feel is cold air in my nose. For weeks I had an odd sort of dry throat and an odd taste in my mouth.

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Captain_Midnight
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Location: The Great State of Idaho

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Captain_Midnight » Thu Apr 19, 2018 5:33 pm

Rubyslipperss wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:23 am
Forgot to suggest that you buy some Melatonin to help you fall asleep. I am taking 10mg a night. Doc said it is safe to use. It even helped when I was waiting for my replacement CPAP but I took a higher dosage then.
Rubyslippers, I know you mean well, and I'm sure that you are a very nice and caring person.

That said, please allow me to object to your (or anyone's) recommendation for another poster to use a med or drug (albiet, an otc drug.) Even if it seems harmless, we do not know another poster's med background or med history.

With kindest regards - - Capt Midnight.

.

_________________
Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: ComfortGel Blue Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: APAP range = 10 - 12.5 In H20

Chris8243
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Location: Wyoming USA

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Chris8243 » Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:05 pm

I use the Amara View mask (covers the nose & mouth). Some mornings I wake up with a very dry mouth also, annoying but goes away quickly. I don't know how to prevent it. And I know exactly what you mean as you describe your mouth blowing open and your cheeks & lips puffing out. Certainly a very weird sensation!

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Dog Slobber
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Switching to a FF Mask

Post by Dog Slobber » Thu Apr 19, 2018 10:14 pm

Rubyslipperss wrote:
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:19 am
Do you have the RESMed AirFit F20? It has been extremely comfortable the 3 nights I have used it. You might want to increase your humidity for the dryness. If you have the AirFit F20, the cushion is supposed to “inflate”. That “fluttering” I have experienced and readjusting my mask or making the headgear just a bit snugger helped.
Yes. It's the AirFit F20.

It's not mine but a loader from the DME.