Sleep Position vs. Nasal Pillows vs. FFM

I'm trying out both types of masks (both with chin strap).

With full face mask, I think I'm sleeping for longer periods, and I wake up with less congestion and throat not as sore.
BUT if I sleep on my side, it leaks. And I feel more claustrophobic. And I HATE IT.

I definitely prefer the nasal pillows. It's easier to sleep on my side with that, and I feel less claustrophobic.
But apparently I am still breathing through my mouth, and wake up congested with bad sore throat.

Am I supposed to sleep on my back when I use the full face mask to prevent leaking?
I don't think I can handle trying to do that. I really need to sleep on my side, but it messes with mask position.

Why does mouth breathing cause congestion & sore throat anyway?

I have been sleeping on my side with a FF mask for almost 6 years. I have no leak problems. Try a mask liner, a different pillow, a different mask or...when you sleep on your side put your head at the edge of the pillow so the mask is not on the pillow.

The sore throat when using nasal pillows is most likely dried out throat from mouth breathing. The chin strap isn't a vice and it can't stop the mouth from opening if it really wants to.
Don't know why the nasal congestion is increased with nasal pillows unless the more direct air and it's humidity is affecting the nasal mucosa more for some reason...like maybe with nasal pillows the more direct air dries out the mucosa more (if using a lower setting) or the other way if your humidity setting is fairly high and more direct moisture makes the congestion worse.

You might try playing with the humidifier setting when using the nasal pillows..see if change makes a difference.
If you are using a higher setting...try lower.
If you are using a lower setting...try higher
If you are using a middle of the road setting...toss a coin.
There's no right or wrong when it comes to humidity settings because everyone has their own individual needs and have to figure it out on their own. What I love your nose might hate and what I hate your nose might love...or maybe your nose and mine likes the same thing.

So just how much mouth breathing is going on when you use the chin strap?
I know from personal experience that it doesn't take a whole lot of mouth breathing to dry out the throat and mouth.
Are you seeing 15 minutes...or half the night?

I can't help with full face mask ideas...about all I can offer is try a different bed pillow that doesn't put pressure on the mask when you are on your side...you should be able to sleep on your side with a full face mask and not have to fight it.
There are ways to get past that hurdle.

Clammy wrote:I'm trying out both types of masks (both with chin strap).

With full face mask, I think I'm sleeping for longer periods, and I wake up with less congestion and throat not as sore.
BUT if I sleep on my side, it leaks. And I feel more claustrophobic. And I HATE IT.

I definitely prefer the nasal pillows. It's easier to sleep on my side with that, and I feel less claustrophobic.
But apparently I am still breathing through my mouth, and wake up congested with bad sore throat.

Am I supposed to sleep on my back when I use the full face mask to prevent leaking?
I don't think I can handle trying to do that. I really need to sleep on my side, but it messes with mask position.

Why does mouth breathing cause congestion & sore throat anyway?

I agree.......different bed pillow should help. Some of us have our bed pillows listed in our equipment profiles.
You need something that your head doesn't sink into to dislodge the mask.
Been using my Chiroflow long before I started this therapy and it's worked fine with it.
I'm a dedicated side-sleeper.


Den

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