After 6 months of using a Quattro FX FFM since I started CPAP I have had quite a few minor issues, nothing major, but enough to want to tweak things:
Notably:
Leaks are a pain on FFM, I find liners help somewhat, but are annoying for vision.
Itchy noses are a nightmare!
I mouth breathe a lot, I have a deviated septum and continuous blocked nose.
My AHI has been between 2.5 and 5 pretty much since I started using.
At my 6 month check up I asked if I could try a nasal mask as well as get a new FFM. I was told that it was not possible, the NHS gave one mask every 6 months, and if I took nasal I was stuck with it. I was told better to take a FFM to be safe. Which is fair enough, it is all free and my issues are minor. As I was leaving though the nurse accidentally dropped a nasal mask next to me and left the room saying he hoped no one would pick it up which I thought was fantastic of them.
So I tried the nasal mask and it really is a revelation.
-Despite me being 90% a mouth breather somehow the pressure on my nose only means I only breathe through my nose. In fact I find it rather hard to even deliberately mouth breathe when it is on.
-Although I am still congested I am somehow getting enough air through my nose to be comfortable, I think it is forcing the airways open.
-I can scratch itchy places on my face!
-Leaks are pretty much non existant and so easy to get rid of.
-AHI has been between 0.8 and 1.6 in the week I have had it.
-Vision is so much better, not having the mask in your field of view so much makes reading etc better.
The only downside it I do worry about the pressure on my top teeth as it does push in a bit in just the place to feel slightly uncomfortable.
So I will be taking back the unopened FFM and sticking with this. Suffice to say, my advice is even if you are a terrible mouth breather and have nasal issues, still give a nasal mask a try. I never thought I would be able to use one, but I am really impressed and surprised.
Some musings on masks...
- Sheriff Buford
- Posts: 4082
- Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
- Location: Kingwood, Texas
Re: Some musings on masks...
Do what you want, but after 6 months it is not enough time to "settle in". You may want the full face when you have a cold, sinuses or other issues. Just sayin'
Sheriff
Sheriff
_________________
Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset |
Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Re: Some musings on masks...
And you may not need a full face mask when you have a cold. I have had sleep apnea for 12+ years - at least I have been on cpap that long. I fretted about having a full face mask for times when I had a cold and tried many of them. I could not wear any of them. I had used a nasal mask or nasal pillows through a cold and it has been fine. Sometimes I need a little more humidity when I have a cold but that's easy. Usually, with a cold, I use the nasal mask and not the pillows.
I am not saying no one needs a full face mask. I am simply sharing my experience.
I am not saying no one needs a full face mask. I am simply sharing my experience.
_________________
Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
Additional Comments: Backups- FX Nano masks. Backup machine- Airmini auto travel cpap |
Re: Some musings on masks...
I still have my FFM that is fine that I have used for the past 6 months for when I need it.Sheriff Buford wrote:Do what you want, but after 6 months it is not enough time to "settle in". You may want the full face when you have a cold, sinuses or other issues. Just sayin'
Sheriff
Re: Some musings on masks...
I breathed through my first cold on my P10 pillows. Adjusted humidity a lot. FFMs freak me out. Sounds like your Pillows are sitting too low or are too tight - what type are you using?
PS I'm an Englishman living in TX. Your NHS helper must be a rare breed. I had one here gave me 2 demo masks.
PS I'm an Englishman living in TX. Your NHS helper must be a rare breed. I had one here gave me 2 demo masks.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead SW. NeilMed and Alkalol Nasal rinses. Veramyst. AutoPAP 11-20 cms. Started June '14, untreated AHI 31-38, with PAP around 1. |
Re: Some musings on masks...
It is a Mirage FX nasal.
I will try putting it higher and see how it goes.
The one unfortunate side effect of the nurse "dropping" the mask is that I didn't get fitting instructions in the hospital.
I will try putting it higher and see how it goes.
The one unfortunate side effect of the nurse "dropping" the mask is that I didn't get fitting instructions in the hospital.
Re: Some musings on masks...
To help with the itchy nose, trim your nasal hairs, the wind blowing up your nose causes them to move around a lot which makes your nose itch.
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Machine: ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV Machine with Heated Humidifier |
Mask: Evora Full Face Mask - Fitpack |
Additional Comments: AirCurve 10 ASV, Oscar V1.0.1-r-1 |
US Navy Retired 1973,AirCurve 10 ASV, Mode: ASV Auto, Min EPAP: 7.2, Max EPAP: 15.0, Min PS:4.0, Max PS: 15.0, Mask ResMed Airtouch F20, Backup: (2) AirCurve 10 ASV
Re: Some musings on masks...
See if this video helps with fitting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBimkhhpTE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBimkhhpTE
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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
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If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.
If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.