New User - falling asleep open mouth air gushes cause frequent waking

[bkng]

Hi, I am a new user and trying to adapt to the CPAP ResMed autoset. One big hurdle I face is when asleep and mouth opens (in spite of a chin strap and pillow below chin), the rush of air out from machine will cause me to wake up again. I am using the nasal mask and the machine tech does not recommend the full mask. Not sure if the nasal pillow could address this better. Please advise what other methods if anyone has similar experiences and solutions. Thanks so much...

[zonker]

Hi, I am a new user and trying to adapt to the CPAP ResMed autoset. One big hurdle I face is when asleep and mouth opens (in spite of a chin strap and pillow below chin), the rush of air out from machine will cause me to wake up again. I am using the nasal mask and the machine tech does not recommend the full mask. Not sure if the nasal pillow could address this better. Please advise what other methods if anyone has similar experiences and solutions. Thanks so much...

welcome to the zoo!

are you just using a regular pillow under the chin? you might want to try a firm foam cervical collar to keep your chin up. this can be found at your local drugstore or at amazon.

like this-
https://www.amazon.com/Coreline-Cervica ... 126&sr=8-8

that's the one i use. also, some people have luck with taping their mouth shut. instead, i use scunci hairbands as described in this fourm post-

viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

good luck!

[Julie]

Did the tech give some reason for his advice? Ignore it! Try a FF mask (loads to look at on Cpap.com) and don't listen to techs.

[bkng]

Many thanks, Zonker, for the tips. Let me check these out and try them too.

welcome to the zoo!

are you just using a regular pillow under the chin? you might want to try a firm foam cervical collar to keep your chin up. this can be found at your local drugstore or at amazon.

like this-
https://www.amazon.com/Coreline-Cervica ... 126&sr=8-8

that's the one i use. also, some people have luck with taping their mouth shut. instead, i use scunci hairbands as described in this fourm post-

viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

good luck!
[/quote]

[bkng]

Thanks, Julie. So you recommend full facial masks although I understand not many people can get use to it due to the fuller facial coverage. Are there ways to help adjust to using FF masks?

[BlueDragon]

Some people have problems with a full-face mask, just like some have problems with nasal or any other kind of mask.

I started with a nasal mask and also tried nasal pillows. But my mouth would open enough to be a problem -- and I didn't like chin straps etc. I have now used a ResMed AirFit F30 "full face" mask for more than a year and like it very much. I like the F30 rather than some other full face masks (like the F20) because the mask covers just the mouth and nostrils. It doesn't go up on the bridge of the nose like many full-face masks do.

[bkng]

Thanks much for sharing your experience, Blue Dragon, and about the full facial mask type. Useful for me to know and consider trying it too.

[Julie]

What I don't recommend often is the 'Total' FF mask - covers your whole face (almost) and leaks, tho' the few who use it obviously 'fit' the pattern better. I hope you haven't confused the two.

[bkng]

Well noted, Julie. Therefore the other recommendation of an AirFit F30 is one good option as its not a full facial mask.

[Pugsy]

Well noted, Julie. Therefore the other recommendation of an AirFit F30 is one good option as its not a full facial mask.

The F30 is considered a full face mask because both the nostrils and mouth are part of the closed circuit.
Now the "total" face mask are the ones that also cover the eyes and the biggest part of the face....they are still full face masks.

Here's how the masks are typed.

Nasal...only the nostrils are covered...so nasal pillows or over the end of the nose cushions or even the cushions that are placed under the nostrils....these are all nasal masks.
Mouth is uncovered and open and not part of the sealed circuit.

Full face masks....nostrils and mouth are covered and included in the sealed circuit. Doesn't matter if the nostrils are covered either under the nostrils or with the typical over the nose cushion.

[bkng]

Thanks very much for the clarifications.

[mint0101]

Hi - I'm also one of those who can't use a nasal mask due to what you're experiencing - my mouth opens and the air gushes out waking me up. I've been on CPAP for 14 yrs now and tried to switch over to nasal pillows near the beginning of my journey but gave up since my FFM was working so well for me. I actually use the Liberty hybrid mask - I have a small nose so the FFM that goes over the nose simply leaks a lot of air throughout the night. The Liberty works super well for me - good luck on your FFM search!

I wonder why your tech said an FFM wouldn't work for you??

[zonker]

Many thanks, Zonker, for the tips. Let me check these out and try them too.

please let me know if you try this and whether or not it works for you.

good luck!

[bkng]

Thanks for sharing your experience too, mint. Can u kindly provide me more details of this Liberty Hybrid and its vendor so I can check it out too?

[mint0101]

I wear a Resmed Liberty Mirage hybrid mask- best of luck to you in your mask search!!