Any nasal mask users switch to a FF mask or Hybrid?

[acctingman]

Hello

I've been using a Swift FX mask for a couple years now, but I get some leaks and I have very irritable nasal cavities and I'm thinking maybe it's time I switch to a full face mask or possibly a hybrid. My ONLY concern is that I have a small case of claustrophobia. I've tried on a couple face masks and quickly freaked and took them off. I'm sure if I sweated it out I could get used to it.

So, are there any nasal pillow mask users that have switched over? If so, which mask did you switch too?

Thanks

[Pugsy]

I haven't given up my nasal pillows for a full face mask but I did play with some full face masks just to see what kind or which one I might be able to use if I was ever in a position where I simply couldn't use my nasal pillows and so far the only FFM that I have actually been able to sleep all night with was the Respironics Amara View FFM. While it isn't technically in the "hybrid" category at cpap.com I consider it more of a hybrid because it doesn't have anything across the nose.

Have you seen it? Was it one of the ones you tried?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -mask.html

Early on in my therapy I did have a chance to try one of the "hybrids"...the Innomed/Respcare Hybrid and it was a bitch to fit and while I was able to use it all night my sleep quality suffered a lot with it. Woke often having to fiddle with something.
The Amara View was much easier to fit and seal and I pretty much slept soundly with it from the first night. I ended up using it for about a week just to see how I did with it...and I have kept it to have it available if for some reason I simply couldn't use my nasal pillows. For me to keep it...is saying a lot because I haven't had much luck with full face masks in the past for a couple of reasons. One being I don't do well with anything that puts any pressure on the nasal bridge area of my nose and the other reason is that the lower strap needed for these FFM usually causes me to have neck pain.

My issues aren't claustrophobic issues though...so I can't really relate in that sense. The Amara View probably has the least footprint of the available FFM ...so in that regard I think it would likely be less likely to make someone feel all that closed in and less likely to make any claustrophobia worse.

Would you be using insurance or buying it out of pocket? If buying out of pocket cpap.com has free return insurance on the package that you select the size cushion. They do offer a fit pack package that includes all 3 sizes of cushions but the return insurance on it isn't free.
The frame itself is universal...so if you get a size cushion and end up wanting to try another size all you have to buy is the cushion because all sizes of cushion will fit on the frame...so no need to have to buy a totally new complete mask package.

[acctingman]

Pugsy

Thank you for your feedback. I don't think I tried any hybrid types. I tried a couple FF masks when I first started using CPAP. Just couldn't get over how uncomfortable they were and they did trigger that claustrophobia issue I have. Also, I struggled with mouth breathing. The air I blew out felt like it was blowing back at me with the air coming in, but I'm thinking that was user error. Most machines have a setting where you can elevate that, I think. My insurance would cover it since I haven't ordered a new mask in over 6 months and that's the cutoff (every 6 months I can get a new mask).

I need to look at my humidifier issue too. My machine doesn't have a heated humidifier and that may be a bigger benefit than I think.

I'd like to have something for those nights where my nose is just too stuffy for my nasal pillow mask. When I'm not stuffy, I love the Swift FX and I have no issues sleeping.

Thank you

[Pugsy]

You aren't using a humidifier at all????
Your profile shows the PR S1 50 series humidifier. I am confused.
I see in the comments you have the PR S1 450.

[Hannibal 2]

My ONLY concern is that I have a small case of claustrophobia. I've tried on a couple face masks and quickly freaked and took them off. I'm sure if I sweated it out I could get used to it.

It may help if you try a FF Mask while awake, watching TV, reading or even posting on this forum. Would help you come to terms with your phobia before sleeping with it.

[mibbim]

I used the Amara View FFM for one week, just can't sleep, the air blow everywhere since I like to lose it up. I use the p10 nasal pillow for her now, even the tip is hard, at least it's quiet. However, I would think to switch the nasal pillow to FFM, will be hard if the quietness and less strap are important to you. I went to ENT today since my left nostrils is very tender bcz of the hard tip of p10, the doctor says my left cartilage is bigger than my right one, so the hard tip is kind of hitting that extra thick area. I would like to try f&p Brevida nasal pillow (member posted the tip is softer than p10) or a nasal mask. Never going back the ffm. As the open mouth, I found out the tape really works for me, no strap or pressure on my chin or head. But the question is if I can find any nasal mask also as quiet as p10?

[Pugsy]

But the question is if I can find any nasal mask also as quiet as p10?

I found the Brevida with the optional diffuser attached was as silent as the P10.
Now F & P makes a nasal cushion mask that also uses that diffuser but I don't have any experience with it to relate to. The ESON and that forehead piece turns me off so much that I have no desire to try it.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html
There is also the Pilairo Q that uses the diffuser I think.

[mibbim]

Hi, Pugsy, thanks for the info. Looking at the pic, may be that's not something fit for me either. I am like you, the less the better, seeing that strap cross the forehead and chin, plus if the nose piece is hard, I probably can't stand it either. Have anyone tried the blue gel nasal mask before? I would think at least it's soft but same strap tho. I will go for the f&p brevida first. Thanks again!

[Guest]

For probably ten years I used nasal pillows, but then developed mouth breathing. Tried various chin straps, and finally found one that sorta worked, but I had to have it sooo tight that it was very uncomfortable and decided it was finally time to try a FFM. Tried various ones, using host's insurance that Pugsy mentioned above. Most of them were really hard on the bridge of my nose and/or leaked. I finally tried a Fisher & Paykel mask called the Simplus and it really worked well for me - comfortable (no sore bridge) and no leaks! I have been happily using it for about three years. BUT one thing I highly recommend with a FFM is using mask liners. Lots of threads on this forum about them. I use and like RemZzzs.

I am quite claustrophobic, but for whatever reason, I am fortunate that a FFM doesn't bother me. Obviously no one likes to wear any kind of mask at night, but given that we have to, it's worth the effort and expense to find one that is as comfortable and leak-proof as possible. Read reviews on our host's website and you'll see some trends regarding good and bad qualities of the various masks. As you have no doubt read, because everyone's face is different, the bottom line is that you'll probably just have to try various masks until you find one that works for you. Wishing you the best!

[amenite]

...
So, are there any nasal pillow mask users that have switched over? If so, which mask did you switch too?

My profile doesn't show it because I've been in the process of switching to FF from a nasal mask and it's taking some months. I think the Quattro FX is the winner. Runs a little small IMO. I've been thru several:

F10 - Leaks more than Quattro FX but usable
F20 - Wrecked the bridge of my nose
Amara Gel - more "bridge of my nose" issues
Mirage Quattro - leaks
SleepWeaver Anew - leaks
Hybrid - not my cup of tea
Quattro FX Medium - OK but too small
Quattro FX Large - fingers crossed

[Mmzz]

I couldn't tolerate a nasal mask and found nasal pillows much more comfortable. But, I'm also a sometime mouth breather and chin straps weren't working. Someone on another forum suggested putting a strip of paper tape over the mouth. Been working great for about 5 years.

[RogerAN]

Hello

I've been using a Swift FX mask for a couple years now, but I get some leaks and I have very irritable nasal cavities and I'm thinking maybe it's time I switch to a full face mask or possibly a hybrid. My ONLY concern is that I have a small case of claustrophobia. I've tried on a couple face masks and quickly freaked and took them off. I'm sure if I sweated it out I could get used to it.

So, are there any nasal pillow mask users that have switched over? If so, which mask did you switch too?

Thanks

I had been using nasal pillows for a couple of years (AirFit P10) but leaks were always a problem, so I switched to FFM (F20) when I received my new machine last month. The leak problem was solved, but suddenly my AHI jumped (as high as 35). I met with my doctor this week. He raised my pressure slightly, which helped a little. They will download my data again next week. If the AHI doesn't drop more, the doctor will see me again. Talked about switching to an ASV machine. In the meantime, I have pretty much adjusted to the FFM and plan to stick with that, even though I get brief bouts of claustrophobia.

Good luck with your therapy!