is there an effecitve "mouthpiece" mask?

[mrcrayola]

Hey kids, as I delve into the mysteries of the Dreamwear mask, courtesy of a lead from the incomparable Pugsy (last name Malone? ), the thought occurred to me that perhaps there may well be a mask that is essentially a mouthpiece, i.e., with a tube-like structure that essentially forces you to keep your mouth open. I'm wondering, because my experience with a Simplus FF mask often produces nightly measurements of not insignificant obstructive apnea read-outs. I suspect that I may well have a similar experience with the Dreamwear gig.

If there is a mask that prevents one from literally closing one's lips while sleeping - and thereby relying on a deviated septum as an oxygenation alternative - while still allowing for the annoying task of exhaling, perhaps for some this could equate to the "ideal" solution.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks and cheers,

MC

[LSAT]

It's your breathing..or lack of..that causes the machine to record Obstructive apneas..not the mask.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -cpap-mask

[Stom]

The only mouth-only mask I'm aware of is Oracle 452. It's a special purpose mask that clamps on your mouth with pressure from both outside and inside. I'm not sure why they don't offer a version that just uses a head strap the way normal masks work. I wouldn't want the inside the mouth part of this mask rubbing against my gums and teeth - it seems like a recipe for dental problems.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -cpap-mask

[mrcrayola]

Thanks, both!

MC

[chunkyfrog]

Note: if you use an oral only mask, be mindful of how your jaw joint feels during or after use.

[JDS74]

Depending on your pressure profile, the Oracle 452 mask does not require any headgear at all. If your max pressure is less than 12 cmH2O, then it is likely that the headgear supplied with the mask won't be needed. Over 20 cmH2O and it will almost certainly be needed.

It is the only mask I know of that has guidance from the manufacturer to never use a chinstrap with the mask. Using a chinstrap with an Oracle mask will result in increased OSA and HYP events - as much as double what you would normally experience.

OTOH, there are issues with maintaining proper level of humidity since it is use by breathing through the mouth.

So, if there is any other type of mask that you can use, I suggest you do so. I recommend the Oracle 452 for those cases in which other mask types have failed and the use of the CPAP machine would otherwise be discontinued. In those circumstances, the Oracle 452 is a blessing.