Face mask experience

[Prosleep]

I have recently been switched from the ResMed S9 to the AirSense 10 CPAP machine, with humidifier, heated hose and ResMed AirFit F30i Full Face Mask. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the introduction/fitting has been via FaceTime. After using the new face mask for couple of nights, I had some issues. I sleep mainly on my back and either my mouth opened and/or the mask slipped upward. The result is that bottom part of the mask ended up my mouth. I woke up a number of times to readjust the mask and increasingly more and more times.

I've discussed this issue with my supplier, she stated that the F30i is too small for my head and recommended the Philips Respironics DreamWear, that comes with all different sizes. It did, but the end results were the same.

I am actually looking for advice for my issue, if it can be resolved. The most obvious solution would be not open my mouth, but that's not something that controlled consciously. I suspect this issue may have something to do with the frame size with both full face masks*, one is medium while the other is standard frame size. Would changing the frame size help resolving my issue?

The alternatives are different type of masks:

• ResMed AirFit™ F20

• Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue

I've only seen images of these masks and judging by the pictures, these may as well be susceptible to open mouth when sleeping, based on their actual sizes. Does anyone have experience with these mask?

Any suggestion/feedback appreciated...

*-full face mask - Why are they called full face mask, when it covers maybe a third of the face?

[jimbud]

Chin strap. (I can not do this) Many can.
Cervical collar. (this is what I use)
Get the right size in firm. You will be surprised how soon you will adjust to it. Many use them.

JPB

[chunkyfrog]

. . . bottom part of the mask ended up my mouth. . . .

This happened to me with a full face mask--enough nonsense!
I accept the fact that this type of mask does not work with my face.
Not my fault---THEIRS!
Some of us were not considered when they designed these wretched things.

[Prosleep]

Thanks Guys...

Am I to understand that the these face masks are useless on their own and additional equipment needed?

I did look at chin straps and cervical collar, but didn't think they are necessary. With the S9's mask, I didn't have this issue.

Is there any other masks, that would work without additional equipment?

TIA...

[Miss Emerita]

Prosleep, what mask were you using with your old machine? I might have missed that, but I didn't see it.

[chunkyfrog]

. . .
Am I to understand that the these face masks are useless on their own and additional equipment needed?
. . .

Ideally, additional stuff should not be needed--but it depends on the individual.
The masks are designed to fit three different faces--three sizes--not thousands.
You get what's closest--and customize until it works.

[Prosleep]

Prosleep, what mask were you using with your old machine? I might have missed that, but I didn't see it.

You didn't miss it, wasn't listed since I didn't know and had to look it up... It was the ResMed Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask, large.

I liked this nasal mask, except that it blocked my vision to read and/or watch TV. I'll check, but to my recollection, it did not fit the new hose.

You gave me an idea, maybe I should be looking for a nasal mask instead; any recommendation for that?

TIA...

[Prosleep]

Ideally, additional stuff should not be needed--but it depends on the individual.
The masks are designed to fit three different faces--three sizes--not thousands.
You get what's closest--and customize until it works.

Principally, I don't disagree with you, but...

Both the ResMed and Phillips "full face mask" came with measurement templates. Based on the templates provided sizes, my face is either medium or large. In actuality, it is the size of the nose, not the face measured by the templates. As such, my size is well within the "designed three different faces--three sizes--".

I tried the L, M, MW sizes with the same results. All three fits my "face" just fine. On the other hand, all three of them have the same issue. The bottom frame of the mask is too close to the lower lip. Once the mouth is opened, lower jaw drops, the bottom frame cushion falls between the teeth. I tend to grind my teeth in my sleep and having the cushion stuck between my teeth is not a good scenario. I usually wake up for the lower frame cushion being in my mouth, albeit, don't know how long it's been there. What if a small piece of cushion breaks off and ends up in my airways, or even in the lungs? That's really not a risk that I should face by just using the mask.

From my perspective, the bottom frame of the mask should be extended, instead of the current one-size-fits-all mask frame size. The three standard sizes, S, M, L, more likely would be just fine for 99% of the people. The missing 1% is rich and they can custom order it for their size...

[wacomme]

I'm pretty sure the F30i comes in three frame sizes - small, standard, and large. Likewise, the cushion itself has something like five sizes. I'm currently using a standard frame with a medium cushion. However, I need the small frame and a medium cushion - have it on order.

Michael

[Miss Emerita]

Prosleep, what mask were you using with your old machine? I might have missed that, but I didn't see it.

You didn't miss it, wasn't listed since I didn't know and had to look it up... It was the ResMed Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask, large.

I liked this nasal mask, except that it blocked my vision to read and/or watch TV. I'll check, but to my recollection, it did not fit the new hose.

You gave me an idea, maybe I should be looking for a nasal mask instead; any recommendation for that?

TIA...

If your lower jaw tends to drop, a nasal mask is probably not for you, because you'd be prone to leaks out of your mouth. I'd be surprised if the Mirage Activa wouldn't work with your current hose; you might want to double-check that. If the reading/TV issue was the only other one with a mask that otherwise worked well for you, you might want to consider a change in your routine so you'd be masking up after you were done reading/watching. I can imagine it's not ideal for you, but using a mask that works might be worth the trade-off.

[Prosleep]

If your lower jaw tends to drop, a nasal mask is probably not for you, because you'd be prone to leaks out of your mouth. I'd be surprised if the Mirage Activa wouldn't work with your current hose; you might want to double-check that. If the reading/TV issue was the only other one with a mask that otherwise worked well for you, you might want to consider a change in your routine so you'd be masking up after you were done reading/watching. I can imagine it's not ideal for you, but using a mask that works might be worth the trade-off.

Actually, I was trying to use the heated hose with the Mirage Activa, that didn't fit. The same mask with the S9 hose did fit on the AirSense 10. I am going to try the Mirage Activa tonight and see how it works, after readjusting the AS10 and see the difference in OSCAR.

Watching TV is my sleeping pill, in 10 - 15 minutes, I am sleeping. It's kind of funny that with the Mirage Activa, that blocked some of my vision, I usually watched TV with one eye for a long time. With the F30i and Dreamwear, I still watch TV with one eye most of the times.

[jimbud]

I no longer use the cervical collar just to keep my chin up/mouth closed. (or to keep the cushion out of my mouth)
I use it to keep my airway open all night long. (neck straight and chin up)
Without it my AHI goes up. (sometimes dramatically)

With this therapy you do whatever works. All long time users know this.
It is what it is.

And it is worth it.

JPB

[DreamDiver]

...
Am I to understand that the these face masks are useless on their own and additional equipment needed?
...

...
With this therapy you do whatever works. All long time users know this.
It is what it is. ...

Doing what it takes is the game. I used to roll up a hand towel an wedge it under my chin to keep my jaw from falling when I first started. There are a wide assortment of homemade rigs as well as equipment for purchase. I like the papcap because it's cotton. While it's soft, it doesn't stretch that much, reduces mask torque when you turn your head asleep and is machine washable. It allows me to keep my jaw about half an inch open without going so slack that the bottom of the mask falls into my mouth. It also reduces chipmunk cheeks. There may be similarly built products, but this is the one that works for me. We're all different. I hope you find the solution that works for you.

Chris

[Prosleep]

Thank you very much everyone for your help, much appreciated...

It's better late, than never, but some background about my CPAP experience...

This is not my first rodeo, as the saying goes; started out with the S9 with nasal mask, about ten years ego. That has worked for me most of the times, without any additional aids and/or researching the subject. I had pretty much taken the CPAP experience as this is how it works.

It has never occurred to me, that I should look for a CPAP forum, until the S9 had been changed to the AS 10 and full face mask. The chances are, if it wasn't for the pandemic and the assistant helped me to set up the AS 10, I probably wouldn't have looked for a forum. In either case, I am glad that I've found this forum with lot of very useful information about masks and additional aids, thank you.

The "doing what it takes" is pretty much equal to "trial and error"; be that chinstrap, PAPcap or mouth strips. Maybe my wife was right all along, when she suggested to use duct tape. Principally, she was right on money, no matter how much I disagreed with her.

The PAPcap probably will be the first that I'll try, it seems to be less likely to interfere with the full face mask.

Thanks again everyone for your help...