Big mouth seeks nose

fredpb · Post by **fredpb** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:17 am

I have been using FF masks, including the Ultra Mirage. I use size large. CPAP pressure of 16. I am having problems with all the FF masks with leakage and strain on my jaw due to the tightness of the straps to stop the leaks. This is uncomfortable, and hinders my therapy.

Before CPAP, I would fall asleep breathing through my nose and wake up breathing through my mouth. My brother, who has had CPAP for four years, was the same. But he uses a nasal mask no problem now.

So I think I will try a nasal mask. I am just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, and how they "fixed" it.

I don't want to try nasal prongs. I am not sure what a nasal pillow is.
I am thinking of trying a Respironics Comfortgel mask. I downloaded their sizing gauge and seems I need a large mask of this type.

I was also thinking of using a chinstrap to keep my mouth shut. Which one works? Will a chinstrap keep me from breathing out my mouth in an "emergency"?

Using a four hour nasal spray could insure I fall asleep with a clear nose.

becka · Post by **becka** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:15 pm

I slept the same way before I got my CPAP 3 weeks ago. Before, I would wake up breathing through my mouth. Now with the nasal mask, I dont breathe through my mouth at all. You do need to make sure you can breathe trough your nose at bedtime. I use an inhaler and a moisturizer nasal gel like Ayr right before.
I started out with the new Opus nasal pillows but my nose did not agree with air blowing directly up it. My setting is an 8 which is not high. I switched to a nasal mask an tried a lightweight one without side straps first but it kept moving when I changed positions. I just got a Mirage Activa and it seems better but I am still trying to adjust to the concept. Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 2:25 pm

Check out the Swift 11 nasal pillow mask, tried most of the masks, for me this one works the best, again thats me, your needs may be different, this mask is very quite,and very small, so you can watch tv in bed, also read with glasses.
Just make sure if getting one you order the new version Swift 11, not the original Swift.
Ed

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 3:56 pm

The difference between a nasal prong and a nasal pillow... the prong goes inside the nostril... the pillow fits just inside the nare, with the majority of the pillow outside of the nose.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:42 pm

Two words....

Resmed Activa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best nasal mask on the market IMO. And I have tried so many I lost count:(