switching to a full face mask

[Joey Nickels]

Hi all. I'm brand new to the forum, but from what I've seen it looks like there's lots of good info here.

I've been using CPAP with a nasal mask for 7 years. Because I'm congested when lying down pretty much all the time, I'd like to switch to a full face mask. Afrin works for me, but you can't use it everyday. Pseudoephedrine also works, but lately it's been making me jittery. My neti pot helps, but it's not enough by itself.

I currently use a medium Respironics ComfortGel nasal mask, chin strap, and a Remstar Plus M Series machine with heated humidifier. I'm happy with the mask, except that the "sockets" for the quick clip connectors are pretty flimsy.

Any advice on making the switch or which masks to try? From what I've read, the Fisher & Paykel 431 seems to be a popular choice.

Also, does the ComfortGel full mask have the same problem with flimsy quick clip connectors?

Thanks in advance.

[sheltie]

I have the same setup as you and have been using it for about the same amount of time. I decided I wanted a full face mask and got a Quattro. I really liked it, but after a few hours it would invariably leak. So as a result, I don't believe a full face mask is for me. If you could find one that didn't leak that would be great. If you do, let me know! Some have suggested hybrid full face masks, but I don't like nasal pillows. Good luck on your search.

[NeurosurgeryNP]

The Quattro is a good start, in my opinion. Remember that not every mask works for every person - so it is very personal, but there are many people here who use the Quattro and do well with it. It is not my primary mask - only the mask I use when congested. My leak rates are comparable to those with my nasal mask.

[rogier40]

The Respironics FF masks have the ball & socket attachment for the lower headgear straps, which is not cool. Its a minor drawback. The ResMed masks have a very logical design which loads from the side.

Regarding comfort and fit, the Comfort Full is a little better because of the thick cushions. I also use the ResMed Quattro and UltraMirage, but have to deal with occasional nose bridge pressure problems.

Good luck on your journey!

[elader]

going FF was a great move for me. But you have to get fit for the mask.

[zebrajeb]

Everyone's experience is different but I've had good luck with the Liberty FF mask with nasal pillows.

John

[ozij]

Joey,
Have you tried changing the level of your humidity? I need some humidity - but beyond a certain level, the way humidity makes me more congested.

O.

[Joey Nickels]

Thanks all for the replies.

I don't think I'm going to need to switch to a full face mask just yet. I decided to give the corticosteroid nasal sprays another shot, and Flonase has been working really well for me for almost two weeks. I'm not sure why they didn't work before, maybe using the neti pot helps them work better.

[talktobon]

Please check the side effects for the steroid usage. They can cause nasal yeast infections, glaucoma and cataracts. I won't use them. Just an FYI.

[damncows]

I use sinus buster almost every night works well. I have a zzz mask either leaks or exhalation valve pops out so cross of your list.

[SleepyRose]

I tried the FP 431 and it worked really well UNTIL I woke up with a sore face. It actually left a bruise on my left cheekbone. Granted, I bruise easily but regardless the 431 was painful.

I use the Ultra Mirage and like it. I have a couple here I want to try but when it gets to be bedtime I cant tear myself away from the Ultra Mirage.

Unfortunately, many of us spend a lot of money trying to find the best mask. (or maybe its just me )

I think when you switch to FFM you'll be happy you can beath again!

[TonySanDiego]

I had the same nose sore spot issue with the Quattro mask at first. Every night I simply put two thicknesses of surgical tape on the bridge of my nose where it got sore. Works like a charm.

A bandaid would probably work just as well.

I use both the Quattro and Ultra Mirage FFM. I have had very few leaks after an initial bout of adjustments. I run at a constant pressure of 9cm.

I switched to the FFM because of mouth leaks and "chipmonk cheeks". I had some difficulty training my tongue to keep a seal.

Persistence is the key. But oftentimes the FFM is the answer.

Good luck,

Tony

[araminta]

i tried out the Quattro and liked it -- for the 2 nites I tried it.
but it's really noisy.
I prefer the 407 nasal mask.

[PapaMark]

Hi folks,

I am new here but not new to a CPAP. I started using the ResMed S8 Compact in October 2005. Recently switched to the S8 Elite.

When I started, I used the nasal mask. My doctor said it was not as invasive and was right. But then in December 05, I was sick as a dog (and what does that really mean?) and could not breathe and could not use the nasal mask and did not sleep. When I got home (I was in Hong Kong for work to make matters worse on the sleeping front), I called my doctor and switched to full face because historically, I was also a mouth breather.

I started with the Ultra FF but about a year ago switched to the Mirage Quattro which is much more comfortable. At night, I sometimes find myself having to pull straps tighter because of the leaks around my eyes, on my cheeks, etc. And I wake up in the morning with a sore face (but usually refreshed). So I re-adjust it for the upcoming night.

About 1 hour ago, I hooked up the humidifier. I tried it before and found that it seemed to make me sicker. But since I am working right now in Boston, MA where it is cold and dry, in an apartment with dry hot air, I decided after 2 years of suffering being dry I would give the humidifier a second chance.

I do keep considering other masks, even trying the nasal one again, but I have decided that the full face works best for me. I wish I could find one more comfortable with less leaks, but for now, it seems like the Quattro is the way to go.

BTW, look below at my equipment. All ResMed. I don't know any different or some might say, any better. This forum could be like a whole new world.

I need a life.

Mark

[always_tired]

I tried the FP 431 and it worked really well UNTIL I woke up with a sore face. It actually left a bruise on my left cheekbone. Granted, I bruise easily but regardless the 431 was painful.

I use the Ultra Mirage and like it. I have a couple here I want to try but when it gets to be bedtime I cant tear myself away from the Ultra Mirage.

Unfortunately, many of us spend a lot of money trying to find the best mask. (or maybe its just me )

I think when you switch to FFM you'll be happy you can beath again!

I had the same problem with the FP 431. It's not just you. I probably have 5 masks, either FF or hybrid. Insurance only paid for one of these. I use the Ultra Mirage the most. If you try this, see if you can get a fitting from someone who knows what they are doing. My DME fitted me with a Medium standard cushion. The supervisor at the sleep lab I use took one look and said "you need a shallow cushion or you will never stop the leaks." I took her advice and it worked well until my pressure went up to 17.