2 Questions

[roboaug]

After my latest titration study my pressure was increased from 14 to 16. This pressure increase caused my Liberty Mirage hybrid mask to fail with large leaks. The techs stated that the mask could not support that high of a pressure. They sent me home with a Phillips FFM which I was unable to adjust at home after the first night. A home visit was made and I was switched to the ResMed Mirage Quattro. I am happy to report that the mask seals very well. I have used it for the past 3 nights and have had no leak issues and have awoken early and refreshed! That is the good news. The bad news is this mask is causing a painful sore on the bridge of my nose. I know this is not an uncommon but am hoping I can get some tips to lessen this issue. I have adjusted the forehead dial and that has only worsen the situation so I went back to the setting the tech had when he fitted me. Is there anything I can do to make this mask work out? I am thinking about band aids or something else I can apply the bridge of my nose to help out.

The second question is whether a nasal mask or nasal pillow can work for someone with a pressure of 16. I am a snorer so I am told I need a mask that covers my mouth. But I have read that mouth breathers that switch to nasal pillows soon loose that habit. Any suggestions?

Thanks! I have updated my equipment profile with the latest stuff I am using.

[elena88]

Hi there,

I have heard that a tiny piece of soft t shirt material does the trick on the nose bridge..

I have also heard that people with high pressures are happy with nose pillow masks, unless YOU just cant breath thru your nose
for various reasons..

I trained myself to stop mouth breathing by taping my mouth and putting a tiny slit in the tape for ventilation purposes (coughing, etc)


I dont need to use the tape anymore.

[Janknitz]

Nasal pillows work fine at higher pressures--they are very comfortable and don't make you feel like you have a wind tunnel in your nose--the airflow is almost unnoticeable. And I find nasal pillows about 100 times more comfortable than any hard plastic mask.

Some sleep techs swear that when the pressure is correct and assuming sinuses are clear, most people can successfully use nasal pillows or nasal masks WITHOUT mouth breathing. The theory is that we open our mouths to get more air in, and that isn't needed with optimal pressure. BUT, so many people here seem to still have trouble with mouth breathing despite what seems to be optimal pressure that I'm not sure I can believe the sleep techs on this. Some people who start out as mouth breathers have reported that they learned not to mouth breath over time.

One thing that helps is to learn to seal the tongue to the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. This seals off the mouth to the airflow in the nose and throat. If you can learn to sleep that way with the teeth almost but not quite touching, you can eliminate mouth breathing. Good sinus care is important so that nasal congestion doesn't derail the process.

Many mouth breathers use nasal pillows successfully by using a chin strap, taping their mouth, or a combination of the two. Pap Caps seem to be popular, and they have a chin strap that supposedly does not push the lower jaw back (further occluding the airway). Some people can get by with just a U-shaped piece of tape around the mouth to keep the jaw from falling open when relaxed, others have a lot of problems keeping an oral seal and need to tape their lips shut to prevent that.

Others do well with hybrid masks that have nasal pillows and a mouth seal, but it seems like it can be really difficult to get a good mouth seal for some.

[nats57]

Roboaug,
Regarding your second question, I was also a mouth sleeper when I started using a nasal pillow mask. It didn't take me too long to stop opening my mouth since the CPAP therapy made it much easier to breath through my nose. I prefer the nasal pillow mask as I feel much less claustrophobic with it.

Good luck!

[scrapper]

roboaug: I successfully use Swift FX pillows as a primary mask with higher pressures....tried the papcap at first unsuccessfully, taped for awhile but felt inhumane all the while, and am currently using an inexpensive boil & bite mouthguard--and that keeps my mouth shut at night. There are alternatives to a FFM for many individuals that are less intrusive and easier to conform to for successful therapy...........keep investigating what's best for you and your situation, and keep asking questions here........and ignore the farts that have invaded and stunk up the place lately............

[chunkyfrog]

Still taping--I've yet to find a full-face that fits MY face.
I wonder if hypnosis works for keeping a sleeping mouth sealed?
Maybe I'll try the mouthpiece--Hubby will laugh his butt off.

[zipobibrock5e8]

Could anyone give some links to the mouthguards you're using to keep your mouths closed? Not to threadjack, but I'm in the same boat: need to use a pillow mask, but sometimes my mouth opens when I sleep. I've tried a chin strap, have a different one on the way, but so far no luck.

[bdp522]

You can thry padacheeks for the nose bridge protector. http://www.padacheek.com

I use a nasal pillows mask and tape my mouth shut every night. Over 4 years and I still open my mouth when I sleep. Chin straps didn't work for me so I tape. Some have been able to get past the open mouth thing, I haven't.

Brenda

[Slinky]

Dr Scholl's MoleSkin, cut to fit the nasal portion of the mask and stuck to the mask cushion usually works great.

It isn't always mouth breathing that is the problem. Quite often it is just "the lip flutters" where some air leaks between the lips despite the mouth and jaw being closed. Regardless the cause, excessive leak reduces therapy effectiveness.