I have been on a goodknight 420 with heated humidfier and have tried a couple of different types of nose masks and am currently on a comfort classic.
I been on the machine for around a month now and it does not make any diffrence.
I have tried settings from 7-13.5 and im still tired as hell when i get up and I still sleep lots. I really have to force my self to getup after 8-9 hrs but am really tired.
I have had my straps tight and loose and now there tight and Im pretty sure it does not leak.
My g/f says that I sleep with my mouth open and my question is has anyone else had these symptoms and had to go to a full face mask?
I dont go for a sleep study for 2 months and my trial on this machine is only for 1 month before I have to start paying for these masks and buy the machine.
I dont know if it matters but im 5' 6" 200lbs male.
HOW TO KNOW IF FULL FACE MASK IS NEEDED?
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surreysinner
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:07 pm
HOW TO KNOW IF FULL FACE MASK IS NEEDED?
PAIN IS JUST FEAR LEAVING THE BODY
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Snoredog
Sleeping with your mouth open can mean your breathing through your mouth, then your cpap pressure goes out the mouth and does nothing for treatment.
I suggest trying a UltraMirage Full Face mask, I find it quieter and more comfortable than a nasal mask anyway. Check out the sizing charts on-line before you buy.
I suggest trying a UltraMirage Full Face mask, I find it quieter and more comfortable than a nasal mask anyway. Check out the sizing charts on-line before you buy.
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SnoreNoMore2005
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:58 pm
I suggest you shut your mouth when you sleep. Focus. There's no law in your state that says you can only sleep with your mouth open. You don't have a birth defect causing your mouth to fly open while you sleep and sleeping with your mouth open is not a heriditary disease.
Learning to sleep with your mouth shut will be far more comfortable than having to use a FF mask which is bulkier, heavier, leaks more, is less comfortable and more obtrusive.
Why don't you make up your mind that you're going to learn to sleep with your mouth shut and do it. No excuses... just do it. Don't tell me you can't control what you do when you're sleeping because you can. You just have to focus on keeping your mouth shut at all times.
It's not impossible and the payback with the more comfortable mask is worth the effort.
Good luck
And remember... NO EXCUSES.
SnoreNoMore2005
Learning to sleep with your mouth shut will be far more comfortable than having to use a FF mask which is bulkier, heavier, leaks more, is less comfortable and more obtrusive.
Why don't you make up your mind that you're going to learn to sleep with your mouth shut and do it. No excuses... just do it. Don't tell me you can't control what you do when you're sleeping because you can. You just have to focus on keeping your mouth shut at all times.
It's not impossible and the payback with the more comfortable mask is worth the effort.
Good luck
And remember... NO EXCUSES.
SnoreNoMore2005
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sapphireskye
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:22 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
Hey SnorenoMore
Why don't you give us instructions on how to only breathe through our noses?
You must have personal experience with this. Personally, I cannot breathe through my nose much because of sinus problems, but I find it interesting that you say that if you really want to you can teach yourself to breath only through your nose. Other than willpower, give us the reasoning and instructions behind your interesting post.
Happy New Year
Chelle
You must have personal experience with this. Personally, I cannot breathe through my nose much because of sinus problems, but I find it interesting that you say that if you really want to you can teach yourself to breath only through your nose. Other than willpower, give us the reasoning and instructions behind your interesting post.
Happy New Year
Chelle
It sounds like SnoreNoMore has his answer, too bad it doesn't work for everybody. I started with FF whether I needed it or not, I learned to live with it. Part of the cure is living with it, the mask leaks some not bad. The main thing is find your answer and use it and feel better.
Most of the advice on this forum is sound, use it for your health, read all the posts, a wealth of knowledge is here.
Most of the advice on this forum is sound, use it for your health, read all the posts, a wealth of knowledge is here.
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
The Ultra Mirage FF (full face) mask by ResMed is a very, very good one.
If treatment air is detouring out your mouth, it's no wonder you are still sleepy, surreysinner.
As far as air leaking out the mouth, it's not a matter of whether a person can keep their mouth closed or not. It's a matter of whether the tongue can stay in a position to block off air from inside. For some of us, that just ain't gonna happen...not during the complete muscle relaxation of sleep.
For some, keeping the mouth closed puts their tongue in a sealing position. For me, it doesn't. Depends on the inside architecture of the mouth as to whether keeping the mouth closed would even stop mouth air leaks or not. Air can sure puff out easily from between closed lips for some of us.
Full face mask, or tape, or a mouthguard that can block air...those are some of the solutions I use.
If treatment air is detouring out your mouth, it's no wonder you are still sleepy, surreysinner.
As far as air leaking out the mouth, it's not a matter of whether a person can keep their mouth closed or not. It's a matter of whether the tongue can stay in a position to block off air from inside. For some of us, that just ain't gonna happen...not during the complete muscle relaxation of sleep.
For some, keeping the mouth closed puts their tongue in a sealing position. For me, it doesn't. Depends on the inside architecture of the mouth as to whether keeping the mouth closed would even stop mouth air leaks or not. Air can sure puff out easily from between closed lips for some of us.
Full face mask, or tape, or a mouthguard that can block air...those are some of the solutions I use.
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sapphireskye
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:22 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
MY mask
I am not having luck with the Ultra Mirage FF mask. In some ways, I wish I could use a nasal interface, but for some reason 6 years ago it freaked me out and I didn't get treated. Now, I am determined to find something that works.
I think it is all so individual what works. It is amazing all the things people do to get their masks to work. We shall see if I become that creative lol.
I think it is all so individual what works. It is amazing all the things people do to get their masks to work. We shall see if I become that creative lol.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Re: MY mask
Betcha' you do, sapphire. Lab-ratting is contagious, ya know!sapphireskye wrote:It is amazing all the things people do to get their masks to work. We shall see if I become that creative lol.
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Snoredog
forgot to add:
You could try taping your mouth for a night using your existing mask, that will tell you by the next morning if the mouth breathing/nasal mask issue is your problem.
For taping, I suggest using some Johnson & Johnson's 1" wide "paper" medical tape (the hypoallergenic stuff) cut a piece about 1-3/4" long, fold back over about 1/4" of it so it doesn't stick and tape your mouth while closed horizontally. Try and keep your tongue planted into the hard palate of the mouth if you can.
If you were mouth breathing and air was escaping your mouth, you know it by how you feel in the morning from taping. If you have any nasal congestion, you'll also need to address that, there is a saline only spray that works good if you don't make your own, it's called SimplySaline sold in the nasal spray section, it only contains saline solution and no preservatives, it has a great applicator that can go deep in the nares it clears congestion right away. I take it when I travel.
You could try taping your mouth for a night using your existing mask, that will tell you by the next morning if the mouth breathing/nasal mask issue is your problem.
For taping, I suggest using some Johnson & Johnson's 1" wide "paper" medical tape (the hypoallergenic stuff) cut a piece about 1-3/4" long, fold back over about 1/4" of it so it doesn't stick and tape your mouth while closed horizontally. Try and keep your tongue planted into the hard palate of the mouth if you can.
If you were mouth breathing and air was escaping your mouth, you know it by how you feel in the morning from taping. If you have any nasal congestion, you'll also need to address that, there is a saline only spray that works good if you don't make your own, it's called SimplySaline sold in the nasal spray section, it only contains saline solution and no preservatives, it has a great applicator that can go deep in the nares it clears congestion right away. I take it when I travel.
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sapphireskye
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:22 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
LOL
"Betcha' you do, sapphire. Lab-ratting is contagious, ya know! "
I have read about all your adventures this evening Rested Gal and I must say you are ingenious. Have you ever thought about making your own cpap mask
After reading all about the aura headrest, I am jealous of those who can use the nasal interfaces. It sounds and looks so comfy. But, I cannot stand to have the air coming out my mouth. And all the work you did to revamp yours was pretty clever I have to admit. Maybe I should go see an ENT. Oh, amongst all the other medical things that I have to have time to fit in somehow lol. Lets see what happens when I get this Hans Rudolph FF mask. They better get me the new headgear or I will have to make my own lol.
Happy New Year
Chelle
I have read about all your adventures this evening Rested Gal and I must say you are ingenious. Have you ever thought about making your own cpap mask
After reading all about the aura headrest, I am jealous of those who can use the nasal interfaces. It sounds and looks so comfy. But, I cannot stand to have the air coming out my mouth. And all the work you did to revamp yours was pretty clever I have to admit. Maybe I should go see an ENT. Oh, amongst all the other medical things that I have to have time to fit in somehow lol. Lets see what happens when I get this Hans Rudolph FF mask. They better get me the new headgear or I will have to make my own lol.
Happy New Year
Chelle
That is the reason I bought a couple full face masks. It will wake you up. Also, it takes time to get used to the treatment. I don't need the FF mask now, but like the Activa nasal mask best. Very rarely do I get leaks and I wear it very loose.rested gal wrote: If treatment air is detouring out your mouth, it's no wonder you are still sleepy, surreysinner.
http://bestsyndication.com/2005/Dan-WIL ... -masks.htm
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa
Chin Strap
I have always slept as a mouth breather. I had very buck teeth as a child (fixed by braces) and as my dentist puts it "You just have huge teeth."
My DME gave me a Resmed Activa Nasal mask and that is what I am using. As some of you know (and thanks for many responses to my many ?'s!) I am thinking of a new mask.
In the meantime, I've been working with my existing mask until I can make up my mind.
Here is what I've done. I got a chin strap with my mask the 1st day - that was in October. As silly as it might sound - I've just figured out how to keep it positioned all night. I make sure it is on the peak of my head and not wear it like a head band. This does help keep my big mouth shut and I can get a sip of water if I get up at night through a straw. (That's why a full face mask would be strange and funny for me - I have always had a glass of water by my bed.
I have also put two socks on my tubing, cutting out the toes and connected it to my tubing to help with the rainout (it has helped!) I point my hose up and wrap it around the bedpost (with a sock on that as well) and find that I am not yanking my mask loose at night like I must have been doing. I also found the clinician's manual and upped my pressure one notch and have been doing so much better.
I think the Activa does have an excellent seal and a lot of flexibility. It's just taken me a while to fine tune it. Personally, if I tapped my mouth, it would break out as I have very sensitive skin. Cpap.com has some chin straps to choose from.
Hope this helps and good luck!
My DME gave me a Resmed Activa Nasal mask and that is what I am using. As some of you know (and thanks for many responses to my many ?'s!) I am thinking of a new mask.
In the meantime, I've been working with my existing mask until I can make up my mind.
Here is what I've done. I got a chin strap with my mask the 1st day - that was in October. As silly as it might sound - I've just figured out how to keep it positioned all night. I make sure it is on the peak of my head and not wear it like a head band. This does help keep my big mouth shut and I can get a sip of water if I get up at night through a straw. (That's why a full face mask would be strange and funny for me - I have always had a glass of water by my bed.
I have also put two socks on my tubing, cutting out the toes and connected it to my tubing to help with the rainout (it has helped!) I point my hose up and wrap it around the bedpost (with a sock on that as well) and find that I am not yanking my mask loose at night like I must have been doing. I also found the clinician's manual and upped my pressure one notch and have been doing so much better.
I think the Activa does have an excellent seal and a lot of flexibility. It's just taken me a while to fine tune it. Personally, if I tapped my mouth, it would break out as I have very sensitive skin. Cpap.com has some chin straps to choose from.
Hope this helps and good luck!
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| Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap | ||||
I have tried a few over the nose masks -latest being the FlexiFit HC 407, but my AHI's are higher when I wear a mask for whatever reason, and I love my Aura and Swift. I did have to tape my mouth shut for a while and now I have learned to sleep with my arm wrapped around a pillow and my pointy finger on my lips - think telling someone to be quiet with your finger over your lips. Sounds really weird, but it has helped me keep my mouth shut. There are times that I do still use the tape thing, but not very often.
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SnoreNoMore2005
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:58 pm
While there's no doubt there are some people who simply cannot keep their mouth shut (oral airway sealed with tongue) while they sleep, there's also no doubt that many people, aka Mouth Breathers, simply have a habit of sleeping with their mouth open .
A person could easily read these postings and think that if they have a habit of sleeping with their mouth open, their only possible hope is to either wear straps around their head, tape their mouth shut, wear a dental appliance, wear a FF mask, use velcro, pantyhose, two sided tape or some other device, as if sleeping with a mask over your nose connect to a hose connected to a machine isn't bad enough.
My suggestion is to first try and change your bad habit. That's what I did on advice from a friend who was also a CPAP "mouth breather". He told me to just make up my mind that I was going to keep my #@%&^ mouth closed when I slept.
Occassionaly I still open my mouth, and when I do... I close it again. Big deal!
Some people just need to be kicked in the butt and told what they need to do (like me). Others look for empathy, sympathy, understanding, and support but not necessarily problem solving.
Whatever works for you... do it. But don't be convinced you can't seal the airway in your mouth while you sleep just because of all the suggestions you read here on alternative ways to step around what may be nothing more than a bad habit.
SnoreNoMore2005
A person could easily read these postings and think that if they have a habit of sleeping with their mouth open, their only possible hope is to either wear straps around their head, tape their mouth shut, wear a dental appliance, wear a FF mask, use velcro, pantyhose, two sided tape or some other device, as if sleeping with a mask over your nose connect to a hose connected to a machine isn't bad enough.
My suggestion is to first try and change your bad habit. That's what I did on advice from a friend who was also a CPAP "mouth breather". He told me to just make up my mind that I was going to keep my #@%&^ mouth closed when I slept.
Occassionaly I still open my mouth, and when I do... I close it again. Big deal!
Some people just need to be kicked in the butt and told what they need to do (like me). Others look for empathy, sympathy, understanding, and support but not necessarily problem solving.
Whatever works for you... do it. But don't be convinced you can't seal the airway in your mouth while you sleep just because of all the suggestions you read here on alternative ways to step around what may be nothing more than a bad habit.
SnoreNoMore2005
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sapphireskye
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:22 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
Mouth Breathing
Well, maybe after I see an ENT, or another internist...perhaps I will find a way to actually not have so many problems with my nose. I hate having sinus problems, and would much rather breathe through my nose and not get sahara mouth (yuck). It looks like some of the nasal masks are so much more user friendly. But, I guess until I can solve the sinus issue, FF mask it will be for me.
It amazes me that you can just decide not to breathe through your mouth and it happens. But, I suppose that with training and diligence (so long as your nose work fine), maybe it can be done. Obviously it worked for snorenomore.
God bless and Have a Happy New Year Y'all
It amazes me that you can just decide not to breathe through your mouth and it happens. But, I suppose that with training and diligence (so long as your nose work fine), maybe it can be done. Obviously it worked for snorenomore.
God bless and Have a Happy New Year Y'all