Mouth breather seeks advice/opinions...

[WestCoastCdnGrl]

on the pros & cons of trying a nasal mask.

For the first time in about 6½ weeks, my sinuses have been clear for a few days straight. I've been looking at masks on our Host's main site and was thinking about the possibility of getting a nasal mask.

I am a confirmed mouth breather (because of sinus problems). Do you think that there is a possibility for success in transitioning from a full face to a nasal mask?

I tried my Mom's nasal pillows once upon a time before I got my diagnosis, and absolutely hated it, but having a look at the masks listed in the nasal pillow range, I am thinking that I might have some success with one of those... the one I'm interested in is the SleepWeaver Advance Nasal CPAP Mask with Zzzephyr Seal, mainly because it looks soft (as opposed to the hard composite plastic masks available) and it doesn't have a hard plastic forehead support (which is one of the reasons why I switched from a Mirage Quattro to a Mirage FX full face mask), which would enable me to wear my glasses before I fall asleep.

I realize that I will likely have to get a chin strap and perhaps tape my mouth shut, but if it will give me some versatility in mask choices, this is something that I'm willing to put up with.

Have any mouth breathers successfully made the transition from full face to nasal mask? Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone who is still fairly new to the world of CPAP?

As always, I thank you all in advance for any and all advice that you can offer!

[Lizistired]

A friend of mine had been non-compliant for two years. She had a full face due to mouth breathing. She said she felt claustrophobic. She recently had surgery and found that she HAS to use it to keep her O2 up. She said as soon as she put on the Swift FX nasal pillows, her tongue went to the roof of her mouth and her mouth stayed closed. She loves it now. I checked her data for her and she had no leaks.
So give it a try.
I think I try to mouth breath in my sleep because I'm not getting enough air through my nose. I never do it when I'm awake, and never did before apap unless I was very congested.

[JDS74]

on the pros & cons of trying a nasal mask.
Have any mouth breathers successfully made the transition from full face to nasal mask? Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone who is still fairly new to the world of CPAP?

As always, I thank you all in advance for any and all advice that you can offer!

Have you thought of trying the Oracle 2 oral mask? It is a mouth only mask that doesn't involve the nose ( except while learning not to breath at all through your nose at night ).

[WestCoastCdnGrl]

on the pros & cons of trying a nasal mask.
Have any mouth breathers successfully made the transition from full face to nasal mask? Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone who is still fairly new to the world of CPAP?

As always, I thank you all in advance for any and all advice that you can offer!

Have you thought of trying the Oracle 2 oral mask? It is a mouth only mask that doesn't involve the nose ( except while learning not to breath at all through your nose at night ).

I have thought about trying the Orace 2, but after reading some of the reviews on our Host's site, I am wondering what the drool factor is like.

Before my dx, I tried using a RIPSnore appliance and found that it made me drool excessively, and it would fall out of my mouth most nights. I also currently have a night guard that I wear and I've found that saliva has a tendency to collect in the tooth area of both of those items.

If the drooling problem can be avoided in the Oracle 2, I'd certainly consider getting it (even without return insurance).

Anyone out there use the Oracle 2?

[cflame1]

or how about a Hybrid... you can wear your glasses with it (no forehead support)

[BCZF]

As an Oracle use, I find the "drool" factor greatly exaggerated.,. Just make a point to clean it every morning along with your teeth, takes probably a minute..

Once you get used to it, you will be amazed at never having to adjust the FFM crap again.. Problem is your DME wont let you swap it, since it goes in your mouth..

And you need the humidification up high, but I love mine... Your mileage may vary.

[JDS74]

[quote="WestCoastCdnGrlIf the drooling problem can be avoided in the Oracle 2, I'd certainly consider getting it (even without return insurance).

Anyone out there use the Oracle 2?[/quote]

I do every night. See my post on my lessons learned using this mask. My most recent big plus is no longer having to use the nose plugs. No straps, etc.

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