very uncomfortable dry airway

[HPM]

I continue to experience highly uncomfortable dry throat and airway since using nasal pillows. I have tried to switch back to just nasal mask but snore with it and wake up lousy. I used nasal mask for couple of years with no trouble. I increase the humidity but I think the more direct airflow with pillows is just more irritating. I also noticed that my pressure increases to 11 - 11.5 with the nasal. With pillows, pressure stays at 9.5 with a a few 10's occasionally. During the day, I can't stand being in any draft, near ceiling fans, or car A/C. My airway is almost burny. I am thinking of seeing and ENT doctor to make sure everything is ok. I don't think a dry airway is a healthy thing to have. I do use a chinstrap. I just hate that I can't tolerate the nasal mask anymore. I feel between a rock and a hard place. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[JohnBFisher]

You might need a full face mask. I use the Resmed Mirage Quattro FX Full Face Mask. It does well for me. Others prefer other full face masks. The advantage is that even if your mouth falls open ... (when I fall asleep my mouth falls open .. such a great picture!) ... it maintains your prescription pressure. It stops the awful dry airway.

Just an idea.

[avi123]

Generally, dry mouth indicates that you're still breathing thru your mouth. How about using the regular nasal mask but tightening somewhat more the chinstrap? Nose dryness is the humidifier territory. It's possible to have a drymouth while using a full face mask, by mouth breathing, unless the humidifier is boosted.

[Julie]

I don't really understand why you haven't gotten a FF mask, one that you selected after careful try-ons, or at least using the insurance feature of Cpap.com... you seem to be fighting the idea, yet once you find the right one you'll never have to look back... can't imagine being without mine now and it's been 7+ years.

[HPM]

I recently tried FF - Resmed Quatro. It always leaked at bottom corners, no matter how I adjusted it AND I snored into it as well! I don't have dry mouth and my chin strap is tight. Thanks for the responses. I read in another post about FF masks that fit under the chin.

[BlackSpinner]

I recently tried FF - Resmed Quatro. It always leaked at bottom corners, no matter how I adjusted it AND I snored into it as well! I don't have dry mouth and my chin strap is tight. Thanks for the responses. I read in another post about FF masks that fit under the chin.

If you snore into a full face mask your pressure isn't right.

[archangle]

I recently tried FF - Resmed Quatro. It always leaked at bottom corners, no matter how I adjusted it AND I snored into it as well! I don't have dry mouth and my chin strap is tight. Thanks for the responses. I read in another post about FF masks that fit under the chin.

If you snore into a full face mask your pressure isn't right.

Some people say that a FFM may push your jaw back and cause your pressure needs to increase.

More puzzling is why she would snore into a nasal mask and not into a pillow mask. Maybe the straps change the position of her jaw.

Perhaps more pressure is the answer in both cases.

HPM, you're not the only one who finds a pillow mask to feel more harsh than a nasal mask. I sort of felt that myself. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's a common complaint.

[avi123]

I read in another post about FF masks that fit under the chin.

This mask could be Fisher & Paykel #431, or #432, or Forma. I tried the first two and the leaks were hi. F&P for some reasons don't use the double silicone layers on their cushions for sealing. Bad approach.