Newbie with nose question...

[davew833]

Hi I'm a newbie that just got my CPAP yesterday- it's a Resmed S9 with the humidifier and a full-face mask because I'm (most likely) a mouth breather. My AHI was15 on my sleep study, with lots more hypopneas than actual OSA's. I did pretty well on my first night, with my biggest complaint being that the mask is already rubbing the bridge of my nose sore. I'm still learning how to adjust the mask, but is there anything else I can do to prevent this?

I'm kind of overwhelmed by the whole prospect of using this thing my whole life, but hopefully I will see some significant improvements to my health, particularly some mild but yet-unexplained neurological symptoms.

[DreamStalker]

The mask will be the most difficult part of this therapy ... but also the most important.

Many to choose from but it must be comfortable throughout the entire night and it must not leak.

You may have to try several and may even have to customize one to fit.

For the one you have now, there are pads you can use to help but before that you need to make sure adjustments are optimized.

In the end you may just need to try another mask.

Best wishes.

Also, fill in your profile so that others can help without having to ask what equipment you are using. Things will get better with time ... have patience.

Oh yes, and WELCOME

[apneawho]

Hi Newbie,
Welcome. Being a mouthbreather does not preclude you from trying other types of masks. You can use a chin strap or tape or chin up strips.
After about 6 months of taping, I was able to re-train myself to keep my mouth closed. I haven't taped in 6 months and am doing great with nasal pillows. I swear by my Swift FX nasal pillows, but you may need to try many different masks before finding just the right one for you. This is the most difficult and most critical to success, I think. My husband uses the same mask you have and he loves it. He uses the large and he has a large face and head. Don't be shy in trying different masks. If you do this through your DME, they must give you 30 days to try and return. They can return to their vendor for credit so don't feel bad. You should be able to do that as many times as needed. I think my husband tried 8 different masks before he found a good fit. I settled on my first one and haven't strayed yet. Also, there is a mask trial thru cpaplibrary.com. You pay a minimal fee to try each mask, like an insurance, and you can send each one back if not the right one for you. Don't get discouraged and don't let yourself get sores from your mask. Buy pads from padacheeks.com or make one with an old t shirt. Search for instructions on this site and on internet if necessary. There are lots of threads here that go over that type of info.

[Pugsy]

Also, there is a mask trial thru cpaplibrary.com. You pay a minimal fee to try each mask, like an insurance, and you can send each one back if not the right one for you.

Alas, the mask trial program is no longer alive. Dane decided to shut it down a little while back.

[tiredmama]

I have the same mask as you, but I've never had a problem with it rubbing on the bridge of my nose. I've heard of others having that problem with masks. We all have different face shapes and it's wonderful that there are so many masks out there! I actually have problems with the quattro fx leaking near my eyes and leaving huge marks on my face because i have to smoosh my chipmunk cheeks in order to reduce the eye leaks. I did find the manufacturer's fitting video to be helpful and played with making it looser or tighter at first. I don't have a spot on the bridge where it presses but there is too much pressure on my septum in general and that makes it sore, but that's a post-op sensitivity issue.

Some people physically cannot breathe only through their nose. I was one of them until I had surgery to correct it. No amount mouth taping or chinstraps will make a nasal mask work for someone like that. When I asked to try a hybrid, the DME had me try a swift lt with a chin strap first. After a lifetime of having to keep my mouth open in order to breathe, I have not been successful at keeping my mouth shut at night despite a tight chinstrap and am not ready to tape or glue my lips together. So...I am waiting on my hybrid now. I thought having pillows in my nose might be weird and uncomfortable, but it really wasn't, and it was so nice not to have something pressing on my nose! You might want to look into the Innomed Hybrid or Mirage Liberty too. They both combine nasal pillows with a mouth mask.

[Sloop]

Dave - listen to what everyone has said. Getting the right mask is 99% of the battle. Unfortunately, having to use a full-face limits your choices dramatically, but I would still try the different models either by going to your DME and experimenting, or if need be, just roll the dice and purchase another mask based on their promotion.

Good luck -- and under no circumstance should you give up hope. You WILL find the right prescription.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Some people, including me, can't get used to either nasal masks or full face masks. My reason is that my nose is so wrecked for past breakage, ineffective surgery, narrow airways and numerous lumps/bumps. No face mask works for me because if it rests on the bridge of my nose, it hurts, and if it below my bridge I get bloody skin ulcers. I tried lots of masks, none of which worked - that's why I use nasal pillows, even with their limitations and leaks they are way more comfortable for me. It's as simple as that. Some people's noses can't handle the pressure.

[chunkyfrog]

If this is the only mask you have, tonight you need to protect your nose from further injury.
I have gotten up in the middle of the night to put a band-aid on a budding blister.
Luckily, I got it in the nick of time.
Unluckily, I didn't notice the band-aid until a break at work. .