mouth breathers with nasal masks

[minniesc]

Hello, I have been using a full face mask for over a year since I am a mouth breather. I am having so much problems with masks, it has become quite frustrating. I am wondering, are any of you mouth breathers who use a nasal mask? If so ,what should I ask my dr for and what should I do to have success with this. My dr. says my problem is my facial area is too small. I wear a small mask, but even that is a tiny bit big and sits highter than it should on my nose.
Would really appreciate some advice.
Sharon

[zoocrewphoto]

Have you tried a hybrid? It uses pillows. I can use mine for 2-3 hours, but I have gone back to the Quattro FX as it works best for me. I have sent an email to Resmed asking for them to make the Quattro FX in an extra small. Perhaps if more people asked, they will actually do it.

I also had to order a small size headgear as the medium was too large for me. I was making it work, but it was harder to stop the leaks. It is much better for me with the smaller headgear.

[minniesc]

I have the hybrid, but my nostrils are too small for the nasal pillows. I can't win, haha. I will try emailing them as well. The woman doing my sleep study was considering putting me in a child's mask during my test. I may ask for a smaller head gear as well, as soon as I wear the medium for a few days I have to pull it really tight. Amazingly, after I went through all my studies, I pushed my dh to go. When he finally did about seven months ago, he was immediately started on CPAP, and the man hasn't had trouble even one night on it! Figures.
Sharon

[dragon672]

I'm having the same problem with the same mask lol. To keep the air from blowing in my eyes I have to sit the mask down lower on my face. I tried the mask liners but I don't like the feel of the fabric on my face. I wanted to try the Liberty but I'm not sure I'd like the nasal pillows. I'm also a mouth breather looking for something different.

[zoocrewphoto]

I have the hybrid, but my nostrils are too small for the nasal pillows. I can't win, haha. I will try emailing them as well. The woman doing my sleep study was considering putting me in a child's mask during my test. I may ask for a smaller head gear as well, as soon as I wear the medium for a few days I have to pull it really tight.

Same here. My nostrils are too small. I can use it for short times, but not all night. I just sent an email to Resmed asking if there is a smaller option for pillows, even if they are for a different mask. And again to ask for an xs of the Quattro FX.

I never thought about a child size mask. I wonder what is available.

[minniesc]

I just emailed them as well. You never know!
Sharon

[DoriC]

I'm having the same problem with the same mask lol. To keep the air from blowing in my eyes I have to sit the mask down lower on my face. I tried the mask liners but I don't like the feel of the fabric on my face. I wanted to try the Liberty but I'm not sure I'd like the nasal pillows. I'm also a mouth breather looking for something different.

http://www.resmed.com/us/products/quatt ... s&sec=true

Have you seen the fitting video guide for the Quattro FX? This mask does sitter lower on the nose.

[minniesc]

When I fit it lower on my nose, where it is suposed to go, it coversthe tip of my chin, lol. I have a very short area between my chin and my bridge of the nose. I am guessing I am not the only one.
Sharon

[SleepingUgly]

This isn't a full face mask, but my son wore the nasal mask, Micro Kids. It's a size small mask with a size small headgear. If you get the Micro Small, it will come with a regular headgear.

I think a lot of people who think they are mouth breathers don't really need their mouths to breathe (although they may drop open and air may escape). I wouldn't switch to a full face mask unless you've exhausted your nasal options, as you'll have a lot more problems finding ones that work.

[zoocrewphoto]

When I fit it lower on my nose, where it is suposed to go, it coversthe tip of my chin, lol. I have a very short area between my chin and my bridge of the nose. I am guessing I am not the only one.

I can make it work, but it sometimes takes me a few tries to get the right distance. Too low, and I leak at the chin. Too high, and blows on my eye. If it could just be a quarter inch shorter, that would be awesome.

[Carl LaFong]

Isn't it the concept of CPAP that if you breathe properly through the nose your mouth won't drop open and contribute to snoring? Maybe a good adjustment is in order.

[zoocrewphoto]

I think a lot of people who think they are mouth breathers don't really need their mouths to breathe (although they may drop open and air may escape). I wouldn't switch to a full face mask unless you've exhausted your nasal options, as you'll have a lot more problems finding ones that work.

I have no idea of the actual percentage, but I am one who really does breathe through my mouth most of the day and pretty much all of the night. Even with allergy medication, I am frequently congested. And even on a good day, with both nostrils clear, I just don't get enough air when I am active. My airway has always been considered small (my doctor said it was small when I was diagnosed with asthma), just as my mouth is small (several dentists have said so), and my nostrils are small.

For some of us, (no idea how many), it really is difficult to breathe through our mouths for more than a couple minutes at a time. And no, I don't want to waste my time and money looking into possible surgery when my airways will still be as small as they are now.

[TheDuke]

I have used a conventional nasal mask for about 26 years, and I am a lifelong mouth breather with problems from chronic rhinitis. For the past five years I have used chin straps of several kinds. None are fully satisfactory, but the strap is my answer to mouth opening. And I have found that a high machine humidity level is a big help in keeping my breathing passages clear as I sleep.

TheDuke

[chunkyfrog]

3M blue gentle surface painters tape.
(evil laughter)
--cut in a shape inspired by Chin-up strips, but MY size.
(Do not, under any circumstances, try this with a mustache)

[49er]

I think a lot of people who think they are mouth breathers don't really need their mouths to breathe (although they may drop open and air may escape). I wouldn't switch to a full face mask unless you've exhausted your nasal options, as you'll have a lot more problems finding ones that work.

I have no idea of the actual percentage, but I am one who really does breathe through my mouth most of the day and pretty much all of the night. Even with allergy medication, I am frequently congested. And even on a good day, with both nostrils clear, I just don't get enough air when I am active. My airway has always been considered small (my doctor said it was small when I was diagnosed with asthma), just as my mouth is small (several dentists have said so), and my nostrils are small.

For some of us, (no idea how many), it really is difficult to breathe through our mouths for more than a couple minutes at a time. And no, I don't want to waste my time and money looking into possible surgery when my airways will still be as small as they are now.

I am in the same position Zoo Crew.

As an FYI, I thought I could manage a nasal pillow mask only to be met with reality. But I tried it again last night because I am craving the lightness that it offers. Well, I realized how foolish I was after once again struggling to only breath through my nose which is small and chronically stuffed up.

Unfortunately, FF masks which is what I am limited to, are the heaviest masks. Hopefully, the Amara mask which I am waiting to buy will do the trick.

49er