FF Mask Recommendation

[ksmoose50]

Hello everyone,
I am currently using a Breeze Dreamseal nasal mask that I have used for close to 10 yrs and I love it. However I have been having problems with sleep apnea, neck pain, jaw issues, etc. I was referred to an ENT for the deviated septum that my TMJ doc saw on CT that he did for me. I just found out from ENT that I have severely deviated septum on one side causing significant obstruction. On the other side of I have a very large concha bullosa that is causing obstruction on that side. She feels like a lot of what I am going through is due to struggling to breathe thru the obstructions with my nasal mask. I have always had nasal congestion but had no idea I had all of that going on. My original sleep study showed more problems with hypopnea than complete obstruction/apnea so that now makes sense. Wish sleep dr would have thought to refer me to ENT way back when but that is water under the bridge now. So I am going to be having surgery to fix the septum and concha but not until March. In the mean time I feel like I am really doing a disservice to my body by trying to suck air with my nasal mask and am looking to buy a FF mask to get me through to surgery as well as post op. I will not be able to wear cpap for 1-2 weeks postop so as well. I am looking for any recommendations on a mask that will not put too much pressure on the bridge of the nose once I am able to start wearing it again until I can tolerate the nasal mask again. It is hard to tell from the pictures of the masks which are better in that respect. Any helpful feedback would be great!!

[mouthbreather72]

I'm not an expert, but...

I just started using a new mask called FullLife Full Face Mask Fit Pack by Phillips Respironics. Very cheap at only $34.00 for the mask, headgear, and 3 different sized cushions at cpap.com. I just ordered 6 more in case they discontinue them.

I am shocked by how comfortable they are because I had been using a far more expensive mask that was supposed to have higher comfort ratings. The cushion on the new mask is very deep, like an accordion which makes it feel like it is floating on my face. So far I have been able to use both the small and medium cushions which really makes it like paying for one mask and getting two. I might even be able to use the large cushion in a pinch (haven't tried yet). I don't even have strap marks or cushion marks on my face in the morning. My readouts have been >5 apnea-hypopnea index on the icode website, so I think it must be doing a good job.

For the price, you should definitely try it.

[bwexler]

I would try the Amara View.
I have not used it myself, but it looks like on I might try if I needed a full face mask.

[OkyDoky]

You might try the Amara View. I haven't used it but nothing goes over the nose. It has a nostril opening that sets under the nose and seals around the mouth. Cpap.com has free return insurance now so you can try it for 30 days and then if it doesn't work send it back before the 30 days are up. Also if you do decide to try it give them a call and you might be surprised with a lower price. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -mask.html

And if you don't mind something over the nose, my husband uses the F10 but did have to get a liner to get a good seal. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

It's really hard to say what mask might work for you because it is a very individual thing to get comfort and a good fit. Most of the time it's trial and error. That's where the free return insurance helps out. Take a look at all of the masks at Cpap.com and read the reviews. If you find one that interests you be sure and call them instead of ordering online for the best price.

[49er]

Hello everyone,
I am currently using a Breeze Dreamseal nasal mask that I have used for close to 10 yrs and I love it. However I have been having problems with sleep apnea, neck pain, jaw issues, etc. I was referred to an ENT for the deviated septum that my TMJ doc saw on CT that he did for me. I just found out from ENT that I have severely deviated septum on one side causing significant obstruction. On the other side of I have a very large concha bullosa that is causing obstruction on that side. She feels like a lot of what I am going through is due to struggling to breathe thru the obstructions with my nasal mask. I have always had nasal congestion but had no idea I had all of that going on. My original sleep study showed more problems with hypopnea than complete obstruction/apnea so that now makes sense. Wish sleep dr would have thought to refer me to ENT way back when but that is water under the bridge now. So I am going to be having surgery to fix the septum and concha but not until March. In the mean time I feel like I am really doing a disservice to my body by trying to suck air with my nasal mask and am looking to buy a FF mask to get me through to surgery as well as post op. I will not be able to wear cpap for 1-2 weeks postop so as well. I am looking for any recommendations on a mask that will not put too much pressure on the bridge of the nose once I am able to start wearing it again until I can tolerate the nasal mask again. It is hard to tell from the pictures of the masks which are better in that respect. Any helpful feedback would be great!!

You might want to ask you surgeon if you could wear the Full Face Fit Life Mask right after surgery since they don't press on the nasal area. My ENT surgeon allowed me to use the Full Face Fit Life Mask right after surgery since it didn't press on the nasal area after my septoplasty. If you decide to go this route, bring it to her and see if she might change her mind like my surgeon did.

49er