Is it worth the hassle to move from P10 to full face mask?

[Jeanne Ellen]

So, yesterday I visited a new sleep doctor, a young woman who took over the practice from my former doctor. I just wanted to get her to renew my prescription for Sonata, but she started asking me questions about my sleep apparatus. She was mostly interested in the fact that I have to wear a mouth guard with my P10, plus a chinstrap, and tape across my mouth, without which, I grind my teeth, blow air out my mouth and my cheeks puff up like a chipmunk--all of which makes it impossible to sleep. While it's really unattractive, I've managed to overcome the weirdness, and over the course of two or three years, have achieved success with my cpap routine. I usually sleep about 7 hours a night and wake up only a couple of times. I rarely have episodes of waking with apneas any more. However, when we travel, or sometimes for reasons I can't fathom, I still wake up frequently and need to take an antihistamine or a short-acting sleeping pill. I'm also officially "old," so I know I'm never going to sleep like I did at twenty. Nevertheless, I'm pretty satisfied with the status quo. Or, at least I was. Now I wonder if I should try something different.

This new doctor suggested that I might enjoy trying a face mask instead of the P10 nasal pillows, since then I could be free of the chinstrap and the mouth tape. She thought I might have even better results than I do now with the face mask. Of course, even though this is a tempting idea, I can see trouble ahead. In the past, any time I've gone to a new delivery system ( I've tried the Air Fit N20, the Dreamwear nasal mask, and the Bleep), there's a period of time trying to get used to something new that usually results in less-than-good sleep, and then when I eventually go back to the P10, there's another week or two of getting back in the groove.

Has anyone been happier with a full-face mask rather than the nasal pillows? Can I really get rid of the chinstrap and the mouth tape? I'd appreciate advice from anyone who's done this.
Thanks,
Jeanne

[Okie bipap]

I have used a full face mask ever since I started treatment over four years ago. I have tried nasal pillows, but have been unable to make them work for me. I do use a firm foam cervical collar to keep my mouth closed which stopped the dry mouth issues. I have found that taping my mouth does not work for me. Either the tape comes off, or it sticks to tightly it takes skin with it. (I am allergic to the adhesive and will get sores under the tape if I leave it on for too long.)

[Jeanne Ellen]

Are you saying that you have trouble with mouth breathing in your full face mask? I guess that's why you're wearing the cervical collar--to stop dry mouth from mouth breathing? I don't normally breath through my mouth, but the pressure from the cpap blows my mouth open, which is why I have to tape. If I have to tape my mouth with the full face mask to keep from having a dry mouth, I might as well stay with the nasal pillows .

I gave cervical collars a try once, and it didn't work, so that's out.

[LSAT]

Why do you thing switching to a FF mask would be a hassle? Of course everyone's face is different, but I have been using a FF mas k for 11 years, I started with a nasal mask and couldn't stop mouth breathing. Switched to a FF mask and I have been a happy camper ever since. On a couple occasions I tried the P10 and hated the direct pressure up my nose. I found the FF mask much easier to breathe..

[bristolman]

I too was unable to use nasal style masks . neighbor gave me an amara view and I've never looked back ( using only full face mask ) . using airfit f20 now and have a airtouch cushion to try if I can figure out slobber control . I'm also going to try the f30 when I get the rest of the parts . have the cushion and waiting for headgear and frame . worst part of apnea journey is finding the mask that works for you and yes its worth the effort for that good nights sleep . I'm 75 and still hoping .
mike

[Jeanne Ellen]

OK, this is sounding more attractive. I've looked at the Air Fit A30 on the web, and it may be worth a try. It would really be nice to get rid of the mouth tape and the chinstrap!

[SDBud]

This new doctor suggested that I might enjoy trying a face mask instead of the P10 nasal pillows, since then I could be free of the chinstrap and the mouth tape.

So, WHAT is more of a hassle, trying anew mask, or the rigamarole you go through now??

[Jeanne Ellen]

You have a point.

[chunkyfrog]

You never know until you try.
Some like full face masks--some do not.
I tried several myself, and may try again--if something looks promising enough.
So far, they have struck out; but maybe, some day . . .

[hcpatonjr]

I will be trading my P10 Nasal for the Dreamware Full Face very soon, because of too many leaks and mouth breathing. My supplier is Aerocare, and they require an in-person fitting, which will happen prior to the end of this month.

[Jeanne Ellen]

After a couple of nights unsuccessfully trying to sleep with the F30, I've decided to pack it in and go back to the P10. I guess I'm one of those people who need a chinstrap and mouth tape, and since I've managed to get to a good place with nasal pillows, I'm going to stick with that. A few less straps, at least, and no leaks!

[zonker]

After a couple of nights unsuccessfully trying to sleep with the F30, I've decided to pack it in and go back to the P10. I guess I'm one of those people who need a chinstrap and mouth tape, and since I've managed to get to a good place with nasal pillows, I'm going to stick with that. A few less straps, at least, and no leaks!

too bad. was hoping you'd post one more thread about this and win the trifecta!