Sleep deprived newb making progress - FF mask questions

[SlimWhitman]

Hello all and thank you for excusing my sleep-deprived etiquette mistakes.

I have arrived after a few weeks of trying different Dreamwear nasal masks at a Dreamware Full Face with a medium headgear and large mask. This has been the most successful combo yet but the mask has to be on too tight to be at all comfortable to work. I wake up with deep impressions of the mask and headgear on my face and the bottom of my schnozzoleum hurts.

However, this mask has been the best at dealing with my open mouth issues. I prefer the Dreamwear nasal versions (pillows and non) by far but I have not been able to shut my big fat stupid mouth when sleeping and wake up with a bone-dry mouth 5-10 times a night with it. Tried a strap but not tape yet.

The full face seems to solve the mouth issue but the discomfort of the Dreamwear Full Face is not awesome.

Any suggestions for alternate full face masks to try? The medium headgear seems like the right size and I think a small would be too small.

Also, please keep in mind I am part idiot and get no sleep so this message may be not the most clear. Many thanks for any help and patience with whatever newb faux pas I have made here.

[zonker]

Also, please keep in mind I am part idiot and get no sleep so this message may be not the most clear. Many thanks for any help and patience with whatever newb faux pas I have made here.

i'm part idiot too but it has nothing to do with getting little sleep!

have you considered using a firm foam cervical collar to keep your jaw from sagging down?

oh and welcome to the zoo!

[ChicagoGranny]

the mask has to be on too tight to be at all comfortable to work. I wake up with deep impressions of the mask and headgear on my face and the bottom of my schnozzoleum hurts.

CPAP masks are not designed to be adjusted tightly. Find your mask on youtube and carefully watch two or three videos on fitting and adjusting.

[SlimWhitman]

Thanks for the info. I will take a look.

[SlimWhitman]

Also, please keep in mind I am part idiot and get no sleep so this message may be not the most clear. Many thanks for any help and patience with whatever newb faux pas I have made here.

i'm part idiot too but it has nothing to do with getting little sleep!

have you considered using a firm foam cervical collar to keep your jaw from sagging down?

oh and welcome to the zoo!

No, I had not thought of a collar. That's an interesting idea. I've been looking for the correct mouth tapes to try. I will look at collars tomorrow also. Thanks for the idea.

[LSAT]

Why have you only tried Dreamwear masks? There are lots of great masks available from F & P and Resmed.

[SlimWhitman]

Also, please keep in mind I am part idiot and get no sleep so this message may be not the most clear.

Am definitely looking for recommendations from any and all quality manufacturers. The Dreamwears are just what the doctor recommended. Any specific model suggestions?

[ChicagoGranny]

Any specific model suggestions?

Go to cpap.com. All models of FFMs are there. Look at the photos, the specifications and the ratings. For the FFMs with the highest ratings, read some of the reviews. (Ignore the outliers. Some people think pearls are trash.)

[SlimWhitman]

Any specific model suggestions?

Go to cpap.com. All models of FFMs are there. Look at the photos, the specifications and the ratings. For the FFMs with the highest ratings, read some of the reviews. (Ignore the outliers. Some people think pearls are trash.)

Great info! Many thanks.

[Deborah K.]

If you want to use tape here's a really good one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BJGYF67?re ... vance&th=1

This sticks easily and well but can be lifted off and replaced many times. I cut a piece about 4-1/2 inches long and this works very well for me. It's pricy, but I use the same piece many times, so it's not really expensive to use. You can also buy it in a much shorter roll for $10. It's more expensive this way but it's what I did at first to see if I liked it.

I hope you find something that works great for you.

[BigNortherner]

In my experience a fundamental problem is design of mask versus shape of your face.

Some designers have tried more accommodating masks, especially at the bridge of your nose whose shape varies among individuals. I suggest Fisher & Payel.

You can get a full head mask, that seals against chin and forehead.

A company in Europe had a method of custom making

For nose masks, I'd make sure it is much wider than your nose so does not press on face beside nose.

Some designs are junk, like the Respironics one that preceded the Dreamwear Cushion.

(BTW, for the Dreamwear cup interface, IIRC 'Wisp' - not to be confused with earlier Wisp design, you can buy an XL cup.)

[BigNortherner]

Warning:

If taping mouth, make absolutely sure you have a relief valve or large vent in mask/plumbing, so you can breathe when machine quits due failure of power outages.

I've seen cases where provider did not ensure that.

[zonker]

I've seen cases where provider did not ensure that.

citation?

[BigNortherner]

by zonker » Tue Feb 21, 2023 12:48 pm
BigNortherner wrote: ↑Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:06 pm
I've seen cases where provider did not ensure that.
citation?

Huh? What are you on about?

That is my testimony, if you have seen many masks you'll have seen ones that do not include relief - the maker sells an attachment to provide relife.

[zonker]

by zonker » Tue Feb 21, 2023 12:48 pm
BigNortherner wrote: ↑Mon Feb 20, 2023 7:06 pm
I've seen cases where provider did not ensure that.
citation?

Huh? What are you on about?

That is my testimony, if you have seen many masks you'll have seen ones that do not include relief - the maker sells an attachment to provide relife.

i'm asking which masks you've seen. you've made a claim and i'd like to see proof of that.