Should a nasal mask user have a full mask as a backup?

[AirHorn]

Hi everyone, new Sleep Apnea diagnosee here. I have been using a Comfort Fusion mask for about two weeks now and at first had trouble with the medium size mask. But then I switched to the small and it has been much better - Except for my swollen nose bridge which is now red and bleeding. I read suggestions here to try moleskin and mack's silicon ear plugs and will do that today. Other than this, the mask seems to be working fine.
My question though is, if I get a cold or sinus infection,and can't breathe through my nose - should I have a full mask on standby to use? What do most people do?
Thanks!
Ed

[sleepycarol]

I have a back up mask for those times.

Of course it is up to you but for myself I don't want to be caught sick and not able to use my machine.

[profish]

I also make sure that I have a good backup FF mask. I use one of the hybrids that has nasal pillows and covers the mouth for this. It has come in really handy in the past!

[looking4zzzz]

I've just ordered a backup FFM for exactly that reason. And just my luck, as soon as I did, I started to get the initial signs of an impending cold. I hope the mask arrives before the cold goes full bloom!

[boston]

so if a person were to get a ffm as backup, anyone got any suggestions??
i was wondering this too, last night i couldnt use my swift lt because of allergies, my nose was running too bad

[StevenJ]

Hey Ed. I'm new at this too . . . been at it about 5-weeks or so. I started out with a F&P 407 nasal mask and that thing caused a pretty serious reaction on the bridge of my nose and forehead where headgear touched - very red and pimply, almost to the point of bleeding. After just 2 days I could no longer wear the mask and swapped it out for the Opus 360 nasal pillow mask. Much better!! No reaction at all. With the cold season coming on, I knew I would need some type of FFM to get me through nasal congestion when it decided to pay me a visit. I started using the Hybrid mask last Thursday night (a lot of folks here like that one) to see if that would be the magic I was looking for. I really like that it balances the pressure between nose and mouth, making breathing feel more normal. But to eliminate leaks, I have to pull the straps down pretty tight - uncomfortably tight. Seems I wake up more with this mask than the Opus. I'm going back to the Opus tonight to get some rest - I've been feeling more run-down the last few day than usual and think it may be because I'm trying to get used to a new mask. But don't let that scare you away from the Hybrid. I think I just need to experment with it a little more to get it lined out.

[jskinner]

My question though is, if I get a cold or sinus infection,and can't breathe through my nose - should I have a full mask on standby to use? What do most people do?

Yes Defiantly. Personally like the Liberty. You might want to look at the Hybrid as well.