Nasal Mask to full face mask

[kaydacat]

Hi. I need to switch from a nasal mask to a full face mask. Any opinions on which one is the best to start with? I'm lost. I've been on CPAP for 3 weeks now, and, boy, this is a lot harder than I thought it would be!! But I think I'm up for the challenge with all the help I am finding here!!

Thanks for any input.

[carbonman]

But I think I'm up for the challenge with all the help I am finding here!!

Thanks for any input.

Good attitude. It will get you through.

Here are my tales, hope it helps.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34880&hilit=+size+d ... er#p298811

[SleepyDragon]

Hi. I need to switch from a nasal mask to a full face mask. Any opinions on which one is the best to start with? I'm lost. I've been on CPAP for 3 weeks now, and, boy, this is a lot harder than I thought it would be!! But I think I'm up for the challenge with all the help I am finding here!!

Thanks for any input.

Try a ResMed Liberty mask. That is what I use. Its a full face mask that uses nasal pillows. Most FFM's have a part that goes over and rests on the bridge of your nose. Many of us have experienced painful sores from this. The liberty just seals around your mouth and the nasal pilows work just like they do on a nasal mask. I found that its best to use the largest nasal pillow that will fit, and the small mouth cup works best if it still covers your whole mouth. It takes a LOT of tweeking of the headgear to get it right, so be patient. The mask has to sit just right to not leak. I also found that a piece of bandage tape across the nose and edge of the nasal pillows keep them from popping out in the middle of the night.

Good luck.

[Wulfman]

Anybody that experiences "sores", bruising or other types of facial damage or pain either has their mask way too tight, is using the wrong size or has a full face mask with the word "Comfort" in it.

Full face masks need to be worn somewhat loose so the seal will expand to fit the face and are normally pretty comfortable (all things being equal).
I've been using the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask since the beginning of my therapy and have had excellent results with it. I also have a ResMed Quattro full face mask and use it occasionally. It's a comfortable, quiet mask that gives good results. I just happen to like the UMFF better because it has a little more airflow inside the mask.

Den

[DoriC]

My hubby uses the UMFF and thanks to Wulfman's tips for adjustments, he's doing OK with it finally. We're still experimenting with the Quattro, seems to be a"top of the line" mask,but hubby, like Wulfman is not as comfortable with the airflow, but we're happy to have it and will keep trying. I think the right mask fitted properly is the most important key to success. Dori

[roster]

Kaydacat,

Even though I have never used one myself, I would recommend the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask based on many testimonials posted here. The Fischer & Paykel 432 FF mask, which I use for naps, is also a good one.

My favorite is the Hybrid mask. If you like nasal pillows and want a mask that does not touch the bridge of your nose the Hybrid is an excellent mask. It is more difficult to set up that the first two masks I mentioned, but once you get the hang of it, it performs very well.

Good luck,

[roster]

Anybody that experiences "sores", bruising or other types of facial damage or pain either has their mask way too tight, is using the wrong size or has a full face mask with the word "Comfort" in it.

......

Den,

There may be exceptions to that. I have a very sensitive nose bridge. But anyway, with the Hybrid it is no longer an issue for me.

Regards,

[luke]

After I started using my Quattro I started having issues with my nose itching like crazy at night and waking me up. At that time I was not using the HH because I wanted to find out if I really needed it. So I started using my HC 150 at setting 1 or 2 and after about a week the itching went away. After hearing what Den said about the UMFF and it's different airflow inside the mask maybe that one would be better for me in that the airflow around the nose is what's contributing to cause the nose to itch not just the lack of humidity.
If I went to the UMFF maybe I could stop using the HH and avoid the nose itching.
Dunno.....just thinking out loud here.



Luke

[roster]

After I started using my Quattro I started having issues with my nose itching like crazy at night and waking me up. At that time I was not using the HH because I wanted to find out if I really needed it. So I started using my HC 150 at setting 1 or 2 and after about a week the itching went away. After hearing what Den said about the UMFF and it's different airflow inside the mask maybe that one would be better for me in that the airflow around the nose is what's contributing to cause the nose to itch not just the lack of humidity.
If I went to the UMFF maybe I could stop using the HH and avoid the nose itching.
Dunno.....just thinking out loud here.



Luke

With the Hybrid mask you can scratch your nose when it itches without touching the mask.

[S-Dubya]

The UMFF is a good mask; comfortable and highly adjustable.

The FF431 is not as adjustable and not quite as comfortable, but I had fewer leaks and I liked the under-chin design (helps me keep my big yapper shut )

The Hybrid, however, is far and away my favorite mask of all (and I have tried 8-10 masks). The nasal pillows are perfect. Its smaller design is great and I rarely have leaking issues. I have not made any changes to mine (cutting chin piece or link between nasal pillows). It is a fabulous mask!

There's my .02

[roster]

...........
There's my .02

.... and your .02 keeps you in good supply of O2.

[stevef1007]

I'm thinking about going from a nasal mask to a full face mask, but for one reason, and I'm hoping somebody here can help me. I've been on the cpap for 5 months, and have stuck with it. The problem is that I am having terrible problems with sneezing and a runny nose, many times for hours on end. The only medicine that has alleviated this problem so far are just temporary solutions because they are ones that I can't stay on, steroid packs, etc. All the ones I have tried that I could take permanently, pills and sprays, seem to have no effect, ie., Singular, Claritin, Benedryl, Xysal (sic), Veramyst, Nasonex, Nasocort, Astelin, etc. Obviously, we'll have to keep trying what's available and hope we hit on something. Some have suggested nettipot, saline sprays, etc., but it seems that most believe this is to help congestion and to keep your nasal passsages moist and open, which is the exact opposite of what I need I would think since the problem is that I"m wide open now, and constantly having nasal flow? What the doctors say is that the cpap is drying me up so much during the night that when I take it off my body is trying to recuperate and is overdoing it. I have changed my humidifier (heated) setting in just the past couple of nights from 2 to 4, and haven't seen a real great advantage yet, although I don't know if it might take a while longer to see the long term effects. I have heard that going to a full face mask might help some since all the air (16cm) wouldn't be going thru my nasal passages, since I"m normally a mouth breather. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Wulfman]

I'm thinking about going from a nasal mask to a full face mask, but for one reason, and I'm hoping somebody here can help me. I've been on the cpap for 5 months, and have stuck with it. The problem is that I am having terrible problems with sneezing and a runny nose, many times for hours on end. The only medicine that has alleviated this problem so far are just temporary solutions because they are ones that I can't stay on, steroid packs, etc. All the ones I have tried that I could take permanently, pills and sprays, seem to have no effect, ie., Singular, Claritin, Benedryl, Xysal (sic), Veramyst, Nasonex, Nasocort, Astelin, etc. Obviously, we'll have to keep trying what's available and hope we hit on something. Some have suggested nettipot, saline sprays, etc., but it seems that most believe this is to help congestion and to keep your nasal passsages moist and open, which is the exact opposite of what I need I would think since the problem is that I"m wide open now, and constantly having nasal flow? What the doctors say is that the cpap is drying me up so much during the night that when I take it off my body is trying to recuperate and is overdoing it. I have changed my humidifier (heated) setting in just the past couple of nights from 2 to 4, and haven't seen a real great advantage yet, although I don't know if it might take a while longer to see the long term effects. I have heard that going to a full face mask might help some since all the air (16cm) wouldn't be going thru my nasal passages, since I"m normally a mouth breather. Any ideas? Thanks.

I guess you won't know until you try one. All of our situations are different and all we can do is to make suggestions based on what we've experienced and from what we've read on the forums. There's definitely an adjustment period for many of us to this new way of sleeping and it can take a significant amount of experimenting to see what works best for us.
I didn't see where you mentioned exactly WHICH nasal mask you were using, but if it's a direct nasal interface, the concentrated pressure going into your nasal passages may be exacerbating the other conditions. I dunno.....but I would imagine it's easier to sneeze or cough into a full face mask (and be able to hold it onto your face) than to do that into a nasal mask. Having to cough with my lips taped shut is not something that I'd look forward to, either.


Den

[stevef1007]

Thanks, I appreciate the response. One thing, I didn't specify and obviously should have...the irony of the situation is that even though the cpap is the reason for my misery, the only time I do get any relief from these symptoms now is when I'm wearing the cpap. In other words, I don't have any problem with sneezing, runny nose, itching, etc., at night. It's when I take it off the trouble starts. Anyway, thanks again for the help.

[Wulfman]

Thanks, I appreciate the response. One thing, I didn't specify and obviously should have...the irony of the situation is that even though the cpap is the reason for my misery, the only time I do get any relief from these symptoms now is when I'm wearing the cpap. In other words, I don't have any problem with sneezing, runny nose, itching, etc., at night. It's when I take it off the trouble starts. Anyway, thanks again for the help.

I can relate to that as far as the cool air from my passover humidification opens up my nasal passages and I can breathe so much better.

Den