Air Flow

[gnomoney]

Does the positive air flow have to enter through the nose for the therapy to be effective. I have been told by therapist that yes only a nose-only mask will provide effective therapy; I have also been told that a full-face mask will work fine. I have tried both because I generally congests and cannot get flow through the night via the nose. I have used full-face masks but in 5 years of using various designs of both I have had one night's sleep that resulted in feeling "new" again in the morning. Thanks for any help.
g

[Pugsy]

Effective therapy can be obtained via Full Face mask of whatever kind. Also from the masks that cover only the nose as well as nasal pillow masks which inflate a bit and cover only the nostrils.

It all depends on the individual which one is tolerated better. Have you ever tried a nasal pillow type of mask? I found that the "cover the nose" nasal masks created more congestion because of the pressure of the mask across the nose and sinus area. I tolerate the nasal pillows just fine, no congestion.

5 years and such minimal good feeling? You may have less than adequate therapy for whatever reason.

If you register and include your equipment in your profile, others can offer ideas to help you maybe sort through things.

[avi123]

Hi, I am almost certain that you are correct that only the air flow thru the nose (its actually the air pressure) that does the "splinting" to force the airway open. IMO, this discovery should have awarded the Australian discoverer the Nobel Award in Medicine.

Check these:

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/ ... uture-cpap

http://www.sleepguide.com/forum/topics/ ... des-how-he

Numerous studies have investigated the
dimensions of the upper airways in awake
subjects and discussed their importance with
regard to sleep apnoea. Two groups succeeded
in obtaining computed tomograms during
sleep and found that upper airways were
narrower than during wakefulness. In a
recent review on the mode of action of nasal
CPAP, Sullivan and Grunstein stated that 'all
the evidence points to its action as a physical
pressure splint as the dominant reason for its
success'. The results of a study using endoscopic
observation and a recent study measuring
pharyngeal volume by magnetic resonance
imaging provide further evidence that nasal
CPAP works mainly by enlarging the pharyngeal
size and splinting the airway open. It is
not known, however, whether Bi-PAP is as
efficient in dilating the upper airway as conventional
CPAP or whether the greater comfort of
lower expiratory pressures permits a substantial
reduction in the upper airway calibre. We
used computed tomography to determine the
effect of CPAP and Bi-PAP on upper airway
calibre in awake patients suffering from obstructive
sleep apnoea.

[jromano]

Hi gnomoney,

I am afraid that your therapist led you astray.

...only a nose-only mask will provide effective therapy

As a rough generalization, it is more difficult to achieve a good seal with a full face mask than with a nasal mask. This is no way implies that a full face mask is incapable of providing effective PAP therapy, just that it has it's own quirks. Many people prefer them (them = full face masks), in fact. These individuals may be mouth breathers, require high pressures, like to have one around for cold season, or none of the above. It's a matter of fit and personal preference.

Does the positive air flow have to enter through the nose for the therapy to be effective.

No. The air must flow through your airway... think down your throat and trachea and into your lungs. Your mouth and nose are entry/exit points.

Like Pugsy, I too am worried about your therapy, especially considering that you are five years in.
You may want to consider other masks, as well as other therapists.

Best wishes that you find rest,
Jess

[nanwilson]

You can get therapy from your mouth or nose or both, and its equally effective. That's why they make so many different types of masks, not everyone can tolerate a nose only mask. Keep trying, you will find the one that works best for YOU -- we are all different.
Good luck
Nan

[gnomoney]

Thanks to all who chipped in thoughts and links. I did not register my equipment because I am in the process of reevaluating all my components and investigating newer masks, etc. As soon as I can get to a sensible vendor and make choices I surely will post my new stuff.
I am more and more convinced that because I am in a backwater community and because I have not taken full charge getting the best advice and equipment that I am not in full tilt for treatment.
I do know that I am getting some relief because I do not fall asleep at stop signs and because the "muscle jerks and twitches" have ceased. However, I am encouraged that I can get some sleep that results in feeling refreshed and renewed; that would be a treat.