Recommend a FFM for plugged nose nights

[JohnO]

My insurance coverage will cover a new mask and headgear now, so I thought I'd look at a full face mask to be used specifically when I have a cold and can't breathe through my nose. I'm looking for recommendations. I'm going to visit my sleep center/DME next Monday to try some masks, so I figured I'd query the crowd for advice before I head in.

Some background:

I started with my auto-CPAP in early August. My pressure is set to a range of 9-15. Typically I'm in the 9.5-10.5 range.

I started with a PR True Blue nasal mask. While it was OK, I didn't like the head piece interfering with glasses, and getting in my sightlines.

After 35 days, I ordered an Aloha nasal pillow mask from our hosts. I really like it, but realize that I might need to breathe through my mouth at some time, if I have a bad cold.

I realize that a FFM will not be as light and comfortable as my Aloha, but I figure if I have to only wear it for a couple of nights a year, I can put up with some hassles, as long as it does not leak too badly and keep me awake.

And, as others have pointed out, perhaps I will never really need it, as I have already seen that the CPAP itself seems to help open up my nasal passages even through the nasal pillow. I figured that I would get a FFM, just like having a fire extinguisher, as I think it'll help me sleep better at night, even if I never really use it.

John

[RandyJ]

I'm glad I have a full face mask for those impossible times when nothing seems to help with congestion, or if I have a cold. I've only had one cold since starting cpap in March 2011, but without the full face mask I don't know what I would have done.

I have a Mirage Quattro that I need to use a liner and anti-leak strap from Padacheek with to keep leaks at an acceptable level; it's the only full face mask I know and I'm sure there are others that may be better, but I find it comfortable and I've made it work. But since I use nasal pillows now most nights, the full face mask is just for emergencies.

[Chikorita]

Good question. I'm commenting coz I have the same question. Hoping to hear what others suggest.

If you usually use nasal pillows and switch to FFM when congested is it difficult to adjust? Should you have spent time training yourself to sleep with a FFM?

[Denial Dave]

+1 on the Mirage Quattro

it is my mask everyday.... it takes a little effort to get accustomed to it.... Be sure to read "Taming of the Mirage Quattro" for some extremely helpful tips.

Use either the search feature here or google, both will get you to the blog.

The Mirage Quattro FX is also an excellent mask. Much less bulky than the Quattro. I had issues with it shifting up and down my face every time I rolled over. Major leaks happened each time, so it is now my emergency / travel mask.


Dave

[b360155]

I'm a mouth breather or leaker so needed a ffm. I wanted something that was the least bulky or obtrusive as possible. I tried a Resmed Mirage Liberty hybrid mask but couldn't get the nose pillows to seal well enough. I wish it would have worked because it's got a very small footprint. Next up was the Resmed Quattro FX and that turned out to be the mask for me and I've used it for over a year now. I find it very comfortable to wear and my leak rates have been extremely low. It doesn't require a forehead brace so it's not as bulky as others. It is a little tricker to fit initially but there are videos on the Resmed site or YouTube that show you how it should be done. As always, your results may differ so try before you buy if possible. Good luck!

[codinqueen]

I have an Innomed Hydrid as a back-up in case of congested nose/sinuses. I use a Swift FX so I wanted something minimal, and although I tried the Liberty Mirage, I hated it. The Innomed Hybrid is my recommendation for a FF mask when needed for nasal congestion and you normally use a Swift FX mask.

[JohnO]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I have an appointment tomorrow morning at the sleep center/DME to try some masks. We shall see which one comes home with me.

[hyperlexis]

If you want a FFM but don't want a center forehead support interfering with your glasses, etc., go with the Resmed Mirage Quattro FX. The FX has no center support and the cushion is extremely comfortable and seals well.

There are a handful of other FFMs without a center support but you should test them overnight to determine comfort. The QFX is not perfect, but in my experience, of all of the FFMs without a forehead bar that I have tested, it's the most comfortable for me and seals the best. The FullLife is good, but I have had more leaks with it, and the Hans Rudolph V2 is built like a Mack Truck, but I have had problems with stopping seal leaks unless I tighten it down to the point where it leaves marks in the morning. Each face is different so test before you buy. Your DME should help you with this.

Sometimes I wonder whether the engineers who design some of these masks ever have to use them first....

[JohnO]

If you want a FFM but don't want a center forehead support interfering with your glasses, etc., go with the Resmed Mirage Quattro FX.

Thanks for the detailed info on the Quattro FX. Hopefully they will have it, as it seems to be a good choice to be able to wear glasses, etc.

[JohnO]

I had a good visit to the sleep center this morning, and came home with the Philips Respironics Amara FFM.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -mask.html

It is very similar to the TrueBlue nasal mask that I started with, so I was very familiar with the fit and operation. It had a nifty control that will tighten the top of the mask with a twist of a knob. IT does have the forehead support, which I generally don't care for, but I figure if I only have to wear it a couple of nights a year, I can deal with it.

While at the sleep center, I did try a couple of other full face masks, as well as the Swift FX and the Pilario. The sleep center did not have the Aloha, so I'll continue to get Aloha supplies from our host.

Thanks everyone for your input!

John