Is PAP therapy alone effective with chronic nasal congestion?

[ChicagoGranny]

Remember, PAP machines can filter the air and customize humidity as pressure is applied directly into the nose to expand some fleshy parts to overcome limitations of anatomy and nasal condition while simultaneously encouraging nose-breathing.

FFMs also apply pressure directly into the nose.

And, practicing placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth while keeping the lips sealed is a better way to encourage nose breathing. One can mostly nasal breathe while using a FFM. (In Tyrone's case, this doesn't seem likely. He needs to get a diagnosis and treatment plan for the nasal congestion.)

Everyone should keep these two points in mind if they use a FFM.

[jnk...]

FFMs also apply pressure directly into the nose.

My point is that nasal pillows are the only masks that apply no pressure to the outside of the nose. Therefore the amount of pressure inside the nose (the PAP pressure) differs from the amount of pressure immediately outside the nose (ambient pressure of the room). With a FFM or traditional nasal mask, the pressures inside the nose and immediately outside the nose are always equal. Therefore the nostrils do not inflate in reaction. Pillows act as nasal strips do but do so internally with pressure rather than pulling on the outside of the nose. For my nasal issues, that makes a noticeable difference. H,JM.

[prodigyplace]

FFMs also apply pressure directly into the nose.

My point is that nasal pillows are the only masks that apply no pressure to the outside of the nose. Therefore the amount of pressure inside the nose (the PAP pressure) differs from the amount of pressure immediately outside the nose (ambient pressure of the room). With a FFM or traditional nasal mask, the pressures inside the nose and immediately outside the nose are always equal. Therefore the nostrils do not inflate in reaction. Pillows act as nasal strips do but do so internally with pressure rather than pulling on the outside of the nose. For my nasal issues, that makes a noticeable difference. H,JM.

Of course the Bleep Dreamport does not apply outer pressure either.

[jnk...]

Bleep Dreamport

I consider that mask to be a variation of nasal pillows, but I understand those who consider it as its own category.

. . . Resembles Nasal Pillows . . .--http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/2018/04/b ... -headgear/

[tyrone747]

If you are someone that has a problem mouth breathing with nasal pillow masks and you just power through and keep wearing it eventually will your body learn to keep your mouth closed?

[jnk...]

I had to use a dentist-made mandibular-advancement oral device in conjunction with PAP for several months in order to learn to sleep with my mouth closed.

The most important thing is to get one's PAP therapy successful as soon as possible. Losing treatment pressure out the mouth prevents that from happening. So if I had not had the oral device to keep my mouth closed, I would have used a FFM first so that I was in the best position to make the best decisions about any changes on masks after my therapy was verified by software as optimized with FFM.

Some use tape when later transitioning to nasal.

[Muse-Inc]

If you are someone that has a problem mouth breathing with nasal pillow masks and you just power through and keep wearing it eventually will your body learn to keep your mouth closed?

Some here claim that is so, not so for me. I wear the Hybrid mask (click on the name in my signature to view) which has pillows and covers the mouth so I can breathe thru my mouth or nose without losing therapy air.

[chunkyfrog]

My nose stops up with the slightest pressure on the outside of it.
Even with my fingers.
Nothing can touch the top or sides of my nose.
Except a breathe-right strip, of course.

[tyrone747]

My nose stops up with the slightest pressure on the outside of it.
Even with my fingers.
Nothing can touch the top or sides of my nose.
Except a breathe-right strip, of course.

This is why I switched from the F20 to the Dreamwear FFM. The F20 restricts my airway pushing the sides of my nose inwards while the Dreamwear actually opens it up but exerting physical pressure on the bottom of my nose pushing the sides of my nose outwards.

[ChicagoGranny]

My point is that nasal pillows are the only masks that apply no pressure to the outside of the nose.

Besides nasal pillows, there are at least five models of masks that apply no air pressure on the outside of the nose. Check them out on our sponsor's website.

[jnk...]

My point is that nasal pillows are the only masks that apply no pressure to the outside of the nose.

Besides nasal pillows, there are at least five models of masks that apply no air pressure on the outside of the nose. Check them out on our sponsor's website.

If they apply pressure to the inside of the nose without applying pressure to the outside of the nose, they incorporate a form of nasal pillows.

But you know that.

[ChicagoGranny]

If they apply pressure to the inside of the nose without applying pressure to the outside of the nose, they incorporate a form of nasal pillows.

But you know that.

Uh, no.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dre ... k-headgear

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

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -cpap-mask

[jnk...]

One of those is oral. Other three incorporate forms of nasal pllows, as described.

But I'm sure you can still find some to pretend to miss my point if you keep trying so hard to do so.

[ChicagoGranny]

Other three incorporate forms of nasal pllows

That's a big stretch. The manufacturers describe them as mouth cushions with openings for the nostrils.

[zonker]

One of those is oral. Other three incorporate forms of nasal pllows, as described.

But I'm sure you can still find some to pretend to miss my point if you keep trying so hard to do so.

she FOUND it!