New to CPAP - Many mask problems - Help!

[Guest]

Well where do I start....

I have had my CPAP for about 3 weeks now (Respironics M Series Auto with C-Flex w/ Humidifier - pressure at 9). Along with the Apnea I have severe environmental allegeries which causes my nose to be stuffy year round. So I am a mouth breather because of my allegeries.

I started out with the Swift Nasal Pillow mask, this mask did not work out for me at all. Beyond the sore nose (size small nasal pillows too big for my nose) and sore upper front teeth, air was coming out of my tear ducts. I was also mouth breathing.

Then I switched to the ComfortGel Mask with Headgear and a chin strap to help the mouth breathing. This mask is wonderful and the size Petite fits my face perfectly, but I was still mouth breathing. Then I tried taping my mouth. This worked for a couple of hours and then I would wake up freaking out the my mouth was taped! I wish I could keep this mask but it does not fix the mouth breathing.

So now I am stuck.....after reading many posts on this forum I am considering a Full Face Mask. I am just wondering how it will fit my face? I am very petite (Female - 5'4 - 115 lbs). Also does anyone have any feedback for a small person with allegeries and a full face mask?

[sleepergal]

I'm your size, have severe year-round environmental allergies, and have been a mouth-breather and snorer my entire life. I was diagnosed with OSA in November and started cpap therapy in early December.

Due to my allergies and mouth-breathing, I started my treatment with the ultra mirage full face mask. It didn't work for me at all -- my AHI actually went above 40 when I used the full face mask. It also made me feel absolutely awful. I guess some people just don't do well on a full face mask and I was one of them. I returned the mask to cpap.com (fortunately I bought the return policy) and decided to do my best to get my allergies and nasal congestion under control so that I could use a nasal mask.

My allergist recommended Loratadine on a daily basis and nasal decongestant sprays. My ENT basically said the same thing but emphasized the benefits of using saline spray throughout the day. Many people here also recommend the Neti pot, which I have but have not had to use yet. I have a number of prescriptions for nasal sprays but have found that the homeopathic spray, Euphorbium, works pretty well for me. I drink lots of water and use a saline spray for my nose at least three times a day. In addition, raising the head of my bed (or using a wedge pillow)also helps to ease congestion. I haven't even had to use the Loratadine for a few weeks.

I tried both taping and the nosebreathe device to keep my mouth closed. The nosebreathe device kept my mouth sealed (due to tongue placement) but did not keep my mouth closed. Unfortunately, thh stress of this caused my chin muscle to spasm most of the day after using it so I had to try the tape.

I just can't tape my mouth completely closed because I'm worried that I'll develop congestion at night and not be able to breathe. So I use the one-inch Nexcare tape and run it from just under my nose, down across my lips, and under my chin a few inches. As suggested on this forum, I apply Milk of Magnesia to the area to be taped (takes about 5-10 minutes to dry) and liberally apply chapstick to my lips before putting on the tape. This works very well for me. On very severe congestion nights (rare but they still happen), I find that I do breathe through my tape when I need to but my AHI numbers and leak rate still look pretty good. Of course, I'll use the recommended medications when necessary.

I use the Comfort Lite 2 nasal mask with the small pillow and I love it.

I hope my experience helps you at least a little. Don't forget to use the search function and see what other forum members have tried for their nasal congestion. I'm sure you'll find a method that works for you. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[cougar0020]

Thank you for your help. I am going to keep trying to make this work. My RT suggested today we try a different chin strap and more humidity before moving on to the full face mask. I hope it works!