Chronic sinus problem = need for full face???

[Husky Lover]

I've been using CPAP for over 6 months, successfully. But this winter my sinuses, well, there are many threads about this and I've tried to read what I can find. I've been having to use nose spray to breath, as have many people here. If my sinuses are not completely clear, my chest aches from struggling to breath. Without going into sinus solutions, is a full face mask a better alternative to trying all the drugs which may or may not relieve the symptoms?

[harry33]

yes it is
also google nasal and sinus irrigation, I use a netti pot

[joe-66]

YES! I used a nasal mask for the first 2 years because the equipment provider said I needed one due to a small beard I have. The air burned my nose every winter. I turned the heat on the humidifier on the lowest setting in the winter but always felt like I was breathing in a jungle. I had an almost continuous sinus cold, especially during the winter. I switched to a full face mask last August and have had no sinus problems. I also no longer need the heat on the humidifier.

For many years, long before I started using a machine, I used nasal sprays every morning and night, year-round. I no longer have to use sinus sprays anytime. Also, I don't have to use a chin strap to keep my mouth shut, which really took away the advantage of using the nasal mask in the first place.

[joe-66]

By the way, Husky Lover, I was using the same mask you are using now when I had the nasal problems. It only took about 1/2 hour to get used to the full face mask.

[Lee Lee]

If you will do a search for my posts "in Distress" you can read a long post about this same issue.
The full face mask is the only thing that's helped me through this problem. I'm using the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask, made by ResMed. It's a sturdy, well made mask. It's taking me some time and experimentation to get it right, but it's really helped me with this same issue.

[SleepingUgly]

Harry,

I sent you a PM a few weeks ago because I was curious about your self-diagnosis. I'm interested in talking to people who used CPAP as a trial without a formal sleep disordered breathing diagnosis. Don't know if you picked up the PM (maybe not--appears to be in my outbox), but I see you are still on the forum.

yes it is
also google nasal and sinus irrigation, I use a netti pot

[zebrajeb]

I use a MIrage LIberty full face mask. I have had a lot of sinus infections starting 2 years ago. Finally went to ENT. After exam and scan I had surgery to open up the sinuses. The results have been wonderful! I can actually breath, don't get sinus infections on a regular basis. I still use nasal lavage but you might want to consult ENT.

Regards,

John

[Dingbat]

I'm congested fairly often due to allergies, specially at the end of the summer time with Ragweed season. The Nasal mask just didn't cut it so I convinced my RT to give me a full face mask and from that point, no more problems.

I'm very happy with the full face mask I got (Resmed unit with the (Mirage?) full face mask).

- Yves

[Judy R.]

I just got my full Face Mask on Tuesday. I purchased the Quatro, and I'm loving it! It took a night or two to work through all the adjustments, but now I've got it just where I need it. I too suffer from Sinus, Allergies, Bronchitis, you name it I've got it ! I told my Dr. about how much trouble I was having with my nasal mask, and she wrote me an Rx. for the full Face Mask. I've been suffering with the worst Strep throat and Sinus infection I've ever had, and now with the full Face mask, I'm doing much better with my breathing. So, yes, I would say go with the full Face Mask, you won't be sorry. Good Luck and keep us posted.