Time for Full Face Mask?

[Reddwarf]

I've been using the nasal mask from the beginning. I tried a nasal pillow and could not sleep with it. When I first got the CPAP I had a goatee and the folks said a Full Face mask would not be the best option.

Since then I have lost over 15% of my weight and shaved my goatee. For some reason I am having trouble with my mouth opening. Waking up with the horrible dry mouth! I tried a chin strap with limited success. Plus, more straps on my head are a pain.

Should I try a full face mask now? Any thoughts suggestions?

Thanks ya'll!

[ameriken]

I was just reading through this other thread before I saw yours...you might find some ideas in here. It's a common problem. As for me, I'm also a big mouth breather and so I use a full face mask. Good luck!

Here's that other thread...

viewtopic/t67840/Mouth-opening-while-sleeping.html

[Reddwarf]

Thanks. I actually read that thread. I don't like the idea of taping my mouth shut or wrapping a bandage around it either!

I love the idea of the nasal pillow making the apparatus less bulky, but it did not work for me. After this long I am comfortable with the nasal mask so I think a full face mask would be okay. It sounds preferable to tape!

Any suggestions on what to look for in a full face? Any features I should think about?

[Cuda]

Buy insurance or use a DME so you can exchange masks. You could pick up something like the Innomed Hybrid which is basically nasal pillows with a small face section just for the mouth. The Innomed one is rather low cost from cpap.com and comes with all sizes. I have the Quattro FX but the jury is still out.

[apneawho]

Consider the hybrid masks. I have not tried yet, but I think I will give one a try when I am due for full set up again. Other folks who have the hybrid really like it.

[ameriken]

Thanks. I actually read that thread. I don't like the idea of taping my mouth shut or wrapping a bandage around it either!

I love the idea of the nasal pillow making the apparatus less bulky, but it did not work for me. After this long I am comfortable with the nasal mask so I think a full face mask would be okay. It sounds preferable to tape!

Any suggestions on what to look for in a full face? Any features I should think about?

I hear ya, I don't think I could do the taping thing either. I'm using the Quattro FX, which is what I was titrated on and what I was initially given, so that's all I know. It's been pretty good so far so it may be worth a try, but masks are really a personal thing. What's good for one person is the opposite for another.

[Pugsy]

If you are going to experiment you might think about using the mask trial program that Dane offers.
$14 ($7 for shipping both ways) for trial of a mask for a week. Nice way to experiment without breaking the bank.
Full Face mask preferences are as different as their are people using them. What is gold for one person is coal for the next person. I can't offer any ideas because I just can't/won't do the full face mask thing so no experience to share.

Mask trial explained here. Several forum members have utilized the service.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials.html

[BigNortherner]

Why did a chin strap not work for you?

I found most were too weak or slip off top of head.
The wide ones are better, best with a slit on top - otherwise you need stabilizing straps like the white "deluxe" one comes with.
Or check into the PAPcap.

[Reddwarf]

The chin strap I got is https://www.cpap.com/productpage/cardin ... strap.html

It has quickly became too weak and slips out of place. Not off my head, but if not in just the right place it is not effective.