In 3rd month, still having problems

I'm entering my 3rd month using CPAP and it's just not working for me.

I have two masks: nasal pillows and a full face mask. My machine has a heated humidifier and records mask fit, leakage, time used and events per hour; I look at it every day to see how I did.

Nasal pillows: They are fairly comfortable, and according to the machine I use it very well. Great fit, no leak, use it 6-7 hours a night, except I still have ~15 events per hour and so am not sleeping well. I have problems keeping my mouth closed but have lately been using a strip of surgical tape over my mouth. Chin straps give me very bad headaches.

Full face mask: Very uncomfortable. I can get a good seal but it causes occasional itching which I can't get to and my breathing becomes stifling hot to the point where I have to take it off. I have disabled the heater with no effect. The straps have to be tight which also are uncomfortable and give me headaches. I can only use it for up to 2 hours a night, however my events per hour is always less than 5. I lately tried taping my mouth shut, like I do with nasal pillows, which seems to help keep the mask seal in place but overall does not affect the results.

My last sleep study (in an office) used both pillows and a full face mask, the same ones I currently use, and they supposedly got the pressure perfect. However maybe the pressure is different for nasal pillows vs full face mask? My machine does have a setting for which mask I use, and I set it correctly every night.

Blah.

Sounds like the nasal pillow mask is the most promising.

What about getting the software and looking closely at what's happening:

What is the event type breakdown of the total AHI?
When and why are the events occurring?
What is the pressure doing throughout the night (if you're on an APAP machine)?
Are leaks causing problems (the mask fit on-screen feature doesn't always tell the whole story)?

I'd stick with the NP mask since it's the more comfortable one and you can sleep longer stretches with it. You may need to do more to control leaks but you really need to look at your data.

How much data is available depends on the exact make and model of your machine -- letting us know that would help us to help you.

Getting 6-7 hours of sleep using the machine sounds like you are having a degree of success. If you could give us more information there may be a way to help you see even more success. Usually a bit of tweaking of the settings can get the AHI down to a more acceptable number. Over time the mouth leaks may improve. I used to have to use tape, straps, etc. but at some point I learned to keep my big mouth shut and don't need to use aids any longer. The adjustments you're going through now are not uncommon, and are certainly not an indicator at this point of the treatment not being able to work for you. Glad you are seeking to address your issues. I think your 4th month will be a whole different story.

There are very many diff. FFMs available, why not try others?