Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
CPAPQs4All
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Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:23 pm

Hi,
I am looking to hear from anyone who attempted to use a nasal mask but switched to a full mask.
How long did you persist with the nasal mask?
What adjustments or methods did you use?
Last edited by CPAPQs4All on Wed Oct 26, 2022 5:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

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robysue1
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by robysue1 » Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:41 pm

CPAPQs4All wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:23 pm
Hi,
I am looking to hear from anyone who attempted to use a nasal mask but switched to a full mask.
How long did you persist with the nasal mask?
What adjustments or methods did you use?
My husband started out with a nasal mask. He actually did well with the nasal mask, but the first time he got a head cold he was concerned about mouth breathing, which he only does when he has a cold.

So he bought himself an F & P Simplus to use when he had colds. Well the first time he used the Simplus he realized that he actually like it better than the F & P Eson nasal mask he had been using. He decided to just keep using the Simplus since he does not have any serious problems with leaks with it. Hubby says that he likes the fact that the Simplus covers both his nose and mouth so he can open his mouth whenever he wants. He also oddly finds the full face Simplus somehow less confining and less claustrophobic than a nasal mask.

For what it's worth, hubby tried a nasal pillows mask once since I have been using pillows from the start of my own xPAP journey. Hubby hated the pillows---he hated the fact that they touch his nostrils and he found the air blowing into his nostrils irritating. Me? I can't stand having my nose covered and I quite like the fact that the only place the pillows touch my face is right around my nostrils.

To each their own. If you want to try a full face mask, just try it. You may find that you don't need any specific adjustments from using a nasal mask to a ffm. One tip that is common is to fit masks while lying down and at your full pressure. But that's a tip that's particularly important for the larger footprints of a full face mask.
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BP
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by BP » Tue Oct 25, 2022 9:51 am

I have used both over the years. The last nasal mask I used for 5 years or so, was actually a hybrid with both nasal pillows and mouth component. I can't use just a nasal mask since I mouth breathe frequently, and I can imagine taping my mouth shut. A couple of years ago I switched to a Resmed AirTouch F20. I really love this mask, as close to perfect as I have ever found.

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Jlfinkels
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by Jlfinkels » Tue Oct 25, 2022 1:12 pm

I switch between a Resmed P10 and Resmed F20 fairly often due to allergies/colds/flus/etc. When the nose is clogged I go FFM. When the snoz is open I use the pillows. Only thing I change is the mask type setting on the CPAP.

It takes a night or two to fully adjust to the switch, but for me it is not a big deal.
Sometimes it is the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one imagines

lynninnj
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by lynninnj » Tue Oct 25, 2022 1:50 pm

after spending the last week with a stuffy nose, I am really starting to think about getting a full facemask or hybrid mask as a back up for those situations.

I didn’t think it was that big of a deal because I just have a little bit of stuffiness, not a lot. But when I look at my nightly reports, and the fact that I wasn’t sleeping at all one of those nights, I am really thinking I might want to try one.

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Janknitz
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by Janknitz » Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:56 pm

I use a FF mask when I have a cold. But I had a bad bout of virus with a lot of nasal irritation several years back and I couldn't get myself off the FF mask for a while because under my nose got really sensitive. The problem was that I had to crank down on the bottom of the FF mask (not the ideal way to fit an air cushion mask) and I sleep on my side, so the long term use of the FF mask led to a lot of pressure on my teeth on one side and actually shifted them, plus the tight lower straps pushed against my already retracted lower jaw. Not a good combo.

I still have a FF mask for those really gooey days of a cold, but thankfully it's been a few years since I've needed it. I'm sure the cushion is even older and more brittle.
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ozij
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by ozij » Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:46 pm

Janknitz wrote:
Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:56 pm
I use a FF mask when I have a cold. [...]

I still have a FF mask for those really gooey days of a cold, but thankfully it's been a few years since I've needed it. I'm sure the cushion is even older and more brittle.
Which kind of FF was it?

For those who can't do without an FFM - testing out different head pillows - and possibly a dedicated CPAP pillow - may help with less leaks during side sleep.

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CPAPQs4All
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Wed Oct 26, 2022 6:32 am

BP wrote:
Tue Oct 25, 2022 9:51 am
I have used both over the years. The last nasal mask I used for 5 years or so, was actually a hybrid with both nasal pillows and mouth component. I can't use just a nasal mask since I mouth breathe frequently, and I can imagine taping my mouth shut. A couple of years ago I switched to a Resmed AirTouch F20. I really love this mask, as close to perfect as I have ever found.
Hi BP,
I use an AirFit F20, which I think is the same as your except it has a silicone cushion instead of a memory foam cushion.
Have you tried this model or heard comments from other users about it?
I wonder if memory foam would slip off less than silicone...

CPAPQs4All
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Re: Anyway here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Wed Oct 26, 2022 6:34 am

robysue1 wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:41 pm
CPAPQs4All wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:23 pm
Hi,
I am looking to hear from anyone who attempted to use a nasal mask but switched to a full mask.
How long did you persist with the nasal mask?
What adjustments or methods did you use?
My husband started out with a nasal mask. He actually did well with the nasal mask, but the first time he got a head cold he was concerned about mouth breathing, which he only does when he has a cold.

So he bought himself an F & P Simplus to use when he had colds. Well the first time he used the Simplus he realized that he actually like it better than the F & P Eson nasal mask he had been using. He decided to just keep using the Simplus since he does not have any serious problems with leaks with it. Hubby says that he likes the fact that the Simplus covers both his nose and mouth so he can open his mouth whenever he wants. He also oddly finds the full face Simplus somehow less confining and less claustrophobic than a nasal mask.

For what it's worth, hubby tried a nasal pillows mask once since I have been using pillows from the start of my own xPAP journey. Hubby hated the pillows---he hated the fact that they touch his nostrils and he found the air blowing into his nostrils irritating. Me? I can't stand having my nose covered and I quite like the fact that the only place the pillows touch my face is right around my nostrils.

To each their own. If you want to try a full face mask, just try it. You may find that you don't need any specific adjustments from using a nasal mask to a ffm. One tip that is common is to fit masks while lying down and at your full pressure. But that's a tip that's particularly important for the larger footprints of a full face mask.
Thanks RobySue1,
I will check out F & P Simplus also. Glad to hear of your husband's success story. It gives me hope!

CPAPQs4All
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:12 am

ozij wrote:
Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:46 pm
Janknitz wrote:
Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:56 pm
I use a FF mask when I have a cold. [...]

I still have a FF mask for those really gooey days of a cold, but thankfully it's been a few years since I've needed it. I'm sure the cushion is even older and more brittle.
Which kind of FF was it?

For those who can't do without an FFM - testing out different head pillows - and possibly a dedicated CPAP pillow - may help with less leaks during side sleep.
Hi Janknitz
Do you have any recommendations for good pillows / CPAP pillows?

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ozij
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by ozij » Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:37 am

It was my suggestion, not Jan's. I don't live in the States - and I found it varies by the type of mask I use. The dedicated CPAP pillow I bought years ago from Amazon was based on Amazon review -- and steering away from any that mentioned a smell.

You'll have to try - forum members have sworn by water pillows, memory foam pillows, spelt or some other grain...
Here's one:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=111786&p=1073696&hi ... w#p1073696

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks.
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023

Janknitz
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by Janknitz » Wed Oct 26, 2022 11:52 am

I use an "orthopedic" memory foam pillow--it has a sort of neck roll and trough for your head --and tried to hang my mask off the end. The mask was an old Mirage Quattro. The rigid frame pressed on my lower teeth when I lay on my side, even trying to hang the mask off the pillow.

As I said, I haven't needed a FF mask in a very long time (one benefit of Covid--I wear a mask in public and haven't had any upper respiratory infections at all). I use the Dream Wear nasal cradle mask now and I'm trying to decide if the FF version of that would work for me when my nose is congested, because I think that would be the most comfortable option for me. Then I need to get one to have ready if and when needed--I'm hoping not anytime soon because colds usually turn into asthmatic bronchitis for me.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by ChicagoGranny » Wed Oct 26, 2022 2:13 pm

CPAPQs4All wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:23 pm
Hi,
I am looking to hear from anyone who attempted to use a nasal mask but switched to a full mask.
How long did you persist with the nasal mask?
What adjustments or methods did you use?
I used nasal pillows and taped my mouth for six months before I started using a FFM. I am now very happy with the FFM I use. ResMed AirFit F30i FFM

If you want to keep trying a nasal interface, here are some things you can try.

1. Taping your lips closed with sleep tape - https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Snoring ... r_1_3_sspa (Tip: turn your lips slightly inward while applying the tape.)

2. Wearing a foam cervical collar that keeps the neck in the optimal position for airway patency and helps keep the jaw from dropping - https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cervic ... ef=sr_1_11

In any case, you should practice placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This is the correct positioning for optimal breathing and helping to prevent the mouth from opening.

If all fails, masses of people use FFMs with good results.

CPAPQs4All
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2022 11:13 pm

Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:51 pm

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Wed Oct 26, 2022 2:13 pm
CPAPQs4All wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:23 pm
Hi,
I am looking to hear from anyone who attempted to use a nasal mask but switched to a full mask.
How long did you persist with the nasal mask?
What adjustments or methods did you use?
I used nasal pillows and taped my mouth for six months before I started using a FFM. I am now very happy with the FFM I use. ResMed AirFit F30i FFM

If you want to keep trying a nasal interface, here are some things you can try.

1. Taping your lips closed with sleep tape - https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Snoring ... r_1_3_sspa (Tip: turn your lips slightly inward while applying the tape.)

2. Wearing a foam cervical collar that keeps the neck in the optimal position for airway patency and helps keep the jaw from dropping - https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cervic ... ef=sr_1_11

In any case, you should practice placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This is the correct positioning for optimal breathing and helping to prevent the mouth from opening.

If all fails, masses of people use FFMs with good results.
Thanks, I'll check those products.

CPAPQs4All
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2022 11:13 pm

Re: Anyone here switched from nasal to full-mask?

Post by CPAPQs4All » Wed Oct 26, 2022 10:16 pm

ozij wrote:
Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:37 am
It was my suggestion, not Jan's. I don't live in the States - and I found it varies by the type of mask I use. The dedicated CPAP pillow I bought years ago from Amazon was based on Amazon review -- and steering away from any that mentioned a smell.

You'll have to try - forum members have sworn by water pillows, memory foam pillows, spelt or some other grain...
Here's one:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=111786&p=1073696&hi ... w#p1073696
Thanks.