Suggestions for using ORACLE 452 oral mask

I am so discouraged. Have been working at this since end of August 2006, and feel worse now than before I had sleep study and learned I have OSA. Am awakened just about every 1 1/2 - 2 hrs with mask leaking, and I have tried them all--have to have FF because am a mouth breather. The Clinical Director of my sleep lab has been great in trying to solve my problem--she has 25 yrs experience, is an RPSGT, CRT, RCP, and knows a lot. Yesterday she gave me an ORACLE 452 to try--it looks great, gets you away from all that head gear as just has one strap--I was excited to try it--followed the directions re using humidifier and the nose clip--felt like I was blowing up like a balloon, so I reset my machine--lowered to 12 from 13. I am at my wits end--am tired all the time, and fall asleep when I sit down, and I have NEVER done this. Just had a physical and labwork was all ok--just had 6 mo check-up with oncologist (post breast cancer) and all is OK there. There HAS to be a solution for the leaking mask. I am desperate for a good nights sleep.

Nightingale

I tried the Oracle as well and felt like a blowfish. You do need to have the humidifier all the way up on the thing and you may have the tendency to drool out of the side of your mouth. Was the pressure cut-back helpful for you? I have found the Hybrid to be the best mask for me once you tweek it a bit.

I tried the Oracle in titration and hoped it would work (have 1 deviated septum). The problem was I couldn't get enough exhalation relief. I wanted to try it again now that I have the A-Flex, which makes breathing altogether easier, but my DME highly discouraged it, saying it would be better to get used to breathing through my nose.

In the short time I've been on CPAP, I find myself with my mouth closed during the day and breathing through my nose.

I've decided from all the comments of experiences users that it can take trying multiple masks, other techniques, and the will to stick with it. Doing research, talking to DME, techs, doctors, and doing many hours of reading through the posts on this forum should go a long way toward that magical place of rest.

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I am probably one of only a handful of people who love the Oracle. I'm on a pressure of 15!! I am lucky-no drooling issues;no problem with pressure bothering me. I do use the nose plugs but I actually tape them in place otherwise they slide out after a while. The biggest Oracle drawback-my humidifier is at highest setting and my mouth feels like the Sahara desert!! But...a small inconvenience. I also found that my leak rate is a lot lower than when I had used a full face mask. Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions.