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I have been told to use a full face mask. But I wonder if it is worth trying a nasal mask? Maybe I would not have fits trying to find a mask that fits.

What do I lose buy going from full to nasal mask?

Fred

If you mouthbreath, and don't tape your mouth shut, you lose your treatment out your mouth. And the cost of the mask. If you are willing to do what's needed to stop mouthbreathing, you get by with less on your face. Jim

For a long time I had problems with mouth breathing. I know from experience that nasal masks fit better and have less leaks. Being determined to have as few leaks as possible I kept fighting the mouth breathing and finally am able to control it.
Leak rate is way down and more importantly AHI down also to 1.8.

I am a mouth breather and my nasal mask is working great for me. I am at a high pressure (15#) and there is something about that that is keeping my mouth shut. My AHI originally was 38 and now is .5 Saw the Dr. last week and he was surprised that I have been 100% compliant - said my leak rate was great. I couldn't stand the idea of a huge mask on my face and since I am a mouth breather/drooler the inside of the mask (on my study) got all wet and nasty (sorry if this is TMI).

When I had my sleep study and the tech brought out the nasal mask, I said it would'nt work because I breathe through my mouth. She said that if they get the titration right, most people will stop breathing through their mouth. In my case, she was right. I woke up that morning and my first comment was "wow! my mouth does not feel like shoe leather"!. I've been compliant now for about 3 months and have been able to stop using nasal spray because breathing through my nose on cpap has helped clear the swelling in my nasal passages. Not sure this will be true for everyone but it sure did make a difference for me.

Kat

I'm a mouth breather, but I'm also claustrophobic. I told the DME on my first visit I was a mouth breather and they said "Full Face Mask!" and I freaked out and said NO!!!!

They gave me a nasal mask and a Tiara Topaz Chinstrap. Other than the nightmare of going through 7 masks in 6 weeks to find one that would work, the mouth breathing thing is OVER in my life. I just naturally am breathing through my nose and keeping my mouth shut. The chinstrap works for me.

Borrow a nasal mask and chinstrap and try for yourself. If there's no loaners at your DME, then invest in buying online. Try Mask Roulette thread on this forum.

I still have plenty of nights when I'm congested, and breathing through one nostril only. Lately I've been coughing, due to excess throat phlegm, but it passes, and I'm still 100% compliant. I usually wake up with a minor amount of congestion (have done so all my life) and immediately after taking off my mask, I mouth breathe. But I've noticed after an hour or so I'm back to closing my mouth and nose breathing. I hardly ever mouth breathe during the day now.

Good luck!
Barbara

I'm getting very good results on a nasal pillows mask and a chin strap. It all just depends on your anatomy.

have you tried a mask called the hybrid yet ?
it's the best thing that's happend for me since getting on the hose

I get good results with nasal pillows and a boil-n-bite mouthguard.

Good luck,
Cathy