Stomach sleeper/leaker

hello,
I've been on CPAP for about six months, but frankly, I haven't been on the therapy for the last three. The reason for this is that I can't get the therapy to to work. I was first given a nasal mask from my DME, but since I'm a mouth breather that didn't seem to work. Then I was prescribed the Quattro and since I'm a stomach sleeper, I got leaks and a sore nose bridge from it, so I stopped using it. I came to this forum and tried the Activa LT since it was highly recommended and did the mouth taping for the mouth breathing. I loved this mask but I couldn't get used to the mouth taping. I stopped CPAP treatment all together.
However, especially lately, the sleep apnea is really bothering me. I really want to make this work but I can't deal with leaks (since I'm a stomach sleeper) or mouth taping (with a mask that seals i.e. the Activa). So that brought me back here... any help will be greatly appreciated as I seek alternatives and/or a new mask. Thanks!

You must address the mouth leaks or the treatment just will not work.

I rigged up a way to keep my lips shut and leak free using the Pur-Sleep PapCap and some ACE bandage material without having to resort to tape (I have a full beard and stash so taping is not my preference either).

I will take some pics and load up later this evening.

You would probably get on better if you don't sleep on your stomach. I know that might sound a silly thing to say, but I used to be a stomach sleeper, not every night but I would sleep on my stomach quite a bit and put my arm up on the pillow above my head. After switching to CPAP nearly 5 years ago, I completely changed how I slept and most nights I'm now a side sleeper and some nights I do resort to my back.

It might sound a little daunting at first, but it's just a matter of conditioning your brain to tell yourself not to do it (and to prop yourself up if you need to).

Prior to CPAP I used to think I was a mouth breather and actually requested a full face mask when I received my first mask because I didn't think I could cope because when sleeping on my stomach I would breath through my mouth, but since switching to sleeping on my side / back I hardly ever mouth breath. You might not find the same thing, but for me ensuring I didn't sleep on my stomach seemed to help massively.

Thanks
Dave

Juanefny,
Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on deciding to take charge of your life by resuming your cpap therapy. The leaks/mouth breathing issues need to be solved. I understand not being able to stand the mouth taping--I'm astoundingly sensitive to adhesives, develop rashes and sores with bandaids--but the Hybrid mask keeps my mouth closed, and it's worked very well with the nasal congestion I've had recently. You might want to look into it. I can't comment on the stomach sleeping aspect, but I know several members here have worked out similar issues. A change of pillows might help. Don't give up! You're worth making this work!

Juanefny wrote:hello,
I've been on CPAP for about six months, but frankly, I haven't been on the therapy for the last three. The reason for this is that I can't get the therapy to to work. I was first given a nasal mask from my DME, but since I'm a mouth breather that didn't seem to work. Then I was prescribed the Quattro and since I'm a stomach sleeper, I got leaks and a sore nose bridge from it, so I stopped using it. I came to this forum and tried the Activa LT since it was highly recommended and did the mouth taping for the mouth breathing. I loved this mask but I couldn't get used to the mouth taping. I stopped CPAP treatment all together.
However, especially lately, the sleep apnea is really bothering me. I really want to make this work but I can't deal with leaks (since I'm a stomach sleeper) or mouth taping (with a mask that seals i.e. the Activa). So that brought me back here... any help will be greatly appreciated as I seek alternatives and/or a new mask. Thanks!

The problems you experienced parallel some of mine.

First, I encourage you to continue sleeping on your tummy. This is the best position for health of the spine. Maybe more importantly for sleep apneics, it can be a better position for breathing while asleep. A large portion of patients have Positionally-affected sleep apnea (PSA). This means while sleeping on the back the apnea is more severe than while sleeping on the sides or tummy and the pressure requirements while sleeping on the back may be significantly higher.

It is likely to help if you adopt the Falcon position of tummy sleeping. See Dr. Falcon's description and photos of proper tummy sleeping at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36738&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

Second, I recommend a full face mask (FFM) over mouth taping with a nasal mask. The FFM that I use is the Hybrid mask https://www.cpap.com/productpage/2204 . With this mask nothing touches the bridge of the nose so you don’t have a problem with bad irritation. I also find the mask works great for tummy sleeping in the Falcon position. I have a four-year anniversary coming up with this mask and it is rare to get a leak.

If you decide to try a Hybrid, we can help with fitting and adjustment tips. Make sure you get the real Hybrid and not the Liberty which is a modified copy of the Hybrid.

Regards,

Thanks for all the responses. Roster, my provider does not offer the hybrid mask but they do offer the Liberty mask.

I have also read in various places that the Flexifit 431/432 are good. Assuming I can only choose one mask, which of these two masks (liberty vs flexifit) would you guys recommend for me?

Juanefny wrote: Roster, my provider does not offer the hybrid mask

I hope you tell them they are doing a crummy job of serving you.

Juanefny

I will check at home..........I may have the mask you are looking for, and would be glad to send it for the price of postage involved.....

The mask has been tried on by two people.......I traded another mask on this board with a member and he kindly sent this one. I couldn't use it either. All of the pillows, instructions etc are there.

Please pm me your address.......and I'll follow up tonight.

Pat

Good, I was just going to direct you to Rooster/Roster for his input on tummy sleeping. And ask your DME to order the Hybrid for you. They may make a fuss but it's their job to serve their customer, so stand your ground. I understand the Liberty is not the same as the Hybrid.