Is My Over-Bite My Problem with Mask Fitting?

I'm still trying to find a mask that fits after 7months, and four masks. I got a Mirage Liberty, yesterday, which I'm hoping will work but right off the bat I have problems stopping leaks. It has occurred to me that perhaps the reason I'm having leaks is my over-bite. I haven't read any comments regarding this so perhaps it's not a general problem.

I also have an uncorrected over-bite, and while it may play a roll in worsening OSA, I don't think it affects mask fit. I have good luck with the Quattro and Activa.

Without having anything else to go on I say to try nasal pillows. They are by far the easiest to seal and face hair or features are not a problem.

GumbyCT wrote:Without having anything else to go on I say to try nasal pillows. They are by far the easiest to seal and face hair or features are not a problem.

Yes. But with nasal pillows, you then you need to check for and deal with mouth leaks.

I can also confirm that overbite does certainly affect your mask fitting and leaking. I have a dental appliance for TMJ, and there is a very distinct difference between the masks that will work well with the appliance and those that work well without it. Not that I don't use my dental appliance. But did experiment to learn.

plr66 wrote:

GumbyCT wrote:Without having anything else to go on I say to try nasal pillows. They are by far the easiest to seal and face hair or features are not a problem.

Yes. But with nasal pillows, you then you need to check for and deal with mouth leaks.

Why of course.

I am beginning to think we must learn to breath again (thru our nose) and that should be the 1st step in this therapy. Practice breathing "thru your nose" so it becomes 2nd nature.

GumbyCT wrote:I am beginning to think we must learn to breath again (thru our nose) and that should be the 1st step in this therapy. Practice breathing "thru your nose" so it becomes 2nd nature.

I agree with that, Gumby. But...I breathe through my nose 100% during the daytime. And I breathe through my nose when I'm in bed awake. I also keep my tongue planted on the roof of my mouth when I'm awake with the mask on, which prevents mouth breathing/leaking for me. But there doesn't seem to be much I can do to prevent my tongue from relaxing and my mouth from falling open when I'm asleep, when all muscles relax, short of wearing a chin strap (which I do). I wish I didn't have to, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a full face or hybrid that's "just right." I have a weird face, I guess.

Regarding the overbite question, I have that problem and it has affected mask fit for me. I can't wear any mask that puts pressure on my upper lip area because of it, as it pushes on my teeth too much. The only nasal mask I've found that is tolerable is the Activa LT. It still puts pressure on my upper lip, but not as much as the others. The cushion kind of "floats" and the straps can be worn loose. Some of the nasal pillows masks also put too much pressure on my upper lip. However, the AEIOMed Headrest, Opus 360 and Swift FX nasal pillows masks have worked fine for me.