deviated septum

I have a deviated septum and can breath a little out of my left one the right one is no problem. I have tried so many masks but they tear my skin up. I am using the FX pillows and no problem with the pillows. I am a mouth breather and tape my mouth shut. I also use a chin strap. This has worked so far. The question I have is if I am getting the full benifit since the left side of my nose is deviated? I was looking at the Liberty and the Hybird and was wondering since you can breath through your mouth and the nasal pillows are in your nose would I get the full benifit again since the left nose is deviated but I can breath through it but not that good. I was thing since the mouth would be covered with these masks if that would work well? I am new to this site and Thank God for it and the members that share their experiences.
I live and work in Japan and retired from the USMC about 15 years ago. Any information or advice would be appreciated. Semper Fi. Jimmy

Hi Jimmy C.
Your situation sounds a lot like mine, except perhaps your one side limitation might be some worse than mine. I used to think I was a mouth breather and started out with a mask called MIRAGE LIBERTY by ResMed. I hated it but became convinced that I could be a nose breather with CPAP, (because I rarely opened my mouth to breath) so I bought a HYBRID. Now, this is the exact same design as the Resmed, but it worked better for me. It has to do with the angle and design of the pillows. One is not better, just better for me. Neither was wonderful.
Those hybrid type masks can be leaky if you are a side sleeper with a regular head pillow.
Let me say here that I cut my frustration in half when I switched nasal pillow sizes-they both come with S_M_L pillows. You just don't know until you try all the nasal pillows (in front of a mirror).
I did progress to a pure nasal pillow mask where I am happier with the least leaks; using tape also.

From my perspective you are trying to go backwards but if you are not getting enough air then you have to do something. Also, it is good to have a mouth breathing mask for colds and such.
I bought all my masks on line at auctions because I only have phantom insurance benefits.
Of course you know that your other best option is perhaps to consider having surgery on that deviated septum.
Best-o-luck with this,
steve

Welcome, Jimmy! I don't have any experience with deviated septums, but your thinking that a hybrid mask allows you to breathe through either your mouth or your nose is correct. This is handy for any time you can't breathe just through your nose, and it doesn't have the problems associated with full face masks that cover your nose. The Hybrid comes with 3 pillow sizes and 3 cushion sizes, so you can get the best possible fit. I haven't had leak issues with mine, and I'm a side sleeper.

Jimmy'

I had surgery for my deviated septum. It pinched a nerve on the turbinate on the other side causinng massive headaches. The surgery solved that problem and breathing is easier now. I would do it again! I now use nasal pillows almost exclusively. I am a mouth breather with the chin strap and look like Marley's ghost when I go to bed.

Rolf

I had to have surgry for my deviated setum. The doctor got in there and later asked my wife if my nose had ever been broken.
The surgry was one of the best things I have done for myself. I did loose my legs when they pulled out the packing !

However, there is hardly 10 days out of the year I can breathe out of both nostils.
I dread the day I forget my gun and get my mouth duct taped in a robbery.
I have some nasal spray from the doctor, works with limited success.

I would have to say if you breathe through your mouth and using a full face mask, you are "ok".
I dont think using a nasal pillow would be a good idea. At least with the full mask you will have no choice but to get air somewhere.

Of course, I am in food service, not a doctor. it's just my two cents.

Good luck.

As long as no air is leaking when mask is on and mouth taped shut, it don't matter if you breathe with 1 or both nostrils,the air is still keeping your airway open. The main part of your therapy is finding a mask you can and will wear. I had surgery to correct deviated septum and do remember the packing coming out...........and out..........and out. That was 30 years ago and still see that gauze..... It did feel really good about a week later when I could breathe through my nose again, but it didn't last more than a couple of years, I do have scar tissue that has compromised my nasal passages. I can breathe through my nose ok and use swift lt nasal pillows. I am fortunate not to have allergies or sinus problems or I would have surgery again. Thanks for your service to our country. john

I use a full face mask along with BREATHE RIGHT Nasal Dilators that I get on ebay. My problem is snoring and this combination helps.