picking a mask

Sleepy Bear wrote:I mouthbreath with CPAP so I need a full mask.

I mouthbreathe with CPAP too, and would have to use a Full Face mask if I didn't put tape over my mouth. Yes...tape, to keep me from mouthbreathing.

That lets me use masks that I find much more comfortable to sleep in, and a lot less leaky, than any FF mask I've tried over the years.

Here's a link that goes to many discussions about using tape and other methods to prevent mouthbreathing. I've been taping my mouth every night for about six years.

LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

If you do decide to continue with a FF mask, the double edge "PAPillow" has a contoured side to let a mask hang out over it when you sleep on your side.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/papill ... illow.html
That one's my favorite of the various kinds of pillows made specifically for cpap users.

Other types of pillows can work, too.

A good way to do a search on this forum is to go to Google.
Type what words you want to look for, exactly like below, with no spaces after the word "site", and being sure to include the colon.

cpap pillow site:cpaptalk.com

When Google lists a bunch of sites, go to ones that have "www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic" in the description of the page.
That kind of Google search often brings up more pertinent topics in this forum about what you're looking for, than using the forum's own "Search" button.

bprater wrote:Hi,
I am a new CPAP user. I just got my machine two weeks ago even though my dr. has been after me for 2 years now to get a machine. My problem is how do you pick the best mask and how long does it take everyone to decide if the mask works for them. I first tried the nasal one and it was okay even though I was a mouth breather it was easy to switch to nasal but it made my nose feel sore so I took it back ...

If you can, try an Oracle 2 mask. It is a mouth only mask for us mouth breathers. Nothing on or even next to your nose.

I've been reading here for a while just haven't posted. I called my insurance and requested a new headgear/mask and was told that the mask and headgear was no longer offered by them. They sent me to the Apria facility where I was fitted with the Swift FX and so far (one week) I am happy with it. I just read that some folks are using the large pillows and found them more comfortable than the medium that was recommended for me so I will try the large one tonight. What a great forum this is!!!

bprater wrote: I first tried the nasal one and it was okay even though I was a mouth breather it was easy to switch to nasal but it made my nose feel sore so I took it back and switched to a mouth and nasal (I think its called a 1/2 facial mask) and it is worse.

I am wondering how a straight nasal mask makes your nose sore? Unlike nasal pillows a true nasal mask does not touch your nose at all. If you can figure out how to keep from mouth breathing (check out rested gal's links) viewtopic.php?t=8011
then I think you would like a true nasal mask. Get it sized the smallest that will fit. You will have less leakage problems and it won't tend to leak when you move about.

The nasal mask I am using has a bridge that touches the forehead so the nose area is only touched by inflated flexible silicone. There are no pressure points on your nose or the bridge of your nose. Its quite comfortable. I think the mirage nasal mask has a similar design.

On the Swift LT, I can use both medium and large pillows. However, the extra surface areas of the large seem to be more forgiving of tossing and turning and less likely to leak.