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Permalink Reply by James Skinner on June 9, 2011 at 12:44pm

ResMed - Mirage Liberty

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Donaldson on June 9, 2011 at 2:25pm

I used a nose mask and a chin strap for years. Even with the chin strap very tight, it wasn't totally effective at keeping my mouth closed. That was noted at my last sleep study. In the middle of it, they strapped on a Mirage Quattro full mask on me and what a difference. I've been using one ever since. You are right though. I too noticed the dry mouth as well. I have a humidifier on my machine and I run it close to it's max setting and that helps a lot. I am a lot more comfortable with the full mask and personally would not go back to a nose mask and chin strap. I have noticed that I have no achey theeth, or strange headaches since getting rid of the chin strap. It was probably putting some undue pressure on my jaw.

One other thing I noticed. You don't "feel" the pressure as much with a full mask. You would notice that more with a nose mask.

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Permalink Reply by Chris H on June 9, 2011 at 3:23pm

Please note the contour pillow comes in 4 ,5 or 6  inch heights this company only offers an un specified "one size" I use this product and like it.Good Sleep,Chris

John Little said:

I used to have a major problem with masks and went through six of them before I found the Respironics OptiLife Nasal CPAP Mask.  Its a great mask with a chin strap, a double banded head band and uses nasal pillows that do not irritate my nose.  I have gone from being able to use the mask for four hours to all night with no issues.  My wife also got me a pillow from Brylane Home for CPAPs which is incredible.  It is at  http://www.brylanehome.com/decor/Contour-CPAP-Compliance-Pillow-and....   It is much easier to sleep with than a conventional pillow as it is contoured to the mask and helps greatly.  I also got the accessory kit which allows for the hose to hang "up in the air" which takes all of the hose drag off your face.   Hope all this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Gilliland on June 9, 2011 at 3:40pm

Ernestine,  They make a nasal mask that has a chin strap that will keep you mouth closed.  Ask them about it.  Bob Gilliland

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Permalink Reply by Acurest on June 9, 2011 at 5:59pm

I think there is something missing from this discussion - just because your mouth is open during sleep does not automatically mean that air will escape.  On nasal CPAP, the airflow through the nose applies pressure to the soft palate pushing it downwards towards the back of the mouth and throat.  Combined with the relaxing tissues in the back of the mouth, in most people this action effectively blocks the oral airway.  Of course, some leakage is still possible and will still occur during the night, but the volume of leakage is often much lower than you would experience using a full-face mask.  A dry mouth in the morning while on nasal CPAP might be uncomfortable, but it does not mean mouth leak.  See a good dicussion about this at: http://www.acurest.com.au/truefit-custom-mask/full-face-mask/

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Permalink Reply by Gordon H on June 10, 2011 at 10:02am

I started out with the chin strap three years ago and have testes all kinds of masks, including nasal pillows, total face masks and full face masks. In January, 2011 the chin strap caused my chin to break out. I did my research and decided to try a full face ResMed Quattro FX has just released. The first was sized as a small incorrectly, but when they exchanged the mask for medium, I found peace for the first time in the three years. I have also been able to grow my beard out which didn't work with other masks. I used humidity in the winter, but I am able to discontinue this in the summer. The heated air makes me too warm in the summer. I also use CPAP Moisture Therapy Cream in my nose before going to bed at night and Vaseline when I get up in the morning. Hope this helps. While this has worked for me, everyone is different.

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Permalink Reply by MJ Jackson on June 10, 2011 at 2:11pm

Hi, I also have the Respironics OptiLife Nasal Pillow mask.  Just got it 10 days ago and it's the first time in 3 years I have been able to use my CPAP the entire night. I have had a couple of episodes of leakage because of movement but I will keep adjusting the straps until I get the right fit but no problem with opening my mouth. The chin strap is doing the job.   It is really comfortable and the chin strap and head band doesn't bother me at all.  I have tried full face masks, nose masks and other nasal pillow systems but this is by far the best one I've tried.  Hopefully it will continue to work for me.  I would definitely recommend it.

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Permalink Reply by Corinne on June 10, 2011 at 2:50pm

MJ - I was curious about OptiLife and thanks for your opinion. I am planning to try this next if I can't solve my current mask's issues. 

MJ Jackson said:

Hi, I also have the Respironics OptiLife Nasal Pillow mask.  Just got it 10 days ago and it's the first time in 3 years I have been able to use my CPAP the entire night. I have had a couple of episodes of leakage because of movement but I will keep adjusting the straps until I get the right fit but no problem with opening my mouth. The chin strap is doing the job.   It is really comfortable and the chin strap and head band doesn't bother me at all.  I have tried full face masks, nose masks and other nasal pillow systems but this is by far the best one I've tried.  Hopefully it will continue to work for me.  I would definitely recommend it.

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Permalink Reply by My Sleep APnea on June 22, 2011 at 10:51am

I have the same problem. What i did was to use a chin strap, very cheap. It keeps my mouth closed at nght and my dry mouth is all but gone. Good advise is hard to find. It is going to vary from person to person. But it works for ME!!!

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Permalink Reply by George Smith on July 6, 2011 at 1:52pm

I  use a 2 inch high micropore paper tape with a small strip of toilet paper (one layer,1/2 inch or so) so my lips don't stick to the tape. Works like a charm. yea a pain but works 100%. Tried a chin strap but my lips still blew open. using this for over 5 years now...

no need for a full face mask either. Only problem is a sneeze takes some practice. I usually just take if off quickly and start over.

Mirage 2 mask.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Ernestine Webster on July 7, 2011 at 11:55am

thanks for the response and the suggestions,  for several weeks i did fine with sleep and with the dry mouth situation , for the last couple of nights i have started back to waking up with dry mouth , i wake up messing with my mask and having bad dreams again. the last doctors appointment he had the air pressure lowered from 10 to a 8 , i think the air pressure should be raised back to a 10 again, did not have dreams or dry mouth when the air pressure was on 10 . would this lowered pressure have anything to do with dry mouth ? have been wearing my mask every night , most nights wearing it most of the night unless i have problems sleeping and some nights i do not much sleep at all even with taking my meds to help me sleep.      

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Permalink Reply by Mary Callahan on July 7, 2011 at 12:43pm

I found the Contour pillow way too small for me. When I wanted to turn over, I would fall off the very small place for a head (and I am not a large person). I would fall off into the cut out place for your nose and mask. The pillow should be at least 4 inches wider to be functional. It was a waste of my money. And when I was in the right place for my mask, the cut out place would echo the noise of the breathing/mask. Found it very annoying. Shame I could not return the pillow. I was very disappointed.

Corinne said:

John, Thanks for sharing this information. I plan to look into this.  I have issue with the a regular pillow too.  I will have to check out the contour pillow.  Will it matter if I am petite person?  Corinne

John Little said:

I used to have a major problem with masks and went through six of them before I found the Respironics OptiLife Nasal CPAP Mask.  Its a great mask with a chin strap, a double banded head band and uses nasal pillows that do not irritate my nose.  I have gone from being able to use the mask for four hours to all night with no issues.  My wife also got me a pillow from Brylane Home for CPAPs which is incredible.  It is at http://www.brylanehome.com/decor/Contour-CPAP-Compliance-Pillow-and....   It is much easier to sleep with than a conventional pillow as it is contoured to the mask and helps greatly.  I also got the accessory kit which allows for the hose to hang "up in the air" which takes all of the hose drag off your face.   Hope all this helps.

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