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GOING FROM A SMALL NASAL MASK TO A FULL FACE
Hi: I can't seem to get used to the full face mask. My therapist said I could use the nasal mask if I can keep my mouth shut. I have tried everything. I tried 2 chin straps and even taped my mouth closed with paper tape, but that just breaks down my skin. Any suggestions? This is getting very expensive.
Views: 22
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on
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It's something of a mystery to me, but somehow most of us just keep our mouths closed after some time w/ a nasal mask. I have used chin straps like training wheels during transitions from full face masks (FFMs) to nasal masks or nasal pillows..
Some of us who went years with untreated OSA considered ourselves mouth breathers because we were in our sleep trying anything we could to get air into our blocked airways. Once the airway stayed open with PAP, we no longer had to gape our pie holes trying to breathe.
The FFM helps address the mouth opening problem, but opens up new challenges because there's so much more seal perimeter to maintain.
Some major mask manufacturers, specifically Resmed & Respironics, have mask exchange programs wherein under certain conditions they will replace masks at no cost for participating DME dealers. That relieves a great deal of cost burden. If your DME doesn't participate, you might consider changing to one that does.
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Permalink Reply by Julia on
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I was pretty sure I would not be able to keep my mouth closed after breathing through it for years, but it seems like it is staying shut. I have actually caught myself biting the side of my tongue in my sleep the last few nights. Weird. It hurts, lol. I think I must be subconsciously biting down to keep my mouth shut. I hope it goes away soon!!!
Rock Conner RRT said:It's something of a mystery to me, but somehow most of us just keep our mouths closed after some time w/ a nasal mask. I have used chin straps like training wheels during transitions from full face masks (FFMs) to nasal masks or nasal pillows..
Some of us who went years with untreated OSA considered ourselves mouth breathers because we were in our sleep trying anything we could to get air into our blocked airways. Once the airway stayed open with PAP, we no longer had to gape our pie holes trying to breathe.
The FFM helps address the mouth opening problem, but opens up new challenges because there's so much more seal perimeter to maintain.
Some major mask manufacturers, specifically Resmed & Respironics, have mask exchange programs wherein under certain conditions they will replace masks at no cost for participating DME dealers. That relieves a great deal of cost burden. If your DME doesn't participate, you might consider changing to one that does.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Katzung on
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Many people put their tongue at the top of their mouth to prevent mouth breathing. I don't know how dependent it is on individual oral anatomy, but I can actually open my mouth quite wide with my tongue in this position without leaking (as long as I don't blow out into "chipmunk cheeks"). In fact, I get a better "vacuum" holding my tongue in position if my lips are slightly open than if completely closed. (I have yet to figure out why this would be, but it is.)
Alas, my muscles still relax too much (at least at this point; I'm at about the one month mark in therapy) during sleep to keep the proper tongue position.
I love the ResMed Swift LT. It's my "goal" mask. (A chinstrap helps, but I still get the occasional lip leak that wakes me.) In the interim, I'm using the RespCare/Innomed Hybrid oral/nasal pillow.
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