Switch from FFM to nasal pillows? How did you do it?

[djams]

I've been using a FFM since starting therapy in April. Didn't even consider anything else at the time because I am a longtime mouth breather. When I'm on my back (which I try not to do) my mouth opens. And my tongue relaxes and drops off the roof of my mouth.

I know I'd like nasal pillows, if I were able to use them. Less is more in this case. I'm aware of most if not all of the helper items. Chinstrap, cervical collar, scunci, taping. But the whole point for me is less stuff, not more. I like my present routine. Brush my teeth, put on my FFM, turn on the machine, lay down. I don't want to spend minutes gearing up.

I'm really interested in hearing about switching from FFM to pillows without adding any support gear. I realize that this may be impossible for me. But if you were able to make the switch in this manner I'd love to hear any tips that helped you.

I'm not desperate to get rid of my FFM's. My current masks give me no trouble. Just thinking about options.

[Goofproof]

If it isn't broke why would you want to break it. Jim

[djams]

If it isn't broke why would you want to break it. Jim

A very valid point. And I'm fully aware that I might be tossing a Benjamin down the toilet if I pursue it.

[palerider]

I switched to the P10 because it was so minimal, other than the fact that it made my nose so sore at first that I could only wear it part of the night, I didn't have any problem switching. my pressures ended up being lower since it doesn't push my lower jaw back.

I used the recommended Lansinoh lanolin on my sore nose, and that helped tremendously... after a week or two I didn't need that anymore.

[nicholasjh1]

I tried to believe that Nasal pillows by themselves were enough, but I just couldn't get it to work. too much mouth leak. Not from breathing out of my mouth... just from pressure differential and air getting out that way, which reduced pressure against the apnea and reduced therepeutic value. In the end I ended up taping.

[djams]

I switched to the P10 because it was so minimal, other than the fact that it made my nose so sore at first that I could only wear it part of the night, I didn't have any problem switching. my pressures ended up being lower since it doesn't push my lower jaw back.

I used the recommended Lansinoh lanolin on my sore nose, and that helped tremendously... after a week or two I didn't need that anymore.

Thanks palerider. Did you have the "open mouth" tendency that I do prior to switching?

I'm also thinking that my mouth opening could be viewed as a "get off your back alarm" - sort of a tool to help train me to side sleep. Which would also reduce my pressure needs.

[djams]

I tried to believe that Nasal pillows by themselves were enough, but I just couldn't get it to work. too much mouth leak. Not from breathing out of my mouth... just from pressure differential and air getting out that way, which reduced pressure against the apnea and reduced therepeutic value. In the end I ended up taping.

Thanks - I hadn't considered this potential issue. I've got nothing in past experience to know if I'll have this issues as well. It's common I know, so probably. I suspect that if I eventually choose to try pillows, I'll make all sorts of racket (initially at least) and would move myself to the guest bedroom so my wife could still sleep while I'm experimenting.

[palerider]

I switched to the P10 because it was so minimal, other than the fact that it made my nose so sore at first that I could only wear it part of the night, I didn't have any problem switching. my pressures ended up being lower since it doesn't push my lower jaw back.

I used the recommended Lansinoh lanolin on my sore nose, and that helped tremendously... after a week or two I didn't need that anymore.

Thanks palerider. Did you have the "open mouth" tendency that I do prior to switching?

I'm also thinking that my mouth opening could be viewed as a "get off your back alarm" - sort of a tool to help train me to side sleep. Which would also reduce my pressure needs.

Not as far as I know, but did develop occasional air leaking after spending some time with a NG tube... Usually, a soft headband takes care of that

[chunkyfrog]

I was "told" that my mouth was a problem.
Not true.
I suspect I was being primed to use more costly ff masks
and chin straps, that are pure misery to use--for me, at least.

[zonker]

I was "told" that my mouth was a problem.
Not true.
I suspect I was being primed to use more costly ff masks
and chin straps, that are pure misery to use--for me, at least.

oh, surely no one HERE would ever say you have a mouth problem?!?!?

[chunkyfrog]

[palerider]

I was "told" that my mouth was a problem.
Not true.
I suspect I was being primed to use more costly ff masks
and chin straps, that are pure misery to use--for me, at least.

oh, surely no one HERE would ever say you have a mouth problem?!?!?

She's got a lovely mouth, just look at her pic!

[Muse-Inc]

...longtime mouth breather. When I'm on my back (which I try not to do) my mouth opens. And my tongue relaxes and drops off the roof of my mouth.

I know I'd like nasal pillows, if I were able to use them...

Try my mask: pillows and covers mouth. It's a hybrid FFM. . https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/hybrid-cpap-mask

[Tatooed Lady]

I used that silly neoprene headgear briefly. It helped some. AND I found that if I took a blanket and tucked it under my jaw while I was on my side, it assisted in keeping my big fat yap closed. Basically, it's training your body to do as you want...while you sleep. It can take awhile, but being as I use the Swift fX nasal pillows instead of the FFM that I thought I'd be stuck with, its worth it, in my case.
I also bought the pad a cheek strips for the headgear, which minimizes the creases and marks on my face. I'm no spring chicken, I don't need help looking weird.

[djams]

I was "told" that my mouth was a problem.
Not true.
I suspect I was being primed to use more costly ff masks
and chin straps, that are pure misery to use--for me, at least.

I "told them" that my mouth was a problem at my initial fitting. Wouldn't even consider anything else. Hoping that I find it to be not true too!