Going from full face mask to nasal -- advice?

[shragae]

Hi. I've been using the F30i full face mask because historically I'm a "mouth breather." I do wake up with a little bit of a dry mouth (not bad) and some (excuse the expression) gas. But I really want to try a nasal mask to see if that helps my AHI and is a little more comfortable.

I've chose the N30i and it should be here by the end of the week.

What are your suggestions? I need to reset my Resmed, right? From full face to nasal?

Should I buy some tape for my mouth, or perhaps a chin strap? (If so - which). Or should I wait to see if my AHI goes up when I start the new mask (maybe I don't need them?).

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated, thank you.

[Dog Slobber]

In the clinical menu change your mask setting from Full Face to Pillows.

Your AHI will likely not be the indicator of of mouth breathing, your leak rate will.

[shragae]

Sweet! Thanks.

[Miss Emerita]

Good experiment! First give it a try without any aids and see how it goes.

If you sense that your jaw stays in place but your lips part, then try some tape. I'd suggest investing in a box of Somnifix, which holds well but is gentle on the skin. If it works, you can try cheaper alternatives.

If you sense that your jaw drops, try a soft cervical collar or a chin strap. I've been reading good things about the Knightsbridge Dual Band strap, which has the straps coming down from a little cap. This means they can pull straight up instead of up+back.

Have you been a mouth breather because of nasal congestion? If so, you might try some Flonase, using it maybe an hour before bed. It may take a week or so before it kicks in.

[shragae]

Great post with some good information thank you. I'm primarily a mouth breather because I just don't get enough air in through my nose. I think I might have a deviated septum as my nose is actually kind of crooked! But I've noticed since I started CPAP that I am able to breathe through my nose with the air that it's pushing up through it. That is why I think I might be able to go to a pillow versus the full face mask.

Sadly I'm allergic to adhesive tape. I can't use Band-Aids. So if I do look at using a tape I'll have to be very careful as to what type.

[Miss Emerita]

I’m allergic to bandaids too. They raise nasty red welts on my skin. But Somnifix doesn’t have that effect for me at all. You could try sticking a piece somewhere inconspicuous just to be sure it’s OK for you.

[Okie bipap]

Here is a trick Jay Aitchsee uses. To be truthful, I have never tried it, but others have.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112758&st=0&sk=t&sd ... i#p1086296

[zonker]

Here is a trick Jay Aitchsee uses. To be truthful, I have never tried it, but others have.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112758&st=0&sk=t&sd ... i#p1086296

[johnyfalco]

I’m allergic to bandaids too. They raise nasty red welts on my skin.

I use surgical tape to keep my mouth closed with my pillow mask. There is a clear 3m one that looks like the old roll of cellotape and there is a white roll that is just the tape with no dispenser.


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[Okie bipap]

I beat you to it this time.

[zonker]

I beat you to it this time.

it's not a sprint, grasshopper. it's a marathon!

[shragae]

Thanks .

[Chris8243]

I used a full face mask for over 2 years since I started using CPAP. Last visit to my sleep doc he suggested nasal mask with a chin strap, even though I'm a "mouth breather." Lo and behold, it worked! Everything is better, AHI, minimal leaks and most important, sleeping!

After a couple weeks, the chin strap started bugging me. Felt like I was in a head clamp. Thought I'd try without the chin strap and I was shocked that I had no problem. My mouth stays shut. I can't believe it. Way more comfortable, so yes, give it a try.

[irajacobs]

If you must use tape - try Hy-Tape. I also break out with many tape adhesives. Did a patch test with various surgical tapes from 3M (durapore, transpore, medipore), also Kendall (covidien) and Hy-tape, plus several others. Hy-Tape was the least reactive, with Covidien coming in a close second. All the 3M tapes caused serious reactions. Hy-Tape is not perfect. Just better for me. YMMV.

[chunkyfrog]

Grasshopper?
WHERE?
I need a high protein snack before bed.