CPAP Masks for Deviated Septum and Congestion

[CPAPExplorer]

If you have a deviated septum and face congestion, which CPAP mask has worked best for you? Your insights could make a significant difference in my sleep therapy journey.

[Pugsy]

What is "face congestion"? Are you talking about nasal congestion?
Are you talking about a full face mask or a nasal mask?
Do you have to breathe through your mouth during the day while awake because the nasal issues prevent you from moving enough air to be comfortable?
Are you using the humidifier....if you are at what setting?

[Pugsy]

When you have time please add your equipment to your profile so we can easily see at a glance what you are using.

[CPAPExplorer]

I have been experiencing nasal congestion, likely due to a confirmed deviated septum. A few years ago, surgery was offered to address this, but I opted out. I've been having difficulties tolerating CPAP therapy, and despite my respiratory issues, I was advised to use the AirTouch N20 mask by the respiratory tech with my AirSense 11.

I use saline rinse every night, I tape my mouth closed (I open my mouth at night), but since I can only breathe through one nostril at night, it's no wonder I'm waking up frequently. Given this situation, I've decided to explore alternative masks. I'm looking into purchasing a full-face or hybrid mask online (looking for recommendations) to see if it can improve my sleep quality.

I'm currently awaiting an appointment with an ENT specialist for further evaluation and guidance.

[Pugsy]

I can see where having only one nostril working freely could definitely mess with sleep in general when we can't supplement the air movement with mouth breathing.

Definitely keep the ENT appt working but in the mean time you might consider one of the full face masks.
If it were me I would look at one of those full face masks that fit under the nostrils and not over the nose.

Something like the ResMed AirFit F30
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear

or the ResMed AirFit F30i
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -face-mask
This one has the ability to also change it and just use the nasal interface with the frame should you want to revisit the nasal option.

or the F & P Evora full face mask (be careful because there is an Evora nasal mask as well)
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/f-p-ev ... r-fit-pack

I personally don't like any mask putting pressure on the sides of my nose because it causes congestion for me so I always lean towards masks that don't touch the sides of my nose. That's just me...others don't have that problem.
I don't even own a full face mask. I am fortunate that my nose is rarely congested and when it is I just deal with it with some sort of decongestant either orally or spray.

Given your history of a deviated septum....I would not want to be adding more pressure on the nasal bridge area by using any mask that touches the sides of the nose (up by where a person's eyeglasses would sit).

[CPAPExplorer]

I can see where having only one nostril working freely could definitely mess with sleep in general when we can't supplement the air movement with mouth breathing.

Definitely keep the ENT appt working but in the mean time you might consider one of the full face masks.
If it were me I would look at one of those full face masks that fit under the nostrils and not over the nose.

Something like the ResMed AirFit F30
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear

or the ResMed AirFit F30i
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -face-mask
This one has the ability to also change it and just use the nasal interface with the frame should you want to revisit the nasal option.

or the F & P Evora full face mask (be careful because there is an Evora nasal mask as well)
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/f-p-ev ... r-fit-pack

I personally don't like any mask putting pressure on the sides of my nose because it causes congestion for me so I always lean towards masks that don't touch the sides of my nose. That's just me...others don't have that problem.
I don't even own a full face mask. I am fortunate that my nose is rarely congested and when it is I just deal with it with some sort of decongestant either orally or spray.

Given your history of a deviated septum....I would not want to be adding more pressure on the nasal bridge area by using any mask that touches the sides of the nose (up by where a person's eyeglasses would sit).

Given this situation, I'm hesitating between a full-face mask and a hybrid mask.

I fear that a full-face mask will put pressure on the bridge of my nose, making the congestion worse. On the other hand, the hybrid mask has the potential downside of pinching my nostrils shut, which presents its own set of challenges.

[Pugsy]

The hybrid types of masks are considered full face masks.
We used to have only 2 official "hybrid" masks but there have been some new guys to the market in the last few years.

When a mask covers the nose and mouth (either over the nose or under the nose) it is considered a full face mask.
If a mask only covers the nostrils...that would be some sort of nasal mask either nasal pillows or over the nose cushion or under the nose cushion or something like my Eclipse.

How does the hybrid type "pinch the nostrils shut"...the opening for air movement at the nostril area sits below the nares opening.
Nothing to put pressure on the nostril sides to be pinching them closed...any pressure (which isn't much) is going to be directed upwards from the base of the nose and nostril area. I can't see it pinching anything unless someone has the mask cranked down so tight it pushes the nose upwards and that is incorrect fitting technique.

The most common mistake people make with any mask is thinking that tighter is better....it isn't.

Are you having to pay out of pocket for your experiments?
If so...how do you feel about trying something on just to see size and fit and that mask was gently used by someone who decided it wasn't for them? Some people it creeps them out to be using something that someone else may have used and some people don't care. I am one of the "I don't care" group and when I first started cpap therapy some 14 plus years ago that is how I was able to try LOTS of different masks without breaking the bank.
People sell for cheap or just give away unwanted masks.

I might have one of the full face masks (the hybrid type that doesn't go over the nose) that has been donated available for free except for postage costs. Before I go digging around in the donations box I need to know if it creeps you out or not.

I don't get as many donations now as I used to because cpap.com now has a free return policy for a mask that is bought but doesn't work out. People used to donate those unwanted masks but now they return them and either get a refund or credit towards another mask to try. I don't remember what I might have on hand but will look if you want to try one.

Should it creep you out to be trying "used"....cpap.com has that return policy (be sure to read up on what it entails) so out of pocket expense isn't quite so horrible since we can either get our money back or store credit to try something else..

[SleepGeek]

I have been experiencing nasal congestion, likely due to a confirmed deviated septum

I also have a deviation on one side but opted for a nasal pillows mask because the air pressure opens that side up nicely even when I have a cold.

[Lucky7]

I have been experiencing nasal congestion, likely due to a confirmed deviated septum

I also have a deviation on one side but opted for a nasal pillows mask because the air pressure opens that side up nicely even when I have a cold.

The whole deviated septum thing is interesting because sometimes assumptions get made about which type of mask you actually need.

I had 2 ENT's said "nasal should be fine" but the RT was.....an RT.....

I went for a walk with mouth tape on and....turns out I can breathe thru my nose. Now the hunt is on for nasal/pillows I like.

[CPAPExplorer]

The hybrid types of masks are considered full face masks.
We used to have only 2 official "hybrid" masks but there have been some new guys to the market in the last few years.

When a mask covers the nose and mouth (either over the nose or under the nose) it is considered a full face mask.
If a mask only covers the nostrils...that would be some sort of nasal mask either nasal pillows or over the nose cushion or under the nose cushion or something like my Eclipse.

How does the hybrid type "pinch the nostrils shut"...the opening for air movement at the nostril area sits below the nares opening.
Nothing to put pressure on the nostril sides to be pinching them closed...any pressure (which isn't much) is going to be directed upwards from the base of the nose and nostril area. I can't see it pinching anything unless someone has the mask cranked down so tight it pushes the nose upwards and that is incorrect fitting technique.

The most common mistake people make with any mask is thinking that tighter is better....it isn't.

Are you having to pay out of pocket for your experiments?
If so...how do you feel about trying something on just to see size and fit and that mask was gently used by someone who decided it wasn't for them? Some people it creeps them out to be using something that someone else may have used and some people don't care. I am one of the "I don't care" group and when I first started cpap therapy some 14 plus years ago that is how I was able to try LOTS of different masks without breaking the bank.
People sell for cheap or just give away unwanted masks.

I might have one of the full face masks (the hybrid type that doesn't go over the nose) that has been donated available for free except for postage costs. Before I go digging around in the donations box I need to know if it creeps you out or not.

I don't get as many donations now as I used to because cpap.com now has a free return policy for a mask that is bought but doesn't work out. People used to donate those unwanted masks but now they return them and either get a refund or credit towards another mask to try. I don't remember what I might have on hand but will look if you want to try one.

Should it creep you out to be trying "used"....cpap.com has that return policy (be sure to read up on what it entails) so out of pocket expense isn't quite so horrible since we can either get our money back or store credit to try something else..

I'm from Canada.

I recently paid out of pocket to try the P10 and gave it to my boyfriend If I buy another mask out of pocket it will probably be the dreamwear full face fit pack or evora full face fit pack. I have a small squishy nose. Afraid of buying the wrong size. I love the feel of the memory foam of my AirTouch N20 but fear the AirTouch F20 will block my nose. I'm also a side sleeper.

[Pugsy]

Would trying a gently used mask creep you out or not?

I have mailed stuff all over the world so I am not opposed to mailing to Canada.
It does usually double the cost and a little bit of extra work filling out the customs form and between customs on US side and Canadian side...triples the time frame at a minimum. Last few items I have mailed to Canada took a full 2 weeks to get delivered.

So I don't mind mailing to Canada if you don't mind "gently used". Just going to take a little longer.
I do seem to remember having at least part of the DreamWear full face mask in the donations box. I might have a complete package.... I think there is an Evora also but I don't remember if nasal or full face.

Don't worry about hurting my feelings if it creeps you out....gently used experiments aren't for everyone and I fully understand it.

[Lucky7]

Very nice of you to make offers like this Pugsy, way cool