Going from full face mask to nasal -- advice?

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.

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.

Sweet! Thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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

Okie bipap wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 26, 2020 7:35 pm

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

Miss Emerita wrote: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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I beat you to it this time.

Okie bipap wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 26, 2020 7:58 pm

I beat you to it this time.

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

Thanks .

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.

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.

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