Can’t adjust to nasal mask

[HRU1923]

Hi all, new member here, thank you for letting me join!

I have been using a Resmed air sense 10 APAP with the Dream Wear full face mask for about eight months and have been really happy with the way this combination works for me - but - I would really like to be able to use a nasal cushion mask.

Unfortunately every time I try to switch from the full face to a nasal mask my breathing feels off and I get aerophagia. It almost feels like I have to keep up with a certain pace and can’t quite.

I don’t have any nasal congestion beyond seasonal allergies and that is under control.

Any suggestions on what I can do to be more successful with the switch?

[Nightynite]

Hello HRU. Have you tried adjusting your pressure? I had to lower min pressure when I went from a full face to nasal cushions.

[HRU1923]

Thanks - have had this problem with the minimum pressure setting at 4 & 6, now 7. I increased the minimum pressure so that I have a tighter range. It’s now 7 to 15.

It just feels like my breathing cadence is off/too fast and that results in an uncomfortable tightness in my chest and then aerophagia.

[OpalRose]

Hi HRU1923,
Did you change the mask setting on your Cpap from full face to nasal? This affects the volume or amount of air. Be sure your setting is on nasal mask.

Do you mouth breathe? With a nasal mask, you need to be able to breathe through your nose. If your mouth opens, you may be gulping/swallowing air causing Aerophagia.

[HRU1923]

Thanks Opal Rose. Yes, I have switched settings to nasal mask so it should be okay?

I thought for awhile that air was escaping through my mouth, but I have the sensation that I described when I’m awake, before I fall asleep. In fact, I am usually unable to fall asleep with this mask on, unlike the full face mask, where I put it on and am out like a light.

I have taped my mouth closed and might now try cervical collar to keep my jaw forward, but I’m still wondering if there isn’t something else that I can do to make it work. it doesn’t make sense to me that I can’t use it, because like I say I don’t have nasal congestion and even use tape when I’m wearing a full face mask, so I’m not breathing to my mouth then either?

[RainbowFish]

Welcome! Try playing around with your jaw position while you are awake. I find that I am much more sensitive to needing a bit of mandibular advancement with a nasal mask and use a TMJ night guard to let my jaw float when I use one. If my mouth is open to mouth breath with a hybrid, jaw position does not seem to be nearly as important.

[HRU1923]

Thank you! I’ll give it a try. Appreciate the suggestion.