Considering full face mask until I can fix my nasal breathing

[Ptee8899]

Hi, I stopped using a CPAP because I have so much trouble breathing through my nose most of the time that I take it off in the middle of the night. 

I'm starting to explore palatal expansion options to open up my nasal airways (MSE, MARPE, EASE, by the way, what is this community's opinion of that?). 

But until then, what can I do to survive? Should I get a full face mask?

[Narcil]

yes i think it's worth a try. F30 or F40 maybe?

[cdplatt]

Nasal cushion and nasal pillow masks which deliver the pressurized air directly into nostrils can overcome narrow nostrils/congestion.  Increasing minimum pressure in your nasal mask may help.  Decongestants may help.  A Neti pot may help.   If you provide more information about your settings and some OSCAR charts, this community may assist you in getting better results without resorting to surgical interventions.

[Sleeprider]

If you were using a nasal mask that fits over the nose, try a nasal pillows that fits under the nose. The pressure along the side of the nose from a mask can increase obstruction by pressing on the sinuses, while the nasal pillow actually inflates the interior of the nasal passages. A full face will facilitate mouth breathing as needed, but it's worth trying nasal pillows if you were using something else.

[Deborah K.]

Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time.  I have tiny child-size airways and sinuses and am prone to loads of congestion, so I understand.  I had nasal and sinus surgery many years ago.  It included the creation of rear antral windows so that my sinuses could drain better.  My sinuses are still tiny and can never be normal, but I have found that pillows masks work much better for me than full-face or nasal masks.  I think it is because the air blows directly into my nose, not onto other parts of my face.

We could better help you if you would download Oscar, our free apnea reporting program that creates wonderful charts showing many details of each night of sleep.  By seeing those charts we can see what your problems are, and tailor your settings or other things to improve your treatment and comfort.  Give it a try.  It is well worth using.

P.S. Although my surgery helped, I have found that using a neti pot has been a tremendous tool to keep my nose and sinuses in their best shape. Just something to consider.

[HalfAsleep]

I don’t breathe 100% well through my nose (although it’s clear), so I use an F40 and my mouth can help out. I love it.

[ejbpesca]

For me, these fairly new hybrid full face masks are a big improvement over those that cover from the top of the nose to the chin.  The Evora FF is not as irritating, does not leak as much, and my AHI has improved.  I am hoping to get an F40 soon which is somewhat similar to the Evora FF  Maybe the F40 will be even better.

I must use a full face mask due to mouth breathing and have gone through 5 models over 17 years.  Last Feb. I switched to a hybrid mask the Evora Full Face. I keep a ResMed F20 FF ready for nights when my nose is stopped up completely due to allergies. 

I use Azelastine nasal spray to help clear nasal passages before sleep.  Breathing through the CPAP machine's filter keeps my nose clear with a mask on then back to clogged up after I remove it.

[SarcasticDave94]

I haven't done well with them, but consider nasal pillows first as it'll probably be easiest for transition from your nasal mask. Next I would consider full face hybrid like the Fisher and Paykel Evora Full mentioned. This is what I'm getting next as I start therapy again.

[xirokx]

Before you start operating on your palate...have a drug induced sleep endoscopy to determine the cause of your sleep apnea.

I did just that and discovered I need a septorhinoplasty due to a severely deviated septum so nasal masks don't work for me.

[ejbpesca]

I have used a ResMed F40 for four nights. It is smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than my Evora full face.  It does not have the nostril alignment issue of the Evora.