[Equipment] Fullface or Nasal?

[Jose Castro]

Hey everyone! I'm looking for recommendations on full-face masks with the hose below. If you've tried both full-face and nasal masks, did you find one more comfortable? What reasons influenced your preference? Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

[BoxcarPete]

I've tried both. I didn't like either of the FFMs I tried because of apnea clusters and aerophagia that I only seemed to get with both of them but never had with a nasal mask. I'm in a holding pattern right now until my nasal surgery next week, but for the moment I'm using a P30i nasal pillow with the vent up top and my mouth firmly taped shut.

[confinedmind]

I suggest you try both, and any/all masks that you think you'd like to try. There are sites, like CPAP.com, that offer a free trial period. Or check your insurance for ability to try multiple masks if you'd rather get from local DME supplier.

[Jose Castro]

Awesome, I love seeing your guys responses, are there any preferred masks that ya'll really like to use? I've been switching between the P10 and F30i masks (nasal and full face) but it's really hard to get used to the full face. I would appreciate some suggestions.

[sauerkraut]

Jose Castro;
I use the Resmed F 20 Airfit .. It is the only mask I have used .. 
Works well for Me .. 
Everyone is different though, that is why there are so many choices 
on the market ..
The full face masks normally don't require chin straps or mouth tape ..
I think they are easier to use, put them on and go to bed ..

Best of luck finding a mask that works well for You ..

[confinedmind]

@ Jose Castro, what don't you like about the p10 and the f30i?

[cps22]

I found the nasal cradle type masks to be the most comfortable (N30i was the one I tried - hose on top), but I was unable to use it because of air building up in my mouth (with my lips closed - I'm not a mouth breather), plus I had too many leaks when lying on my side/stomach. I had also used nasal pillows, but they hurt my nostrils. 

I tried the ResMed N20 mask and really liked the fit and comfort, but did not like the strong air flow coming from the vent at the mask, and it still didn't work for me because of the mouth air problem. Also, I didn't really like the hose coming from the bottom because I'm a side and stomach sleeper and turn over a lot, and the hose was in the way. 

Because of the mouth/air problem, I was forced to go with a full face mask. I'm currently using the ResMed AirFit F20, which is working the best for me. It helps solve the mouth/air problem by equalizing the pressure on the inside and outside of the mouth, and although the hose comes from the bottom, it has a 360 degree swivel so I can have it pointing up towards the top of my head and use a hose hanger to keep the hose out of the way. The QuietAir elbow is not only silent, but there is no strong airflow coming out of it because of the diffuser. For me, eliminating the noise and the strong airflow made a huge difference in my ability to sleep with it compared to the other masks. 

I am considering trying the ResMed AirFit F30 when I am eligible for another mask in 3 months, mostly because I wear glasses and can't wear them with the F20, and also because the F20 leaves me with really puffy/baggy eyes. I don't want to pay out of pocket for it after having already done that for several masks, but I'm willing to give it a try when Medicare will foot the bill. If it doesn't work out, I can stick with the F20. 

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

I primarily use the F&P Evora FFM, but will switch on occasion to the ResMed F30. On very rare occasions I will use the ResMed P10 nasal pillows, but find that in my case sleep is much better with a FFM.

I also use a soft cervical collar with the FFM, more so to keep my neck aligned vs stop mouth openings.

[bloom25]

Definitely agree with the idea of just experimenting and trying on different masks. That's a great thing about most CPAP suppliers in the US and Canada, that you can return the mask within a few weeks if it's not working for you. If you go in-person to a CPAP supply store, they often will have someone who will help you try on different masks and give you recommendations, as well.

Personally, I've found the Resmed n20 mask to be the most comfortable. That said, I had issues with mouth breathing, so I needed to use a chin strap to address the resulting mask leaks.

[djont57]

I have tried probably a dozen masks; originally my sleep doc said I HAD to use a full face mask due to mouth breathing. Tried about 4 different FFM hated all of them, then tried a couple hybrid masks, a few nasal masks, a few nasal cushions & a few pillow masks. Finally setteled on a rotation of P30i & N30i; funny enough, mouth breathing hasn't been an issue.