[How to] Using the Oracle Oral Mask for Ear and Eye Problems

[OpalRose]

I guess I'll have to weight the pros and cons of these two masks.....drooling vs. claustrophobia!

I have a feeling before the years end, I will have a drawer full of masks!

[herefishy]

I'm contemplating dacryocystorhinostomy, or enlargement of the lacrimal duct, and have read some things that indicate that "air regurgitation" can be a problem for cpap users.While I believe everything I read on the internet, I wonder if what you are saying is that after many years of successful cpap use, I have learned to control the flow of air up into my lacrimal duct and out across my eyes?

[archangle]

I'm contemplating dacryocystorhinostomy, or enlargement of the lacrimal duct, and have read some things that indicate that "air regurgitation" can be a problem for cpap users.While I believe everything I read on the internet, I wonder if what you are saying is that after many years of successful cpap use, I have learned to control the flow of air up into my lacrimal duct and out across my eyes?

I doubt there's any control over your nasolacrimal duct.

There is some control over whether air pressure in your mouth and throat can get up into the nose, but if you're using a nasal mask, that wouldn't matter.

[herefishy]

So, a little more info, please? If I can keep the air out of my nose by blocking my soft palate, won't it keep it out of my nasolacrimal duct? I don't seem to have any trouble with this as I can speak with my air blowing. I've updated my profile, and now use the Activa Lt, which works very well for me, but I don't understand the air flow aspect.

[OpalRose]

archangel,
I am still pondering trying the Oracle. Your thoughts on this please.....
With the Nasal Pillow Mask, I have learned to "not" be a mouth breather and breath through nose only, but if I got used to using an Oracle, I would then be doing the opposite?
I am afraid that during daytime awake hours I would in time become a mouth breather and not breath through my nose...even though the Oracle would help with the lacrimal duct problem I seem to have.
Thanks for your input.

OpalRose

[archangle]

So, a little more info, please? If I can keep the air out of my nose by blocking my soft palate, won't it keep it out of my nasolacrimal duct? I don't seem to have any trouble with this as I can speak with my air blowing. I've updated my profile, and now use the Activa Lt, which works very well for me, but I don't understand the air flow aspect.

I'm not sure I understand your question.

The soft palate blocks the back of your nose. If you have a nasal or full face mask, there will still be air pressure in your nose even if your soft palate is closed.

Look at the picture in post 6 in this thread.

If you kept your soft palate closed while using a nasal mask, you wouldn't get any air into your lungs from the CPAP, and you'd still get pressure on the nasolacrimal duct.

[Barbz]

I am back with the Oracle and doing good. My sinuses demand that I use this mask. They were becoming so messed up it was affecting my thinking, balance and more! My life is slowly returning to normal...thanks to the Oracle.

I do not find myself breathing through my mouth during the day.

I discovered that the cheap electronic wipes (Smudge Off from Walmart) to help with drooling. I am a back sleeper so do not have to deal with that very often. I get 3 liners from each wipe.

[OpalRose]

Barbz,
Thanks for the update. Good that it's working for you.