Respironics Amara View and DreamWear FFM

[tmaertin]

hi everyone, 

i am new to the forum (but not new to being treated for sleep apnea) and am thankful for all the advice and helpful posts i have been reading. 

i have been searching the posts and have not found one related to the problem i am having. i am a mouth breather.

i came from a ResMed Mirage Quattro FFM, and am currently using the Respironics Amara View. I LOVE the nasal openings and how this mask feels. between a new machine and the new mask, i have been waking up very refreshed. 

my issue lies in that when i open my mouth at night. apparently it is slightly wider than the bottom of mask, and because of that i am getting some leakage and a higher AHI. my first night with the mask was a 1.8. been around 3 with 20-25% leakage ever since. even though i measured out at the medium cushion, i switched to the large to see if that made a difference. it improved from me ended up with the bottom of the mask in my mouth to on my lower lip.

i was thinking of switching to the newer DreamWear FFM, and was wondering if any fellow "big mouths" could shed some light if this is an issue on that mask as well, or if the mouth opening is bigger than that on the Amara View. Also, with the solid tubing, does it stay in place better?

thanks for your help in advance!

Big Mouth Tom

[MrZennie]

Have you tried a chin strap, neck pillow, or Somnifix mouth tape?

[ShaunBlake]

tmaertin, I'm not (much of) a mouth breather yet I do have years of PAP therapy; I've always used nasal masks and nasal pillows.  But don't give up on me yet – I've been struggling with leaks and I urge you to keep the mask you like, and look for a solution to the leaks such as the excellent suggestions MrZennie has made.  From the posts I've read in the forum I've learned that getting a comfortable mask is the most challenging part of making PAP therapy successful.  Near the top is leaks, but that's easier than finding a comfortable+effective mask – as you've experienced yourself.

Happy PAPing!

[Melman]

I use the Airfit F20 and had the same problem with leaks when my jaw dropped open. The best solution for me was a soft cervical collar.  It has the additional benefit of preventing chin tucks.

[tmaertin]

Not yet - the chin strap seams like a great idea...I may start there

My girlfriend really seemed to enjoy the idea of taping my mouth shut...

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I use the Airfit F20 and had the same problem with leaks when my jaw dropped open. The best solution for me was a soft cervical collar.  It has the additional benefit of preventing chin tucks.

This sounds like a great idea - thank you! What brand collar do you use?

[tmaertin]

Have you tried a chin strap, neck pillow, or Somnifix mouth tape?

I just saw your post on soft collars - checking that out now - thank you so much!