Getting fitted today. Finally!

Two questions. I am a chronic mouth breather, and from what I am reading on this site, I should be using a FF mask. My DR said a nasal mask, because that is what they used during my study.  Go with the Doc, or with my gut?

I already have a memory foam pillow, and am usually a tummy sleeper, but i prefer my back. If i start on my back, and in the middle of the night turn over, will the pillow help me keep the mask secure?


Thanks for all the great info from this site. Im glad I dont have to go through this alone.


Chris

Chris,

I had the same situation and I went with a ResMed Mirage FF mask initially because during my sleep study I went from a nasal to FF mask.  unfortunately, I had a very difficult time keeping it from leaking.  My pressure setting was up to 16 cm.  I borrowed a nasal mask (Activa) from the DME and found it to be so much easier to deal with and more confortable so I'm sticking with that for the moment.  I worried about overcoming the breathing-through-my-mouth habit.  Even bought tape to use but have not had to use it yet.  So far, so good.  My money is on the Activa nasal mask.

Bottom line, it would be nice if you could try both on a trial basis then make your decision.  As we all know, what works for one does not automatically work for another.

Best of luck

SleepyCJ,

Peels hit the nail on the head in his second paragraph.  If you're not comfortable with your mask, contact your DME, talk to the respiratory therapist.  See if you can schedule to go in and have them do a mask fitting.  Take your machine, mask, and sleeping pillows with you.  Try every mask they have until you find one that fits comfortably and seals while you're in sleeping position.  

I can't stress enough that the mask is what's going to make or break your treatment.  I can't also stress enough that facial structures are very individual and what works for me may not work for you.  That being said, I use the Respironics ComfortFull FFM.  When I was in my sleep study, I tried F&P's Flexifit 431 and ResMed's Ultra Mirage.  I went to my DME the next day and was fitted to the ComfortFull.  Try all different types of interfaces.  You might also want to take medical tape with you and tape your mouth shut with the nasal masks and pillow interfaces if you feel comfortable doing that.  rested gal, please chime in here any time.

I've only been on treatment for a little over 2 weeks now.  I haven't had that bad of a time getting used to the mask.  Some people are like me in that regard (I hope you will be one of them), but some take a really long time of trial & error before finding a mask that fits and is comfortable.  It may be really tough to put that mask on every night, but if you do it religiously, eventually you will get used to it and will benefit from it.  I won't wish you luck because luck is not involved.  Please post back and let us know how your progress is going.  Take care.

Thanks,


_________________
<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15