When I had my titration test done they used a Nasal mask only.   I received a Ful face mask.

I have been using it for 4 nights now and its not that good.  When I roll to my side a little I wake up.

I still wake up many times throughout the night as well.

The nasal masks, i see that there is Gel, or soft and etc.  Any benner than the other?  Do the nasal masks vent up (overhead) as well?

Hi MrRob!

FF masks are usually reserved for people who open their mouths when they sleep (like me) or who can't breath through their nose for whatever reason.  Nasal masks feel the same on your face, however, since they only cover your nose you don't notice it as much.  I don't know why they gave you a FF mask, but there are other options if it was because you were opening your mouth.  You can use a nasal mask and try a chin strap to keep your mouth closed or like several people on this forum do, you can tape your mouth shut.  Rested_gal is the expert on taping.  Finally, there are other interfaces you can try if you find FF or nasal masks too uncomfortable.  Nasal pillows have plugs that bring the air directly to your nostrils, there isn't any mask at all.  Let us know how you are doing!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

MrRob wrote:

When I had my titration test done they used a Nasal mask only.   I received a Ful face mask.

I have been using it for 4 nights now and its not that good.  When I roll to my side a little I wake up.

I still wake up many times throughout the night as well.

The nasal masks, i see that there is Gel, or soft and etc.  Any benner than the other?  Do the nasal masks vent up (overhead) as well?

Well, the first question I have is WHY are you waking up?? Does the mask leak when you turn over, or does it become uncomfortable, or is there another reason for your waking up that doesn't involve the mask? How long have you been under therapy for OSA? Have you gotten used to the exhaust noise yet? Or is your pressure not set high enough and you're still having apnea episodes? There are all kinds of possibilities here and more detailed information would be helpful.

I can tell you this, though. If you have been a mouth breather, as I once was, you have to train yourself to breathe through your nose, either with a chin strap, or by conscious effort. FF masks are notoriously leak-prone, from what I've read on here and nasal masks are much better. Nasal pillows, like I use, are better still, in my opinon, being less bulky and light as a feather. But you have to get used to every mask you try out and it may take a couple of weeks to do so. Proper fitting and adjustment is critical for nasal masks of any type, so you need to learn what works best for you and maintain that adjustment. In any facial mask, the inflated flange does the sealing, so be sure not to overtighten your headgear. Doing so can actually make it leak worse.


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Larry

The mask does leak little form time to time.  The mask does wake me up when I move.   Pressure is set at 9.  I was a mouth breather becasu my nose is usually clogged but with the nasal mask or the FF mask I find it very hard to open my mouth.  

I guess I will have to order a nasal mask to try.  Anyone recommend a good one?

So, I've read over and over again that tight ff masks cause leaks and yet, when mine is loose it leaks like crazy.  

Can anyone describe what they mean by loose vs tight when it comes to ff masks -
Should the soft silicone part be pressed under or sort of floating on your face?  
Should the headgear be snug or (like a dog collar) should you be able to stick a few fingers under it?

A mask can make all the difference in the world!!  I'm now on my 4th and have finally found one I can live with.  I too tend to breathe through my mouth from time to time so I tape my lips shut with waterproof tape (as RestedGal does) - I know it sounds drastic but it's not that bad, really.  The mask I've found that is the most comfortable is the Activa.  I did a lot of research and asked folks on message boards about it and most said it's a very "forgiving" mask - meaning it seals really well and is great for both side and back sleeping.  I've used it now for a couple of months and really like it.  Best of luck - keep posting to let all know how you're doing.
Kathy

MrRob wrote:

When I had my titration test done they used a Nasal mask only.   I received a Ful face mask.

I have been using it for 4 nights now and its not that good.  When I roll to my side a little I wake up.

I still wake up many times throughout the night as well.

The nasal masks, i see that there is Gel, or soft and etc.  Any benner than the other?  Do the nasal masks vent up (overhead) as well?

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I was fitted with Swift Nasal Pillows when I got my BiPap machine about a week ago, and have not any problems getting a full night's sleep (the first in years), or with the fit and comfort of the Nasal Pillows.  I used to sleep with my mouth open, but for some reason, I just keep it closed all night now, and now I am not waking up with "dry mouth."  I am also sleeping much more soundly, not moving around when I sleep, etc.  

Even so, I have experienced a little minor discomfort with the Nasal Pillows a couple of nights, but that seems to be working out.

Does anyone have oxygen too?