Full Face Mask vs. Nasal Pillows
Got my first CPAP a year ago . . . Airsense 11. I started with a full face mask then moved on to nasal pillows, because I disliked having my nose and mouth covered. I suspect I mouth-breathe due to nasal congestion, probable allergies, thus have gone back to the full face mask in the past couple of months. Believing the mask wasn't tight enough, I tightened it a couple of weeks ago, and it seems to be secure. It's trial and error with me. My pulmonologist's office is so busy, I don't feel I get the attention needed. Oh well. Suggestions?
My first night with CPAP I had to yank the mask of in the middle of sleep because it felt like I was not breathing maybe it was an episode of OSA?
Hi
. It's hard to say since we're not medical experts, but it could be that the pressure it too low. Sometimes, therapists start people off with low pressure while they get used to it. You also might have opened your mouth while sleeping. That can force the air out of your mouth instead of into your lungs and startle you awake. Did it happen again last night? If so, I would call the therapist who fitted you with the mask and machine and ask what might help. Keep us posted, if you don't mind. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) 
You might also want to experiment with wearing your CPAP for a while when you're awake, to see if you experience the same sensations. It may be that you're having an OSA episode, or you're feeling claustrophobic in your sleep ... I'd consider having the doctor's office check your data to see if the machine is at the right settings for you. Keep us posted! -Melissa, team member
I have been using CPAP since 2002. I had full mask for my sleep study. Back then they suggested using the mask with Nasal pillows since I had facial hair. I've been using the Adam's Flexible headgear with Nasal Pillows for 20 years. I've tried firmer headgear but prefer the Adam's. It's becoming harder to find.
Hi
. It's awesome that the same nasal pillow has been comfortable and effective for so long. I hope you find another brand soon that will last you a couple more decades. Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I'm a mouth breather and started with a full face mask, because nasal masks don't work for me, but I felt suffocated. I recently switched to a ResMed F30. It's a full face mask, but doesn't sit on top of your nose and you breath into a sort of hammock with holes in it. I'm finally comfortable and I don't feel that I'm being smothered.
How wonderful that you found something that is comfortable,
. Thanks for sharing what helps. I am sure others will appreciate it. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I haved used CPAP for 20 yrs. I have used many different mask. I now use full face mask for about 2 years. I still wake up with a dry mouth no matter the mask.
That must be frustrating,
. Has the dry mouth impacted your dental health? I sometimes wake up with dry mouth due to allergies. So, I keep a bottle of dry-mouth melts on my nightstand and pop one in if I need it. It helps tremendously. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) not sure how it has impacted my dental. I am having a lot of dental work, but I am 78. I am sure it has given me dry eye issues. All my mask blew a lot of air in my eyes. This was greatly helped when I started using the Resmed F20 mask. It expels less air.and does not bother my eyes or disturb my wife as much.
