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?
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.
Got my first CPAP one year ago, also. Started with a full face mask, but found it to be just too confining. Moved to nasal pillows then realized I was mouthbreathing. Now, have made peace with the full face mask and wear it nightly. Doing fine.
Hi
. I am glad you were finally able to adjust to the full face mask. It can definitely take a while to get use to sleeping with all that equipment, but I hope it is resulting in better rest overall. Wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member) 
This is great news,
- thank you for sharing. 🙂 Warmly, — Matt G. (sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net) Team Member
Hi there, thanks for sharing your experience so far with your Airsense 11. It's definitely trial and error when trying to find the right mask. Also, even though your pulmonologist's might be busy, it's important that you try to advocate for yourself to make sure you are getting proper treatment. When it comes to allergies and nasal congestion, we have a few articles that you might find helpful. Sharing one article from one of our advocates with some helpful advice: https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/search?s=allergies. Warmly, Vashanti (Community Advocate and Patient Leader)
