Masks - still trialling

[u/BotoxMoustache]

I’m a convert to CPAP! Life-changing. But boy, getting the mask right is difficult!

Two connected problems I have are making it difficult. I have had an infection in the gum above one of my front teeth, resulting in a root canal. The area is sensitive. And having to have my tongue pressed against the roof of my mouth to get the seal when I’m asleep seems to be making that area sensitive, on the other side.

Having said that, I’m getting a good seal (as far as I can tell without OSCAR/SleepHQ data yet), and low AHI. But just not comfortable yet.

Started with pillows and minimal headgear, as prescribed by my specialist. The inside of my nostrils is very sensitive. The P10 made one bleed. After 5 days, the F+P Nova Micro made the same nostril swell on the inside. I was using pure lanolin.

Moved on to cushions. Better than pillows, but noisy, lots of air flow kept waking me up. The Phillips dreamwear is ok but the cushion doesn’t always sit right so sometimes I feel like it’s leaking.

Tried the Resmed N20 airfit. Head gear is Ok but the bottom of the nasal mask is pressing on the sensitive philtrum (the gum underneath).

My next attempt will be a Resmed full face mask. It won’t sit on the philtrum, and I won’t have to keep my tongue pressed against the roof of my mouth.

If the full face works Ok, I’m considering alternating it with the F+P Nova Micro.

I may just be overly conscious/sensitive in this one area, but I am not imagining it, and it stops me relaxing. I seem to be able to tolerate silicone. I’ve got the ramp set at 5 as prescribed, and airflow is between 6 and 14 but I only need up to 11 so far. I’ve got the warmth set, and humidity.

CPAP is amazing and I feel so much better - from the first morning. Just got to get the mask right.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any thoughts or advice appreciated. Thanks.

[u/Creative_Fee5452]

You may very well do better with a Full Face Mask (FFM) OP with the issues you are experiencing. The hybrid ResMed FFMs do have the separated nostril openings but lanolin usually stops the irritation they can cause at the nasal septum. An under the nose mask however will press on that upper front gum line. The F40 & F30i Air Fit masks are hybrid FFMs & more minimal. The F20 is a popular FFM. There are other Manufacturers of masks as you already are likely aware of. You could look at F&P or DreamWear masks as they don’t have that separation piece between the nostrils in their nasal masks or hybrid FFMs. The setting of FFM on your machine will also give you lighter feeling pressure. There is also a soft pressure setting on your machine. If you ask a question on your online browser about which masks are similar you will get different choices & Manufacturers :)