Getting started -- waking up with horrible dry mouth

[eviltim]

Looking through my data, it seems like some, though not all of my wakings are associated with a large rise in pressure beforehand. Has anyone experienced higher pressures waking them up? Mine isn't set super high, its max is like 15 exhale and it doesn't go that high ever, but I wonder if it could be causing me to wake up.

[jacko]

I haven't read all this thread but I use a Swift Nasal mask and the only way I can stop mouth leaks and a very dry mouth is by using Tape

been doing it for years it works no problem

[eviltim]

I just gave up and went with the full face mask. I don't mind it so I think I will be sticking with it for the time being, until I have more time to experiment with other masks.

[trish6hundred]

Hi eviltim,
If the full-face mask, (FFM,) is working for you, that's great. Now you can start getting used to everything.

[Mark Risley]

The Ruby chin strap is the best. I bought 5 on eBay for $5 bucks a pop!

[eviltim]

So these leaks are bothering me, and I think they're waking me up. Has anyone else had leaks occurring at the bridge of their nose with this mask? I have sort of an odd shaped nose (deviated septum) so that probably doesn't help and may be why I can't tolerate the nasal pillows.

I'm wondering if maybe a new cushion would help (I am using a loaner mask this month). Or maybe the Quattro instead of the Quattro FX? Any advice?

[DreamDiver]

So these leaks are bothering me, and I think they're waking me up. Has anyone else had leaks occurring at the bridge of their nose with this mask? I have sort of an odd shaped nose (deviated septum) so that probably doesn't help and may be why I can't tolerate the nasal pillows.

I'm wondering if maybe a new cushion would help (I am using a loaner mask this month). Or maybe the Quattro instead of the Quattro FX? Any advice?

Old masks do tend to leak more at the nose bridge. (Anything over eight months old for me.) I have not had my Quattro FX that long, and it was new when I got it. The cushion is the key. To seat the mask properly, sometimes I have to pick it up while it's on my face and, starting from the top of the mask re-settle the mask on my face. It helps to make sure it's not oily. I wash the cushion and my face each night to make sure it's got a good seal. It's more about face oils than facial hair. I've never had any trouble with the beard and any mask.

[eviltim]

Thanks Dreamdiver. I'm going to start cleaning the cushion daily.

Reseating it helps, but I'm waking up a couple times every night and it seems like I have to fidget with it 10 minutes before I get a good seal, turning off the machine, messing around with it and starting it again until it works. It's driving me nuts.

One more question -- I'm assuming if I use a medium Quattro FX I should probably get medium Resmed full face masks?

[DreamDiver]

... I'm assuming if I use a medium Quattro FX I should probably get medium Resmed full face masks?

Most of the masks I've gotten from Resmed have all been medium|normal. If you're a medium|normal too, you probably will not like the Liberty Hybrid (Also a ResMed product.)

While it's probably okay to make the assumption, you're always better off checking with the fitting guides available on various cpap vendor sites. I believe most people are familiar with vender #1 on the vendor list. I'm not as impressed with local DME's but your mileage may vary.

Let me suggest that you do not turn off the pressure to seat the mask if it's already on your face and the blower is already running. It's much easier simply to rely on the pressure to help you seat the mask by gently lowering it onto your face and allowing the pressure to poof out the cushion in the right places. Once you get a feel for it, the process takes a couple seconds at most. Yes you do have to be fairly awake to re-seat, but it's likely as you get used to using the mask, you'll find your pressure and leaks staying well managed longer through the night.

[eviltim]

Alright cool. I will do that tonight and see if it helps.