Going from Dreamwear to full face mask

[Cathyann]

Hi - I'm brand new to this world!

I started with a Dreamwear nasal mask with pretty good results (AHI 1 or 2) but I have allergy issues and after a couple of nights of having a completely clogged nose I changed to a full face mask.  My AHI has been trending at 4 or 5 - and I feel as if there is not much pressure coming through the mask as compared to before.

Is the pressure "experience" different between a nasal mask and a full face (my prescribed pressure is 7.)

I'm working at getting the sleepyhead software set up to get some more detailed data - but I figured I'd say hi and check in.

Thanks, everyone!

Cathyann

[OpalRose]

Generally, a full face mask will require a slightly higher pressure.  Try raising your pressure by
.5 until you see and feel a difference.

Also, there is a setting on your machine that should be changed from nasal to full face.
Do you have the clinicians manual for your machine?  Get it here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pr...tup-manual

[Cathyann]

I had already changed the "nasal" setting to full-face.  I'll try adjusting the pressure - thanks!
CA

[vas2000]

Hi Cathyann,

I went through a very similar experience just a few weeks ago. Here's the thread that I posted about it: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...-face-mask

I went back to using the Dreamwear because I fixed the leak issues (which was the reason I tried a FFM) but while I was using the Amara View FFM, slightly higher pressures helped. What helped a lot appeared to be sleeping on my side. With both masks, sleeping on my side yielded better results (in terms of the AHI) but the difference (between sleeping on my back vs. side) seemed to much more marked for the FFM.

All the best in getting it figured it out!

Vas

[trish6hundred]

Hi Cathyann,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
The mask is the hardest part of this therapy, so it’s good to hear that you are trying different ones ‘till you find what works for you.
Good luck to you on your CPAP journey, hang in there for more responses to your post.