Hybrid Mask or Full Face Mask

[nico08]

Hi. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. I was trying to use a nasal mask with a chin strap because I am a mouth breather, at first. I can't sleep. When I try to inhale through my nose, my nose "feels" clogged and I can't inhale/exhale properly. My nose is not full of congestion, it is just constricted. That comes and goes through the day. I feel pressure inside my ears from using the device. I can't sleep for more than 2 hours, if that, with it on.

I will go the DME provider today and get fitted for another mask. Which do you recommend. A full face mask or a hybrid mask? I am not sure if I will feel claustrophobia with a full face mask.

Since I have the constriction problem with my nose and since I am a mouth breather, I think I need a mask that somehow covers both my nose and mouth.

As an aside, I am being treated for conjunctivitis, it left and came back again. I rarely get conjunctivitis but when I do, it goes away pretty quick with antibiotic drops. Can the pressure from the CPAP and the mask, etc have anything to do with why I got conjunctivitis and why it came back after treatment.

I am set for 14 pressure and I use the humidification and the ramp features. Thanks for your advice.

[Shastzi]

My nose has insufficient capacity as well.
I have to breathe through my mouth so I just stick with the full face masks.
Some are comfortable but leak too much, or the straps hurt, or the sealing surface digs into your nose bridge or the silly thing is a bear to clean properly..
I found one that is comfy, doesn't leak but its too stuffy to breathe through! Arrgh!
The list is long, but when you find one, it's like finding a good car mechanic!
You'll probably want to spend a lot of time trying them all out because everyone has a different head and face.

Currently using the Quattro FX with the Respironics FullLife mask as a good back up.

Trying 6 - 10 different masks is not uncommon, so I hear.

Good luck with your quest!

[PaulaO2]

Until you get another mask, I suggest turning off the ramp. It is purely for comfort feature but since you're having trouble breathing, you need all the air you can get. Also sit up with it during the day, mask and machine on, to get used to the feel.

I don't think a hybrid would benefit you much.

[trish6hundred]

Hi nico08 and WELCOME! to the forum.!
Best of luck to you on finding the right mask for you; that's the hardest part of CPAP therapy. Try masking up and using your machine as you watch TV or read and that might help you get used to it when you sleep.

[nico08]

Well, I got the Quattro FX full face mask size medium. We shall see how it works. Anyone use those special CPAP pillows to sleep on? Are they helpful? Where can you get a good price on one. Thanks.

[zonk]

Anyone use those special CPAP pillows to sleep on? Are they helpful? Where can you get a good price on one. Thanks.

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...-old-forum
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...PAP-Pillow