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Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
#1
Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
Hello Friends,

Looking for some advise on switching from a face mask to a nose/nasal mask.  I’ve been using a standard mask for the last 8 months with good success. However, the gas has been an issue?.  I’ve dialed down the pressure from 10 to 9 with no relief.  I was never given the option to switch to the nose mesk.  But, my dr does not seem to be opposed.


Anyone out there have any experience with switching from a full mask to a nose mask?  Did it help with the gas?   Thanks
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#2
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
I've used both and I don't think the mask will make any difference with gas. It has more to do with swallowing air which can happen with any mask.

Some find elevating their head up can help reduce the problem.
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#3
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
If you are not a mouth breather then the nasal mask is much better as air leakage is definitely less than the full face mask ( at least, the air leakage aroung the perimeter of the cushion ) .
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#4
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
I have only ever used the nasal mask, the AirFit N20.  I still get some aerophagia some nights.  It's never perfect, but some nights seem to be worse than others. 

I do know, from reading here over the past several months, that many users keep a variety of masks to use when they seem to be going through a bad spell with their 'favourite' mask.  It would be useful, if not possible through your supplier...???...to try a nasal mask for a week to see how you manage.  It just might be the ticket, but I haven't been free from swallowing air using my headgear and mask.  That's about all I can offer...………...sorry.
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#5
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
(09-03-2018, 01:53 PM)mesenteria Wrote: I have only ever used the nasal mask, the AirFit N20.  I still get some aerophagia some nights.  It's never perfect, but some nights seem to be worse than others. 

I got the opposite of your problem :  air rushing out of my mouth and waking me up several time during the night . I am struggling to find out why & looking for a permanent solution .
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#6
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
I also have that problem, and it's why I have to tape my mouth shut, tommyngo.  As a user of a nasal mask whose jaw invariably sags open when I fall asleep, if I don't tape my lips closed I soon find myself waking with a gale of air rushing out of my mouth.  As it is, the tape stops the leak, but it doesn't stop my cheeks from puffing out due to my relaxed tongue and slack jaw muscles letting go and the PAP air wanting to build pressure evenly across all surfaces....mouth lining included.  But I also must swallow air at times as evinced by the trail of flatus and eructations that soon begin to erupt as I walk about the house upon rising each morning.
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#7
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
Hi FJD3!
I have experience from nasal to full, not the other way.
The driver is your ability to use only your nose to breathe. If this presents no problem for you, a nose only solution is far preferable and easier. But if you use your mouth at all, then you have no choice but to use a full version. Or find a way to prevent using your mouth which is something you can train yourself to do with not too much practice.
Its not a matter of preference but rather your ability to use each mask's features.
Good luck.
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#8
RE: Thinking of Switching from Full Mask to Nose Mask
I got my first machine back in 2011... It came with the quattro full face mask... I used it for 3 weeks, and packed it on the shelf and never used it again... It felt smothering... If I didnt lay straight on my back, it would leak all around the edge when I turned over... I got the full face mask because I thought that I breathed out my mouth during the night..

This year, I decided to give it a go again, and my doctor said I should try a nasal mask instead... I tried it, and had instant success with it.... Turns out that I either didnt mouth breathe all night, or using the new mask caused me to stop, because its been 5 weeks now and I NEVER work up to being choked by the machine.

I still had a little issue with it leaking a bit around my eyes, because the mask was a bit big.... I decided that I then wanted to try a nasal pillow mask. I was given the Brevida mask, and it is the option for me! It fits nice and snug... Rarely leaks (my leak rate is around 2L/min) and I barely notice I am wearing it!

Of course, your mileage may vary, but for me, the mask made the difference between being able to use the machine and not.
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