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+--- Thread: Learning to Tolerate Full Face Mask (/Thread-Learning-to-Tolerate-Full-Face-Mask)
Learning to Tolerate Full Face Mask - RayWH - 03-20-2019
I have been using CPAP for 20 years, first with nasal mask and with pillows for the past 5 years. I am a nose breather on CPAP, but breath through my mouth when cycling or doing other athletic activities. I may have to have turbinate surgery. I have tried a full face mask for only a few minutes, and it seemed intolerable. It felt like exhalation air inflated the mask and possibly air was circulating from my nose to mouth or mouth to nose. If I have to use a full face mask, what is the secret to making it tolerable? Should the full face mask require more or less pressure? Would exhalation relief (EPR) help or increase the difficulty using a full face mask? Should I try a nose clip, like swimmers use, to force myself to breath through the mouth. Any suggestions would be appreciated to help me learn to tolerate a full face mask for times when I have moderate to severe sinus congestion or if I have to have nasal surgery.
RayWH
RE: Learning to Tolerate Full Face Mask - StevesSp - 03-20-2019
I would suggest a few 'practice periods' wearing the mask but with the pressure(s) turned all the way down, or at least as low as you feel comfortable with. Some people feel they can't get enough at at low pressures, but I have never had that problem while using the Resmed Quattro FX. I can breathe quite easily even with the machine turned off. Hopefully you can too.
If you can do this, subsequently increase the pressure gradually over a few of these practice periods until you're at your normal pressure.