1st time user

[Dvfine]

I just got my equipment yesterday and used it for the first time last night. I have the nose mask and found it a bit awkward. I managed to get some sleep and wore it the whole night but I found every now and then, air kept leaking from my mouth. The pressure seems ok at first but I found after having it on for a couple of hours that air escaped from between my lips and I had to make an effort to keep it from happening. I've read a few threads about face masks, as I wondered whether it may be the way to go but many people seem to dislike them. Dos any one else have this problem? It may be on the forums already but I can't find it.
I can't wait to get setup and sleeping properly. It's been a while.

[symmit]

Hi and welcome!

I'd say persevere, if you can consciously breathe through your nose you'll probably find you'll naturally do so when asleep.

If it doesn't work for you then yes a full face mask will solve the problem, I've been trying one for almost a week and it's a slightly different experience, trading the ability to mouth breathe for some comfort and convenience.

If you have a humidifier on your machine (and if you do go full face you'll want one!) then try turning it up a notch and that may help you breathing.

It can take some getting used to - but it's worth it.

[Dvfine]

Hi and welcome!

I'd say persevere, if you can consciously breathe through your nose you'll probably find you'll naturally do so when asleep.

If it doesn't work for you then yes a full face mask will solve the problem, I've been trying one for almost a week and it's a slightly different experience, trading the ability to mouth breathe for some comfort and convenience.

If you have a humidifier on your machine (and if you do go full face you'll want one!) then try turning it up a notch and that may help you breathing.

It can take some getting used to - but it's worth it.

Thanks.
I did a bit of research and found a couple of suggestions about the mouth thing and one I'm going to try tonight is to just raise the tounge forward and upward toward the teeth. sounds reasonable enough. The other was a chin strap but doesn't sound like something that would work for me both comfort wise or otherwise.
I'll let you know how I get on after the next few nights.

[jackieb]

New to this forum

I am having difficulty adjusting to my mask this is the second nasal mask I have tried but it still causes me to have a sore face and it pushes my lips into my teeth so I wake up with a painful mouth and as I sleep on my side these masks are a bit uncomfortable any suggestions next app Feb

[Grumpy]

alternatives

There are basically two alternatives: a full face mask or a hybrid mask like the ResMed Mirage Liberty I use. This combines the nasal prongs you have now with a seal which goes around the mouth. I find it more comfortable than a full face mask but it can be difficult to get the adjustment right.

You just have to keep trying until you get one that suits.

[Berneta]

Nasal Masks

Hi --I have been using a nasal mask since last July. I have found that if your straps are overly tight it will cause your nose and/or upper lip area to hurt. Try to loosen the straps so that the mask is just to the point where it doesn't leak. This may take several adjustments while laying down. Turn your head to the left and then to the right after adjustment to see if there is a leak. Tighten and loosen the straps only a TINY bit each time. If you have mouth breathing sometimes---a chin strap will help with that, They are soft and comfortable if adjusted just enough to hold your chin up---like the Mask straps, don't over tighten or you will be uncomfortable. Good Luck, Berneta

[symmit]

I am having difficulty adjusting to my mask this is the second nasal mask I have tried but it still causes me to have a sore face and it pushes my lips into my teeth so I wake up with a painful mouth and as I sleep on my side these masks are a bit uncomfortable any suggestions next app Feb

I like to sleep on my side too, and can be a fidget in bed. In two months I've built a collection of four masks so far, probably not going to be the end of it either.

Comfort though comes for me from the Sleepweaver - I've put my opinions elsewhere but it's been worth the cons (hose positioning, slight leakage most nights) for the comfort and effectiveness of it.

Because it's flexible, and held to your face mostly by the pressure from the air, and there's a relatively large amount of area in contact with your face with so little material the actual pressure on your top lip is low and spread across it all, and on the nose is almost unnoticeable, as I've said before you can wake up wondering if it's still on.

[Dvfine]

Thanks.
I did a bit of research and found a couple of suggestions about the mouth thing and one I'm going to try tonight is to just raise the tounge forward and upward toward the teeth. sounds reasonable enough. The other was a chin strap but doesn't sound like something that would work for me both comfort wise or otherwise.
I'll let you know how I get on after the next few nights.

Last night was horrendous! I'm absolutely shattered! Tried everything to stop my mouth from opening but what can you do when as soon as you relax your mouth when falling asleep, your mouth puffs with the air and leaks air? After spending the night trying to keep my gob shut (even resorting to taping my mouth..yes, I know it's not a good idea, but I was desperate) I ending up removing the mask. Monday I'll phone the hospital and see if they will give me a face mask instead as I think it's probably the best option for me.

[Sparticus]

Hi Dvfine, just remember we are/have been through all this ourselves and since joining Ive heard many a strange thing happening to get an illusive nights sleep. The tape one, I havent heard before but its not out of the norm and certainly doesnt surprise me. The trick is to find something that works for you, there are a lot of people on here who can help with advise and a few wee tricks that peeps have come across. I went through hell and came back a better person through some very tough times. Now I dont have a single problem other than wanting an extra hour in bed, my longest sleep with my mask is 13 hours in a single night/day. I still get the odd red face or nose but my body is use to it now so a quick splash on the face of cold water and Im ready to go. You too will get there in time when you have tweeked your problems and my advise to you is try a full face mask what do you have to lose, you may find it better than a nasal one? My only tweak was attaching my ipod to my mask and now I go to bed with sounds of rain or forest or maybe the sound of a lapping ocean, it worked for me and you too will find a way it just takes a bit of time to get there, good luck and dont worry we have your back

[Sleep2Snore]

Last night was horrendous! I'm absolutely shattered! Tried everything to stop my mouth from opening but what can you do when as soon as you relax your mouth when falling asleep, your mouth puffs with the air and leaks air? After spending the night trying to keep my gob shut (even resorting to taping my mouth..yes, I know it's not a good idea, but I was desperate) I ending up removing the mask. Monday I'll phone the hospital and see if they will give me a phone mask instead as I think it's probably the best option for me.

This can be a problem and it does take a while for some to get used to.
Americans do the tape thing, but I don't recommend it. Full face mask may be the way ahead, but there are other options open to you as well. You can get a mask that fits over the mouth and fits to the nose via Nasal Pillows. These masks are not for everyone, but they are not so claustrophobic as full face masks. You can get a chin strap to help keep your mouth shut, but I think going by what you say it is your lips that part and not your mouth opening. Ask to see what they can offer at your clinic, not all clinics stock a big range. There is almost certainly a mask out there to suit you so don't give up until you have tried them all.

Welcome to the forum.

S2S

[Berneta]

Tongue in Cheek?

Hi--I have found that over the first month of wearing a nose mask-- that I learned to keep my tongue against the roof of my mouth--preventing the escape of air out of my mouth. This may be only me, and not common to everyone using a nose mask. We are all different. I would give it a couple weeks wearing a chin strap, if I were you. That might help--since they can be brought up over the lips if wanted--and can be removed quickly if needed. And I do not think tape over the mouth is a good idea either. No matter what kind of mask you use--its going to take some getting used to. Good Luck, Berneta

[symmit]

Full face mask may be the way ahead, but there are other options open to you as well.

You can always use a fullface mask but while awake breathe through your nose, you may find it trains you into nose breathing and you can go back to a less obtrusive nasal mask later. Or you may like the full face.

Some full face masks slot under the chin and help hold your mouth closed, giving the effect of a chin strap but still the option of mouth breathing.

[Dvfine]

This can be a problem and it does take a while for some to get used to.
Americans do the tape thing, but I don't recommend it. Full face mask may be the way ahead, but there are other options open to you as well. You can get a mask that fits over the mouth and fits to the nose via Nasal Pillows. These masks are not for everyone, but they are not so claustrophobic as full face masks. You can get a chin strap to help keep your mouth shut, but I think going by what you say it is your lips that part and not your mouth opening. Ask to see what they can offer at your clinic, not all clinics stock a big range. There is almost certainly a mask out there to suit you so don't give up until you have tried them all.

Welcome to the forum.

S2S

I managed to arrange an appointment for tomorrow to be fitted with a face mask instead of the nose one. At least that part of the issue will be dealt with. I don't think claustrophobia will be an issue for me with the new mask.
I have a tendency to breathe with my mouth sometimes and wonder whether this might be why I keep having the issue of air coming from my mouth when using the nose pillow. The next crease to iron out will be the air pressure setup I'm guessing. My next follow up appointment will be in about 4 weeks so they can have a look at the readings on the memory card and make any adjustments neccessary. One step at a time eh? Here's looking forward to sleeping properly ZZZZzz

Btw I'm really pleased to be a member of this forum, it's nice to get support from many who have gone through the same things.

[Barely Awake]

I always considered myself a mouth breather because I have a severely re-arranged nose, but couldn't get on with a full face mask so had to learn to sleep by breathing through my nose. A now unavailable nasal pillow mask solved this for me, but when I was trying to teach myself to nose breathe I bought a chin strap.

http://www.eu-pap.co.uk/products/chin-straps.html

They are pretty awful when you first try them on and are not cheap but I got used to it overnight and after a month it cured me of mouth breathing during sleep and I found I could stop using it. Now I only occasionally revert to having mouth leaks and just go back to the chin strap for a night and it sorts me out.

This doesn't mean it works for everyone of course, this was just my personal experience.

[ElleCee]

I have found that by sticking with a nasal mask you do eventually get into the habit of keeping your mouth closed. I suffered for a while with biting my tongue in my sleep and it was very sore but that has now stopped.
It all takes getting used to which can take time.

Lorraine