CPAP users, which mask do you use?

[chirurgeon]

I've been using the Air Fit P10 for most of the time I've been on the CPAP. Couldn't do the full face mask. It's a very rare night I don't use it all night.

 

[Gary M]

I use the full mask and have used it for 6 years. I use it for naps as well as for night sleep. I like it and it travels everyplace with me.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

I use the nasal mask, but I always end up pulling it off at some point in the night.

 

[aprilgail2]

I use the nasal pillows, could never sleep with that big mask on my face! At least with the nasal pillows I can still sleep on my stomach. My biggest problem during the sleep study is they want you to lay on your back to sleep- I layed there for 4 hours awake because I could not ever sleep on my back, finally I sort of turned on my side a bit and that worked for that night.

 

[Happy Snowman]

I tried the full face mask, the nose mask and the nose pillows. The nose pillows were comfortable but something about them I just didn't like. I also pulled them off during the night. I use the nose mask now but I think I'm going to go back to the full face mask when I get my next mask. I've been waking up with a really dry throat since the colder weather has set in. The hot, humid summer was fine but I think having the moist air over my mouth will help. I think I slept more deeply with the full face mask too.

 

[Shmily1]

DH uses the Dream Weaver one. He really calls it his head thong though. That's the only one he can use.

 

[PeterPanic]

I don't know the name of my stuff. It consists of nose pillows, two small pieces of plastic that hold the nose pillows and one that connects from that to the hose. Than the hose is supported by the head gear. I have found it to be the best that I had ever used. It doesn't move off during the night if I turn over etc. and although it does seem to be the source of "dry mouth", it is still the most comfortable one that I have ever used.

 

[TAX GUY]

I use a full face mask. Took a little time getting used to it but now I can't sleep without it. I'm also a teeth grinder so I wear a mouth guard too! I grind so badly that I can't wear a night guard but rather a SPORTS mouth guard. I tried a night guard and woke up the next morning spitting out little pieces of rubber. When I get ready for bed, it's as if I'm going to battle!

Oh, and my wife calls it my "Bane Mask"

 

[minkydog]

I use the full face mask. I tried the nasal pillows, but didn't like the feeling of air being forced up my nostrils.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Being VERY claustrophobic, I started out with the nasal pillow, and gradually worked up to a larger mask. However (and this is SO weird) ever since I stopped coloring my hair, its texture has become so fine and silky that the straps in the headgear slide around when I sleep on my side and I have to wake up several times per night to adjust it. I'm thinking of going back to something with fewer straps, like the nasal pillow!

 

[CPT Tripss]

Mustache and beard requires nasal pillows to avoid leakage.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Oh, and my wife calls it my "Bane Mask"

Ha! Great minds. My wife has said "Ahhh, I broke you, Mister Wayne!" & also "You don't know the power of the dark side!"

 

[HannaBelle]

I use a full face mask. Took a little time getting used to it but now I can't sleep without it. I'm also a teeth grinder so I wear a mouth guard too! I grind so badly that I can't wear a night guard but rather a SPORTS mouth guard. I tried a night guard and woke up the next morning spitting out little pieces of rubber. When I get ready for bed, it's as if I'm going to battle!

Oh, and my wife calls it my "Bane Mask"

LOL

I call hubby Vader..

He wears his about 60% of the night and always takes it off. I think he needs to be re-fitted for a mask, but what do I know. I am just the one listening to him complain AND snore...

 

[Big V]

Mustache and beard requires nasal pillows to avoid leakage.

I have a full beard and moustach and use the face mask. You just have to get it adjusted right.

 

[CF'er]

I use the Mirage FX by ResMed. I usually wear it all night. Sometimes I wake up in the AM with a dry mouth and coughing so I take it off. It is a nasal mask and I have adapted to being able to sleep on my stomach. Apparently I am quite the snorer without it. So is DH but he won't wear his. Mine goes with me every where. Very well traveled machine.

 

[Sadie22]

Several have mentioned dry mouth but none have mentioned a humidifier attached to the CPAP machine or a strap to keep one's mouth closed during sleep. If someone uses the nasal pillows but continues to mouth breathe, that person is not getting the full benefit of the CPAP.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I have a full beard and moustach and use the face mask. You just have to get it adjusted right.

There are full beards

And then there are full beards.

I'm in the latter category most of the time.

Several have mentioned dry mouth but none have mentioned a humidifier attached to the CPAP machine or a strap to keep one's mouth closed during sleep. If someone uses the nasal pillows but continues to mouth breathe, that person is not getting the full benefit of the CPAP.

When I mouth breath when using my cpap, it makes enough noise that I wake myself and DW. The only time it's an issue is if I have bad upper respiratory congestion.

 

[Happy Snowman]

I use the Mirage FX by ResMed. I usually wear it all night. Sometimes I wake up in the AM with a dry mouth and coughing so I take it off. It is a nasal mask and I have adapted to being able to sleep on my stomach. Apparently I am quite the snorer without it. So is DH but he won't wear his. Mine goes with me every where. Very well traveled machine.

Maybe there is one, but I need a travel sized CPAP or some kind of a custom bag to carry all my stuff when I travel!

Several have mentioned dry mouth but none have mentioned a humidifier attached to the CPAP machine or a strap to keep one's mouth closed during sleep. If someone uses the nasal pillows but continues to mouth breathe, that person is not getting the full benefit of the CPAP.

I have a humidifier and heated tubing and I still have a dry mouth in the morning. I don't sleep with my mouth open because if I did, I can't really breathe. The air from the CPAP dries out the back of my throat.

 

[Sadie22]

Maybe there is one, but I need a travel sized CPAP or some kind of a custom bag to carry all my stuff when I travel!



I have a humidifier and heated tubing and I still have a dry mouth in the morning. I don't sleep with my mouth open because if I did, I can't really breathe. The air from the CPAP dries out the back of my throat.

Have you asked your provider to raise the level of the humidity (or can you do it yourself)? The purpose of the humidifier is to prevent such a problem, after all.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Have you asked your provider to raise the level of the humidity (or can you do it yourself)? The purpose of the humidifier is to prevent such a problem, after all.

I can do it and I have. It's just from the air going down the back of my throat. It's not horrible but it's there. The humidifier is to keep your nose from drying out mostly.