Puffy cheeks with Full Face Mask

I am writing to hopefully find a solution to my cheeks puffing out when using a full face mask. I use a full face mask because my nasal airway patency is not always the best and I frequently sleep with my mouth open. I was told a full face mask was the way to go because of this but when I open my mouth, the pressure causes my cheeks to balloon out and is very uncomfortable. Please let me know if there are any solutions for this problem.

First time I have heard of that issue. And, I am afraid I can't think of any obvious solutions. With a nasal mask some (like myself) tape their mouth closed to prevent air from coming out. Not sure I would do that with a full face mask, as some have reported that the moisture inside the mask makes the tape come loose. About the only thing, that comes to mind is using a chin strap to hold your mouth closed, if you can find one that does not get in the way of your full face mask.

Hi a1wayst1red

Have you actually tried using a nasal pillows mask?

Most of us have some issues with sinuses etc from time to time but the nasal pillows seem to keep the passages clear and antihistamines can help occasionally too.

Of course you may have more serious issues than blocked sinuses but it might still be worth a try.

Unfortunately, for many people, using a nasal mask would require also using a chin strap.

@Sierra I tried taping my mouth shut and using a nasal afrin spray to help open my nasal passages. I was actually able to sleep a full night without any complications after doing this. I realize taping my mouth shut completely defeats the purpose of a full face mask but it seems to work so I’ll take it. I’ve never used a chin strap, I will keep that in mind if the issues come up with mouth taping.

@Biguglygremlin I have used nasal pillows before but did not like how they irritated my nares. Also, at the time I was using the nasal pillows I did not have any knowledge of mouth taping or chinstraps (as this was some time ago) so I never did have a successful night sleep with the nasal pillows. If the mouth taping continues to be a viable solution for me, I may be open to switching to a nasal mask. I am a side/belly sleeper initially so I would need a mask that could keep a good seal when pressed against the pillow. I’ve never used a chin strap before, I will keep that in mind in the future.