We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our
website and to analyze our web traffic.
For more information about these cookies and the data collected,
please refer to our
Privacy Policy.
tallguy98
+0 points
·
about 1 year
ago
Original Poster
3 weeks into my CPAP therapy, I think I am in the old story of the prince (not princess) and the pea. I have tried three full-face masks and can't find one that is just right. Complicating matters, I am 6'6" and just under 300 lbs so "one size fits all" usually doesn't fit me. I am a side sleeper.
My sleep study showed severe apnea.
I started therapy on a Resmed 10 autoset unit wearing a Resmed F30 full mask - I mouth breathe if on my back during sleep. After 4-5 days I felt like I was constantly struggling for air - the cushion was mostly blocking my nostrils as the small/med cushion (largest size offered) didn't line up well.
My tech gave me an F20 airtouch full face mask with a gel cushion to reduce leakage. It worked pretty well but ended up shifting on my face no matter how loose or tight I made it, and the bridge of my nose was sore, even with medical tape in place, in the morning. I did have AHI in the 4-6 range per Oscar.
So for my Medicare-allowed switch, I moved to an F&P Evora full mask. Once I got the correct (large) cushion and the XL-sized headgear, I thought I had the solution.....I align the mask so my nose can sit in the middle as I put the mask on, but every morning I feel like my nose has been pushed up and is so sore. I like the mask otherwise and have had little leakage. My results have been mostly single-digit AHI so maybe I have to live with it.
If you have been through this kind of effort and have any advice, in advance I appreciate it.
I tried a couple of full face masks, including the F20, and just could not make them work for the same issues you are having. But, many do, so there must be solutions. I came across a YouTube video on the Evora the other day, so if you find it, there may be some tips there.
My solution was to go to a nasal pillow mask (P10) and use mouth taping to stop the mouth breathing. OSCAR can be a help in identifying excessive leakage issues.
tallguy98
+0 points
·
about 1 year
ago
Original Poster
Thank you Sierra, I was thinking of the same approach. I am having a followup with the Dr in a couple of weeks, so may see how to try the nasal pillow approach
Please be advised that these posts may contain sensitive material or
unsolicited medical advice. MyApnea does not endorse the content of these
posts. The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended
as a substitute for advice from a health care professional who has evaluated
you.