I have stopped using the comfort gel mask due to nose bridge discomfort and soreness even though my AHI was 1.7.  I just couldn't stand the discomfort any more.  For the last three weeks I have been using the Activa nasal mask but have noticed that my mouth is dropping open (I have just about maxed out a chin strap), have taped mouth shut (OUCH), and ace bandaided my head.  Now seasonal allergies have set in and I need to open my mouth more frequently to cough and/or try to get some air that isn't being forced down my throat! Also my nose can be stuffed up at any given time. Is a full face mask my next step?  Which should I consider?  Why is my dme hesitant to switch from nasal to full face?  ( I am still in the thirty day trial period)  I am a fortunate cpapper in that I have experienced the awakening that proper usage can provide.  I will avoid re-entering "the fog" at any cost!!!


Respironics M Series Auto Pap with humidifier, Activa Nasal Mask, straight cpap, pressure 14
papillow, AHI 5.3 (5/6/08)

you may simply be wearing the mask too low on your face or it may be the wrong size or the top adjustment of the part that pushes against your forehead may not be properly set

sounds like you should try a full face mask but you will still need a chinstrap

the best way to tape the lips is to roll the lips inward so the tape goes on the skin above and below them

good luck


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respironics comfort gell mask,resmed S6 lightweight CPAP, pressure 10 no humidifier
NO DOCTOR EVER ASKED ME IF I SNORED

I don't understand - the very point of going to a full face mask is that you DON'T have to use a chin strap.

Jamlens - I was in the same boat as you: Comfort Gel mask, while it worked, was causing a blister on the bridge of my nose. After a while, and due to my allergies kicking in, I started opening my mouth. I tried the chin strap, and while my mouth didn't fall open, my lips parted to let the air out. I was not going to tape my mouth shut.

Instead I talked to my doctor and he faxed over a prescription for a full face mask to the DME. I've been happy ever since. I got the Fisher and Paykel HC431 mask. This mask goes under the chin and does not put any pressure on your lower jaw. (Note: When the DME rep came over, she said I would need the medium sized silicon insert. I found that didn't give me a good fit. I look at the various cards/ pamphlets that came with the mask and found that I needed a large sized insert. Fortunately, the 431 comes with small, medium and large sized inserts for you to try on at your leisure.)

Good luck.

Maritan,

We are definitely in the same boat.  Tomorrow I will go to my DME to try out your F & P HC431.  Thanks for your help.

I'm still open to other mask recommendations!!