What is Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea (alternatively sleep apnoea) is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last 10 seconds o...

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Discussion:
Full Face Mask Issue
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I cannot use a nasal mask due to congestion. With that said, I also have an issue with the full face mask inflating my cheeks. My cheeks puff up liek a chipmunk, needless to say it is extemely uncomfortable. Is improper size of the mask the cause of this? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Posted on 05/02/07, 09:05 pm
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Reply #1 - 05/10/07  9:58am
" hello scrappy...it sounds like that may be the problem...or they may need to lower your pressure a little...i use the swift nasal mask myself but like you said its only good if your not congested...take care....jphsr(jay) "
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Reply #2 - 06/01/07  9:25am
" I was advised to use a saline nasal spray to clear the nasal passsges at night and that has worked very effectively. Key word is saline spray. On the mask issue, I have the same complaint and was switched to another type that fits over the head and has these thingys that go into the nose - not full face mask. That was better but I am now having issues with that. So with the upcoming sleep study I am going to request NasalAire which is now available on the market - even if I have to pay for it myself. That was used in my last sleep study while still a prorotype and I loved it for comfort as well as ability to sleep on my side. "
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Reply #3 - 06/05/07  7:31pm
" I had that problem also but then I trained myself to sleep with my mouth closed (which was hard to do sometimes it still opens) but then I dont have the nasal issue. "
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Reply #4 - 06/06/07  10:02am
" Thanks for the comments. I did get a new mask yesterday, it is a full face mask that has the nasal pillows with it, so there is nothing over the bridge of my nose or my forehead. As for the inflating cheeks, I was told there was not much that can be done about that. If I wanted a full face mask that would be something I had to get used to. My former mas was too small also. I really like the new mask. It is very quiet, it does not leak no matter what postion I sleep in or where I turn my head. I tried keeping my mouth closed last night (I had some ability to sleep through my nose then) but the pressure would force it open sometimes. I did get used to my cheeks puffing up. At first it was irritating and it hurt, but then I got used to it after a few hours and It no longer hurt. I think I will stick with this mask, personally it is the best one I had tried so far. As long as I have my humidifier I am good right now. Hopefully I will reap good benefits from this. "
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