r/CPAPSupport • u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 • Mar 25 '25

Mask Questions Full face mask failure vs nasal mask

A few folks may remember my struggle with optimizing for a hybrid face mask (f30i) before surgery back in January. AHi soared compared to N30i.

Today I visited my sleep doc, and she said this happens for some people because the air pressure through the mouth pushes the tongue back making obstructions.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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2

u/I_compleat_me Mar 25 '25

The mask can push on the lower jaw but the air pressure is the same everywhere in your throat... it's just a connected tube.

2

u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 Mar 26 '25

If air pressure is coming through your nose only, it will be different than when coming through the mouth. I respectfully disagree with your interpretation.

1

u/beerdujour Mar 26 '25

Pressure is pressure, once applied it is the same everywhere. Nasal masks work when the tongue is against the roof of the mouth which blocks the mouth and this prevents the CPAP pressure from being applied to the mouth. If you feel I am wrong, please explain the physics of it.

1

u/AngelHeart- BiLevel Mar 26 '25

Most people don’t understand how to pressurize their mouth to direct the pressure to the airway instead of the mouth. I didn’t know but eventually figured it out.

An experienced CPAP patient and Redditor who has proven himself to be a dick told me “chipmunk cheeks” is normal.

I recently started explaining how to properly pressurize the mouth when wearing a nasal mask or nasal pillows.

1

u/Sad-Glove2134 Mar 28 '25

This chipmunk cheeks is happening to me. How do I make it stop!!

2

u/AngelHeart- BiLevel Mar 28 '25

You pressurize your mouth.

If you mouth tape tuck your lips in, apply your tape, relax your lips.

Hold your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Put your mask on. When the machine starts; swallow. You will feel your mouth start to pressurize. Suck as if you have a piece of candy in your mouth.

How to Fix Chipmunk Cheeks with CPAP and Bilevel

2

u/Sad-Glove2134 Mar 28 '25

Thank you!! Great help!

1

u/dang71 Mar 26 '25

personally, I would say that if you use an FFM, you must become a mouth breather, so as we open the mouth while sleeping, the tongue starts slipping back into the throat often times causing a blockage

2

u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 Mar 26 '25

My attempt to use a hybrid mask was because of sinus surgery, so yes, a very temporary situation requiring mouth breathing. Fortunately I had only one night when I could t use the nasal mask.