orcal mask -
hi the orcal mask only covers the mouth works wonderful for me air goes directly to lungs as i am a mouth breather , i do use the strap to hold mask as you dont need to but i do not like anything in my mouth if you can stand it you do not need any head gear you can also go to youtube type in orcal mask and see how it works without mask good luck I adapted much more easily than I expected ... I had planned to really resist using it, but found to my amazement that I could sleep just fine with it.
HOWEVER, I am still struggling 7 months later to get a good fit on a mask. The RT who delivered it said "there is always some leakage of air with full-face masks," so I accept that, but think the fit should be better than what I have.
I do feel better in the day when I use it all night long, but haven't had the big pay-off some people experience in extra energy, etc.
My big problem is the sore on the bridge of the nose, where the gel ends. I ordered a "total face" mask that fits across the forehead, down the cheeks and under the lips, and it is wonderful ... such an improvement! ... but I can't get a good seal on it, either. I think this mask would be hard for people with claustrophobia, but it works for me, and lets me read while wearing it.
My second big problem is when I wake up during the night to go to the bathroom or because the mask has shifted, and I'm too sleepy to fuss with getting it back on, so I don't get the full-night effect.
To sum up, I can sleep OK with or without it, but feel better during the day if I've worn it all night. I think it's worth the struggle to adapt.[/QUOTE]