I was a mouth breather until I had surgery for a deviated septum, then all of a sudden, I could breathe through my nose, for the first time in my life. It was an amazing feeling. But, because I had been a mouth breather for 50 years, I still would breathe through my mouth when sleeping, so I have to use the full face mask, along with a chin strap that helps keep my mouth closed.

Sometimes the mask leaks above my nose, and I just move the cushion a little. When it's around my mouth, I open my mouth and close it again, and that often seals the leaky spot, or I will just move the mask a little, from side to side or up or down.

@jimhd Thank you. You offer some good suggestions on adjusting to the CPAP apparatus.

I have trouble with air leaks around the mask too. Does any one else have trouble with an itchy nose while using the mask? If I move the mask to rub my nose, then I start having leaks and can't seem to get it adjusted again.

@hosta very familiar with leaks and itchy nose. Might need to ask your md or respiratory therapist about your adjusting your humidity setting and might need a different mask size or different mask all together.

What is the nasal pillow? I have had t masks and still have trouble with air leaks. If I tighten the straps, then it hurts my nose. When I check the mask fit it says it is good. When I send in the report it says I have air leaks. What should I do? I use it every night all night long, still have anywhere from 9 to 40 events. I am so tired during the day.

Go back to the store where you purchased your machine. Have a tech work with you to try out different masks and get a better fit.Nancy Shermoen~

I have tried 7 different masks. I still would like someone to tell me about the nasal pillow how they work etc: I don;t understand how when I check for mask fit it is good. I check it just before I send the report then it says mask leaks???????

Hi @hosta,

Nasal pillows are a type of CPAP mask consisting of plastic inserts (cushions) that go directly into the nostrils. The prescribed pressure used to keep the airway open is delivered through this mask. These small cushions rest at the end of the nose and may help relieve problems such as air leaks.
If you would like to see a picture, and description, you can go to the Mayo Clinic Store link, here:
http://mayocl.in/2efmk8G
@vickiw, I see that you have used a nasal pillow, before; do you have any suggestions for @hosta?

I know just when my mask leaks because my wife pokes me in the ribs. I hate it when I have to tighten it down too tight. It hurts the bridge of my nose and/or my cheekbones. I know then that it's time for a new cushion. I've learned that masks seal better if I replace it every month. Washing my face before sleeping also helps to make the cushion fit better longer. I would think that lotions, etc, would speed the deterioration of the cushion, too. I've heard about nasal pillows, but haven't seen them or tried them. I'm a lifelong mouth breather, so I guess I have to wear the full face mask, along with a chin strap.

I'm also a lifelong mouth breather but with a strap and the cushion pillow I get a good night's sleep. No loss of air while I sleep. I have found that the chin strap needs to be tight and pulled up near my mouth to keep it closed. I'd recommend you give the nasal pillow a try. It's comfortable as there is no pressure on the surrounding skin. Good luck.