High pressure mask

[tedwardb]

I am having trouble finding a mask that consistently stays sealed all night long. I have a bilevel machine and my pressure settings are 21 and 15. I have tried three different ResMed masks, F10, F20, and F30, and the Fisher-Peykull Simplus. Each one works part of the time, but none work full time. I find myself switching masks in the middle of the night or synching down the straps so tightly that I end up with deep lines in my head and face. Are there masks that work better with these higher pressures and are still comfortable?

[Okie bipap]

My pressures are similar to yours, and I have used the F20 and the Simplus mask quite successfully. It's just a matter of getting the mask adjusted correctly. How bad are your leaks? If they are not too bad, but bother you, perhaps a mask liner would help. The mask liner may not stop the leaks, but it will often mitigate the noise and annoyance caused by the leaks if they are not too bad.

[kong]

Perhaps a FFM with an adjustable forehead brace (e.g., ResMed Mirage Quattro) would held prevent leakage near the upper half of your nose. I once tried a FFM that didn't have a forehead brace while I was at the DME; the respiratory tech couldn't keep it from leaking.

[tedwardb]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I'll go back to mask fitting school and see if that helps. When switching to a new mask it seems that everything is fine for 2 to 4 nights. After that the air leaks get progressively worse each night. I don't change the straps from the original fit and yet the leaks occur. A little frustrating. I'll try to re fit the mask and go from there. I hadn't heard of a mask liner before, so I'll look into that also.

[greatunclebill]

i use quattro FX and get zero leaks when i stay shaved. you have to understand that headgear stretches over it's lifetime. when you feel it leak even if its in the middle of the night, sit up and adjust the straps, it's normal. also shaving plays into it somewhat. the closer you stay shaved, the more it seals better. also. your resmed adjusts for leaks. as long as you stay below the 24L line. personally, when my beard starts growing i don't get overly concerned until i get close to 24.

[ChicagoGranny]

I'll go back to mask fitting school

For your favorite mask, watch three or four youtube videos on fitting and adjusting.