mask issues/recommendations

Was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea about 3 months ago and use a Bipap machine. Had very low blood oxygen at times during my sleep study and this issue has been resolved for the most part and the only problem I have at this point is mask seal. I had a great deal of discomfort with the initial mask I was given as it had to be cinched up so tight it hurt. The next time, I was fitted a bit more carefully by a sleep tech and ended up with an F&P Simplus medium full face mask. It is far more comfortable but about every 3rd or 4th night I have seal issues that disturb my sleep.

I was told I can not use nasal pillow type masks due to the pressure involved with the Bipap (pretty high as I recall). I have no trouble with full face masks so wondering if there was any concensus as to the mask that provided some comfort (mainly headgear as I have no face/nose issues) and very best seal. On the nights when the mask seal is poor, it whistles, blows in my eyes and makes noise out the sides by my cheeks and chin. I don't have a beard and wash my face to rid it of oils before sleep.

wiredgeorge wrote:Was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea about 3 months ago and use a Bipap machine. Had very low blood oxygen at times during my sleep study and this issue has been resolved for the most part and the only problem I have at this point is mask seal. I had a great deal of discomfort with the initial mask I was given as it had to be cinched up so tight it hurt. The next time, I was fitted a bit more carefully by a sleep tech and ended up with an F&P Simplus medium full face mask. It is far more comfortable but about every 3rd or 4th night I have seal issues that disturb my sleep.

I was told I can not use nasal pillow type masks due to the pressure involved with the Bipap (pretty high as I recall). I have no trouble with full face masks so wondering if there was any concensus as to the mask that provided some comfort (mainly headgear as I have no face/nose issues) and very best seal. On the nights when the mask seal is poor, it whistles, blows in my eyes and makes noise out the sides by my cheeks and chin. I don't have a beard and wash my face to rid it of oils before sleep.

The problem could actually be your bed pillow. If you're using a standard fiberfill pillow, your head may be sinking too deeply into it and pushing your mask out of alignment. Many of us use pillows that were designed for or work better with this therapy. I have mine listed in my profile. Some others use pillows filled with buckwheat hulls.......and there's also one called the "Pap Pillow".


Den

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I've heard this in error before, about nasal pillow masks not being useful for "high pressures". How high is your pressure? Mine goes up to 15, and I'm fine with nasal pillow masks. Others have higher pressures, up to 20cm or more, and still use nasal pillow masks. So please mention how high your pressure goes...I'm not at all sure that you can't use a nasal pillow mask. So if you are interested in trying a nasal pillow mask (like the Swift FX or AirFit P10)...you might just give it a try. Easier to adjust and keep sealed.

You should try some good nasal pillow masks. I think it is much easier to get a seal at high pressure with nasal pillows than with a nasal or full face mask because the area that needs to stay sealed is much smaller. My pressure runs from 13-20 and I get a much better seal with my AirFit P10 than with anything else I've tried.

Also, note that our sponsor cpap.com sells some nasal pillow mask with free return insurance so that you can try them and then return them and get your money back if they don't work for you. This is a tremendous advantage as the darn masks are expensive! I hope that you are able to find something that works well for you.

That is an old wives tale that you can't use nasal pillows at higher pressures. The only way to find out if they are for you is to give them a try.

Best of luck.

49er

I looked for my original prescription and it says: 25/21 cm of H20 with rise time of 3. Not sure how that compares to norm but was told it was high pressure. Product info for the Resmed Sirfit P10 says the product supports therapy pressure from 4 to 20 cm H2O which seems to disqualify its use. Same spec for the Swift FX.

Yes it's high, but that doesn't mean pillows automatically won't work, just that Resmed won't pay your legal settlement when you sue because the mask won't seal - they've covered themselves in that disclaimer. But if you're bothered by it, try another mask.

Have you tripped using a mask liner? I have been using the simplest mask, and I use mask liners made from an old tee shirt. My pressure settings are similar to yours.

Okie bipap wrote:Have you tripped using a mask liner? I have been using the simplest mask, and I use mask liners made from an old tee shirt. My pressure settings are similar to yours.

Have not tried using mask liners. Are you saying that the mask liners help you have better mask seal? I looked up some mask liners specifically for Simplus mask and they say it is to prevent irritation and pressure sores... not promote mask seal. Just want to be sure as they are kind of expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/RemZzzs-Liners-Re ... B00AC4GDGO

I found a pattern for the mask liner on line. Here is the link to the site: montfordhouse.com/cpap/diy-cotton-mask-liner.pdf The pattern is the same size as the small remzzz liners. If it is too small, you can purchase a small package of medium or large remzzz liner for under $3, and use that for a pattern. And yes, they do help with creating a better seal. The liners keep your skin oil from getting on the mask during the night. I made several out of one tee shirt and use a different one every night. When I have several dirty, I place them in a small mesh bag and throw them in with the light colored clothes when doing laundry.