UMFF Sizing Question??

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Maple Leaf
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UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by Maple Leaf » Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:48 am

Have a question for you UMFF users. I received my mask 10 days ago...size - large and in order to prevent leaks, I have to tighten the bottom straps to the point my brains ooze out my ear holes

I have terrible lines on my cheeks in the morning and the bridge of my nose is tender. Tried numerous adjustments with no improvement. I called my DME and they said mail the mask back and they will send me out a medium. I'm wondering if anyone has tried both sizes and found a difference with improved leakage when changing from one size to the other? The online sizing guide indicated I was in between the two sizes so I went with the large.

Thanks, Rick

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Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Ultra Mirage Full Face mask when required

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Wulfman
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by Wulfman » Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:16 am

Maple Leaf wrote:Have a question for you UMFF users. I received my mask 10 days ago...size - large and in order to prevent leaks, I have to tighten the bottom straps to the point my brains ooze out my ear holes

I have terrible lines on my cheeks in the morning and the bridge of my nose is tender. Tried numerous adjustments with no improvement. I called my DME and they said mail the mask back and they will send me out a medium. I'm wondering if anyone has tried both sizes and found a difference with improved leakage when changing from one size to the other? The online sizing guide indicated I was in between the two sizes so I went with the large.

Thanks, Rick
Why so tight? Do you have a beard? Too tight will leak just as bad or worse than too loose.

Where is it leaking?

I wear mine "loose" (especially the top straps). The forehead piece doesn't even touch my forehead (no angle-in the full, upright, most forward position) and whatever tension I need is on the bottom straps. The bottom seal of the mask is as close to my lower lip as I can get it.......this leaves more of the seal "flap" near the upper end of the nose bridge to seal that area. The seals have to be rolled inward so the air inside expands them to seal to the face. It just "floats" on my face.

Bed pillows can also make a difference in trying to keep a mask sealed, too.


Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

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carbonman
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by carbonman » Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:05 pm

Maple Leaf wrote: I'm wondering if anyone has tried both sizes Thanks, Rick
viewtopic/t35852/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34880&p=299174
"If your therapy is improving your health but you're not doing anything
to see or feel those changes, you'll never know what you're capable of."
I said that.

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tonycog
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by tonycog » Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:13 pm

Maple Leaf wrote:Have a question for you UMFF users. I received my mask 10 days ago...size - large and in order to prevent leaks, I have to tighten the bottom straps to the point my brains ooze out my ear holes

I have terrible lines on my cheeks in the morning and the bridge of my nose is tender. Tried numerous adjustments with no improvement. I called my DME and they said mail the mask back and they will send me out a medium. I'm wondering if anyone has tried both sizes and found a difference with improved leakage when changing from one size to the other? The online sizing guide indicated I was in between the two sizes so I went with the large.
I can keep my UMFF or my Quattro leak-free without being very tight as long as I don't sleep on my back. Sleeping on my side I get few leaks, but as soon as I doze off while on my back and my face relaxes, I get leaks right in the middle of my cheek about half-way between chin and nose. This is my only frustration with either of these masks as there are times that I really want to lie on my back for awhile. I've tried loose and tight, I've tied a nylon stocking in the middle of the mask, but I can't keep it sealed while on my back.

Best wishes,
Tony

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Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: EPAP = 12 / IPAP = 12-20 / Backup rate = AUTO / Central Sleep Apnea - Cheyne-Stokes Respirations diagnosed May 29, 2009; otherwise healthy

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Maple Leaf
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by Maple Leaf » Mon Sep 07, 2009 3:53 pm

Wulfman wrote: Why so tight? Do you have a beard? Too tight will leak just as bad or worse than too loose.
No beard and I have tried loose, snug and very snug!!
Wulfman wrote: Where is it leaking?
On both sides, from the eye down to top lip.

Carbon, that's quite the collection you have there, and you settled for the UM small? That's a nice leak line you posted in your link...good fit. I'm going to drop down to a medium and see if that helps.

Thanks for all replies.

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Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Ultra Mirage Full Face mask when required

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Wulfman
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by Wulfman » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:03 pm

Maple Leaf wrote:
Wulfman wrote: Why so tight? Do you have a beard? Too tight will leak just as bad or worse than too loose.
No beard and I have tried loose, snug and very snug!!
Wulfman wrote: Where is it leaking?
On both sides, from the eye down to top lip.

Carbon, that's quite the collection you have there, and you settled for the UM small? That's a nice leak line you posted in your link...good fit. I'm going to drop down to a medium and see if that helps.

Thanks for all replies.
Do you have any angle in the forehead support? Is the little "button" in the bottom position (forehead support in the most forward position)?
It sounds like it's angled back and pushing the upper part of the mask away from your nose.


Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

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carbonman
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Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by carbonman » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:45 pm

Maple Leaf wrote:Carbon, that's quite the collection you have there, and you settled for the UM small?
Thanks for all replies.
'Leaf, I had that collection of masks because I refuse to "settle" when it comes to my therapy.
I have since given those masks away and hopefully they are being put to good use for some one else.
All of this cpap equipment is so subjective for each user, the only way
to know for sure if it's for you, is to try it.

If you don't think it is optimal, keep trying stuff.
"If your therapy is improving your health but you're not doing anything
to see or feel those changes, you'll never know what you're capable of."
I said that.

User avatar
Maple Leaf
Posts: 132
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 8:17 pm
Location: Beautiful British Columbia!!

Re: UMFF Sizing Question??

Post by Maple Leaf » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:46 pm

Wulfman wrote: Do you have any angle in the forehead support? Is the little "button" in the bottom position (forehead support in the most forward position)?
It sounds like it's angled back and pushing the upper part of the mask away from your nose.


Den
Hi Den,
Yes, I have adjusted the forehead support..... works best when in the forward position, or, second from forward. I'm thinking that the frame is just a little too big for my face so the medium should solve the problem. I like the mask overall, it's just a matter of stopping those leaks.

Thanks, Rick

_________________
Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Ultra Mirage Full Face mask when required