Moving Target: Ongoing Mask Issues

[M'ohms]

Just when I think I've FINALLY found my mask, something goes wrong. I was really liking my Quattro FX, when after 4 months, I started developing a real doozie do a nose sore (pressure=deep bruising). I got a new cushion and that didn't help. I switched to the Liberty to relieve my nose and it took right at a month to tame it. Yea, I thought I had FINALLY found my mask! Then, my face started shrinking during the night and I couldn't resolve the leaks again. To make matters worse, I've developed TMJ from this mask. So I went back to a brand new QFX. Now I have both a really sore jaw and a deeply bruised nose! I've tried different thicknesses of mask liners: didn't help; different headgear tension: no relief; varying combinations of extra straps, chin straps, pads, etc.: no help... I can't sleep without a full face mask because my jaw falls back while I sleep. I have ordered a Hybrid to try next. We'll see...

After 7+months, my frustration level is pretty high. Am I a freak?

[jamiswolf]

Hi Mohns,
Sorry the Qair is failing you. I haven't tried the chin strap trick yet...but I'm very happy with me regular Quattro performance and I'm not highly motivated. I noticed you run high pressures, which only makes things more difficult. John Fisher and the asv crew have loads of experience dealing with high pressures. Find some of their threads. I swear by Tee shirt gaskets and use a double layer. Other then that I have no practical hints. Good luck...
J

[Stormynights]

You could try the Sleep Weaver Anew. I think it needs the short hose to work properly and it isn't included but it is very comfortable.

[M'ohms]

How does the Anew work with high BiPap pressures?

[Stormynights]

It works good for me but UMMV. Not everyone likes this mask and frankly I didn't either when I first got it. I like SW masks and was really looking forward to getting this one. After I washed it several times the fabric that touches your face softened up and then it started working very well for me. I was recently in the hospital and I took this mask. I wasn't able to wash it and it continued to work well until I got home. I use the SW short tube with it because the weight of your hose will pull the mask away from your face.

[Sheriff Buford]

Nope... you are not a freak. The "mask journey" is normal. I went thru 6 masks until I found one that was just right for me.

Sheriff

[purple]

I also became somewhat more able to tolerate some things by my second mask.