Mask Help Needed

Hello,

I just got my new machine last Thursday. I have a Fisher & Paykel Zest Nasal mask. The past two nights I have not been able to sleep with the mask on. I'm not sure if it is something I am doing but it has been miserable. It is a silicone/foam mask. All night I feel air blowing back onto my face. I tried tightening the mask but then it is too tight. My face sounds like it is passing gas all night. Halfway through the night I just end up taking it off.

Any suggestions? Is it me or should I try another mask? Would gel be better?

Thanks.

needmoresleep, the mask is a very individual thing. Tightening the straps until the mask is uncomfortable is counterproductive. It may need to be looser and sometimes when the top leaks it's the bottom straps that need adjustment. If you like the mask you may want to try one of the liners- Pad-a- Cheek, RemZzzs, Quietus. One old remedy that you could try tonight is Macks Silicone Earplugs. You take as many of the silicone pieces as you need, roll them around in your hand to soften, then form into a roll about the size of a pencil and place around the perimeter of the mask where it touches the face.. This provides a good seal, but you can't move the mask around a lot once you've placed it on your face. You can just use it in problems areas, too. Can you call your equipment provider and get help with fitting the mask? If so get them to help you adjust the fit at your max pressure. I tried many masks before I found the one for me. Perhaps someone has the link for the mask trial program and will post it here. It used to be easier to try new masks when the auction was up as you could buy masks for less and try them out.
Certainly a different mask may be the solution. I wear a different kind of mask and can't make any recommendations.

Hang in there. You're doing the right thing posting for help.

Hello & Welcome, needmoresleep61! Glad you found this forum—SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!
You're lucky to have found this forum as you begin CPAP—took me almost year before I found this place and, with the help of folks here, got my CPAP therapy working as it should. It does take time to get everything tweaked and working at its best, so patience is key as one begins CPAP. The search for the right mask is something that most of us went through--I have a drawer full of masks that I tried before finding the right one for me, but, I think for most us as well, no mask feels "right" as we begin using CPAP. Just takes time to adjust to having something on one's face during sleep. Hang in there!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

The mask fitting procedure is a lot like driving a hovercraft--remember James Bond? (I forget which film)
Air pressure is an essential part of the fitting equation.
When air fills the skirt (cushion), the mask lifts up off the face.
Your headgear gently holds the mask down just enough to seal the cushion to your face.
Air holds it "up".
If you tighten the straps too much, it creates a fold, where air escapes.
Too loose, you crash!
Faces are different; what works for one person may not work on your face;
but one of the other brands out there should fit.

The two masks that I recommend is the ResMed Mirage FX and the Respironics TrueBlue.

Here are some videos http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-education

We also have a mask trial program that can help. http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials

Hope this can help

Dane