mask hell

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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chipbutty
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:30 am
Location: UK

Post by chipbutty » Sun Apr 27, 2008 1:49 pm

Greetings My first post. I've been on cpap for the past month.

I've been struggling with the 432 for the past week. I've been determined to get it working as I forked out the £s for it. At first it did aggravate the top of my nose. I found that by placing the mask on my face at an angle, chin first, then pulling the sides of the foam either side of the mouth to grip my cheeks helped to prevent the rub on my nose.

It's a frustrating mask. The chin leaks are the worst, once my jaw drops the chin-cup has trouble holding my jaw and the jaw falls out creating a massive leak. I found shaving before bed helps the chin to seal better. Other than the chin leaks it seals brilliantly.

Interesting to hear what OwlCreekObserver says about the Zzz mask. So far I've tried a Comfortfull2 and F&P 432. I prefer the 432 but I don't think I can live with it every night.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, seal


flylow
Posts: 137
Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:15 pm
Location: New Jersey

Post by flylow » Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:23 pm

I was just given a 432 to try out. The initial headgear adjustments were done by the RT that gave me the mask. It sealed well but it was painful on the bridge of my nose that night. The next night, I put a bandaid on the sore spot and loosened the upper straps. I had to tighten the lower ones after that adjustment to get a leak free performance. It was much more comfortable. I am getting better results with it now and I see this mask as my future. I do not have leak problems at my chin.

The interesting thing to me is how quiet this mask seems. The air is never blowing on my arm or sheets or pillow. My wife did say that it blew on her but she only said this after I specifically asked. She said she can deal with it.

The only problem besides the sore nose is the difficulty getting to my nose for a quick scratch. I also blew off the anti suffocation (or whatever it is called) valve after coughing.

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Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: 10 to 14 cm (still figuring this out), epr 2

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pjwalman
Posts: 444
Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:34 pm

Post by pjwalman » Sat May 03, 2008 8:52 am

OwlCreekObserver, I am sending you a HUGE hug along with my thank you for telling me about the ZZZ mask!! I got mine yesterday, slept with it last night, and I can't think of one negative. I had my lowest leak rate ever, my nose is not beat up, the headgear did not give me headaches, and my eyes are not all puffy (past the normal puffiness of a 50-year old waking up ). It did leak a a little at the chin when I slept on my back, but ALL the masks I have tried have done that, and the ZZZ leaked less than the rest.

So I think I have finally found my dream mask, and I am so grateful to you for heading me in the ZZZ direction, 'cause I was getting darned frustrated!!!

Peggy