Just switched to FFM from Nasal and need some advice

I just switched from nasal to FFM, was having a few leaks with the nasal and swallowing air, I couldn't keep the nasal from slipping over my upper lip and it kind makes me wonder if the leak was there, I read online that an FFM could be good if you tend to breath your mouth swallow air, and have a tendency to get nasal infections and are prone to colds, which I am all of the above, so now I have the PR Amara FFM and I'm neurotic about it not making a full seal and leaking, also I had to take the grey connector off the hose to get the FFM connector on,otherwise it would not go on I will speak with the DME tech about that tomorrow, no tech was in the office today for fitting so I just picked up the FFM and went home. I have read that any FFM will leak if you do not fit it on while you are lying down, makes sense, but the problem is that I don't lay flat on my back and when I move forward it gets tighter on my face, and if I turn my head it leaks, I'm really committed to making this work, this only week one for me and as I know I only have 7 or so Therapy Hours and I have 2week follow up with DME in about a week and 30 day compliance with Sleep Doc in a few weeks, also I have some a goatee and some stubble on lip, not easy to get a clean shave, I don't figure that makes much difference with the FFM. Please help me figure out the best approach.
Thanks

It is very important that you wash your face in order to perfect the seal, and also when you wake up in the morning to wipe the mask with either baby wipes or the sponsor of this board sells citrus wipes which I use.

Good Luck!

sleepwise wrote:I just switched from nasal to FFM, was having a few leaks with the nasal and swallowing air, I couldn't keep the nasal from slipping over my upper lip and it kind makes me wonder if the leak was there, I read online that an FFM could be good if you tend to breath your mouth swallow air, and have a tendency to get nasal infections and are prone to colds, which I am all of the above, so now I have the PR Amara FFM and I'm neurotic about it not making a full seal and leaking, also I had to take the grey connector off the hose to get the FFM connector on,otherwise it would not go on I will speak with the DME tech about that tomorrow, no tech was in the office today for fitting so I just picked up the FFM and went home. I have read that any FFM will leak if you do not fit it on while you are lying down, makes sense, but the problem is that I don't lay flat on my back and when I move forward it gets tighter on my face, and if I turn my head it leaks, I'm really committed to making this work, this only week one for me and as I know I only have 7 or so Therapy Hours and I have 2week follow up with DME in about a week and 30 day compliance with Sleep Doc in a few weeks, also I have some a goatee and some stubble on lip, not easy to get a clean shave, I don't figure that makes much difference with the FFM. Please help me figure out the best approach.
Thanks

1. Try watching the Respironics fitting videos on youtube, they should help.
2. If fitted properly it can be leek free or have only minimal leaks. And remember, per the videos, not all leaks need to be corrected. Comfort and fit are most important and minimal leaks can be compensated for by the machine.

Hi, remember we are all different and the mask you have may not be the correct type or size. I used 2 masks before switching to nasal which is perfect for me, but there are many options available. Just because you are on your first mask does not mean that's the one you'll stick with When I went to collect my nasal I felt quite guilty as I had just wasted 2 masks, but as my sleep nurse told me the important thing is to get the right one and that may only be by trial and error. she told me that one patient tried 15 different fittings before finding the right one. Keep at it and you will get there in the end. I am now waking up with no headaches for the first time in about 5 years. I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to keep going, you WILL get there.

I appreciate all the advice so far and will keep it all I mind
Thanks for the support!