Pressure too high for mask?

[gdelaney]

HI Guys,

New CPAP user here, I am having some issues with the pressure of my machine, it's set to a 16, during Ramp up its absolutely fine, but when it switches to full pressure I get what can only be described as 'Hamster' mouth where the pressure inflates my cheeks and eventually causes my mask to spring a leak.

I currently have 3 masks to 'trial', a Eson FnP nasal mask, Resmed Airfit f10, and an amaraview nasal and mouth mask. The nasal one is fine but the pressure causes my mouth to open even with the chin strap, the nasal seated one causes so much pressure that the soft lining to sit under my nose instantly springs a leak and the full face one is the only one i have had success with and that causes the hamster effect i mentioned above.

I have tried to set the strapping as tight as i can bare but that leads to redness and discomfort so that i cant sleep.

I would value any advice you guys may have.

[grayghost4]

I call it "Chipmunk Cheeks" , and the cure is to keep your tongue forward and touching the roof of your mouth. This may take a while to train yourself to do when you are asleep, but can be done.
I use the Amara View mask, and my pressure ranges up to 25 cm. during the night.
The mask should not be too tight ... it is designed to "float" on your face, with the air expanding the seal against your face.
If you turn the ramp off, and spend some time laying in bed before sleeping, experimenting and adjusting the mask with full pressure.

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply, im actually sat here right now with it on, with full on chipmunk cheeks ago. Have you ever had experiance with full face masks? Some material i've read recommends those for this situation?

[Sheriff Buford]

You should never have the mask tight enough to hurt your face. The straps should be loose enough that the mask "floats" on your face (as was previously mentioned) and the mask slightly "lifts" when you crank up the air. There is nothing wrong with "chipmunk cheeks". I go all night with mine puffed-up.

Sheriff

[ChicagoGranny]

You should never have the mask tight enough to hurt your face. The straps should be loose enough that the mask "floats" on your face (as was previously mentioned) and the mask slightly "lifts" when you crank up the air.

+1

Have you ever had experiance with full face masks? Some material i've read recommends those for this situation?

You need a FFM because, as you have found, your mouth opens, and you lose the therapeutic pressure with a nasal interface.

Many of us use FFMs.

Check out the manufacturer's video instructions for proper fitting and adjustment of your F10 ----> https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

[OkyDoky]

You might also try a liner. http://padacheek.com/ They helped with comfort and leaks on the F10 for my husband.

[Okie bipap]

I use the Amara view and my pressure runs higher than yours, and I have no problem with leaks. I have found the mask has to be snug, but not real tight.

[oncomingspork]

Ahhh I thought I was the only one getting the hamster cheeks! Last night I switched pillows after realising I was using a size too large and chapping my schnozz, but I was worried it wasn't sealing and getting all the air into me. But then my cheeks puffed up and I was like, "that wouldn't happen if I was leaking, so I guess I'm ok." And this morning my AHI was 2.8 so yay.

When it happens to me I just blow it out, put my tongue up, and keep on truckin'.

[tuzacat]

I use the Amara View and the F10. My pressure is pretty high, too, and in order to avoid the chipmunk cheeks I have continued to use a chin strap. When my cheeks blow up like that it wakes me up. Recently, though, I have eliminated the chinstraps and substituted with foam toe seperators (which I also use as strap pads). I put the pads vertically under the straps parallel to my nose - basically the little bit of added pressure keeps my cheeks from puffing out.

[Guest]

Thanks guys, about to give it another go, great to see such a supportive community!

[otrpu]

Might take a look at the RespCARE Hybrid FFM. A combination mouth seal/nose pillow mask. Has a smaller mouth seal area. Also, has a chin flap, so no chin strap needed. Link in my equip list.
Cheers,
otrpu

[ChicagoGranny]

Might take a look at the RespCARE Hybrid FFM.

I love mine, and my pressure regularly hits 18.

[flightco]

I call it "Chipmunk Cheeks" , and the cure is to keep your tongue forward and touching the roof of your mouth. This may take a while to train yourself to do when you are asleep, but can be done.
I use the Amara View mask, and my pressure ranges up to 25 cm. during the night.
The mask should not be too tight ... it is designed to "float" on your face, with the air expanding the seal against your face.
If you turn the ramp off, and spend some time laying in bed before sleeping, experimenting and adjusting the mask with full pressure.

I have been hearing this since I started cpap in July. I have never been able to have my mask loose (floating) and not leak. I have started out very loose and slowly tightened straps about 1/8 of an inch until it stops leaking which is significantly tighter than floating. I wish I could get this to work for me but the only way I don't get leaks is to chinch it up like a saddle on a wet horse.

[ChicagoGranny]

the only way I don't get leaks is to chinch it up like a saddle on a wet horse.

How's your hose management?

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

[flightco]

the only way I don't get leaks is to chinch it up like a saddle on a wet horse.

How's your hose management?

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

Worth taking another look and trying again; thanks for the reminder. My hose management now is pretty good but not so when I tried getting the mask to float. Thanks