Mask leaks at higher pressures?

[rcbarry]

Is anyone having good success with masks that don't leak excessively at pressures above 17 mm?

Started APAP treatment in November, 2006, at APAP 8 - 12 (12 was the sleep study recommendation). Currently, (I am using APAP with lower limit of 12 mm, top at 20. I seem to start getting effective treatment at about 15 - 17, but sometimes, it pegs at 20. I am frequently awakened by mask leak noise and air when pressure is above 15.

I had a recent new sleep lab titration study for BiPAP. The new Rx is for 19 inhale, 15 exhale (but some events persisted at 23). I should be getting new Respironics Auto M BiPAP tomorrow. I'm planning to try the Respironics ComfortGel nasal mask, but am expecting a challenge.

Previous masks include:
* ResMed Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System (L, M, Sm) Medium, mostly
* Respironics Comfort Full 2 Mask (Medium)
* ResMed Ultra Mirage Full (Medium, standard cushion)
* Fisher & Paykel 432 Med, with foam insert (L, M, Sm) for flexible seal. Also, tried the Small.

I moved from the Nasal Pillows to full face masks because of periodic sinus/nose problems (scheduled for nasal surgery in June). Currently using the Comfort Full 2, but it was very leaky during the titration study. I don't know of any other full face mask to try, and am getting advise that all leak more than nasal masks. Current plan is to give a nasal mask a try (ComfortGel), and use it when the sinuses allow, switch to the Comfort Full 2, when stopped up.

I'd appreciate your experiences on similar issues.

Thanks,
Bob

[cflame1]

Another full face... that some of us have had some success with is the hybrid

[hhopper]

I just switched from a cpap to an apap and I find that the vent rate on the Hybrid® is a problem. Tonight I'm going to tape over some of the vent holes to lower the rate. There are eight holes in all.

I've already cut off the chin support which helped stop leaks.