Can someone offer sage advice to a newbie?

galicianer · Post by **galicianer** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:14 pm

Hi!
I'm in my first week of therapy.
The first 2-3 nights were great! During the day I felt like I got a while new life!
The past 2 nights, however, my mask began to slip, and leak. I find myself awakening to adjust, and feel drowsy all over again during the day.
I have a BiPAP Plus with humidifier, Ultra Mirage FF mask, pressure 20/16.
My therapist thought this would be the best mask for me.
Are there any better masks out there?
Would I be better off with a nasal mask and chinstrap?
Or does this amount of pressure preclude that?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:27 pm

Others have reported that they can use the UMFF with higher pressures. Where is it "slipping"? It helps to have the mask (any mask) adjusted to the higher pressures. On the other hand, you can get a mask like the UMFF TOO tight as it'll leak if the cushion is crushed and can't make a good seal.

I prefer to adjust the forehead piece in the most vertical position and the top straps loose with all the tension on the bottom straps.
It CAN take some tweaking to get this one adjusted "just right". But, it is my favorite.

Den

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:38 pm

Are you cleaning the part that touches your face every day?

galicianer · Post by **galicianer** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:50 pm

Wulfman, can I assume that I can loosen it a bit on bottom and rely on the air pressure or something to create a seal? Or am I totally off base?

Jeff, thanks for the tip. Didn't know I had to do that every day.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:04 pm

galicianer wrote:Wulfman, can I assume that I can loosen it a bit on bottom and rely on the air pressure or something to create a seal? Or am I totally off base?

Jeff, thanks for the tip. Didn't know I had to do that every day.

Don't know how you've got it adjusted.....but, the seals (flaps) of the mask need to inflate with the air inside the mask to get it to seal against your skin.
Like I said, it takes some tweaking to get it right, but if this mask works for you, it's a good one.

I don't clean mine every day or even very often, but I'm not running at that high pressure, either.

Den

galicianer · Post by **galicianer** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:14 pm

I forgot to mention:
right now, somewhere during the night I feel tension on the sides, and always have a mark across the bridge of my nose that does disappear after about half-an-hour. Does this mean it's too tight? Or is this just life. . . .?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:55 pm

galicianer wrote:I forgot to mention:
right now, somewhere during the night I feel tension on the sides, and always have a mark across the bridge of my nose that does disappear after about half-an-hour. Does this mean it's too tight? Or is this just life. . . .?

To me, if that mask puts a mark on the bridge of the nose (forehead or wherever), it's either the wrong size or too tight. Size is important, too.
Too small (and too tight) will hurt you and too large can leak. I'd prefer mine just a little larger. When I sized mine, the measurement came out exactly halfway between the medium and large and I went for the large.....and was glad I did.

Den

galicianer · Post by **galicianer** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 3:12 pm

Uh oh! It's a large.
Guess it's too tight? Suppose I should loosen it a wee bit and let the air form a seal as you suggested. . .

glfredrick · Post by **glfredrick** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:45 pm

I had to play around with the nose adjustment on mine a bit also (I have the new Quatro model). What I've found is that sometimes I end up sleeping almost on my face, and that really puts pressure on the bridge of the nose.

Some have found relief using the silicone ear-plug putty to modify the nose region of that mask. Do a search here on the forum and you'll find that discussed. Otherwise, just loosen up a bit and you'll probably be better off. Let the cushions do their work, not the plastic!

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:59 am

I use the same mask and when I put it on, and hit the 'go' button, I can feel the seal inflate, then I can tell if there are any leaks. There usually aren't, but if there are 1-2, I will shift the mask around in very small increments, sometimes downward, or sideways (readjusting the whole headgear if necessary on my head, or occasionally tightening up the straps if they haven't been done in a while - they do get a tiny bit stretchy). It's not 100% ideal, but compared to a lot of others, it's the one that works most consistently for me.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:40 am

Try doing a search on "Mack's". That's a silicone ear plug material that can be shaped and fastened to the mask seal for a better seal with looser connections.

Here's a little bit about it and how to use it: viewtopic.php?t=25984&highlight=macks

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Kajun

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i