I am trying to get my new Liberty mask to work...stop leaking and stop falling off my face.
I find the head gear hard to get on without at least 2 of the straps undone, then it takes forever to get it all in place to stop the leaks. ....very finiky. My other FF masks generally work with only one strap open as I slide it over my head.
But the main issue I don't know how to resolve is that the mask keeps coming apart with the slightest touch of my hand when I am adjusting it to stop leaks or when the mask touches the pillow (I am a side sleeper).
The elbow releases too easily and pops out. And both the top and bottom clips are very touchy and just a slight touch releases them too. aaarrrgh.
I think I can cut and re-sew the head gear to fit on my head better, but if the mask is going to fall apart as often as it is doing now - it is hardly worth the effort to work on cutting and sewing.
Any suggestions?
liberty mask tweaking question
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• Page 1 of 1
liberty mask tweaking question
_________________
| Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
| Additional Comments: 2 yrs as of Dec. 17! 2L of O2, titrated 10, use Bipap 11.5/7.5 Flex 2, backup M series BiPap Auto, Hybrid, UMFF, decapitated Aura |
-
soulrhythm
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:05 am
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Contact:
I have tried several masks but the Liberty has worked the best for me. I've make some adjustements, and now seem to have a system down that has eliminated my problems. It takes me about 5-8 minutes each night, but is well worth it. Here is my process:
Wash Face: Using Johnson's baby wash, I wash my face thoroughly. I started this a month or so ago, and nothing has made more of an diffeence with leak rate. It seems that skin oils are a major contributor to leaks.
Wash mask: I fill the sink with warm water and pump four squirts of the same Johnson's baby wash to make a "sudsy" wash. Keeping the mask together (without the headgear, of course) I "swoosh" it around in the water for about 30 seconds, then I empty the sink and rinse it with warm water. I shake off as much water as possible, then I use a hairdryer, to dry the rest of the water off (BE SURE TO KEEP THE DRYER AT LEAST 12-16 INCHES AWAY AND MOVING CONSTANTLY). While this is probably not recomended by Resmed, I just started drying it this way and have noticed two improvements: (a) My mask does not get cloudy, and (b) it is a little warm when I apply it to make face which seems to have brought my leak rate down even further (had .08 the other night).
Put on mask: After the mask is dry I apply the TOP TWO STRAPS ONLY of my headgear and put the mask on over my head. Then, I adjust the nasal pillows until they are well fitted in my nostrils. When the nasal pillows are in place, I place the mouth piece in a comfortable position being sure to apply it STRAIGHT ON (not moving around after it contact with the skin). Only then do I secure the bottom two straps.
Mack's Silicon and Tape: Because of the shape of my nostrils, I struggled with leaks at the tip of my nose. As a result I now use silicon in the area between the two nasal pillows and tape over the bridge of my nose. This solved the problem.
Leak Check: On my Resmed machine there is a leak check function by holding the start button in for three seconds. I go to my maching, attach the hose and check the date to make sure I have a "excellent" fit.
Route Hose Above My Head: Because I also had elbow problems the first week I rigged up a system to protect and secure the the elbow as well as to route the hose over my head so I can turn from side to side with no problem (see pic below). I have also noticed that this keeps the pressure off my mask when I turn and it stays in place as I move around.
I hope this helps some (sorry it was so long). Unfortunately, other factors like head shape and unique contour of your face could be significant aspects of your problem. If that is the case a different mask is in order. But maybe some parts of my process could help you in yours.
Good Luck!
JIM
Here are a couple of other threads that speak to leaks in the Liberty:
viewtopic.php?p=227950&highlight=#227950
viewtopic.php?t=26060&highlight=[/b]
Wash Face: Using Johnson's baby wash, I wash my face thoroughly. I started this a month or so ago, and nothing has made more of an diffeence with leak rate. It seems that skin oils are a major contributor to leaks.
Wash mask: I fill the sink with warm water and pump four squirts of the same Johnson's baby wash to make a "sudsy" wash. Keeping the mask together (without the headgear, of course) I "swoosh" it around in the water for about 30 seconds, then I empty the sink and rinse it with warm water. I shake off as much water as possible, then I use a hairdryer, to dry the rest of the water off (BE SURE TO KEEP THE DRYER AT LEAST 12-16 INCHES AWAY AND MOVING CONSTANTLY). While this is probably not recomended by Resmed, I just started drying it this way and have noticed two improvements: (a) My mask does not get cloudy, and (b) it is a little warm when I apply it to make face which seems to have brought my leak rate down even further (had .08 the other night).
Put on mask: After the mask is dry I apply the TOP TWO STRAPS ONLY of my headgear and put the mask on over my head. Then, I adjust the nasal pillows until they are well fitted in my nostrils. When the nasal pillows are in place, I place the mouth piece in a comfortable position being sure to apply it STRAIGHT ON (not moving around after it contact with the skin). Only then do I secure the bottom two straps.
Mack's Silicon and Tape: Because of the shape of my nostrils, I struggled with leaks at the tip of my nose. As a result I now use silicon in the area between the two nasal pillows and tape over the bridge of my nose. This solved the problem.
Leak Check: On my Resmed machine there is a leak check function by holding the start button in for three seconds. I go to my maching, attach the hose and check the date to make sure I have a "excellent" fit.
Route Hose Above My Head: Because I also had elbow problems the first week I rigged up a system to protect and secure the the elbow as well as to route the hose over my head so I can turn from side to side with no problem (see pic below). I have also noticed that this keeps the pressure off my mask when I turn and it stays in place as I move around.
I hope this helps some (sorry it was so long). Unfortunately, other factors like head shape and unique contour of your face could be significant aspects of your problem. If that is the case a different mask is in order. But maybe some parts of my process could help you in yours.
Good Luck!
JIM
Here are a couple of other threads that speak to leaks in the Liberty:
viewtopic.php?p=227950&highlight=#227950
viewtopic.php?t=26060&highlight=[/b]
Thanks Jim for your very thorough reply - very helpful. It looks like I have some more tweaking to try.
I have the same leak problem at the front of my nose, and I don't quite understand your description of the fix for that.
Could you be a bit more specific about how the tape goes?
Betty
I have the same leak problem at the front of my nose, and I don't quite understand your description of the fix for that.
Could you be a bit more specific about how the tape goes?
Betty
_________________
| Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
| Additional Comments: 2 yrs as of Dec. 17! 2L of O2, titrated 10, use Bipap 11.5/7.5 Flex 2, backup M series BiPap Auto, Hybrid, UMFF, decapitated Aura |
-
soulrhythm
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:05 am
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Contact:
I am gald it was helpful. I'll try explaining the nasal pillow fix better...
After getting the mask fitted and attatching the lower straps, I take a pea size piece of Mack's Silicon and roll it into an egg shape. I then take a 2.5 to 3 inch piece of clear medical tape and place the silicone at the md-way point in the tape and along the bottom egde so that about 1/3 or the silicon is hanging down. I center the tape on the tip of my nose with the silicon contacting the skin on the nasal column and filling the space between the two nasal pillows. Half of the tape covers the upper ridge of the nasal pillows as it extends down onto the upper cheeks. I then use the top edge of a tweezers to flatten the silicon a little and make sure it completely fills the gap between the pillows. I also use it to make sure the tape is adhered to the skin all around (you will have a couple of folds in the tape at the tip of the nose. Just tighten those up as much as possible).
In recent weeks I have added a 1/2 inch piece of rope-like silicon along the bottom edge of the tape between the pillows (uses less than a pea size piece of silicon). Realizing the tape does not stick to the pillows, this fills in any remaining gaps for air to come of under the tape.
I hope I explained myself well enough, however, the exact process probably isn't what's important. Basically, using silicon and tape I filled any gaps where I was experiencing leakage from my nasal pillows.
On another note, I just took a nap and used my brand new 3 month replacement mask. I did not tape and had a very low leak rate. I am wondering if some of my leakage mask is due to age of the nasal pillows on my other mask. I may try to get a stock of new nasals pillows.
Keep me posted, or feel free to ask more questions.
JIM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow, Nasal Pillows
After getting the mask fitted and attatching the lower straps, I take a pea size piece of Mack's Silicon and roll it into an egg shape. I then take a 2.5 to 3 inch piece of clear medical tape and place the silicone at the md-way point in the tape and along the bottom egde so that about 1/3 or the silicon is hanging down. I center the tape on the tip of my nose with the silicon contacting the skin on the nasal column and filling the space between the two nasal pillows. Half of the tape covers the upper ridge of the nasal pillows as it extends down onto the upper cheeks. I then use the top edge of a tweezers to flatten the silicon a little and make sure it completely fills the gap between the pillows. I also use it to make sure the tape is adhered to the skin all around (you will have a couple of folds in the tape at the tip of the nose. Just tighten those up as much as possible).
In recent weeks I have added a 1/2 inch piece of rope-like silicon along the bottom edge of the tape between the pillows (uses less than a pea size piece of silicon). Realizing the tape does not stick to the pillows, this fills in any remaining gaps for air to come of under the tape.
I hope I explained myself well enough, however, the exact process probably isn't what's important. Basically, using silicon and tape I filled any gaps where I was experiencing leakage from my nasal pillows.
On another note, I just took a nap and used my brand new 3 month replacement mask. I did not tape and had a very low leak rate. I am wondering if some of my leakage mask is due to age of the nasal pillows on my other mask. I may try to get a stock of new nasals pillows.
Keep me posted, or feel free to ask more questions.
JIM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow, Nasal Pillows
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1