Sealing with Nasal Mask w/Silicon - Help!

[gsbuck]

Last night I tried using my CL2 with nasal mask instead of pillows because the pillows were beginning to make my nose sore, also this morning I have a cold so think it would be easier to use the enclosed nasal mask. But I can't keep it sealed. I tried the silicon string thing made from silicon ear plugs, but it didn't want to stick very well to the mask or to my skin, even tho had cleaned my face. My CL2 even with the pillows doesn't seem to want to stay put during the night, leaking and waking me. Last night I also tried using kneehigh hosiery to tie around my head and the mask to keep it firm against my nose, but it didn't keep the seal from leaking, either. Finally had to get up at 3:11 am to change headgear and mask to my Mirage Swift II, which stays put a lot better than the CL2 for me, but only has the pillows.

I've tried using a FFM before with the same problem so went back to taping the mouth. Hopefully figuring out the seal problem will help and can go back to using FFM. I returned the one I had because of the seal problem.

Any suggestions/advice? I need my sleep!

[Leonbergergirl]

Me too. Have you tried Mack's Silicon ear plug? I use that almost always with the CL II;
it does the trick, and the stretchy tights tied around keeps it secure. Good luck.
Leonbergergirl

[Leonbergergirl]

Duh, sorry to have suggested something you had already tried. Guess i have sleep apnea
or something.
Leonbergergirl

[sleepytexan]

I tried the silicon string thing made from silicon ear plugs, but it didn't want to stick very well to the mask or to my skin, even tho had cleaned my face.

I am not sure how you tried the silicon string thing but this is what worked for me. I put on my mask and turned on the air and determined exactly where it was leaking (around the bridge and above my cheeks) and then I used the silicon only in those areas. I have had pretty good success with this after trying at least 15 (yes, no kidding, 15!) masks at the equipment supply store. Good Luck! Doug

[gsbuck]

Initially I tried placing the silicon rope onto the nasal mask - it would stick in some places, and not stick in others. Went ahead and placed the mask on my face and pressed, hoping the silicon would go ahead and adhere to both mask and face. It did in some areas and not in others. And then where it did stick would come loose. I then removed some and tried re-sticking it to the leaky areas, but still didn't work for me. Think I will try a wide width band tonight around the nose piece of the mask and my head to see if it brings it firmer and helps with the leaks. I hate having to use all these extra things to make something fit that should fit right in the first place!

Thanks for your response, maybe I'll get it working for me one day! I've tried about 5 different masks so far. I usually use the pillow type, but with my nose sore from a cold I would like to use the enclosure cushioned type instead.

[alnhwrd]

Gsbuck,

What you describe is exactly what I do, and it works like a charm for me every time. Occasionally I do have to add a bit extra to trouble spots, which for me is usually at the bottom corners of the mask. One thing, be sure NOT to use too much. For some reason, that caused some serious leaks for me. I use about one lump for my Ultra Mirage II Nasal. Also, be sure that you place the silicone rope on the cushion as close as possible to where it comes into contact with your face, otherwise it won't do any good. I also try not to have the junction of the rope, where one piece butts up against the next, at anyplace the mask curves, again because I had problems with leaks there. Hope this helps.

Alan

[gsbuck]

Thanks, Alan, I'll keep trying. I'm using one lump for the small nasal cushion for the CL2, maybe it's too much since that cushion isn't very large.
Gayle

[ozij]

I found that when the silicone plugs are older they're not so soft or sticky. Any chaces you've been using an old box?

O.

[gsbuck]

Brand new from Walmart...didn't seem like they were old. Soft and pliable.