mask issues

[ciounoi]

Hello-

I finally got my bipap! I got a FP Nasal Mask as well, which actually fits me perfectly. Only problem is that I'm a mouth breather, and even with the chin strap I'm having problems. Therefore, I also bought a FP Full Face Mask (the newer version), of which I'm having two problems with. One, it's uncomfortable on the bridge of my nose, and two, my chin is freezing from all the cold air blowing on it (I have a heated humidifier which I use). Thus far I haven't been able to fall asleep with the thing on. Oh, it also gaps a little if I drop my chin down.

Are these signs of an ill-fitting mask, or is it just regular mask annoyances? I'm using a size small, size medium actually works too except my chin REALLY freezes.

Also, any suggestions of what I should get if I need a new full face mask? (Maybe my problems will let other people know how it fits! )

Thanks,
Grace

[echo]

Hi Grace, congrats on the bipap!
I've never used an FP mask so I can't comment much on that... only that a chinstrap can help keep your jaw from dropping (I also use a chinstrap with my FFM). As for the nosebridge issue - is it just uncomfortable because you're not used to it, or is it really starting to rub it raw? If it's the latter then it may be a size issue. Are you working with a DME that you can go back to and ask for a (re)sizing?
As for the cold chin, you might want to look at the ultra mirage FFM, the Quattro, the Hybrid, or the Liberty... they seem to the most popular FFMs.
And of course there's always mouth taping if you're mouth breathing with the nasal mask (chinstraps don't cut it for some of us).

[GumbyCT]

Grace, without the mask models we can only guess which masks you are using. If you still have the box and/or literature that came with the masks both will list the make and model. Else look on the back of the headgear for a label with that info. There are almost as many masks as the are faces so guessing is not to your benefit. But it does sound as if yours does not fit correctly. Did you have it fitted by a DME?

[ciounoi]

Sorry! This is my mask:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

[gsbuck]

Since I'm not familiar with your FP mask, maybe I shouldn't offer advice, but I found some posts last night that offer 'fixes' for problems with masks. I don't remember how I found it, just was doing a 'search' for different topics on masks and came across it. Had some helpful ideas for my CL2, and others. One idea that I saw was using a large width band, sorta like Ace bandage, wrapped around the nose piece (not blocking the exhaust airway)and the head. It held the nosepiece closer to the face to help with the seal. Not sure if it would aggravate your nose pressure problem, tho. Maybe if the band was lower on the nosepiece it would lighten up the pressure on the top of your nose a little? If there was someway you could put a cushiony material between the bridge of your nose and the mask and keep the seal, that might help.

Maybe some of the forum member's who've been here longer remember the links on self-help fixes for masks. Anyone out there?

[echo]

Here's the "lab rat awards" page, is that the link you're thinking of ?

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards

There's only one link for the FlexiFit, and it's about replacing the headgear. But yes some of the other fixes for stabilizing the mask might help.

[gsbuck]

Yes, I think that is the link. Some really good ideas on there. Thanks!

[CorgiGirl]

You have the FP Flexifit 431. I have one of those, too, but I use the FP Flexifit 432 most of the time. The difference between the two is that the 432 has a big gray cushion inside the seal.

The 431 comes with three sizes of seal and I'm guessing that you might be using the wrong size. I tried the medium first and it hurt the bridge of my nose. I use the large size now and it's way up between my eyes, but it doesn't leak except when I move around. Give the other sizes a try to see if that helps and let us know how it goes.

[chipbutty]

I have the F&P 432 and use it with and without the foam cushion, effectively turning it into a 431. I also have problems with it leaking when my draw drops. Try putting on your mask jaw first, holding the mask at the bottom and slowly rotating the mask onto the bridge of your nose. This tends to help it grip the jaw area a bit better.

[alnhwrd]

Congrats on your new machine! Passing discomfort on the nose isn't much to worry about, but if your nose is getting sores or is painful every day, then the reason is likely that your mask is either the wrong size or you are wearing it too tight. You can try a piece of paper tape or moleskin over the affected area at night, and some cortisone or neosporine cream on it during the day to help it heal. Also, I have had great success using Mack's Silicone Earplugs to help me loosen my mask and still keep a good seal. You can get it at any pharmacy/variety store. It is several lumps of soft, pliable silcone that can be rolled out into a thin rope, placed around the cushion where it comes into contact with your face, and placed on the face. Works great for me. Good luck and sleep well!

[ciounoi]

Thanks for the answers, guys!

Anyone have any suggestions on the freezing chin, however? I can't find much info on this in the forums. I think the medium cushions on my mask would be a better fit for me, but my chin is just so cold!

[alnhwrd]

"Anyone have any suggestions on the freezing chin, however? I can't find much info on this in the forums. I think the medium cushions on my mask would be a better fit for me, but my chin is just so cold!"

Could you put some paper tape on the freezing parts to keep the air from blowing on it?

[gsbuck]

Myabe something like a chin strap to cover your chin and keep it from getting cold?

[Leonbergergirl]

The problem is that large empty area below the nose. I have given up my F&P FFMask because my chin keeps freezing
from the heated air that turns icey as it rushes past. Kleenexes stuffed inside helped only marginally; i finally smooshed
fleece into the bottom up to my lower lip, trying to keep the material from moving over the air outlet and causing
unfortunate suffocation. Needless to say, i am afraid to try it out. Thanks for letting me know i have not the only
frozen chin!
And right now i am test-driving the NasalAire II, and finding it extremely easy to don and doff, although my husband
woke me last night because one nostril was leaking air. So i readjusted. A very impressive minimal mask!
Leonbergergirl

[GumbyCT]

Thanks for the answers, guys!
Anyone have any suggestions on the freezing chin, however? I can't find much info on this in the forums. I think the medium cushions on my mask would be a better fit for me, but my chin is just so cold!

Sure sounds like a leak to me.

Was this mask fitted by a DME?
Guess that's a no.