Small nose bridge causing leaks?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
User avatar
Catnap
Posts: 321
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:20 pm
Location: Michigan

Small nose bridge causing leaks?

Post by Catnap » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:50 pm

I have both the Quattro and the UM FFMs, and with both of them I have problems with eye leaks. I've been fussing and fidgeting with all kinds of fixes, and it seems to me as if I have the opposite problem from those who complain of sore nose bridge. I have a very small nose bridge (I usually get comments from opticians whenever I get fitted for new glasses), and it seems as if neither of these masks makes enough contact with the bridge of my nose to seal the leaks. It doesn't help to adjust the headgear, because that changes the pressure on my cheekbones and chin but does nothing for my nose. Ditto the forehead bridge; adjusting it wrong makes the problem worse, but adjusting it right doesn't completely fix the problem.

Anyway, that's a long way of asking if anyone has recommendations for FFMs that seem to work well with this anatomy. I'm also considering switching to a nasal mask (or prongs, or pillows...) since I don't feel that was given fair consideration during my sleep study or by my DME, but first I'd like to check out a couple more FFMs. I'm thinking I'll try the F&P FlexiFit ones, but figured I'd ask for input first. Thanks in advance!

_________________
Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece
Additional Comments: S8 Elite II, TAP PAP, HumidAireH4i Heated Humidifier

User avatar
N6CRV
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2009 5:54 pm
Location: Hillsdale Co. Michigan

Re: Small nose bridge causing leaks?

Post by N6CRV » Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:08 pm

Hello Catnap, you might want to check out the Hybrid or the Liberty. I have them both and find that the Hybrid fits the best and it comes in 3 sizes. With the Liberty the small was to small and the large leaks out of the sides.
Don

User avatar
chipbutty
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:30 am
Location: UK

Re: Small nose bridge causing leaks?

Post by chipbutty » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:32 am

Have you tried the Somnotech Soyala/Weinmann Joyce? I've tried 8 or 9 FFMs since I started CPAP and it's the only mask I've found that doesn't cause leaks into the eyes. I think this is largely down to the clever little flaps at the top of the seal which really help to seal well in that area. It's kind of like a double seal around the nose. I haven't come across any other manufacturer doing this. I wish they would. This pic shows the flaps. I have both the gel and silicon seal. Same design on both, though I don't think you can get the gel one in the US.

Image

User avatar
Catnap
Posts: 321
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:20 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Small nose bridge causing leaks?

Post by Catnap » Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:42 am

Thank you for the suggestions! These will help guide my choices significantly.

_________________
Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece
Additional Comments: S8 Elite II, TAP PAP, HumidAireH4i Heated Humidifier