on pressure 15-17, any facemask will not leak like a horn?

[williamco]

May I ask your help:
at pressure 15-17, any full face that will not leak like train horn?
at same time with tolerable tightening of the straps

Thanks for help

[WindFlyer]

I've been using the UMFF for the last 4 years without any major difficulties. At that pressure level the straps are going to have to be quite snug with any mask, though.

[williamco]

execuse my ignorance, what is UMFF?

[WindFlyer]

UMFF = ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask No problem. That's what we're here for- to explain things and answer questions.

[williamco]

thanks for info, and being patient with newbie

[always_tired]

I've been using the UMFF for the last 4 years without any major difficulties. At that pressure level the straps are going to have to be quite snug with any mask, though.

What's your definition of quite snug, since you have used it a lot longer than I have? Do you have marks in the morning? I use the UMFF (BiPAP 15/9) w shallow cushion and sometimes wonder if I have it overtight. But if I don't tighten it, I leak around the nose into my eyes. That either wakes me up or my eyes feel terrible in the morning. I already have a tendency to dry eyes due to Sjogren's syndrome.

Thanks.

[WindFlyer]

What's your definition of quite snug,...

Well, "snug" is a subjective word. I think everybody would know what I mean if I say, "you really have to wrench it on" (which would mean it would be totally strapped on tight and uncomfortable) So "snug" falls somewhere between having the mask just contacting your face and that (totally uncomfortable). To help narrow it down, if you imagine a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is totally uncomfortably tight and 1 is just enough to keep the mask in contact with your face, I'd say I've usually got mine at around 3 or 4 on that scale. Another method you could use is with the flow generator running, snug up on the straps to the point where all your leaks stop, and then go maybe half to one step beyond that.

Hope that helps!

[Sleepy Taz]

Williamco,

I have been using the Opus 360 nasal pillows since April with a pressure of 17 and will never go back to a regular nasal mask again.I keep the straps just snug enough to keep the mask in place and have virtually no leaks and have averaged 1.5 AHI in that time. I do use the EPR setting at two to help with the high pressure with the pillows and sometimes do not even know it is turned on.

[LinkC]

sometimes wonder if I have it overtight. But if I don't tighten it, I leak around the nose into my eyes.

If tightening it stops the leaks, then it's not overtightened. Yes, at higher pressures it needs to be tighter to seal than at lower pressure. That's simple physics.

But, to add to the confusion, sometimes they leak BECAUSE they are too tight! (But that's not the case with yours as you describe it.)

To answer the original poster's question: Yes, unless your face is grossly mis-shapened, there will be several masks which will seal at 17cm. But, they will likely be different ones from someone with a different facial structure. A knowledgable DME should be able to make recommendations based on your face shape. What works for someone else is of little value unless they have a similar face. If it were that easy, I'd have more room in the closet where I store my collection of masks...

[momadams]

I've had no leak problems with the Swift, Nasalaire II, or Headrest. I currently use the Headrest, headgear removed, with just a loose band around my forehead to keep it in place.

[williamco]

Thanks for all the replies. but my problem is that using nasal mask, or nasal pillow at that pressure caused leaking from my mouth
and then wearing jaw straps caused allergy under my chin. and I think jaw straps might cause moving of the teeth over time.
so I was looking for a full face mask to overcome the mouth leakage problem

I know our faces are different, so I am looking for a list as a start, to start trying from that list
Unfortunately I don't have DME, I buy on line from this web site. They don't fit me or suggest, like you all users can
so any more suggestion is highly appreciated
Thanks

[WindFlyer]

Unfortunately I don't have DME, I buy on line from this web site. They don't fit me or suggest, like you all users can
so any more suggestion is highly appreciated
Thanks

You don't have DME? Is there a way you can visit one, or are you too remote? A DME would be a great place to start because they are experts at mask fitting and you might have a much better chance of getting pointed in the right direction.

Most of the user ratings for the full face masks on CPAP.com tend to hold true- the UMFF I mentioned earlier is one of the top rated ones there and from all the cahtter I've heard on this board over the years it's a clear winner with most people. The F&P HC432 is also near the top of the list for it's being a good fit with lots of people. You can guess and just pick one you like, but there are certain features to look for like whether you want a design that has the "chin cup" feature where the mask doesn't just sit on top of your chin- it actually cups down around the bottom of your chin. A good starting point would be one of those top-ranked full face masks, though.

[williamco]

WindFlyer : Thanks again.
I have one question , Quatro is the newer version of UM, do you think it is the same or you specifically mean UM?

[WindFlyer]

I have one question , Quatro is the newer version of UM, do you think it is the same or you specifically mean UM?

I would say specifically the UM. When I personally tried the quattro on, I could not make it stop leaking around my eyes. Others have reported problems with the quattro as well. It's been a less solid response when it comes to the quattro from what I've seen here on the board.

[NEEDSTOSLEEP]

I had a nasal mask & also had nothing but problems. With a pressure of 20, I went with the full face Quattro & love it. No leaks and a great fit.