Newbie problems with a full face mask

[LivinItalia]

Hi to all.. I am a new Cpap wearer x 1 week. I live and work in Europe-so I obtained my machine/mask from a pulmonologist in Tx while visiting. I had a sleep study done in Italy. Sadly, I did not have a chance to try my Fischel and Paykel 432 full mask out for very long before returning to overseas. The clear rubbery seal that fits on my face show no leaks initially but after about 4 hours my face warms the seal and I wake up with a whoosh of air in my face from the broken seal beneath my chin. I don't like that silicone feeling on my skin either. I am a mouth breather, so I am limited, I think, to the types of masks I can use. From what I could research-it is going to be an expensive trial and error process of finding the right mask-since my insurance company only pays for one a year. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, could I buy the cushion and seal for the 431 in a small size and use it in my 432 medium facemask? Thanks so much..sleepless in Italia

[Jersey Girl]

As long as you have a prescription that says full face mask, you can try a few on the cpap auction. I used the auction to obtain a full face mask for if I can't breathe through my nose due to a cold. I bid on it and won the bid. It was considerably cheapter than buying it on cpap.com or another dme. And, it came unopened in the original packaging. I also purchased some filters for my s8 this way. (only paid $1 per filter - purchased 24).

Also, could I buy the cushion and seal for the 431 in a small size and use it in my 432 medium facemask?

Sorry, I don't know much about this full face mask, so I'm afraid I can't answer this question, but hopefully one of our cpap friends can answer this question for you.

Wishing you peaceful restorative sleep,

Jersey Girl

[LivinItalia]

Thanks, Jersey Girl! I just looked at that auction site. The masks are MUCH cheaper than what I (i.e. ins company) paid for mine.

[RickKC]

I had similar leakage problems with my F&P Forma full-face mask. Half-way through the night the leaks would be so bad I gave up and took the mask off. I don't know if it was sweat or face oil that was the culprit. I tried the mask liners (RemZZZs), and they relieve the feeling of silicone on your face. They also helped with the leakage. Unfortunately, they also tickled my face.

I've found that throughly washing my face and the silicone seal EVERY night has helped immensely. Shaving my face every day helps, too. I'm now wearing the mask all night, and only waking up if I shift my head against the pillow and push the mask out of position.

[lfreese]

I had horrible problems with leaks with my mirage quattro full face. Someone put me on to Remzzzs mask liners. They are made of cotton and are cut to fit over the plastic gasket on your mask. I bought a box of 30 and didn't use them for a month because they looked too simple to work. I finally used one in desperation and found to my greart delight they work!!!! Stopped my leak problems immediately. Go to their website. Remzzzs.com. They will send you a couple of trial liners. You will be delighted with the results. Good luck.

[LivinItalia]

Thanks to everyone for the good advice! Coincidentally, my DME has been sympathetic and is thinking of giving me a replacement mask-the mirage quattro, to try. I woke up again after 3 1/2 hours with the seal leaking badly at the jawline and air pouring into the mask. My pressure reading was 13.2 so I think when it goes up that high, the combination of my moist face and the high pressure is just too much. I am on night shift now so I feel so sleep deprived, but I am going to persevere. I am ordering the Remzzzs today.
As far as the prescription goes, my prescription was given to the medical equipment office where I was given my machine. I guess I could call my pulmonoligist and ask for another RX and he could fax it to me.

[CMorrison64]

I had horrible problems with leaks with my mirage quattro full face. Someone put me on to Remzzzs mask liners. They are made of cotton and are cut to fit over the plastic gasket on your mask. I bought a box of 30 and didn't use them for a month because they looked too simple to work. I finally used one in desperation and found to my greart delight they work!!!! Stopped my leak problems immediately. Go to their website. Remzzzs.com. They will send you a couple of trial liners. You will be delighted with the results. Good luck.

Which ones did you order for your mask? I saw them but couldn't find one to go with the mask you (and I) have. Thank you.

[LivinItalia]

My numbers today were (on apap 8-18) Pressure 12.2, Leak 0.04, Ahi 9.5 (this looks high compared to other on this site), Ai 2.8, Hi 6.7. These are similar to my numbers for the last several days-although I am sleeping, max, only 4 hours at a time between leak emergencies. When the machine hits a pressure of 13 (it woke me up and I checked the machine) I felt like a guppy that jumped the bowl and gasping for air I hope and pray I can get used to this. It is difficult being overseas and without the Resmed software I am not sure how my doctor is planning on managing my numbers. I am a nurse, but Labor and Delivery never prepared me for the wonderful world of sleep apnea.

[KatieW]

My numbers today were (on apap 8-18) Pressure 12.2, Leak 0.04, Ahi 9.5 (this looks high compared to other on this site), Ai 2.8, Hi 6.7. These are similar to my numbers for the last several days-although I am sleeping, max, only 4 hours at a time between leak emergencies. When the machine hits a pressure of 13 (it woke me up and I checked the machine) I felt like a guppy that jumped the bowl and gasping for air I hope and pray I can get used to this. It is difficult being overseas and without the Resmed software I am not sure how my doctor is planning on managing my numbers. I am a nurse, but Labor and Delivery never prepared me for the wonderful world of sleep apnea.

Hypopneas tend to be counted higher on the S8's (some say doubled, compared to Respironics xpaps). My HI used to be around 4-5. I now have a S9, and my hypopneas have almost disappeared, HI is now 0.1; I don't know whether it's because their definition changed, or the treatment changed.

My AI was .2 on the S8, and is about the same on the S9. However, now it differentiates between Central and Obstructive Apneas.

Once you get your leaks under control, you might try increasing your pressure by .2 or .4 cm at a time, and leaving it there for a week or so. It might be enough to take care of the hypopneas.

[jay1390]

I'm typically a mouth breather too. I actually use a chin strap (CPAP.com Deluxe Chinstrap) to keep my mouth closed while using my Resmed Mirage Swift™ II Nasal Pillow Mask. Maybe trying a combo like that would help.