Mask Suggestions

[Zeke351]

I have tried the F&P Zest Nasal Mask, but because of a past broken nose and being a mouth breather, nasal masks are out. My DME tried to fit me with a Hybrid, but the nasal pillows were not sealing well and very uncomfortable. So now I am using a FF Resmed Quattro. It is very comfortable, seems to fit well except in one area. The bridge of my nose is very narrow (according to my DME) so I have a small constant leak in that area. I have a medium size mask, the large is way too big and the small doesn't cover at all. This causes my Leak Rate to hover at 60 l/pm each night. Even with the straps tight my leak rate is high.

I am looking for some suggestions for a different mask or a way to stop the leaks at the bridge of the nose on this one.

Thank you,

Zeke351

[semreka]

I have tried the F&P Zest Nasal Mask, but because of a past broken nose and being a mouth breather, nasal masks are out. My DME tried to fit me with a Hybrid, but the nasal pillows were not sealing well and very uncomfortable. So now I am using a FF Resmed Quattro. It is very comfortable, seems to fit well except in one area. The bridge of my nose is very narrow (according to my DME) so I have a small constant leak in that area. I have a medium size mask, the large is way too big and the small doesn't cover at all. This causes my Leak Rate to hover at 60 l/pm each night. Even with the straps tight my leak rate is high.

I am looking for some suggestions for a different mask or a way to stop the leaks at the bridge of the nose on this one.

Thank you,

Zeke351

this may be a solution for you..
good luck...

http://fitlife.respironics.com/features.aspx

[LSAT]

Try moving the Quattro down about 1/4" on your nose. It may move the mask slightly lower on the chin. It works for me.

[Zeke351]

All right all,

I am still looking for suggestions here. My Quattro is incredibly comfortable, BUT I want to find one that seals across the narrow bridge of my nose better. I have tried moleskin, bandaids, etc. to lessen the leak but nothing has worked very well. I never really thought that a narrow nose bridge could be sucha pain!!! As stated before a nasal or hybrid are out..so what FFM would someone recommend?

Thanks,

Zeke351

[Sheriff Buford]

I also had nose bridge problems and blister-problems using the nasal pillows. I was at cpap.com and spotted the Fitlife total face mask (see the info on my mask below...). I tried it on and it was like God made that mask just for me. You have to look at it and decide if you can wear a "total" mask. The way I look at it the mask is the seal is above my eyes instead of below (across the bridge - which was giving me trouble - like you are having). the mask seal is around the cheeks and above the eyes. No more nose problems! I used the mask since September 17, 2010, and last night was the best sleep I've had in years! But... that's me.. I am amazed at what kind of masks different folks in this forum use. God Bless!

Sheriff

PS: to that red chevy... I'm laying for you tonight!! This time you won't get away... yee hah!!

[MikeSharp]

My DME tried to fit me with a Hybrid, but the nasal pillows were not sealing well and very uncomfortable.

There are two hybrids that I know of; one by ResMed and one by RespCare/InnoMed. I've got both.

IMHO...

With both masks you can use a different size nasal pillow in each side if you need to. With the RespCare/InnoMed mask you can choose between two different pillow heights too.

The ResMed mask has a little extra reinforcing in the frame right between the nasal pillows that stiffens up the oral cushion right under the nose. Since I have a rather narrow face I have to really tighten down on the straps to get the outer corners of the mask to seal but this drives the little stiffening bit into me and its not exactly comfortable. The RespCare/InnoMed mask doesn't have this reinforcing bit so there is more flex in this area and that results in my getting a better fit all around the mouth with less pressure everywhere.

If you only tried the ResMed hybrid you could always ask to try the other.

For what its worth, I have a narrow bridge as well so I know all about the leak you're experiencing. That is why I wound up with a hybrid. I had to buy my RespCare/InnoMed out of pocket because the DME didn't carry it. It worked really well for me. Your mileage may vary. Now that the local DME sees what good results I've got with it they're trying to convince "corporate" to special order the mask and supplies for me, because they know I'll keep using this mask with or without them.

Try not to get discouraged. Keep trying until you find something that works.