I need mask help!!!

[big sherry]

My pressure starts ramping at 7 and stops at 20 on a CPAP auto machine. I have tried three different masks thus far (Mirage Liberty, Mirage Quattro and FlexiFit Full Face) however when the pressure gets to around 16 - 17 I experience mask leaks badly. Does anyone have a pressure this high? If so, what mask do you use in order to keep a seal all night? Thank you much for any help.

[Hawthorne]

It may not be the mask that is the biggest problem but rather the machine. People with pressure that high should be talking to their doctors about BIPAP.

[snoozysue]

Hi big sherry, I have been using the Quattro since April but found I needed to use a Remzzzs liner and a Comfort Care Pad to help with soreness but to also stop leaks especially around my eyes (pressure can go up to 18). I have been using the new Quattro FX for approx 3 weeks and now find that my average pressure is about 15 - while before it was 17-18. I don't know why but its good!

[Janknitz]

WHY do you have such a broad pressure range? Are they 1) trying to titrate you (determine optimal pressures) on this machine, or 2) does somebody (your doctor, RT, or DME) think that an APAP should work fine with a wide open pressure? Or 3) did you really need that broad of a range to cover your apneas in a sleep lab titration (very unusual)???

My guess is that if they are not doing a home titration, number 2 applies--some professional thinks that if you have an APAP, you might as well use it "wide open" to catch all of the apneas. The problem is, it really doesn't work that way. Your machine will try to keep itself down to 7 and when you have an event it has to "chase" the event to take care of it--that's a slow process. So you end up with higher AHI's, more leakage (because, as you've identified, the mask set at the lower pressure leaks at a higher pressure--causing more pressure and AHI's in the process), and higher pressures than you would ordinarily need.

So, if it's for titration purposes, the machine will soon be set in a closer range and the problem should be lessened. But if number 2 applies, you are going to have to get together with the professional whose bright idea this setting was and get him/her to narrow the range. Quattros have a lot of surface area on your face so they are prone to leaks, but I suspect it's the pressure setting that is the bigger problem here.

[LinkC]

I run in CPAP mode @ 18cm. It took lots of tweaking to get leaks under control.

I use a RespCare Hybrid mask, with a dab of Lansinoh on my nares.

And I agree your range is WAY to wide.