Tried many masks but still tired sleepless

turtle18 · Post by **turtle18** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:04 pm

I have tried several masks and they all give me leaks. The masks don't seem to give me good seal so then I end up tighting the straps to the point where it becomes uncomfortable. However it stops the leaks but uncomfy on my face. Then I take them off after an hour of using it and it leaks if I move around in the bed. The masks I have tried are Mirage, Gold Seal, Comfort Gel, Serenity, and finally the Aclaim 2 mask. I tend to move alot when I sleep and have had problems complying with CPAP treatment due the masks. So my question is .. is there any mask that provide a good seal on a small face and seals when moving around?

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:14 am

Most masks will seal better if the straps are loose. The seal results from the inflation of the mask. If you tighten the straps you are restricting that inflation.

I use the Mirage and Swift mostly. With the nasal masks you are often better off using a larger nasal pillow than you think you need because of the inflation part. Yes, those things actually inflate to seal off your nose.

One tip with the Mirage or other nasal masks. Once the machine is on, if you can hear leaks, pull the mask away from the face and let it "suck" itself back on. This will often give you a really great seal.

Remember too, you have to have a CLEAN face for a good seal. No moisturizers on the area of your face where the mask will go.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:08 am

turtle18, You may want to try the Hans Rudolph.

Hans Rudolph makes a Full FAce Mask and a Nasal Mask. The only hard piece on the Hans Rudolph is the plastic swivel that the hose fits on.

This mask must be measuered with a caliper and you can contact the Hans Rudolph corporation, by copying and pasting the URL in my signature.

Good Luck and remember not all masks are for everyone.

I finally found my mask and I love it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:39 am

It seems the Resmed masks--- the Mirage Activa and the Mirage Swift are liked by a lot of people. (Not sure if you tried either one of those because you wrote just 'Mirage'.)

The other ones you mentioned trying seem to be generally disliked by a lot of people-- Gold Seal, Comfort Gel, Serenity, and finally the Aclaim 2 mask.

Try the Resmed line or the Puritan Bennett Breeze. Good luck.

turtle18 · Post by **turtle18** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:06 pm

reply to guest

I have tried the old mirage mask the one that the tubing goes over ur head. I have not tried the mirage activa yet. Also the masks leaks when I have the straps loose as well...I was told by my provider on very first visit to have the straps loose cuz the mask will inflate to provide a seal. So I did that with every mask I tried and still not seal to my nose as well it leaks. So I end up tightening the straps and temporarily it stops the leaks but it is uncomfortable on the face and back of my neck. I have a small face...and wonder if the Mirage Activa is small enough to fit good on me.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:30 pm

turtle18,

Maybe they gave you the wrong size masks.

Here's a link to a mask sizing guide on CPAP.COM:

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-size.php

Maybe you can check the size you're supposed to have against what you were given.
Or, check on CPAP.COM and maybe there's something that'll work better.

Just a thought.

Best wishes,

Den

happy camper · Post by **happy camper** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:39 pm

Turtle,

I'm currently using the comfortgel and at first my mask was leaking all the time. Then i decided to go to a smaller gel mask and it has been fine since. I also move around a lot when i sleep and felt very uncomfortable with it on but after the change it was better. Hope this helps.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:04 am

Turtle;

Last night i used the F&P Flexifit HC 407 and had my bet night ever on cpap. The main difference with this mask compared to the others i've used was that the footprint, or seal area is smaller. As i have kinda chubby cheeks, and prominent cheek bones, the smaller footprint area did not sit on my cheek bones, and sat closer to my nose. I had no forehead marks from the forehead support ,and barely any strap marks on my cheeks, which indicated to me that the mask wasn't overly tight. I took my Aclaim2 mask back, after 4 nights use, and am keeping the 407.

I wish you luck finding the right mask 4 you, keep fighting the good fight.

God Bless,
Terry

turtle18 · Post by **turtle18** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:46 pm

Thanks for your suggestions you'all. I just recieved the comfortfull face mask...today and I will try it out tonite. Yes I remember to keep the straps loose to allow the mask inflate itself to seal. The size of the mask is a small. ummm...has anybody used the Mirage Activa that has a small face? If so, how was the seal and experience ?
If I am not satisfied with Comfortfull face mask that is the next one I plan to try out. BTW I remember to clean my face before putting on the mask. So Ill let ya know what happens with comfortfull face mask.

Mask

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