Exhaling into eyes, any suggestions?

[gilsonal]

I'm new to CPAP, just started this week with a full face mask (FlexiFit431). What I'm having trouble with is that air keeps blowing at my eyes. It is making it difficult to fall asleep (an hour rather than five minutes) and that makes me far less likely to choose to use the CPAP, and I'd really like to be a compliant patient.

It doesn't seem to be a leak in the seal, unless its very small. Rather, I think the exhalation exhaust ports, which are on the bridge of the nose, are directing air in a way that ends up hitting my eyes. I usually sleep on my stomach or side, if that matters. Adjusting the straps doesn't seem to do any good. I'm using the smallest sized mask seal-thing and yet it still seems to cause this problem. I called the place that set me up but they seemed to have never heard of this. Anybody have experience with this problem? Any tips for fixing it? Or do I just need a different mask? Will my insurance pay if I need to switch this early on? Thanks in advance!

[Newbie Woman]

I'm new as well. Have you considered a different mask? I've had multiple eye surgeries and at this point, I would choose my eyes over breathing, so please understand where I'm coming from. I'm using the Swift nasal mask and it sends exhaled air down away from my eyes.

[Pugsy]

Will my insurance pay if I need to switch this early on?

Most all of the mask suppliers have a 30 day mask trial. Meaning if it does not work well it can be returned for a different mask. Your DME should be aware of this though they don't often mention it because it means a little paperwork for them. Insurance payment for replacement masks will depend on your insurance plan as not all insurance is the same. If you are within the 30 day window though, the DME should exchange it if you wish.

I don't use your type of mask so I can't help with the vent flow issue in specifics but perhaps the vent flow is deflecting off of something and being redirected to your eyes. Pillow, arm or bedding? Maybe use of eye mask might help?

[BlackSpinner]

I found the Hybrid mask solved this issue for me.

[Alshain]

I found an eye mask solved this issue for me. If the leaks aren't that bad, simply covering your eyes might help.

[robysue]

To gilsonal:

It would really help the members here help you solve your problem if you'd give us the exact name of the mask you are having trouble with. Your description of the mask, "I'm using the smallest sized mask seal-thing" applies to LOTS of masks, each of which has slightly different design. Since you mention the word "nose bridge" I assume that you are using a nasal mask that has a nose bridge support---i.e. a mask that covers your whole nose, but not your mouth.

If you are not a mouth breather, then switching masks may solve your problem. The nasal pillows masks in particular have exhale ports that are usually located on the small hose and direct the exhales away from the eyes. However, regardless of the mask, it is possible for the air vented through the exhale vents to bounce off things like covers and pillows (and even your own arms) and back into your eyes. Covering the eyes may help---particularly if the problem is air bouncing off the covers or pillows back into your eyes.

[LSAT]

Robysue....he said he was using the FlexFit 431

[ariana]

Hi, I don't know if your mask configuration could accommodate a product like this:

http://www.eyeeco.com/product/iproduct_ ... uartz.html

but I am using another of their goggles, Tranquileyes, about which I wrote in another recent post. I don't work for the company! I had developed Dry Eye from air blowing up my tear ducts, I think. In any case, I love their product. The goggles I use actually hydrate the eyes--you wet the little foam pads inside the goggles before going to sleep. However, the link I sent is for folks who just need protection from outside air blowing on their eyes. Making sure the CPAP mask straps and goggles all fit together is important. I've been very happy with the results, and found the goggles way easier to get used to than I had expected.

[hosehead_dolphy]

I was having the same trouble with the leaks into the eyes. Last night was probably my worst night since I have gotten the CPAP almost 3 months ago. I finally got fed up with it and called the DME and told them I really need a new mask, the full face mask was too hot for the summer, not to mention it was leaking into my eyes more and more. So they said come on in and they will change it since my 3 months is almost up (on the 13th) So tonight, I get to try the Swift FX for her. I think it will work much better. She also gave me a chin strap if I still tried to open my mouth while sleeping, since I am a mouth breather.
You might want to consider switching to a nasal pillow mask, because when I tried it on today.. it is sooo much more comfortable and I laid down for about 30 minutes with it today, and no air going into my eyes so far. Just something to consider! Good luck finding the mask that will work for you! I will keep you updated in the morning to let you know how well mine worked.

[Bons]

Gilsonal,
I have the same problem with my 431. I find that using a mask liner helps. You can easily make your own using an old cotton or flannel shirt. Trace around the outside of your mask, leaving about and additional 3/4 inch on the outside. Make an oblong cut in the middle to accomodate your mouth and nose. You might also do a search on this site and find a pattern.

[Budman]

My flexi fit 432 did the same thing. If your cpap machine has c-flex settings you need to turn it to a higher setting. Mine was set on one. I changed the flex setting to three and the problem was gone. The c-flex setting stops the air flow when you exhale.

[gilsonal]

Thanks for the info! I ended up switching to a mask with ports for exhalation that pointed a different way, and with nasal pillows. That helps a lot. Thanks for the help!