Mask Frustrations

[jobe2433]

I have been on my cpap for about 7 months now with some minor problems, My pressure was set at 8. Now after using a machine to test my pressure the doctor has moved my pressure to 14. I sleep with a full face mask and now it seems my mask cannot keep up with the pressure. I have been waking up with really red swollen eyes and at night when it starts hissing and whining (the mask) I just take it off. Does anyone know if there is a mask for higher pressures? Any advice would be helpful.. thanks

[Telle]

Do you NEED a full face mask? I have the Swift FX for Her (just replaced my Swift FX and this is what they sent me), and have a pressure of 16 and have had no problems with it. I did have some problems with leaks recently, but that's because my nasal pillows were a year old and in desperate need of replacing; with my new mask with new pillows I don't have any problems.

[DaveLP]

A pressure of 14cm is pretty high, but lots of people have pressures like that in the forum. Mask seal is dependent on facial structure (bone shape) as well as the mask. If you are leaking around the eyes, the only option I know of is tighter straps or a new mask. It's also possible that skin oils have affected the seals and they aren't conforming to your face.

It's time to go back to the DME and try masks at your titrated pressure until you find one that fits properly. As someone said, a nasal pillow mask might be good for you. It only has to seal to your nostrils and you don't have the "wind in your face" feeling when you use it. The down side is that unless you can sleep with your mouth closed all night, you will need to tape your mouth or use a cervical pillow that keeps your chin pressed up. Lots of people use nasal pillows and prefer them.

Your equipment profile is set up for image instead of text. It's hard to tell what machine and mask are in the picture. If you go back to user settings and select profile, you can change that to TEXT. It will then show the text description of your equipment.

[gasp]

Tighter straps isn't necessarily the answer and sometimes the tighter you make the straps the more leaks you will have. This is especially true for the Quattro mask which depends upon the seal being puffed out by the air. When I use the Quattro, I put the mask on and start the air, then I gently lift the mask off my face and slowly seat it while the air pressure puffs out the seal. It's essential to have clean skin with the Quattro mask seal or it leaks like a sieve.

I agree with face shape and the Quattro. It may not work for your face shape. I have a narrow nose at the bridge and the Quattro tended to leak in that area when unseated during the night. I wear a sleep mask to keep air out of my eyes with my current mask and with the Quattro.