Desparate for a good night's sleep (leaky mask)

[teasterday]

I found out I have severe complex sleep apnea and got my machine 3 weeks ago. I have been miserable ever since. My first mask (medium Mirage Quattro) was too big so they changed it to a small but I still can't get it to quit leaking. A few times I have been able to get it to seal only to have it leak 2-3 hours after falling asleep. I try to adjust it again only to get disgusted and take it off. I am very tired when I go to bed but by the time I spend 30-45 minutes trying to adjust the mask (and fail) I am so upset and worked up I can't sleep.

I am wishing I would have never had the sleep test (actually 3 of them). After spending all this money I am sleeping worse than before. Wearing the mask and the air flow doesn't bother me it's just the leak issue I can't deal with. I would like to try a nasal mask or pillows to see if they are any better. Has anyone out there had the same issue with a full face mask had success with the nasal mask or pillows? Thanks for any advice.

[Emilia]

You absolutely must use your machine/mask if you have such severe OSA. A bipap is not given out to anyone....it usually isn't a first line machine unless your study results were off the charts.

Our wonderful forum member, Janknitz, has a blog in which she devoted an entire post to taming your mask.... see if this helps: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/ And the rest of her blog is a good read, too

Keep coming back with your questions and concerns.... lots of help to be had here. Good luck!!

[RandyJ]

I had the same problem with the Mirage Quattro and eventually got a mask liner and anti-leak strap from padacheek.com. They stopped my leaks.

I just switched from the Mirage Quatrro (after finally "taming" it) to the Mirage FX, a nasal mask. I'm having excellent results. I was snoring with the Quattro but am not with the FX. Better therapy, I think. Some people have issues keeping their mouths closed with a nasal mask, but I haven't had any problems so far.

You can try out different masks through the Mask Trial Program at cpaplibrary.com (which is what I did). You only pay $14 to cover shipping both ways, and they send you a mask you can try for a week. Great service.

Don't worry, you'll eventually find your way with the therapy, and people here can help you. Good luck.

[jules]

have a piece of elastic or stretchy material handy? a piece of panty hose / tights works or a wide elastic waist band - a knee high nylon sock

tie a band around the mask and your head - be sure not to block the exhaust and not to block the anti-asphyxiation value in the elbow of the quattro - i have done a band around the elbow then crossing over to back around the head tying it on the side

see if that helps the leaks

there are some of those more complicated machines (such as yours - I don't recall if yours has restrictions or not) which limit which mask you can use - make sure you get one that is compatible with your machine -

[Kody]

I have Complex Sleep Apnea, same machine and same mask. Also had same issues with the leaks. The last two posters gave you some good advice. This mask does work for me, but has been a pain and I'm thinking of trying something different soon. There is another mask that others have had better luck with it's the Quattro FX if your going to check into other ones. I tried this one, but it didn't work for me, however it may in your case if you just can't get the Mirage Quattro to work for you.

Hang in there it's worth it to finally get everything working together. I feel so much better than before even though it hasn't been easy at times. I would start with the link Emilia gave you, there are some good hints in that blog about this Mask. Good Luck and keep posting, there are lots of others who have been at this longer, and have great advice.

[sheep1234]

I have never had a full face mask, but I just want to say that I love my Swift LT for Her mask. It's comfortable, easy to slip on (can do it in the dark, by feel, now) and the pillows seat nicely (once you figure out which size fits best.)

Tried the Swift FX for about an hour one night. Horrible. Went back to DME and got another LT.

Try to hang in there with the cpap therapy. When I first started it, I would get so frustrated and would take my mask off also, but I REALLY regretted it in the morning!! DO NOT give up!

[Mr Bill]

I found out I have severe complex sleep apnea and got my machine 3 weeks ago. I have been miserable ever since. My first mask (medium Mirage Quattro) was too big so they changed it to a small but I still can't get it to quit leaking. A few times I have been able to get it to seal only to have it leak 2-3 hours after falling asleep. I try to adjust it again only to get disgusted and take it off. I am very tired when I go to bed but by the time I spend 30-45 minutes trying to adjust the mask (and fail) I am so upset and worked up I can't sleep.

I am wishing I would have never had the sleep test (actually 3 of them). After spending all this money I am sleeping worse than before. Wearing the mask and the air flow doesn't bother me it's just the leak issue I can't deal with. I would like to try a nasal mask or pillows to see if they are any better. Has anyone out there had the same issue with a full face mask had success with the nasal mask or pillows? Thanks for any advice.

First, welcome to these forums. I use a nasal mask quite successfully but it took me a while to adapt...
viewtopic/p653035/still-not-sleeping-BP ... ml#p653035

You and I have the same machine. I had a heck of a time getting used to sleeping with my ASV. But when you need one, you really need one.

You can use a nasal mask if you can sleep without opening your mouth. I've always been in the habit of sucking my mouth shut with teeth clenched lightly so it was not so hard from that aspect.

I can suggest one thing about the mask. I am assuming the full face mask you have uses the same principle as my nasal mask. My mask has both an inner and outer seal. My head gear is elastic and the trick is to lay back and adjust it roughly so it does not leak, now without moving, keep loosening it. Get it as loose as it can be without leaking. Next examine the straps and redo it to the same looseness but with attention to symmetry so the mask is really centered with respect to tension. A couple iterations should do it. Now you should be able to whip it off your face without undoing the straps. So, once you get them good, you hardly ever have to adjust them; we are talking about months, literally. If you can't whip the mask off your face (well at least nasal masks) then you have it adjusted way way too tight.

You will find that too tight is not only claustrophobic but also leaks more. The outer part of the mask is not the primary seal. Its that inner seal that really makes the seal. That inner part needs room to inflate against your face to make the seal. Tightening the straps too much wrecks that inner seal fit.

Second suggestion, turn the alarm so it does not alarm when the mask leaks. My DME was very thoughtful and told me at the outset that he had disabled all the alarms because most people don't need an audible to let them know their mask is leaking. I have my unit plugged into a UPS so, if the power fails the UPS will alarm and I will know to take off my mask. One learns to trust one's body. Trust me, if the air ever stops, you will have that mask off in a jiffy.

Anyway, try sleeping on your back first, it dislodges the mask less. Don't worry about OSA while sleeping supline. Your ASV makes that a non issue. You may wake when it leaks but just groggily grab the mask and move it around till it stops leaking (do not while asleep try to undo the straps, that is so not worth the aggravation ). Sure you have to wake up to fix a leaky mask but it beats the heck out of waking 60 times an hour due to sleep apnea. If you would really rather sleep on your side, then check out some of the threads that discuss these millet husk pillows. Apparently they deform really well but in a supportive way that does not lead to mask leak.

Never give up! Never surrender!

[hvyhtr]

I had the same problems finding a mask that would be comfortable and not leak so bad it woke me up. I am a side sleeper and my pressures range with my APAP from 12-16cm.

I now use the F&P FlexiFit 432 full face mask. It has a built in foam liner that is comfortable while still reducing leakage to the point that I can sleep comfortably 6-7 hours with it on. Also the use of a really good goose down pillow that supports the mask and my head in a good position without pressing the mask into my face contributes greatly to my comfort.

Try it. I think you will like it. Good luck!!

[teasterday]

Thanks to all for the good advice. I am going to try the mask liner while taking all your suggestions into consideration. Thanks again.

[ameriken]

I too have the same machine with similar breathing issues and have had the same leak issues. When we stop breathing, our machines really ramp up the pressures that blow the seals out. But, by golly, I think I may have the leaks stopped and have been leak free for 3 or 4 weeks now. I also bought the padacheek liner and it has helped greatly. I also use their anti-leak strap as well from time to time, it holds the mask to your head with more even pressure. I think it just takes a while to get used to the mask and find the right fit when adjusting it to your face. Eventually, you'll forget you're even wearing it!

Just don't give up, keep trying. If you wake up frustrated and take the mask off, put it back on, sleeping without it is not an option. Remember, this is not just about sleep, it's about breathing and even on bad nights, you are still breathing better with the machine. Without the machine and mask, you are not only sleeping poorly, but you are not breathing and it is the breathing issues that will kill you. One night, you'll go to sleep, and it's over.

So, try the ideas, and just keep pushing past the frustration, you eventually will be able to find the right fit. Good luck!

[pickuptruck]

You just need to find the mask that works for you. You are allowed to change masks until you find the one that works for you. Everyone is different. Every mask is different. Do not pass on trying a mask just because it did not work for someone else. there is lots of help here.

[teasterday]

Received my Padacheek anti leak strap and mask liner today. I put them on and tested them and didn't seem to have any leaks. I am hoping it works tonight! Thanks again to all for the advice.

[suzieqiluvu2]

I have a Resmed CPAP and started out with a full face mask. Was miserable.Took me numerous fittings to find a mask and yes ended up with a nasal mask. In the past month have found to me an even better mask than the nasal pillows. The optilife cradle cushion. The nasal pillows irritated my nose after awhile. The cradle cushion goes over the nostrals of your nose,but not inside your nose. That is more comfortable to me and the headgear has a strap that goes under my chin to help keep my mouth shut. Am sleeping better now than ever.