newbie seeking mask advice

blackcat · Post by **blackcat** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:32 pm

hi all

I've just registered as a user but have been lurking for a few weeks. I was diagnosed as having OSA in December 2005 and found your message board in January. I've found the information and advice very helpful so far.

I had quite a few problems when I first started on CPAP, mainly because there were problems with the titration I had, which meant it was difficult for the medics to assess the correct pressure. This meant some trial and error until we got things right and my machine is now set at 19.

For the past six weeks or so I haven't had any real problems. I'm using a Respironics comfort gel nasal mask which has been fine until the last 10 days or so. Since then, it has started to leak for no obvious reason. It makes some very interesting and very loud noises during the night! This however has started to keep me awake and I've had a couple of pretty bad nights. I have obviously tried to adjust the headgear but this has had no real effect. There does not seem to be any damage to the seal or mask itself.

As you may be aware, here in the UK the treatment is through the National Health Service. I have no complaints in the main, however, it is very difficult to get information from some of the physicians. I was able to speak to somebody today by phone but he had no idea how to solve the problem. He suggested earplugs!

Has anyone out there had a similar problem with this mask when being used at high pressure? If so, if they are able to give me any advice, I would really appreciate this, as would my wife who has been kept awake by something sounding like a police siren!

Thanks for your help,

Regards, Mark

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:16 pm

blackcat wrote:This meant some trial and error until we got things right and my machine is now set at 19.

For the past six weeks or so I haven't had any real problems. I'm using a Respironics comfort gel nasal mask which has been fine until the last 10 days or so. Since then, it has started to leak for no obvious reason.

Wow, blackcat. Pressure of 19 packs quite a wallop.

I'm surprised that the Comfort Gel mask has been ok for you at that kind of pressure for even 6 minutes, much less 6 weeks. But if it suits you, then you're lucky to have found a mask that worked well for you.

Perhaps the cushion is beginning to lose it's "oomph". You might want to simply replace the cushion with a new cushion. Probably at half the price of buying a whole new mask.

Good luck in getting back to leakfree treatment again.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:36 pm

I use the Nasle pillows and they are more comfortable and lightweight. I am not afraid of it leaking. ResMes Swift is my mask and it comes in 3 different sizes.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:40 pm

Oh by the way you are to replace your mask every 3 months and when you wash your mask use Ivory dish soap. It has no perfumes or oils that can break down the mask prematurely.

blackcat · Post by **blackcat** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:57 pm

Thanks very much for the advice.

I think I've managed to sort things out. It wasn't the mask that was the problem, but my pillow arrangement! I've now got one of those orthopaedic shaped pillows which is keeping my head back when I'm asleep and good old gravity is keeping with the mask in place!

Regards

Mark

k.c.snorzalot · Post by **k.c.snorzalot** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:49 pm

hey blackcat-
I wonder if your pressures are different in the U.K., but none-the-less. I've had the same problems going on. I've only been using CPAP for a couple of months now, and was issued the Comfort-Gel mask as well. My pressure is only 8 at the max., and I was pretty happy with the mask at first.
I've had a lot of trouble with rainout, and just found out that I'm causing the rainout myself because my face is sweating so much as I sleep (menopause/hotflashes). When my face gets moist, I've been getting leaks like you mentioned (the rude, noisey ones). I have ended up ripping my mask off in the night because of the rain and the noise.
I just ordered one of the Aura Nasal Interface Systems, so we'll see if that is any better. I hated spending money on a new mask especially since my Comfortgel is only about 2 months old, but I've gotta get some quality sleep again or I'll go crazy. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one who is experiencing leaks and noises.

twillson · Post by **twillson** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:03 am

I think I've managed to sort things out. It wasn't the mask that was the problem, but my pillow arrangement! I've now got one of those orthopaedic shaped pillows which is keeping my head back when I'm asleep and good old gravity is keeping with the mask in place!

This is great news, but I would not ignore the other advice you are getting because at a pressure of 19 cm, you are very likely to suffer from more problems related to wear (as per rested gal) and/or liquids (k.c.snorzalot) interfering with the seal.

I agree with Kevin that nasal pillows tend to seal better and longer at high pressure. His experience matches mine completely.

I use the Nasle pillows and they are more comfortable and lightweight. I am not afraid of it leaking. ResMes Swift is my mask and it comes in 3 different sizes.

I get much better sleep with the swift because I don't have to worry about keeping my head and jaw in a particular position to prevent leaks. There are serious fitment problems with the swift that can cause irritation if you don't happen to fit one of the three pillow-sleave sizes, but if your nares are not slotted, there is a very good chance that one will work for you. The same can be said for the Breeze, ComfortLite II, Aura, and other popular pillow interfaces.

IMO, it is worth a try.

blackcat · Post by **blackcat** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:32 pm

Thanks again for all of the advice.

I did think about changing my mask for nasal pillows, and I e-mailed Resmed in the UK for their advice about the Swift system. The lady who replied said that she wasn't sure that they would be very comfortable at such a high-pressure. That doesn't seem to be the experience of people on this forum!

I think I will soldier on with the comfort gel mask for the time being, but I'll keep the Swift in mind if things don't work out.

Regards

Mark

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:48 pm

blackcat wrote:I had quite a few problems when I first started on CPAP, mainly because there were problems with the titration I had, which meant it was difficult for the medics to assess the correct pressure. This meant some trial and error until we got things right and my machine is now set at 19.

blackcat, this is probably easier said than done, but if at all possible, see if they will let you swap your straight cpap machine for an autopap machine...a ResMed S8 Vantage, or a REMstar Auto with C-Flex, or a Puritan Bennett 420E autopap.

It might be that you don't really need that blast of 19 ALL night. An autopap machine might use considerably less pressure for you during most of the night, going up to 19 only occasionally.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:09 pm

The cushion on my Comfort Gel loses its strength in about 2 to 3 months at a max of 12 cm and I only wear it about 2 days per week. It is a relatively thin gauge material. If you like the Comfort Gel you may want to try the Comfort Classic. It's the the same shape and size but it has a more robust cushion. I'm still using the I bought about three years ago. In addition, it has a post type forehead support that works better for side sleepers than a "T" support.

newbie seeking mask advice

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