I tried a new mask!

[Tino2You]

I visited my DME yesterday to be fitted for a new mask. I chose a ResMed Mirage Liberty. I have to admit, the RT was a bit out of her element as far as fitting the device was concerned. In the end, we agreed that I needed a large mask with medium pillows.

I tried it last night. I managed two hours with it on. Leaks were high (30 to 40 range) so I took it off and went back to me Swift FX for the remainder of the night. Curious thing, in those two hours, and yes I was asleep then, I had no events. I will try again tonight to see how it goes.

Has anyone tried this mask? How tight or loose should it be? My goal here is not to find my perfect mask. IMHO I already have as near perfect one in the Swift. I was looking for something to use if I had a cold or just wanted a change.

AtDhVaAnNkCsE
-tino

[Julie]

I think any mask should be tight enough to keep it in place (including when you turn over), but no more than that... if you can't get it to stay on even though you're having to tighten so much it digs in, gives you a headache or neck ache, etc., then change the size, the mask, whatever. But good luck with the 'perfect' mask - don't know if it exists!

[nanwilson]

Tino
The hybrids do have a higher leak rate, I am always over 40 with mine too. Karen makes a mask liner for this mask if you feel you need it. Roster has a thread about the hybrid I think its called taming the hybrid, give it a read as it has many hints for hybrid users.

[KimberlyM]

I've been opening my mouth a little while sleeping lately and was just looking at hybrids. Please follow up and let us know how it works out for you. My main concern is that I don't want pressure on my teeth. Lately, I have been just using a Swift LT, as I find it stable and the most comfortable. I hope the new mask works well for you.

[Mama Pinky]

Hi I'm new to this forum and a new CPAP user. Have been lurking for a month and decided to jump in and start posting. I started my CPAP therapy on Nov 6th with the Swift FX mask. Love the concept but had problems because of mouth-breathing. Tried to resolve that by using a chin strap and taping my mouth and had intermittent success but went back to my DME and switched to the Mirage Liberty mask on Nov 27th. I wanted to keep my Swift FX mask but they said they had to keep it in exchange for the Mirage Liberty.

It's been a challenge to get this mask to stop leaking but I found that I was tightening it too much and not turning on my machine before I applied my mask. What I do now is turn my machine on (I do not use the ramp feature as it causes me to have to readjust the mask once it ramps up completely), then I set the pillows in my nostrils (I'm also using a large mask with medium pillows) and make sure the upper headgear straps aren't too tight. The pillows should not be inside your nose very much and the stems should not be compressed. Then I secure the lower headgear straps; again looser rather than tighter. I pull the mask slightly forward off of my mouth several times to seat the mask comfortably over my mouth. Check for leaks (usually at this point the right corner of my mouth leaks) so I slightly tighten the right lower headgear strap to stop the leak. Then I lay down on my back and check for leaks (usually just have to slightly reposition nasal pillows and slightly tighten the right lower strap a bit more). I can sleep on my back and left side with this mask but for some reason, can't sleep on my right side as it leaks too much. What I learned was that I was tightening the mask too much in the beginning and that was causing more leaks. I also have to make sure I wash my face very thoroughly before putting the mask on as I have very oily skin and it affects the mask seal.

I don't have a data capable CPAP machine so I don't know if my therapy is helping other than judging by how I feel. It's been a challenge to say the least but I think things are getting better. I've been so encouraged by what I've read on this board and all the wonderful tips that have been so helpful to me. I do want to get another Swift FX mask and switch between the two as I had 3 nights in a row of great sleep with that mask (using chin strap and mouth taping) and woke up feeling refreshed and clear minded. Haven't had that experience in many years. Haven't had that experience with the Mirage Liberty yet but I'm practicing guarded optimism that things will get better as I get used to this mask.

Good luck! KathyB

[KimberlyM]

Kathy, thanks for the thorough review! Does the Mirage Liberty put pressure on your teeth?

[Mama Pinky]

No, no pressure on my teeth at all. Once you get the mouth part fitted properly, it kind of floats a bit above your mouth. Doesn't touch your lips or teeth (unless you have the straps way too tight).

[KimberlyM]

No, no pressure on my teeth at all. Once you get the mouth part fitted properly, it kind of floats a bit above your mouth. Doesn't touch your lips or teeth (unless you have the straps way too tight).

Thanks, I may have to try that one next.