How Tight Is Tight Enough?

[DEXSUZ]

I've been a relatively successful CPAPer for six weeks (refreshing sleeps, etc.) but have still not been able to adjust my straps to a point where they feel perfectly comfortable. Some nights they feel as if they're strangling my face whereas other times they seem too loose. Is there a golden point at which I'll no longer be fidgeting around with the lengths?

In short, when is one justified in thinking he's tightened the "noose" too far versus left too much slack? The obvious answer to the latter is when air is leaking out all over, but....

Is this like a lot of things in life where one simply 'feels' that something's right?

Appreciate any help!

[Cavmdc]

I'm new too. Initially I had mine tight, thinking it had to be this way. Lately, I've loosened them to the point they "just do" hold the mask on. I loosened mine until they leaked then just tweaked them. I like it loose. It works for e according o comfort and data.

Greg

[Denial Dave]

fiddling with straps may be just something we live with...I'm still a newbie at 6 months and I still fiddle with straps at night...

I don't have to adjust them as much as I did in the beginning... now it's minor tweaks.

Dave

[LinkC]

If only it was was simple as tightening straps!

Is your selected mask capable of conforming to your facial contour?
Which straps do I tighten and/or loosen?
Too tight can also cause leaks.
Does headgear adjustment cause the straps to pull in slightly different directions?
A mask that fits perfectly while sitting/standing probably won't when lying down.
How does changing my sleep position affect mask fit/leaks?
Does the hose pull the mask?

And just when you get it all dialed in...your headgear loses elasticity over time. Start over!

[DEXSUZ]

Thank you to Cavmdc, LinkC, and Denial Dave.

After I posted this query, I had my wife fidget with the four FX straps while I was sitting and wearing my gear. She made the fit a bit looser on top than it was last night but slightly tighter on the lower set. After she did that, I flopped down and tried every conceivable sleep position and had no leaks or feeling that some behemoth was standing on my mask.

As you folks seemed to imply, it's an art and not a science. The goofy thing is how I had left the settings the same several nights in a row and yet one night they felt way too constricting and the next night they seemed too loose. Go figure....

Thanks again.

[herefishy]

I think the worst thing about a mask is having one that you have to adjust each time you put it on. Can't remember which one it was that I saw recently that was like that. Imagine having to fasten it together each time.

[Cavmdc]

I use a Zest Q and don't even bother to undo the straps anymore. I just pull it on and off the top of my head. Much easier.

Greg

[DEXSUZ]

Cavmdc:

Love to give that a rip but my record with nasal devices was not good at all. Now if they had an FF, that'd be worth trying.