Howdy and Thank You All

IZATIRED2 · Post by **IZATIRED2** » Sat May 27, 2006 5:53 pm

I just want to say Hi and thank all of you for the great advice and opinions
posted on this site.
I have only used cpap for 2 weeks and seem to have the same problems with mask sealing. I used a UMFF for the first week but could never stop the leaks around my nose. This week I used the Swift nasal mask and now I can't keep my mouth shut all night.

Well I'll Shut Up Now!

Thanks again

Drew

Regnad · Post by **Regnad** » Sat May 27, 2006 7:49 pm

Hmmm. I've read that some leakage is "OK" and to be expected... not sure what that really means though, I'm new to all of this as well. The cushions on my masks look replaceable, and I'm going to go from a standard to a large for my FF mask (if for no other reason than I have to wear it too tightly to stop leaks, currentl;y).
My masks all have exhaust ports on them - heck, they're built-in leaks. My FF mask also has 2 extra removable plugs for even more ventillation (if I open them up I find it more diffiult to breath in, so I leave them closed). It got me thinking, though... if one has chronic leaks, might not blocking up some (or all) of the built in vents possibly balance the system out? I don't know how much CO2 is of a concern (with no vents) so I'd like feedback before trying this,,, but it seems like a possibility!

FYI, my leaks are tiny and usually happen when I'm rolling about before sleep takes hold (so I can just re-adjust the mask). I've dfound that once I'm out they don't tend to occur... uunless I roll over. In those cases I'm usually aware enough to hear any hiss and I'll play with the mask until it seats properly (then I'm right back to la-la land).

I also feed an old T shirt through the gap above the bridge of my nose to keep ambient light from bothering me (before the mask I'd just drape it over my eyes... the mask actually helps, as it keeps the shirt from falling away!).Last night I experienced no leeaks (that I'm aware of) and I think the slight displacement the shirt is causing to the forehead brace is actually conducive to a better seal. Or maybe it's just me

Just some ideas from a newbie... hopefully there's nothing detrimental in there!.

IZATIRED2 · Post by **IZATIRED2** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:58 pm

OK Regnad

I am glad your therapy is working for you. The extra ports on your mask are for oxygen and as the altitude here is 7000 ft I am probably going to have to use them.

I don't know if you have the Encore software. I just got mine last week and the leak numbers look terrible . AHI s are higher than my sleep study. We only have one DME here and they wouldn't let you try on the masks .
When I changed over to the Swift nasal they didn't have any chin straps
so I ordered one from our Host and received it today. If I can't get the AHI down with the Swift nasal chin strap and duct tape ,I am thinking of getting a Hans Rudolf FF mask.

Talk at ya latter

Thanks
Drew

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:59 pm

Guys.......you might want to check out the tread on the FlexiFit 431.......stuff there on leak stopping.......

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:02 pm

moleskin

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:17 pm

First off the exhuast ports are very necessary. Do not cover them up. And yes there will be small leakage from these. Leak numbers on mine don't always look so good either but I base more on how I feel,

Software is great for getting imformation on what your sleep patterns/data is and to be able to tweak your treatment as needed, but if you are new to this you need to read as much as possible. There are all sorts of tips for mask leaks, reasons for high AHIs, etc.

Drew, just what are you going to tape shut with the duct tape? Could you take videos of it being ripped off and post them? We all like a little humor here now and again

IZATIRED2 · Post by **IZATIRED2** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:36 pm

Yup I wouldn't have to shave for awhile.

Oh, Hi Bonnie
Thanks for the advice . My AHIs are as hi as 17 with a Swift nasal mask and no chin strap because Are local DME didn't have any. I received one today and I am going to use paper tape I think.

Thanks again
Drew

Regnad · Post by **Regnad** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:54 pm

Gotcha, thanks for the reply. Moleskin seems a very good idea BTW... I remember using it on my heel while ice skating -many- years ago.

I never could learn to stop correctly - I'd just run into the boards

Mask

Mask