Hello there...

[sopor]

Just stopping by to say hello.

Thanks for this great resource.
Just starting the journey and will be on research and learning mode for quite a while, I'll bet.

[MrsRinPDX]

Hello sopor and welcome to the forum!

Where are you in your journey? Newly diagnosed? Have you done a sleep study? Do you have a machine and mask yet?

Just curious,
MrsRinPDX

[Sheriff Buford]

Howdy!!

Sheriff

[greatunclebill]

Welcome to the forum
from the other L.A. (Lower Alabama) Roll Tide

[sopor]

heh. Thanks all!

Yep. Just diagnosed by clinic with an overnight take-home gizmo (52.4 AHI) at age 73. (I have a feeling that this condition has been an issue with me for over 50 years, but -- better late than never...) Started that day with a ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and brought it right down to an average (last week) of 1.38 AHI.

But the FFM is a tough rascal to deal with. Occasionally leaks big time, hurts like crazy, AND I've got face marks in the morning. I tried the tutorials, videos, suggestions, etc. - but can't apply it gently enough to stop the leaks.

I've got a review-your-mask appointment next week, so we'll see.....

[MrsRinPDX]

You are in good company. Getting a proper fit on the mask is often a challenge especially on higher pressures. I have found it gets easier with practice.

[ajack]

You may need another mask that fits the shape of your face better?
till then, loosen the top straps till it leaks really bad, then just nip it up a bit, I can get the width of two fingers between the hard bit and my nose. the cushion is quite thick. then adjust the bottom straps and repeat the same with the top straps again, The straps aren't to tighten it against your face, it is to stop the mask from blowing off your face. the cushion seals the air
looser is often better.

try this, loosen all the straps and hold the mask by the hose connection and press on to face. move the pressure harder and softer, pushing in circles to sit the mask. there is a mask fit function on the machine that blows higher pressure. see if you can get a comfortable seal this way first. it will help decide if you have the wrong mask and nothing will fix it.

[sopor]

Thanks, ajack!
I tried that suggestion and it started out super, but it reached the point where even the tiniest movement or face twitch caused a major leak?! I'm restless as heck and I feel like my face is so super wide that the mid-frame part of the mask is too narrow if I move?!

I wouldn't be so paranoid, but the AHI crept up from under 2 to 8 last night?! Maybe just a bad night. (Had a nightmare.)

I've also tried that tutorial "How to achieve the perfect mask fit - GUARANTEED!" found elsewhere. No luck but I press on!

I'm going to listen (with guarded optimism) to what the clinic has to say Wednesday. I wonder if a simple switch to a AirTouch F20 cushion would help? (30-day pricing notwithstanding)

[MrsRinPDX]

I wonder if a simple switch to a AirTouch F20 cushion would help? (30-day pricing notwithstanding)

It may, as others find the fit improved. There is only one way to find out, try it!

I didn't find that big of an improvement, so I went back to the AirFit F20 cushion simply because it is easier to clean. The AirTouch F20 cushion and the AirFit F20 cushion are interchangeable (you don't need to buy the headgear twice). You can't use soap and water on the AirTouch however, it will destroy the foam. You wipe it gently with a CPAP wipe daily and replace it in 30 days. (And absolutely no SoClean machine with the AirTouch cushion either, if you own one).

[nicholasjh1]

many people with odd face shapes resort to a nasal interface mask like the one on my profile. Though we usually have to wear chin straps, and possibly something to cover the mouth (a wide cloth head band for me).