newbie with ultra mirage ffm questions

[reefdreamer]

Hello,
I have had my cpap for a little over a week and have some questions about my ultra mirage mask. I first started out with a size small as advised by the dme compay but using it for a few nights I developed such bad pain at the bridge of my nose that I pulled the mask off before morning. So now I have a medium and have not used it yet because I am unsure if it is too large or not. When I put it on the bottom of the mask is almost but not quite to the bottom of my chin and the head rest is quite alot up on my forehead. I also have been waking up with my mask full of I guess drool from mouth breathing. I lowered the humidity and that did not help. Can anything be done about this wet mess in my mask. I wake up several times due to the wetness.
Thanks,
Jen

[Rico_B]

Jen,

welcome to the world of apnea. Mask problems are probably the single most common set of problems people experience. Pain on or around the bridge of the nose is also, unfortunately, common.

Couple of things. First, regarding your small sized mask: the ultra mirage is (allegedly) designed so that you don't need to pull it too tightly over your face/nose. Try loosening the straps, and, especially, try altering the angle of impact against your nose. The angle of impact is adjusted by the little button in the center of the arch that couples the mask proper with the two forehead pads above. Between the upper and lower mask tighteners (that is, the upper and lower velcro straps) and the nose adjustment button, there are a variety of fitting options. Play around with them, in particular, try to find a fitting where the mask doesn't leak but also doesn't feel like it's being squished against your face.

Next, if that fails, don't be afraid to try the medium sized mask. If it's too large, it'll leak all over the place, particularly around the lower edges near the straps, and around the nose. Again, futz around with the sizing/settings on the medium size too.

Next, if you absolutely cannot get a fit with either size, request a different mask. In all honesty, what i've done is: used cpap.com and especially cpapauction.com to purchase (on my own dime, unfortunately) a variety of different masks.

Finally, about the moisture in the mask. It's possible that it's drool, but I suspect otherwise (typically, when you wear a ffm and you open your mouth, you get a lot of air blowing INTO your mouth, which tends to dry your mouth out, as opposed to causing drool or wetness). As a test, turn the humidifier all the way off. Don't use it at all, no water, nothing, and see if you still get moisture in the mask.

Best,

Rico_b

[gasp]

Sometimes a new mask takes a bit to get used to - and sometimes it's just not right for you.

My DME works with their ResMed representative and had a mask that didn't work out for me replaced under ResMed warranty. Perhaps they will for you too. You've only had it a week. Did a respiratory therapist fit it for you at the DME?

[jhurst747]

I despise any mask that doesn't feature an under-the-chin design such as Fisher & Paykel or Hans Rudolph. Try out one of those brands and you may end up finding what you're looking for.

[reefdreamer]

Thanks for the advise. Last night I tried the medium and it was way to big...I could fit my whole chin in it. So I went back to the small and tore it off at 1:30 pm. I did turn the humity down to 1 and the mask was much drier but I just could not sleep in the darn thing. My dme company is probably about to ring my neck already because I tried the mirage swift already and my nose was too stuffed up and I could not use it. I will try one with the chin piece and hope it works better.
Jen

[gasp]

Thanks for the advise. Last night I tried the medium and it was way to big...I could fit my whole chin in it. So I went back to the small and tore it off at 1:30 pm. I did turn the humity down to 1 and the mask was much drier but I just could not sleep in the darn thing. My dme company is probably about to ring my neck already because I tried the mirage swift already and my nose was too stuffed up and I could not use it. I will try one with the chin piece and hope it works better.
Jen

In my opinion, it is the DMEs job to get you anything you need for successful therapy. They are a business though and have to supply according to your willingness to pay or your insurance company's payments.

Mask warranty: I picked a DME that has a good relationship with their manufacturers. They know how to use the manufacturer's warranty such as Respironics and ResMed. There may be other manufacturers that warranty. This warranty allows them to swap out your mask for another style in that manufacturer's line.

Make certain if your DME does take warranty return mask, that they then don't bill your insurance. When you return your mask for another, get a document showing they received the return. This way if they bill your insurance, you'll have proof you returned it and get them to back out the billing so your insurance doesn't have to pay for the returned mask and you don't have a copay.

The equation is a willing DME + your knowledge and initiate = success.

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, Jen! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and SO many helpful people here!

The UMFF is my primary mask, but, if adjusted properly, it shouldn't put too much pressure on the bridge of your nose. There is an adjustment button for the forehead support piece, so moving that a notch or two should take care of the pressure on your nose. Good luck!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[reefdreamer]

Should the bottom of the mask sit just under my lip or should it actually be lower. I am still battling with this mask. The dme has ordered me a few more to try but they won't arrive till next week. The medium feels alot more comfortable but it just seems the top of the headpeice is way far up on my forehead. I will try it and adjust it more. With the small mask I even put a bandaid on my nose and it is still killing me. I ordered a pad a cheek nosebridge thingy to see if it helps. Should the bottom of the mask go almost to the bottom of your chin? This is so frustrating!
Jen

[lookin4sleep]

Should the bottom of the mask sit just under my lip or should it actually be lower. I am still battling with this mask. ... . Should the bottom of the mask go almost to the bottom of your chin? This is so frustrating!
Jen

Jen, you are right, this _is_ frustrating, and we all just keep at it until we get it right or at least functional! I have this mask and like it, but masks and fit are extremely personal and persnickety. Nevertheless, mask fit will make all the difference, some people think more than machine choice! For fitting, this mask fits me 1/2 way between my bottom lip and chin, in that dent above my chin-bone. On my forehead, it fits kind of high, but that doesn't cause too many problems. When you get the mask on, try pulling it away from your face and letting it settle back onto your face, that may seat it a bit better. This mask and many others are designed so that the plastic edge that touches your face, is supposed to fill up with air and sort of balloon out, making the fit more comfortable. Check and see that your straps are loose enough to let that happen.

With the small mask I even put a bandaid on my nose and it is still killing me. I ordered a pad a cheek nosebridge thingy to see if it helps

My thinking is, if the mask or device gives you actual pain, change it, but I know many people here are not of that opinion, just trying different things that solve the pain.

The medium feels alot more comfortable but it just seems the top of the headpeice is way far up on my forehead.

Sometimes it helps to wear the mask while you are reading, watching TV, etc, so you become used to the "weirdness" and it feels more comfortable. It may also help to hook it up and actually use the machine, if you feel strange with that. The only down-side is, it will fit differently when you are laying down, so this doesn't help the fitting wars. Have you considered a nasal mask or nasal prongs/pillows? These only cover the nose (nasal mask), or sit on the face and supply air to the nose (prongs/pillows). They have different advantages and disadvantages, and lots of people like them. There are many options, so try not to let the frustration keep you from making a good adjustment. It takes time, but it will work out!

Chris