APAP + Full Life = Success?

[NoREMs]

A short history: 1.5 months on regular CPAP with a pressure of 16, trying every full face mask known to mankind, and continued problems with leaks, leaks, leaks that woke me up. I was sleeping worse on CPAP than off it.

Doctor switched me to APAP about a week and a half ago and I've been using it with the Fisher & Paykel Flexi-Fit. The APAP definitely made an improvement but I wasn't entirely happy with the F & P due to the under-chin design which made me feel like I couldn't fully open my mouth. I was also having some seal issues which may be due to the fact that the mask is a loaner, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, my DME finally got the Full Life mask in and I went and picked it up yesterday afternoon. She warned me that the people who had tried it so far had mixed results, especially people who used the large size and had eye leak issues because the top of the mask tended to cantilever outwards. She also warned about the weird way you have to put it on and the potential difficulty in taking it off. Duly warned, I took a small mask home to try.

I didn't find it all that difficult to put on or adjust (a bit different from your run-of-the-mill one, but OK). I really like the way it "floats" on your face, much more so than the others I've tried. No pressure on the bridge of my nose at all, and no awkward forehead piece, yay! It's lightweight and doesn't go under your chin. I had no problem having my mouth open when necessary, which was good because I have a cold right now! I had fewer leaks during the night than with ANY of the other masks I tried (basically small side leaks when I moved from one side to the other, which were easily adjusted away). The best part was that I had ABSOLUTELY NO EYE LEAKS!!! (This alone is enough to sell me!) I also liked the quick hose release when I needed to get up to use the bathroom.

In short, this is the best mask that I've tried, and I think I've tried them all!

I finally feel like this therapy will actually work for me and am much less discouraged than I have been. It still takes some adjusting but it feels good to finally feel positive.

Thanks to all who have offered encouragement and advice!
Shari

[Section1]

I'm glad you found something that will work for you. Finding the right mask can be a challenge but worth the search as you know. Good luck with your therapy.