My pressure is so high I can't find a mask to work!

[jbfranks]

I recently had my second sleep study and they said I failed the CPAP and needed a BiPAP because of the pressure I needed. Previously on my CPAP my pressure was a 19. With the new Bipap it is up to a 24. Well since the pressure is so high, I can't find a mask that is comfortable enough for me to sleep because I have to strap it on so tight that it hurts but if I don't the pressure is so high that it leaks everywhere. I have even tried the full face mask, that makes me look like a robot from the movie i-Robot with no luck.

Please help!?

[roster]

What is your age, BMI and physical condition?

What position(s) do you sleep in? Side, tummy, back?

Please fill out your equipment profile (text not image).

Tell us exactly which masks you have tried.

Do you know the answers to the questions below?

Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
by CPAPtalk member rooster

1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?

2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?

3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?

3. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)

4. Is there anything else unusual about the results?

5. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?

6. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?

In addition to the questions:

1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.

2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.

3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.

wiki/index.php/Sleep_study

[Julie]

You said you have "even" tried a full face mask.. well most people on such high pressure have to, but far less tightly than you're doing now (that can be worse than a comfortable fit as new tiny leaks are created when you're sleeping and the mask bunches on your face creating tiny, bent areas. You should use a FF mask, but fitted properly.

[Ruffinit]

My VPAP was running at 18 to 25. The only mask that I was able to use successfully was the Drive or Zzz full face mask. Because it is made of silicone and only has a bit of a frame, it is very flexible and adheres to the face well. I had to use a different headgear (ResMed Liberty Mirage), but after fitting the different headgear and cranking it down, it didn't leave sores on my nose and was actually comfortable for the high pressures. I had to replace it after 4 months because it started leaking, but it worked very well.

[WindFlyer]

I tried the Hans-Rudolph 7600 V2 for a while- it seems to seal very well as a single-piece silicone design, similar to the Zzz mask. My problem was, that although it sealed very well when I was sitting on the couch watching TV, after I laid down to sleep and my face muscles started to relax and contort- it leaked. I can see why HR masks are used for spirometry and O2 threshold testing on the treadmill because when I was awake, I could turn my head any which way but loose and the mask maintained it's seal. It's just when I went to sleep and had my face muscles get all relaxed that it leaked.

But that was my personal experience with it- like others on the board will tell you, everybody's different and you need to find what works for you individually.