I've begun wearing a full mask that covers my nose and mouth and doing BiPAP because with CPAP using just a nasal mask my numbers didn't improve. I've only worn the full mask three times (not counting at two sleep studies) and I've not yet made it three hours. Once, I gave up after 2 1/2 hours because I had appointments the next day, needed my wits about me, and hadn't slept yet. The other two nights I slept, waked, slept, and waked, and after the second waking found the pressure from the mask intolerable. Once the pressure had raised a nasty red welt high on my cheek near my nose, though the redness was gone by morning. The other time the pain was where the mask pressed on the bridge of my nose, which still felt tender 24 hours later. Is this normal? And should I try to ignore it unless sores develop? Will my skin toughen? Unfortunately, while I can get the mask off, because of other problems there is no way for me to take it off, rest, and put it back on. Wearing the mask less tight causes the mask to leak and the leaking seems prohibitively loud. Thnx.
Will my face mask soon hurt less?
I'm very new to CPAP stuff so please keep that in mind when reading this.
I've been using a FF Mask for a little over a month now and it's been an up and down ride.
For about the first week the mask drove me nuts. Then either it, or I, settled down and it became comfortable. The last few days it's driving me nuts again.
It might help those that really understand the process better if you posted info on the mask you're using, and the preasure of your PAP perscript.
Best luck to you. I hope it all works out to your benifit soonest.
v/r
damac100
I've been using a FF Mask for a little over a month now and it's been an up and down ride.
For about the first week the mask drove me nuts. Then either it, or I, settled down and it became comfortable. The last few days it's driving me nuts again.
It might help those that really understand the process better if you posted info on the mask you're using, and the preasure of your PAP perscript.
Best luck to you. I hope it all works out to your benifit soonest.
v/r
damac100
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rested gal
- Posts: 12880
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
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twistedcherokee
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Sun May 01, 2005 9:38 pm
- Location: Falcon co
I have been using a FF(Comfortfull) since I started 9 months ago. The first mask was a medium, then I traded it in for a large because the membrane portion tore(not sure why since I had loosened it from the first few times that I wore it). I think if I get another one it will be the med again. The large seems to leak no matter what. Loose, tight. made no difference. The med I found that it sealed if it was a little loose. If it is making marks, I would say it is to tight or the wrong size. I just got an Oracle II and am giving it a chance. I may get another FF since mine was falling apart. Not sure the Oracle will work with a sinus problem. I know you don't breath with your nose, but the drainage and or sneezing or coughing.
Toby
Toby
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Coach
I'll take the subjects one at a time.
Jess--I remember you too. The pressures are 15/11. I switched from the nasal mask because I knew I was still mouth-breathing and because my overnight oxymetry remained about what it was when I was simply adding oxygen through a nasal canula. (When I remove my face mask now, as I again did last night, I am left using nothing.) I switched to BiPAP, I think, because I was told to, though the reasoning was probably given. I've been fine. My chess game improved markedly once I dropped CPAP and was sleeping better.
Rested--I'm home alone right now but when someone else shows up I'll check on the mask specifics and post them. I remember you too, trust you're well and relatively rested.
Cherokee--I think I must have the top strap on too tight. Last night I was determined but removed the mask after less than two hours because the pain really felt like a warning of real damage. Too, this board is lively, and the absence of me-too replies leads me to infer I'm doing something plain wrong. If I were able to loosen and tighten the straps myself the problem I'm having might be easily solved. Since the mask is put on me and I'm then left alone it'll take longer, but I've reason to hope it'll work out.
Jess--I remember you too. The pressures are 15/11. I switched from the nasal mask because I knew I was still mouth-breathing and because my overnight oxymetry remained about what it was when I was simply adding oxygen through a nasal canula. (When I remove my face mask now, as I again did last night, I am left using nothing.) I switched to BiPAP, I think, because I was told to, though the reasoning was probably given. I've been fine. My chess game improved markedly once I dropped CPAP and was sleeping better.
Rested--I'm home alone right now but when someone else shows up I'll check on the mask specifics and post them. I remember you too, trust you're well and relatively rested.
Cherokee--I think I must have the top strap on too tight. Last night I was determined but removed the mask after less than two hours because the pain really felt like a warning of real damage. Too, this board is lively, and the absence of me-too replies leads me to infer I'm doing something plain wrong. If I were able to loosen and tighten the straps myself the problem I'm having might be easily solved. Since the mask is put on me and I'm then left alone it'll take longer, but I've reason to hope it'll work out.
Hi Coach,
It would also be my guess that if you're getting pressure marks and pain from the mask, it's too tight.....and might be a little too low if it's hurting the bridge of your nose.
Good luck and have a Happy New Year.
Den
It would also be my guess that if you're getting pressure marks and pain from the mask, it's too tight.....and might be a little too low if it's hurting the bridge of your nose.
Good luck and have a Happy New Year.
Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
Coach,
I am relatively new to CPAP Therapy and as we have read many time on this forum that getting the right mask is the most important.
I also use the same FF mask that you are using and I too get the soreness on the bridge of my nose - very sore. I have switched on and off with the Activa nasal mask but I also have difficulty fitting that comfortably. Last night I switched masks in the middle of the night.
For the FF mask, I am using a large-shallow interface and it fits well as long as the pressure is less than 12. Above that, the mask needs to be very tight to stop the leaks. I have tried putting tape and some Ayr gel over the sore area and it helps a little but not nearly enough. I like the FF mask but it is frustrating with the pressure point on the bridge of the nose. I've tried adjusting it loose, tight, medium, every wihch way except upside down (not that's a thought ). If you figure a way to make the mask more comfortable at the higher pressures please let us know.
I will next try the headrest (Aura) which I expect to receive any day now. I can see how fellow hose heads tend to accumulate masks.
Well, we keep on trying -
I am relatively new to CPAP Therapy and as we have read many time on this forum that getting the right mask is the most important.
I also use the same FF mask that you are using and I too get the soreness on the bridge of my nose - very sore. I have switched on and off with the Activa nasal mask but I also have difficulty fitting that comfortably. Last night I switched masks in the middle of the night.
For the FF mask, I am using a large-shallow interface and it fits well as long as the pressure is less than 12. Above that, the mask needs to be very tight to stop the leaks. I have tried putting tape and some Ayr gel over the sore area and it helps a little but not nearly enough. I like the FF mask but it is frustrating with the pressure point on the bridge of the nose. I've tried adjusting it loose, tight, medium, every wihch way except upside down (not that's a thought ). If you figure a way to make the mask more comfortable at the higher pressures please let us know.
I will next try the headrest (Aura) which I expect to receive any day now. I can see how fellow hose heads tend to accumulate masks.
Well, we keep on trying -
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sleepylady
- Posts: 203
- Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:42 am
Coach,
I used the Ultra Mirage FF Mask in the beginning, however, I had too many leaks to make it work. At the time my pressure was a 14. Waking up to rude sounds coming from my face was very irritating. I have heard the F&P 431 ff mask is a good one. I tried it, but it didn't seem to work for me. I didn't have a lot of air leaks, but it seemed I just wasn't getting as much air as I needed to. It was a comfortable mask, though the exhaust port kind of whistled.
Good luck,
Melinda
I used the Ultra Mirage FF Mask in the beginning, however, I had too many leaks to make it work. At the time my pressure was a 14. Waking up to rude sounds coming from my face was very irritating. I have heard the F&P 431 ff mask is a good one. I tried it, but it didn't seem to work for me. I didn't have a lot of air leaks, but it seemed I just wasn't getting as much air as I needed to. It was a comfortable mask, though the exhaust port kind of whistled.
Good luck,
Melinda
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sapphireskye
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:22 pm
- Location: Colorado
- Contact:
I am waiting for a Hans Rudolph
I have been using the Ultra Mirage FF mask and it hurts my face wherever it is. If it is loose then I get too many leaks, if it is snug, I get pressure sores. I am sick and tired of this thing. But, everyone has their experience, and this is supposed to be one of the best masks.
I hope you find something for you
God bless
Chelle
I hope you find something for you
God bless
Chelle
I'm using the Ultra Mirage FF mask also - small standard. It took me quite a time to get it working right, but now I can get a good seal most nights. I know one key is to turn it on and adjust it while lying on your pillow, like you sleep. I have my machine on the floor where I can reach to push the button while laying on my pillow. I let the air come in and puff out the cushion - I was squishing it, and that actually creates leaks. I sometimes have to turn off and on the machine several times - though not much lately. Then, I added an extra step. I have a chinstrap that didn't work for keeping me from mouth breathing LOL - I put it over the mask, just below the exhaust ports, and fasten above my head. That seems to give it just that little bit of extra stability.
On the nose soreness - I did have a time at first - had to use my Breeze nasal pillows and tape my mouth for a couple weeks to let the nose fully heal, then went back to the Ultra Mirage and not tightening so hard. I still have a little soreness on occasion but no marks/pain that lasts beyond the first 1/2 hour or so after waking. One of the keys is the forehead adjustment - if you can loosen it up without eye leaks, that really helps. Moleskin to pad can also help until you get used to it.
I have heard that higher pressures cause more problems with leaks - I'm at 10, so not that high where it's a problem.
I know it's frustrating - I was ready to give up, as the nasal pillows just didn't work for me - no matter how much Ayr gel I slathered on, just too painful. The FF mask is working for me now - sleeping through the night with no problems. So, hang in there, don't give up, keep tweaking - and hopefully you'll find the "sweet spot"!
Karen
On the nose soreness - I did have a time at first - had to use my Breeze nasal pillows and tape my mouth for a couple weeks to let the nose fully heal, then went back to the Ultra Mirage and not tightening so hard. I still have a little soreness on occasion but no marks/pain that lasts beyond the first 1/2 hour or so after waking. One of the keys is the forehead adjustment - if you can loosen it up without eye leaks, that really helps. Moleskin to pad can also help until you get used to it.
I have heard that higher pressures cause more problems with leaks - I'm at 10, so not that high where it's a problem.
I know it's frustrating - I was ready to give up, as the nasal pillows just didn't work for me - no matter how much Ayr gel I slathered on, just too painful. The FF mask is working for me now - sleeping through the night with no problems. So, hang in there, don't give up, keep tweaking - and hopefully you'll find the "sweet spot"!
Karen
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| Additional Comments: Breeze nasal pillows | ||||
Smile - it makes people wonder what you're up to!
Titrated pressure 10, just got auto CPAP using 8 - 12 range
Titrated pressure 10, just got auto CPAP using 8 - 12 range
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Severeena
- Posts: 821
- Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:54 pm
- Location: 907 Main Street, Union Grove, WI 53182
- Contact:
Hi Coach have you tried the Hans Rudolph Full face mask?
You need to contact the Hans Rudolph people for a caliper to get the correct fit.
It will work with any machine.
The new headgear should be out to all DME's in one to two weeks.
My husband has the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask and has not slept since he started using it because of all the obscene noises.
I ordered the HR for him and he doesn't know it is coming. He does little things for me so I decided to do something nice for him.
You need to contact the Hans Rudolph people for a caliper to get the correct fit.
It will work with any machine.
The new headgear should be out to all DME's in one to two weeks.
My husband has the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask and has not slept since he started using it because of all the obscene noises.
I ordered the HR for him and he doesn't know it is coming. He does little things for me so I decided to do something nice for him.
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Sharon
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not until thine own understanding ..... Proverbs 3:5-
Not all Masks work for everyone. Each Person is Different.
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Coach
Thanks for all the answers. I took Sunday night off and caught up on my sleep and then last night loosened the upper strap that I thought might simply have been too tight. I thought the looser strap might make the mask leak but it seemed not to. I left the lower strap as tight as it had been.
I'm doing BiPAP 15/11. With BiPAP the higher number is the pressure on inhalations, the lower on exhalations. When I first had it prescribed I wondered how the BiPAP would be synchronized with my own breathing pattern.
I waked several times in the night last night but was remarkably comfortable. When I waked at 6:45 A.M. I dozed. Overnight the mask had been quiet and by morning my breathing pattern had synchronized with the machine and I had no sore spots on my face. Hallef*ckinglujiah. I had pretty much decided this would never work and I'd have to take my chances. I've new hope now. I assume tonight won't be as good, but that's just the kind of guy I am. Today I had my aide measure the length of the straps I used last night, so if they come undone I'll know what worked.
Thnx again and good luck.
I'm doing BiPAP 15/11. With BiPAP the higher number is the pressure on inhalations, the lower on exhalations. When I first had it prescribed I wondered how the BiPAP would be synchronized with my own breathing pattern.
I waked several times in the night last night but was remarkably comfortable. When I waked at 6:45 A.M. I dozed. Overnight the mask had been quiet and by morning my breathing pattern had synchronized with the machine and I had no sore spots on my face. Hallef*ckinglujiah. I had pretty much decided this would never work and I'd have to take my chances. I've new hope now. I assume tonight won't be as good, but that's just the kind of guy I am. Today I had my aide measure the length of the straps I used last night, so if they come undone I'll know what worked.
Thnx again and good luck.