1st time using a FFM - Requesting Guidance

[Starlette]

Good evening all.

I order a ResMed Ultra Mirage FFM (Standard Small). It arrived today. Now I'm a bit nervous with it.
I have some questions.

1st) Is there anything I need to know about using a FFM as opposed to nasal and pillows?
2nd) Should I have my PR System 1 resistance setting at x1, x2 x3 since it is a larger mask?

I'll start off with these questions for now.

Thanks.
Starlette

PS: All of a sudden I'm getting the heebee jeebees about this

[RandyJ]

I think the most challenging part of a full face mask is getting a good seal, and keeping it all night long. You may have to work at that a bit if it doesn't work out for you the first night.

I can't speak to your machine settings but I'm sure someone will.

Good luck

[cindjo717]

I am new to this but I have been using a FFM for about one week now. All I have noticed is that I put the machine on after I fix the mask on my face. It feels like the machine suctions or something that makes the mask fit better? Could be my imagination. First the therapist had set my resistance to one, but I have had it on 2 for the last few nights, it feels better to me. On one it felt like I had no air somehow. Probably no help but...

[purple]

I have yet to see a chart that suggests resistance settings for a Resmed mask on a PR machine. So I would not set the resistance. The pressure settings are probably already known to you. If you look at the written info that comes with the mask it has a pre-allowed leak rate. The mask manufacturer knows the mask will always leak a little and has a number for that you can compare versus the actual data you can get with a full data capable machine.

The mask will have a little relief pressure that is on where the tube connects to the mask which would allow you to continue to breathe if the power goes out. The mask also has some very small holes that allow air to continuously escape to blow the CO2 away from your face. Both of those are good and need to be there.

Be prepared to have a little frustration and so not let it get to you. Learning how to get the mask to adjust just right for you can be difficult at first, but it well worth the effort. I use a bit of mole skin across the bridge of my nose to keep it from getting sore. It is a bit hard for new comers to get the mask to seal without over tightening it. The masks (and I do not use your mask, but another FFM) usually have an air channel around the edge of the mask that helps to create the seal, If you over tighten the mask, and that air channel gets distorted then one will lose the seal. I have had to stop tightening my mask, loosen up all the straps and start all over again. Sometimes the strap one needs to tighten is on the opposite side of the mask so it will pull evenly. Like if the lower right is leaking, then sometimes I need to tighten the upper left. I also use a little more humidity to help keep the seal tight as the moisture creates a bit of seal in itself. Not so much to cause a rain out of course.

[Starlette]

The next time I see my Dad who wears a FFM mask I'll say, "Pops, I understand now why you felt its so difficult to put on this type of mask. I never knew!"

Just for the short time I've tried wearing it no one on the forum to my recollection has ever stated anything about opening their mouth and having chipmunk cheeks, that is freaky!!! I never expected this to happen.

The other question I have is do you all continue to wear a chinstrap with this?

[chunkyfrog]

I have awakened with the bottom edge of my full face mask in my mouth, and air rushing out that way.

[Starlette]

So after spending an hour adjusting to fit my face (replacing napping mask near sofa), I went upstairs to try it while in bed with main cpap machine. I laid there moving side to side checking it out. An hour later I woke up. Surprised I actually fell asleep with it on. Came to my computer to check data. The leak rate was flawless for that first hour. However, the AHIs were 8.8. I need to figure that out, maybe my nerves using it for the first time. I'm going to wash it before using it for a full night.

[Eureka]

Sounds like it is going to work for you. I hope so. I like my F&P Flexifit 431 -- have been using it for a couple of years. I didn't like taping my mouth with the nasal mask or the pillows. This way I don't use tape or a chin strap, either. Strange about the AHI being high. I don't remember seeing difference between my other masks and when I started using the FFM.
Keep in touch -- I'd be interested in knowing if it serves you better/worse/the same. For me, the FFM is better.

CLW

[ameriken]

So after spending an hour adjusting to fit my face (replacing napping mask near sofa), I went upstairs to try it while in bed with main cpap machine. I laid there moving side to side checking it out. An hour later I woke up. Surprised I actually fell asleep with it on. Came to my computer to check data. The leak rate was flawless for that first hour. However, the AHIs were 8.8. I need to figure that out, maybe my nerves using it for the first time. I'm going to wash it before using it for a full night.

Just an FYI...for some reason if you're mask is going to leak, it seems to happen at around 3, 4, 5 am. I've noticed this myself and I've seen others post about that as well.

[n0hardmask]

Good evening all.
I order a ResMed Ultra Mirage FFM (Standard Small). It arrived today. Now I'm a bit nervous with it...
Thanks.
Starlette
PS: All of a sudden I'm getting the heebee jeebees about this

Starlette, it could be worse.. my first (non-CPAP) FFM was in AF pilot training. Here's a photo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T-37_ ... _pilot.jpg of me (not) wearing it. Notice the nice hard headgear that holds the facemask in place. It's so sturdy it holds a FF-pair-of-shades! Seriously, I only wear a flexible cloth Sleepweaver nasal mask, after seeing my frau work trying to use a FFM as her first mask. I gather it's easier to transition to FFM later, after one has learned some tricks on sealing masks. Good Luck, and safe Flying!

[asylvia]

i would suggest getting a padacheek mask liner. really helped get my leakrate down.

[Starlette]

@nohardmask - I hope you find my response. I got a hoot out of it!!! Had to show my husband when I came home from work today. He told me to tell you (we both say unanimously), "That is fricken cool!!!" *chuckles*, after looking at your photo not a single person can EVER say we feel claustrophobic! If you don't mind me asking, what is your pressure with that mask??? Too funny nohardmask, thank you very much for sharing.

Last night, I cleaned the mask as instructed. Tonight I'll make an attempt to wear it. I'll report tomorrow or Saturday how I how I did.

Starlette

[jabman]

Good evening all.
I order a ResMed Ultra Mirage FFM (Standard Small). It arrived today. Now I'm a bit nervous with it...
Thanks.
Starlette
PS: All of a sudden I'm getting the heebee jeebees about this

Starlette, it could be worse.. my first (non-CPAP) FFM was in AF pilot training. Here's a photo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T-37_ ... _pilot.jpg of me (not) wearing it. Notice the nice hard headgear that holds the facemask in place. It's so sturdy it holds a FF-pair-of-shades! Seriously, I only wear a flexible cloth Sleepweaver nasal mask, after seeing my frau work trying to use a FFM as her first mask. I gather it's easier to transition to FFM later, after one has learned some tricks on sealing masks. Good Luck, and safe Flying!

Nice pic, I also have experience wearing non cpap FFM. I painted for 12 years and often wore this mask:


I have my one year (3 months over due) apt with sleep doc next Tuesday and am leaning towards a FFM.

[Starlette]

@ Jabman - I don't know how people can make a living wearing a mask, I applaud you. I couldn't do it.

Another question. I couldn't find it explained in the booklet, what are the little knobs that are on each side by the lower latches?

[Starlette]

ok, going to bed with the FFM. wish me luck and please send some positive vibes my way.
I'll report later. I'm nervous about this.

Good night everyone.

Starlette