Just switched to full face - need help

[lovemyapap]

After 6 years theyve decided to stop making my nasal mask but its just as well Im a mouth leaker/breather and really hate wearing the chin strap and all the side effects that come with it. So Ive decided to buck up and switch to a full face knowing Ill eventually get use to it. It fits great and my first few night my main problem was itches lol. This was good news since it will pass. Well I seem to be getting increasingly more and more problems. The problems Im stuggling with right now are;
~Dry, aching, stuffy sinuses: I have my humidifier full to the line and fully cranked, I tried adding saline sinus spray before bed which did nothing for me either. My sinuses seem to swell shut usually just one or the other. Hours after I awake it goes away.
~Leaks: I think the leaks are increasing due to cranking the humidifier - maybe the moisture is upsetting my seal? Although its not like Im noticing alot of moisture either?? - With my nasal pillows itd fill up with water in there if I accidentally cranked. Of course since my mask is leaking thats probably why Im not getting a good humidity build up maybe?? Anyhow the mask depending on how Im laying (I sleep all positions) leaks in different spots. When I first go to bed I have no leaks. I either leak into my eyes or at my chin. Once a leak occurs I struggle the rest of the night to get a good seal - even if I take off and put back on it seems to continue. The mask fit so well at first - Im washing it with Ivory? ANy suggestion how to get a better seal? Ive adjusted straps loser and tighter with no avail either. Sometimes just the top or bottom aiming for a balance, or both ......nothing works.
Thanks in Advance for any suggestions.

[Mary Z]

I can't tell from the photo what FFM you are using, it might not be the right one for you. An old trick is to use Macks Silicone Ear Plugs and roll them into a string about the size of a pencil and apply around the perimeter of the mask just before you put it on.
This has to be repeated nightly (I removed the silicone and rolled into a ball and placed in an airproof container and was able to use the same earplugs many times). I'm sure you have also read about the pads for the masks made by Pad-a-Cheek, Quietus, and RemZzzs- these may also help with leaks.

[lovemyapap]

Its the Quattro FX if you click on it, it tells more details. Thanks for responding Ill have to look into that.

[Pugsy]

Adding an anti leak strap might help mask stability for later in the night leaks which could be from skin oils, moisture or simply higher pressures with the APAP.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html
Or even a mask liner.

Your nasal congestion might possibly be from too much humidity. Some people do better with less added moisture from the humidifier. Since you are using the highest setting, perhaps a reduction will help with congestion. If you have already tried this..just disregard.

[jabman]

I second pugsy's suggestion on lowering the humidity level.
I just tried the same mask as you for 2 weeks and got frustrated with it so went back to the nasel mask (with chin strap) setup I was using. I could not get the FFM to work even with a mask liner. Maybe it is the wrong mask for you, I suggest giving the mask 2 weeks and trying what you can to get it to work and if it fails then getting a nother FFM to try. Since my DME only allows one mask exchange, I will look into the Mask Trial Program to find a FFM that works for me.

[RandyJ]

I second Pugsy on the anti-leak strap from Padacheek, which I have used together with mask liner from Padacheek. These 2 products together were the only thing that worked with my Mirage Quattro full face mask (similar to your Quattro FX). If you want to make the mask work, they (mask liner + anti leak strap) are a good investment.

Good luck.

[Janknitz]

I have some fitting tips for the Mirage Quattro on my blog (see my signature below) and they will work on any type of air cushion mask, including the Quattro FX.

HOWEVER, I could not keep a seal on the Quattro FX--I think my face is just the wrong shape, and there was just too much leaking straight into my eyes. I continue to use a Mirage Quattro, I do have some leaks in the chin area, but that doesn't bother me as much. I just snuggle my face into the pillow and that usually takes care of things--I'm mostly a side sleeper.

I love having the Padacheek liner--it's like snuggling your face into a soft blanket, and it does help with the seal. OTOH, I used an anti-leak strap for a while, but started having a lot of jaw pain which I realized was a result of cranking down on that anti-leak strap. The jaw pain went away when I stopped using it. I was thinking I had some expensive dental work in my future! If you try the strap, don't crank down too hard!

[DoriC]

Do you fit your mask at max pressure when you first mask up? Are you using a bed pillow that can accomodate the FF mask, like a contour memory foam or one with side cut-outs? I also agree with experimenting with HH settings.

[DreamDiver]

Adding an anti leak strap might help mask stability for later in the night leaks which could be from skin oils, moisture or simply higher pressures with the APAP.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html
Or even a mask liner.

Your nasal congestion might possibly be from too much humidity. Some people do better with less added moisture from the humidifier. Since you are using the highest setting, perhaps a reduction will help with congestion. If you have already tried this..just disregard.

Pugsy nailed it. You might need less humidifier heat too.