Help Please! Need Feedback from TOTAL Facemask Users

[kerriberri]

Hi, Guys:

Is anyone out there using a TOTAL facemask (like either of these at cpap.com: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/total-f ... p-mask.php )?

My husband has a high, narrow bridge and the full facemasks are causing an ulceration. Nasal pillows are OUT (deviated septum) and a conversation with the pulmonologist on Friday was that therapy is working well, BUT the HARDEST PEOPLE TO FIT are those with HIGH BRIDGES.

Looking through the reviews at CPAP.com, it looks like quite a few people (even side sleepers) are relatively happy with these masks and one fellow even is using it successfully with a pressure of 16.

Just thought I'd ask if any of you guys/gals use these & what you think. In several of the reviews, people noted that they wished they had tried the total face mask years earlier. We were discouraged from taking this route by someone who said it wasn't good at higher pressures (husband's just at 12, which I understand to be an average pressure).

I don't think my husband could bear a hybrid due to the nasal/nostril issue and the oral mask sounds like something he'd rebel against with every fiber of his being : ) .

The full face Amara works, but for the ulceration of the nose, which is really making life hard for him right now. We have not yet tried a pad-a-cheek with that mask (have to wait till the nose heals).

So, I'm pleading: anyone out there have experience with the Total face mask they'd be willing to share? Thanks!

[kaiasgram]

This thread should help: viewtopic/t81151/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80 ... ce#p733279

[kerriberri]

Thank you, kaiasgram -- great thread! That answers a few questions & it does look like people are having some success with this. Thanks again!

[kaiasgram]

Thank you, kaiasgram -- great thread! That answers a few questions & it does look like people are having some success with this. Thanks again!

'welcome!

[purple]

Patient might try to put a bit of "Mole Skin" on the bridge of the nose. This is a totally synthetic product which is sticky like tape on one side, and a soft furry side made of - well synthetic. You can find this in the foot care section of supermarkets, pharmacies. You cut out the amount in the size and shape you desire off of a small sheet.

I now use a "FitLife" total face mask. While the manufacturer says, "not for side sleepers," I sleep on my side just fine. The manufacturer is covering his liability, while it is obvious to all that almost no sleep apnea patients sleep on their back.

The FitLife mask has a huge intentional leak rate, to clear all the CO2 from under dead space on the mask. It is extremely important that you do not obstruct the air coming out from around the central space. Notice the flapper valve, make sure it is the right position before going to sleep. I get some air which leaks through that area as well.

Often, in the outside frame of the mask seal, if I have a leak, it will make a farting noise which is quite distinctive. I think of it as an auto alarm.

One of the big reasons this mask works for me is that my face is larger on one side than the other.

I would think that some who have an extreme fear of having something over their face, would have problems with this mask. You might turn the air on before putting the mask on. There is something reassuring in having to fight the air pressure to get it to stop leaking, The patient feels very sure this thing is not going to suffocate him.

[kerriberri]

The FitLife mask has a huge intentional leak rate, to clear all the CO2 from under dead space on the mask. It is extremely important that you do not obstruct the air coming out from around the central space. Notice the flapper valve, make sure it is the right position before going to sleep. I get some air which leaks through that area as well.

Thank you for the info; that was actually one thing hubby was wondering about (accumulation of CO2). He's just having SUCH a hard time with the nose/bridge issue, it seems this or a fabric-type mask may be his only viable options. Thank you again for the info!

[archangle]

An oral (mouth only) mask is also another possibility. No nose involvement at all.

They may dry your mouth and throat out and can be tough getting used to.

[kerriberri]

An oral (mouth only) mask is also another possibility. No nose involvement at all. They may dry your mouth and throat out and can be tough getting used to.

Thank you for the suggestion; definitely worth exploring that option.

[chunkyfrog]

As of this writing, we are still waiting for a full face fabric mask.
Some of us 'canardly' stand waiting any longer.

[kaiasgram]

I brought a fit life home from my sleep study a few weeks ago and tried it out for the first time last night (never needed it in the lab). It was such a fiasco that it was comical. I tried every which way to stop the leaks around my lower cheeks. The mask farting was so ferocious it sounded like machine gun fire. I finally gave up. I wonder if a pad a cheek liner would stop the leaks but it's hard to imagine that would solve the problem (I have slightly sunken in cheeks). Another possibility is that this particular mask was used to the point where it can't keep a seal -- the tech said they sterilize masks after patients use them in the sleep lab, and reuse them for sleep studies. Any additional suggestions for making this thing work?

[Sheriff Buford]

My issues (septum and nose bridge) are idenical to your husband's. PM me and I will send him a spare. He can try it out a few nights to see if he will like it. Sheriff

[kerriberri]

Patient might try to put a bit of "Mole Skin" on the bridge of the nose. This is a totally synthetic product which is sticky like tape on one side, and a soft furry side made of - well synthetic. You can find this in the foot care section of supermarkets, pharmacies. You cut out the amount in the size and shape you desire off of a small sheet.

Thank you for the tip; we'll try that, too : )

[mellabella]

I've tried $1000+ worth of different masks and I liked the FitLife immediately after trying it on a lark (for free on an overnight). I have sensitive skin, don't like a lot of things on my face, found the nasal ones painful or irritating (and I mouthbreathe) and the full face ones were serviceable but were leaving marks that lasted half the day, irritating the bridge of my nose, leaking below the cheek bones (I have an angular face) and breaking down my naso-labial folds prematurely (yes, I'm a little vain).

Make sure you get the right size. I actually ended up with an XL:
viewtopic/t81441/REPORT-The-Fitlife-Tot ... ition.html

[kerriberri]

I've tried $1000+ worth of different masks and I liked the FitLife immediately after trying it on a lark (for free on an overnight). I have sensitive skin, don't like a lot of things on my face, found the nasal ones painful or irritating (and I mouthbreathe) and the full face ones were serviceable but were leaving marks that lasted half the day, irritating the bridge of my nose, leaking below the cheek bones (I have an angular face) and breaking down my naso-labial folds prematurely (yes, I'm a little vain).

Make sure you get the right size. I actually ended up with an XL:
viewtopic/t81441/REPORT-The-Fitlife-Tot ... ition.html

Thank you for the info mellabella.

Everything we've heard so far has been quite encouraging & thanks to the kindness of a special person here on the forum (hope they'll PM me to say it's OK to post their screen name), hubby will be trying one out later this week.

[Sheriff Buford]

[
Everything we've heard so far has been quite encouraging & thanks to the kindness of a special person here on the forum (hope they'll PM me to say it's OK to post their screen name), hubby will be trying one out later this week.

It's ok... hope it works out well!!

Sheriff