I started to use my cpap for the first time last night and everytime I turned to my side I would get a leak around my eye area and my mouth. How can I correct this? I feel that the head gear is tight enough. I got fustrated with it so I just took it off and didn't bother using it. This sight is great.
Amy
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4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
I am not a full face mask user, but it would help us help you if you could describe how you were fitted with that particular mask and what size it is. Fixing the problem could be as simple as adjusting the headgear differently or getting a different size of cushion, or it could require a whole new mask.
/TCW
Breathing is a very good thing!!!
Breathing is a very good thing!!!
You may want to upgrade from the Res-Med Mirage series 2 full face mask to the Res-Med UltraMirage full face mask. That would be a step in the right direction based on what I've heard about the series 2 although I can't say from personal experience that the series 2 is to be avoided altogether.
Usually the leakiness when you turn on your side comes from the mask hitting against the pillow and therefore getting pushed slightly ajar. The key with a mask covering the nose and mouth (the best way to go IMHO) is to position your head on the pillow so that your face (and your mask) kind-of hang over the edge of the pillow and the mask won't be pushed off by it.
The key is practice when you're a new mask-breather. When I first started I found it was extremely helpful to strap on the mask and start the machine for a while as I was sitting watching TV before I went to the bedroom the first night. That was a wonderful way to get acclimated to the difference in pressure that I would be experiencing. Another thing to practice alot in your case is position in bed. Different positions give different results. Also, don't be afraid if you get a small leak to sort-of fidget with the mask position on your face until the leak goes away. Sometimes this happens more than once a night with me and it doesn't take very much and I drop right back to sleep after I give the mask a little push.
As everyone will tell you- hang in there! Mask breathing sleep is the best kind there is!!
Usually the leakiness when you turn on your side comes from the mask hitting against the pillow and therefore getting pushed slightly ajar. The key with a mask covering the nose and mouth (the best way to go IMHO) is to position your head on the pillow so that your face (and your mask) kind-of hang over the edge of the pillow and the mask won't be pushed off by it.
The key is practice when you're a new mask-breather. When I first started I found it was extremely helpful to strap on the mask and start the machine for a while as I was sitting watching TV before I went to the bedroom the first night. That was a wonderful way to get acclimated to the difference in pressure that I would be experiencing. Another thing to practice alot in your case is position in bed. Different positions give different results. Also, don't be afraid if you get a small leak to sort-of fidget with the mask position on your face until the leak goes away. Sometimes this happens more than once a night with me and it doesn't take very much and I drop right back to sleep after I give the mask a little push.
As everyone will tell you- hang in there! Mask breathing sleep is the best kind there is!!
_________________
| Mask | |
 |
Flow generator: Mask: Fisher/Paykel HC-431 Full Face Mask Humid:
Pressure: 21/17cm H2O
40,000 hours on CPAP
100% Compliant for 15 yrs.+
Mask breathers unite!
Pressure: 21/17cm H2O
40,000 hours on CPAP
100% Compliant for 15 yrs.+
Mask breathers unite!
-
rested gal
- Posts: 12880
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Hi Amy,
Your Profile shows that you're using a ResMed Mirage Series II full face mask. If so, that's an old design that ResMed has discontinued. The ResMed Ultra Mirage FF is their current full face design and is more adjustable.
The old Series II had a fixed forehead support thingy. The Ultra Mirage FF has an adjustable forehead support that can make the mask tilt to get a better angle against the face. Tilting the mask can make a tremendous difference in stopping leaks up at the eyes or down at the chin.
Ask your DME to swap that out-of-date mask they gave you for the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF. They probably had the older Series II masks on their shelves and are still pawning them off.
And while you're at it, ask them to let you try a Shallow cushion for the Ultra Mirage FF instead of the Standard cushion -- in whatever size you wear.
In other words, if you wear a Small, try the Small Shallow instead of Small Standard. If you wear Medium, try Medium Shallow. Sizes refer to the silicone cushion that goes against your face. Headgear comes in one size and is adjustable.
I'd just about bet that the "shallow" shaped cushion fits more people than "standard" does, unless the person has a very prominent bridge to their nose...a beak nose.
Shallow and Standard refer to cushion shape -- the width of the cutout inside. I can wear either, but "shallow" works a little better for me. Might for you, too.
Your Profile shows that you're using a ResMed Mirage Series II full face mask. If so, that's an old design that ResMed has discontinued. The ResMed Ultra Mirage FF is their current full face design and is more adjustable.
The old Series II had a fixed forehead support thingy. The Ultra Mirage FF has an adjustable forehead support that can make the mask tilt to get a better angle against the face. Tilting the mask can make a tremendous difference in stopping leaks up at the eyes or down at the chin.
Ask your DME to swap that out-of-date mask they gave you for the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF. They probably had the older Series II masks on their shelves and are still pawning them off.
And while you're at it, ask them to let you try a Shallow cushion for the Ultra Mirage FF instead of the Standard cushion -- in whatever size you wear.
In other words, if you wear a Small, try the Small Shallow instead of Small Standard. If you wear Medium, try Medium Shallow. Sizes refer to the silicone cushion that goes against your face. Headgear comes in one size and is adjustable.
I'd just about bet that the "shallow" shaped cushion fits more people than "standard" does, unless the person has a very prominent bridge to their nose...a beak nose.
Shallow and Standard refer to cushion shape -- the width of the cutout inside. I can wear either, but "shallow" works a little better for me. Might for you, too.
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1