Desprate to find a FFM for my face

[LadyK]

I started CPAP about a month and a half ago. I was doing fairly good until recently I started having a couple of issues. I have very oily sensitive skin. Even in my 50's if I am not careful, I can have some bad breakouts. Also, I am a mouth breather so to protect my skin I have been using the Resmed AirFit P10 nasal pillows with a chinstrap. Also, my mouth will fill up with so much air that my cheeks puff out. I wake up several times a night to open my mouth and let the excess air out. I also swallow a lot of air. I was told by a Resmed technician that is a common side effect of CPAP and that I would need to use a full face mask to solve the excess air issues. Another issue is that I am a side sleeper and turn many times during the night. I have already tried the Resmed AirFit F 10 and when I was laying ion my sides the seal would break and air would rush into my ears. Therefore, I am desperate to find a FFM that will not obstruct my view (no forehead strap) and will cover as small an area as possible on my face. The mask does not necessarily have to be made by Resmed. I truly want and need this CPAP thing to work for me. Any good advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[jannicatt]

Try the new Amara mask described in another thread tonight. Sounds like it might meet your criteria if you are a mouth breather.

[kaiasgram]

LadyK, while you're researching full face masks you could try a trick many of us learned to solve the problem of chipmunk cheeks -- keeping your tongue 'plastered' up on the roof of your mouth. It works because it 'seals off' your mouth and keeps air going down the airway. You might find that you can continue using your nasal pillow mask.

[Gasper62]

I also had a lot of trouble with air leaks and skin irritations with full face masks so I tried some Remzzzz liners that did help with the irritation a lot and also helped w/leaks, but, to a lesser extent. The thin jersey liners are a loose knit and get stretched out easily (they instruct you to stretch them !) making them harder to re-use and also VERY EXPENSIVE ! I decided to experiment and grabbed some microfiber wipes/cloths at Walmart and cut some liners out of those using the Remzzz as a pattern. I had a huge improvement in comfort, leaks & skin irritations. No stretching is needed and they wash & dry really well making them good as new, unlike the Remzzzz. I was also able to loosen my mask straps a lot, too ! You might give it a try, a pack of 5 was only $4-$5 (1/5 the cost of Remzzzz !) and I was able to cut 4 liners from each cloth. Good luck !

[bdz]

I also had a lot of trouble with air leaks and skin irritations with full face masks so I tried some Remzzzz liners that did help with the irritation a lot and also helped w/leaks, but, to a lesser extent. The thin jersey liners are a loose knit and get stretched out easily (they instruct you to stretch them !) making them harder to re-use and also VERY EXPENSIVE ! I decided to experiment and grabbed some microfiber wipes/cloths at Walmart and cut some liners out of those using the Remzzz as a pattern. I had a huge improvement in comfort, leaks & skin irritations. No stretching is needed and they wash & dry really well making them good as new, unlike the Remzzzz. I was also able to loosen my mask straps a lot, too ! You might give it a try, a pack of 5 was only $4-$5 (1/5 the cost of Remzzzz !) and I was able to cut 4 liners from each cloth. Good luck !

That is a great idea for the liners. I have an old soft cotton t-shirt I was using. The liners do help with the skin. Mine is oily in the T-zone areas.

LadyK...while it is not a popular mask, I use the Hans Rudolph. It is one of the few that goes under the chin. I do have some issues with leaks, but am figuring that out. My leaks are due to those high cheekbones every one says I was lucky to inherit from my Mom. Oh well.

Fisher Paykel has the 431, 432...think those are the right numbers. They also go under the chin.

[JDS74]

If you eventually get to the point that you cannot find a FFM that solves your issues, you might consider an oral mask - the Oracle 452. I don't recommend it if there is any possibility that some FFM can be made to work. I have a post in my signature block that discusses the issues and solutions to making this mask work.

If you finally decide to try one, please PM me with any and all questions related so you can have success.
BTW, with your skin condition, the use of a liner would be recommended. I don't know of anyone who makes one commercially but they are easy to make from a T-shirt fabric, or, as has been recommended, microfiber cloth.

[library lady]

I have found that RemZzz liners can be washed and reused many times over... I put them in a mesh wash bag, lay them out flat to dry and iron them. I don't buy them anymore because I can make my own from old t-shirts, though I continue to use the RemZzzs that I have. I'm a side sleeper and I toss and turn all night with the F10. The liners help with the leaks to the point that they don't wake me up. Even when I think I was leaking like crazy, the data registers as 0% leak both on the machine and in sleepyhead almost every night.

[tan]

I started CPAP about a month and a half ago. I was doing fairly good until recently I started having a couple of issues. I have very oily sensitive skin. Even in my 50's if I am not careful, I can have some bad breakouts. Also, I am a mouth breather so to protect my skin I have been using the Resmed AirFit P10 nasal pillows with a chinstrap. Also, my mouth will fill up with so much air that my cheeks puff out. I wake up several times a night to open my mouth and let the excess air out. I also swallow a lot of air. I was told by a Resmed technician that is a common side effect of CPAP and that I would need to use a full face mask to solve the excess air issues. Another issue is that I am a side sleeper and turn many times during the night. I have already tried the Resmed AirFit F 10 and when I was laying ion my sides the seal would break and air would rush into my ears.

Had the same experience with nasal masks and leaking while on my sides is why I ditched F10 in favor of Mirage Quattro

[JDS74]

LadyK,

It would be helpful if you would stick to a single thread for this issue. Starting a new one with essentially the same issue is a little confusing to those trying to help. Then anyone trying to post helpful information would be able to see the complete discussion and know what has already been discussed.

I realize that you are struggling to find a mask that will work and in CPAP therapy, finding such a mask is the linchpin to being able to be successful in complying with treatment.

Your posts on the Mirage Liberty mask Speciality Mask and Side Sleeper shows that you are really trying to find a mask that might work and encourages folks to try to help. Hang in there. A solution exists even if it turns out to be the Oracle 452 mask that I use and not one of the more conventional designs or even the Mirage Liberty.

[popcpoo]

My therapist recommended using the REMZZZ as a pattern, and make liners out of baby flannel (receiving blanket. She said it seals well, and is soft. They can be laundered over and over with out fraying.