How tight is too tight??

[abe_froman]

Newbie here, have been using a F&P Simplus mask for about 3 weeks now.
Instructions say that the silicone seal on the mask is designed to seal as the pressure increases (by pushing the silicone out toward the face, i presume), so no need to go too tight with the headgear. I have found this is not the case. My current pressure Rx is 25, and at that pressure...leaks are blowin out everywhere. I have solved this (to some degree) by tightening and tightening. I am now bordering on discomfort from the straps/mask while getting the seal i need.
i am ok with it being tight to get the good seal, but does anyone out there have any experience with this type of mask and higher pressure levels?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[LSAT]

Please fill in your equipment profile so we can see your machine. A fixed pressure of 25 would be unusual.

[ChicagoGranny]

Ouch
Tight
Snug
Just Right <--------------------------------------------
Loose
Too Loose
Free Range


https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... mplus+mask

[raisedfist]

I've used an IPAP of 25cmh2o before with the Simplus. Having a clean shaven face and wiping your face and mask cushion before sleeping helps a lot. When putting on and adjusting the mask, start with the top straps and go down. At 25cmh2o the fit will have to be somewhat tight in my experience but it doesn't have to cause pain.

[abe_froman]

Thanks all,
Just got all of my equipment info in here. I have a BiPAP 16ex/25in. Interesting to hear that 25 is not just on the higher side, but unusually high. I have a call in to the Sleep Ctr folks to see what i can do (what they can do, if pressure needs to be that high). It is getting unbearable, i have to wear for at least 4 hours every day (per provider/insurance) and i find myself awake more than sleeping, counting down to the 4hr mark.

I understand that it can be quite an adjustment in getting used to this, i am trying to get to that light at the end of the tunnel, but this is rough - over 3 weeks in and i sleep so much better without this thing.

[The Choker]

I have a call in to the Sleep Ctr folks to see what i can do (what they can do, if pressure needs to be that high).

They don't know. Get the free Sleepyhead software and manage your own therapy. That's what most of us do.

[abe_froman]

I have a call in to the Sleep Ctr folks to see what i can do (what they can do, if pressure needs to be that high).

They don't know. Get the free Sleepyhead software and manage your own therapy. That's what most of us do.

This is such a great forum!!
Unfortunately, i can't control the pressure, try another mask, etc. This is prescribed, and the provider has all the control. It's hooked up to WiFi so they can monitor, and all of the settings are locked (except the humidify/heater).
I have a "ramp" button that starts the pressure at a lower level (4ex/13in) and gradually ramps up to the 16/25 pressure over about 45 mins. It's like heaven at 4/13, i can wear the mask fairly loose and all is well, but inevitably, it gets up to 25 and i have gale force winds blowing out my seal waking me up, so i cinch down the straps and w/in another hour i'm up again with a headache from the headgear tightness.
I feel like i'm stuck b/w choosing to keep the mask comfortable and having to hit the 'ramp' button every 45mins when the seal blows; or reef down on the straps so tight that the seal stays but i'm up every hour with face/head pain.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Float like a butterfly = good. Sting like a bee = bad.

courtesy of Mohammad Ali.

[palerider]

I have a call in to the Sleep Ctr folks to see what i can do (what they can do, if pressure needs to be that high).

They don't know. Get the free Sleepyhead software and manage your own therapy. That's what most of us do.

This is such a great forum!!
Unfortunately, i can't control the pressure, try another mask, etc. This is prescribed, and the provider has all the control.

or.... not.

[The Choker]

Unfortunately, i can't control the pressure, try another mask, etc. This is prescribed, and the provider has all the control. It's hooked up to WiFi so they can monitor, and all of the settings are locked (except the humidify/heater).

What are they going to do if you change the settings?

One time, I had to tell a technician it was my therapy, and I would access the menu and determine the settings. I made it clear he was not to interfere with what I was doing. The control is mine and will stay mine.

When I moved and got a new doctor, he was more appreciative that I took interest in my therapy and controlled my settings. He asked me what he could do for me besides send the compliance information to the insurance company. I told him if anything else comes up I would get in contact with him. Nothing else has come up.

[Pugsy]

Use the available software to monitor your therapy.
Just because you look doesn't mean you have to change anything if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself but you need to know what is going on so that you can understand where you need to be.

Cross the "change something" bridge if/when you come to it. Just because you know how doesn't mean you just have to do it if you don't want to.