Yet another Activa question

[cpapjack]

I've been using this pretty much since the beginning of my treatment, which started towards the end of May. I so want the mask to work because out of all the ones I've tried so far, this is the most comfortable. But my problem is this: no matter what I do, for the life of me I usually end up with some osrt of leak coming from the mask. I've tried everything that everyone has mentioned, but it's gotten to the point where I have to have the straps very tight for it to work at it's best for me. One could see/feel why this would be a problem. My goal with this is to be able to wear the straps very loosely like everyone recommends. I've tried that, and it's fine when I sleep on my back. But unfortunately, I'm a side sleeper. (not that that's a bad thing) When I do turn to my side, the mask does not stay in place like everyone says it does. (yes I do hang my face/mask off the edge of the pillow.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Snoozing Gonzo]

Are you sure you got the right size insert? I started out with a large as that cross-referenced to the medium Comfort Gel that I had been using. Turns out my DME mis-sized the original mask. (Big guy = big mask sizing, you don't need to do any more, do you?) The large never sealed consistantly, especially on my side. The Standard has done fine but, when its time, I will consider replacing it with the Shallow as the bridge of my nose is relatively broad (breaks from a mis-spent youth) and I understand the Shallow is better for that.

Usually when I get a small, random Activa leak it is due to not washing my face or the mask/face contact area. I have tightened the mask a couple of times during the night for such little leaks just to make a worse leak somewhere else when I turn onto my side. For me, too tight causes more leaks than too loose .

Good Luck

Chris

[WillCunningham]

I was surprised to find that while I am a big guy, my nose shape and size works best with a small mask. I would definately consider Chris's suggestion to look at that.

I keep the mask loose and get a good seal even with my moustache and beard. The only thing I have any trouble with is the top strap, it is generally so loose that it doesn't do much, so the bottom straps creep up my face an inch or so and till it gets caught on my ears. The mask still maintains a good seal and the only time it bothers me is while I am trying to get comfortable to fall asleep. I basically pull the mask down a couple of times while falling asleep.

I did notice that I got some leaks when I had rainout in the mask and the water was leaking out. That broke the seal, but even then I still had a pretty good seal.

Here is another thought, what pressure are you using? The mask uses the air pressure to make the seal...I am assuming that the higher the pressure the tighter the seal, though I have not really experimented with that. I have a pretty high pressure, 15cm-18cm. If your pressure is not very high perhaps that is affecting your results.

[ThunderSnorem]

I love the Activa and will mention that I notice that my nose 'just' fits inside the cushion. I actually believe this helps the mask stay in place and the seal intact. Perhaps your's is too large or not the right depth? I think that makes a difference.

BTW my pressure is 14. Also, I am a big guy (around 290 lbs) and use a large size cushion. My straps can be very loose, such that the headgear pad barely touches my forehead. But I think it more depends on your facial size and structure.

John

[rock and roll]

I have a suggestion to try. Try soaking it in straight vinegar for the day then rince well and it should swell the rubber back out to where it will form a better seal to your face. Rubber breaks down and this is a little secret I learned to perk it back up.

Good luck!

[Vader]

I love Activa questions almost as much as I love my Activa!

But to be serious here, previously offered advice of regularly washing your mask (I do this once a week), washing face before bed each night, and keeping the straps loose.

My Activa works marvelously well with my low pressure.

Adjusting the bridge piece is also VERY important.

_________________

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[Babbie]

Rock and Roll and I have had discussions about the vinegar/water soak in the past. It works great for him and even though I do that, over time I just lose the "tackiness" in it and get lots of leaks too. I religiously wash my face every night with Neutrogena and with a wash cloth, go over the part of the mask that hits my face with a little Neutrogena and wipe it off well with water. I have excellent insurance and they'll pay for a new cushion every month so that's what I do. Like they always say, what works for one, won't for someone else so maybe the vinegar/water will be a good solution for you (no dispespect meant here for you, R&R and hope you don't take it as such). Good luck!!
Kathy

[rock and roll]

NO offense taken but no water with the vinegar, just straight vinegar. And yes, it is going to wear out, vinegar just prolongs its life. But it DOES improve the leaking. I still think your cream breaks down the rubber though.

[Babbie]

Sorry I didn't clarify---the Neutrogena is the soap, no cream on my face at all. I did try the straight vinegar once and the thing smelled like a pickle!! How do you get that smell to go away? Once a week I soak the hose, and mask in a solution of vinegar AND water. It's nice to see you on here again R&R--you've been missed.
Kathy

[rock and roll]

Thanks for the welcome back. The smell of vinegar I don't find unpleasant but if you run the air throgh the interface for a few minutes before wearing it the smell goes away. Vinegar is a temporary smell or we woud all smell like pickles after eating one.

I stand corrected with the cream but I still think the soap is not good for the mask just before wearing it. But, as one who has never had to replace the runbber on my interfaces and one who uses vinegar all the time, I am a believer. My insurance is not so kind.One mans poison is another mans...



Glad to be back sparring again. And as always, all I say is just IMHO

[Moogy]

cpapjack,

I also have to tighten the straps on my Activa. Every time I decide to try to follow the rest of the crowd, to see if I can wear the straps loose, I get terrible leaks, and sometimes it takes me a few days to figure out how to get back to my old system. I guess I should mark where to fasten the velcro, but I never have done so.

I don't have tokeep the mask so tight that I get strap marks or headaches. But I simply cannot wear the mask loose.

I wonder if a bipap with high pressure makes any difference and causes my need for tighter straps.

I sometimes wear a homemade strap made from an old pantyhose leg. I tie it around the central swivel to secure it, then wrap around the back of my head, finishing it off with the knot suggested by RestedGal, which is basically a regular slip knot, with an extra loop.

I also have rigged a pantyhose loop around the hose and the top of the plastic forehead piece, to hold the hose up toward the top of my head. That helps me control the direction of the exhaled air.

I suspect that the mask designers have NO idea how many different tweaks and adjustments we need to get these masks to work for our own individual faces. If they realized, maybe they would include extra multi-purpose velcro straps and multiple-size cushions in each package.

Moogy

[cpapjack]

So i tried soaking the cushion in vinegar as rock and roll suggested. It didn't seem to make a difference. I think I will try getting a different sized cushion next as others have thought that might be the problem.