Mask help

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
bairdbeth
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:26 pm

Mask help

Post by bairdbeth » Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:08 pm

I am using the F&P Flexifit 407. It is actually fairly comfortable, but it is leaving a mark/sore on the bridge of my nose. I tried adjusting the top strap looser, but then it leaked. I tried blister bandaid, but that hurt coming off. I used paper tape and it left a red mark through the tape. I think the problem is the forehead stabilizer isn't adjustable. I can exchange for a new mask when the DME brings me the correct machine in a few days. I would love some feedback on these masks, especially on how they adjust for the bridge of the nose problem. I'm not sure I would like the pillows, because I don't care for things up my nose?
Ultra Mirage II
Comfortgel
Comfortlite2 with simple cushions and pillows
I also thought I would see if she would bring FF masks for me to try So I can buy one for when I have congestion.
Ultra Mirage FF
Hybrid


cflame1
Posts: 3312
Joined: Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:55 am
Location: expat Canadian in Kentucky

Post by cflame1 » Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:22 pm

Personally I like the Hybrid... couldn't get the UMF2 to adjust enough for me... leaks like a sieve. However I would say that it still has it's uses... have worn it a couple of nights when the end of my nose was raw (think that I might have had a sinus infection )

Full face masks definately have their uses... epecially when your nose isn't working well... or you mouth breathe.

Lubman
Posts: 121
Joined: Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:10 am

Latex Tape and Different FF Masks

Post by Lubman » Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:33 pm

I have had problems in irritating the bridge of my nose, which you have to be very careful in trying to avoid doing per my sleep MD.

One of the DME's gave me some latex-free adhesive tape that I cut each night and place across the bridge of my nose.
The specific brand is Hy Tape Zinc Oxide Base Adhesive Tape in 1/2 inch x 5 yards. Mfr phone number is 800 241 0101.

Also I find some full face masks don't need to be synched tight to work.
The ResMed Ultra Mirage is actually designed to seal (at least when using a Res Med machine) when it is loosely strapped. It is important that someone
fit that one because they have regular and shallow sizes for SML.

I have used the Respironics ComfortPlus 2 and one of the F&P masks.

The F&P used to dig into my forehead with the top part. I gave up after
getting tired of scratching my forehead.

The Respironics worked well with the machine I used to use, but I have gotten to like the ResMed mask.

I find the ResMed mask, when used at moderate or higher pressures on
a BiPap also makes raw marks on the bridge of my nose - yet when used
with a ResMed machine with SmartStop it almost vacuum seals on my face
without tight pressure.

If I were to go back to a BiPap I would reconsider the Comfort Plus 2.
The Comfort Plus original was also harder on the bridge of my nose than the newer design.

Lubman


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Vader
Posts: 1223
Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:35 pm
Location: Land Of The Free

Re: Mask help

Post by Vader » Wed Oct 04, 2006 7:51 pm

bairdbeth wrote:I am using the F&P Flexifit 407. It is actually fairly comfortable, but it is leaving a mark/sore on the bridge of my nose. I tried adjusting the top strap looser, but then it leaked. I tried blister bandaid, but that hurt coming off. I used paper tape and it left a red mark through the tape. I think the problem is the forehead stabilizer isn't adjustable. I can exchange for a new mask when the DME brings me the correct machine in a few days. I would love some feedback on these masks, especially on how they adjust for the bridge of the nose problem. I'm not sure I would like the pillows, because I don't care for things up my nose?
Ultra Mirage II
Comfortgel
Comfortlite2 with simple cushions and pillows
I also thought I would see if she would bring FF masks for me to try So I can buy one for when I have congestion.
Ultra Mirage FF
Hybrid

As Slick Willie used to say, "I feel your pain"

But with that ugly reference aside , I can remember having a very sore nasal bridge, when I was trying to find the right mask.
Luckily now, I have ZERO problems with my Activa™, but what I used to use was a product called *Aquaphor*. For me it was like a miracle, but unfortunately I found out about it a little too late to prevent the scar I have from wearing the Comfort Gel™ . I used to put Auquaphor on during the day, and it helps to heal FAST.
My RT told me I could use Aquaphor while wearing the mask at night, but I'm inclined to think that he was mistaken about that, because I believe the petroleum will break down the silicone material.
I'm also in agreement about the nasal pillows. I just can't wear them.
Although, I have heard though that the nares of your nose *may* toughen with time, but the bridge of your nose does not.
I don't know for sure if that's true.....

Anyway-Good Luck!



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bairdbeth
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:26 pm

Post by bairdbeth » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:00 pm

I tried on the Activa ( which I really wanted), but the standard size was too big. I had figured it would move with me as I am a side sleeper who moves around. That's the reason it isn't on my list. I only get this 1 exchange and will have to pay for any others until my 3 months is up. Then I can get a mask (but not headgear?) through insurance. Keep the info coming!


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Vader
Posts: 1223
Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:35 pm
Location: Land Of The Free

Post by Vader » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:09 pm

bairdbeth wrote:I tried on the Activa ( which I really wanted), but the standard size was too big. I had figured it would move with me as I am a side sleeper who moves around. That's the reason it isn't on my list. I only get this 1 exchange and will have to pay for any others until my 3 months is up. Then I can get a mask (but not headgear?) through insurance. Keep the info coming!

Did you like the Activa? ....or did they just fit you with the wrong size?



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bairdbeth
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:26 pm

Post by bairdbeth » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:13 pm

It was so big I couldn't tell if I liked it. It was a standard size, which the Rt said was the smallest?

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Vader
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Location: Land Of The Free

Post by Vader » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:42 pm

bairdbeth wrote:It was so big I couldn't tell if I liked it. It was a standard size, which the Rt said was the smallest?
Hmmm...I forgot about that.
I thought that the "standard" was somewhat equivilant to a "small"?
Although-Due to the design, the Activa does seem a bit larger to some folks.
I wear a Medium UMFF, but a Large Activa, so I know sizing can vary from mask to mask.



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