When people tell you not to make the straps too tight...

[Garnet2727]

When people tell you not to make the straps too tight, believe them! I changed yesterday from a leaky F&P Simplus full face mask to a Resmed F20. The therapist at the DME adjusted the straps for me but I was in a sitting position. When I laid down last night, I didn't readjust them. I woke up around 3 am with a pain on the bridge of my nose. I loosened the top straps but by then it was too late. I now have an upside down horseshoe shaped red mark/bruise over the bridge of my nose.

Lesson learned!

I think I'll be OK with the mask now that I've loosened up the strap but OW.

[Mark55]

That happened to me during my titration study with a Mirage Quattro mask. Took three days for my nose to feel 100% normal again.

[Garnet2727]

It's not a pleasant feeling, is it? I'm almost tempted to try to pad my nose with something tonight. But I keep thinking that if I get the straps right, I won't need to.

[Chevie]

straps too tight

Constrictor?

[Garnet2727]

straps too tight

Constrictor?

My avatar or the mask?

[Okie bipap]

That happened to me during my titration study with a Mirage Quattro mask. Took three days for my nose to feel 100% normal again.

When I first started treatment, I had the same thing happen to me, except I was dumb enough to continue using the mask as it was and ended up with a large, open sore on my nose. I used a trimmed down band aid until it healed. After that, I used apiece of mole skin on my nose every night until I found a different mask that worked better for me.

[Wulfman...]

When people tell you not to make the straps too tight, believe them! I changed yesterday from a leaky F&P Simplus full face mask to a Resmed F20. The therapist at the DME adjusted the straps for me but I was in a sitting position. When I laid down last night, I didn't readjust them. I woke up around 3 am with a pain on the bridge of my nose. I loosened the top straps but by then it was too late. I now have an upside down horseshoe shaped red mark/bruise over the bridge of my nose.

Lesson learned!

I think I'll be OK with the mask now that I've loosened up the strap but OW.

Yup!
Full face masks need to "float" on your face. Sometimes it can take a bit of tweaking with the straps, but when you find the right setting it will be noticeable. Also, having the right bed pillow can make a HUGE difference.


Den

.

[Garnet2727]

Yup!
Full face masks need to "float" on your face. Sometimes it can take a bit of tweaking with the straps, but when you find the right setting it will be noticeable. Also, having the right bed pillow can make a HUGE difference.


Den

I've been experimenting with different pillows. I tried one of the CPAP pillows and it flat did not work for me. In fact, it hurt my neck. What I've found is best for me is a good feather pillow. I can mold it to what I need to support my neck and not knock the mask off my face when I roll over on my side.

[palerider]

The therapist at the DME adjusted the straps for me

It should have been a warning when the therapist put their foot on the back of your head and pushed while tightening the straps...

[AMESS]

All part of the oldies club--learning to adjust.

[Garnet2727]

The therapist at the DME adjusted the straps for me

It should have been a warning when the therapist put their foot on the back of your head and pushed while tightening the straps...

Right?

[Garnet2727]

Welp. I've discovered that it wasn't that the straps were too tight; it's the design of the mask and the way I sleep. I'm a side/stomach sleeper. I also change positions frequently during the night due to arthritis pain. Apparently, when I sleep, my head position causes the mask to be pushed into my face. Even if I try to change my position I'm right back to where my neck is comfortable once I go to sleep. I now have two painful red marks/bruises on the bridge of my nose.

I'm not sure that trying to switch to a different mask will actually help and besides at this point, I would have to pay for that out of pocket. I am willing to hear different mask recommendations, though.

In the meantime, I'm sleeping with two bandaids covering the red marks in hopes that the padding will provide some relief. I've also ordered a Gecko pad for my nose. I hope it helps!

[Pugsy]

Have you tried a mask liner?

Some people just have the skin that seems to get "marks" and "dents" easier than others even with the slightest amount of pressure and even if the mask is disgustingly loose. I am one of those people so that's how I know we are out there. I don't use a full face mask but if I did there is no doubt I would likely use a mask liner to help with the dents and I already use strap covers to help with the dents from the straps and even then I sometimes get a small dent. Would be a lot worse if I didn't use the strap covers...and I wear my mask really loose.

Have you looked at or tried the Amara View from Respironics? It doesn't have anything over the bridge of the nose area.

[Okie bipap]

Garnet2727, I sent you a PM.

[Garnet2727]

Have you tried a mask liner?

Some people just have the skin that seems to get "marks" and "dents" easier than others even with the slightest amount of pressure and even if the mask is disgustingly loose. I am one of those people so that's how I know we are out there. I don't use a full face mask but if I did there is no doubt I would likely use a mask liner to help with the dents and I already use strap covers to help with the dents from the straps and even then I sometimes get a small dent. Would be a lot worse if I didn't use the strap covers...and I wear my mask really loose.

Have you looked at or tried the Amara View from Respironics? It doesn't have anything over the bridge of the nose area.

I looked at those mask liners at your recommendation. If the Gecko pad doesn't work, I'll try them. I also looked at the Amara view. I've used up my one free mask change that my insurance will pay for. However, if I can't get this one to work, I may just go ahead and shell out the bucks for an Amara. The thing I like about the current mask is that it doesn't leak air into my eyes. I'm going to try to make it work first. Wearing a couple of bandaids at night has helped a bit.