Long narrow face with a bigger nose, pressure 15-18, permanent indentations from mask?

[sventory]

I don't know what to do about this. I've been using CPAP for almost 5 years, but in the past few months. I notice the line indentations I get from the mask are now becoming permanent and they don't go away, I'm even getting ridges that look don't even look like natural wrinkles but like a ridge of raised skin where the edge of the mask sits at night.

I know people would say well don't pull the mask too tight, but I need to because of my narrow face with larger nose, it's very easy for me to get leaks between the mid cheek and top of nose region at my pressure level with Auto PAP of 15-18.

Now I've even tried a mask liner and it didn't help at all, same thing. Even though it appeared to allow me to make the straps less tight with no leaks.

I am using the Airtouch F20 cushion LARGE https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075MQMKXP/, and medium was even worse and got me more leaks. For a while it was the best mask, but seems not anymore.

[nee]

Would something like this help?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Gecko- ... oWEALw_wcB

[chunkyfrog]

(I tried a gecko, not helpful in my case.)
The airtouch foam masks have a short window of usefulness.
To make them last longer than a month, a mask liner may need to be used.
(Mask liners made from memory foam--now there's an idea.)

[sventory]

The nasal pads dont help. I am trying a cloth liner but I still woke with large imprints.

[sventory]

I am also open to changing masks, I wonder what any of you would recommend for that kind of facial profile?

[chunkyfrog]

I had similar fit problems with full face masks.
They are not made for above average faces.
(Note: I use nasal pillows--they are easier to fit)

[Pugsy]

Why are you using a full face mask? Do you just have to because your nose is so congested you can't ever get it clear enough to only breathe through your mouth or is it some other reason.

There are lots of masks with less of a foot print on the face.

Don't fall for the old wives tale that just because you use high pressures that you can't use a nasal interface mask.

Do you normally breathe just fine through your nose during the day?

[sventory]

I normally breathe through my nose during the day, but when I lie down it becomes harder. I have a deviated septum. But the problem is part of my blockage without CPAP occurs with the tongue pressing against the soft palette enough to close my nasal airway, so yes while lieing down I always end up breathing through my mouth, and my mouth falls open anyway when falling asleep. I can't just use a nasal only pillow.

Another problem that is annoying is I also change positions a lot which moves the mask around, when trying like a smaller mask it just moves and causes huge leaks.

[Pugsy]

If you must use a full face mask then look at the models that have less of a foot print on the face.
The ones that don't go over the nasal bridge area. Less area to make contact with your skin.

Respironics DreamWear full face mask
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/philip ... k-fit-pack

Respironics Amara View
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -cpap-mask

ResMed AirFit F30i
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -face-mask

ResMed AirFit F30
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear

The above are newer to the market but these 2 hybrids have been around a long time...over 10 years
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/hybrid-cpap-mask

Finally...how often are you changing the F20 AirTouch cushion? Do you have the same problem with a brand new cushion?

[sventory]

I buy 2 cushions every 3-4 months and kind of alternate between them to reduce wear.

Not sure about the brand new cushion, maybe mine are too old, but usually the memory foam rips away from the plastic/rubbery lining when they get super worn. I've just ordered a new one so we will see. I'll try and order one of those you linked and see if it helps.

[Pugsy]

Actually I wouldn't advise alternating between the 2 cushions in an effort to prolong the life. The memory foam is going to deteriorate at the same rate whether it is used or not. Just exposure to the air does some damage to the foam. Once you open the package the deterioration starts. Then if you get some facial oils on it...and let it sit...it's still going to age whether you use it or not.

Just use one cushion as long as you can and then open up a new one.

[PatOnCPAP]

Another problem that is annoying is I also change positions a lot which moves the mask around, when trying like a smaller mask it just moves and causes huge leaks.

Try using a "buff" like in this picture https://www.aplacetoshop.co.za/neon-buf ... gLwYfD_BwE

Put it over the straps at the back of the head. I get the same problem with leaks if I dont use one (also a thin face). I find its the straps rubbing against the pillow with movement thats tugging on the mask and causing it to leak. The Buff acts to stop that.

[zonker]

Another problem that is annoying is I also change positions a lot which moves the mask around, when trying like a smaller mask it just moves and causes huge leaks.

Try using a "buff" like in this picture https://www.aplacetoshop.co.za/neon-buf ... gLwYfD_BwE

Put it over the straps at the back of the head. I get the same problem with leaks if I dont use one (also a thin face). I find its the straps rubbing against the pillow with movement thats tugging on the mask and causing it to leak. The Buff acts to stop that.

to tag on to this, something quite similar to this for the united states market is found in the hair accessories section of your grocery store. brand name is "Scunci" and they make a wide variety of hair holding products.