FF Mask for Settings 18 or higher

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:31 pm

Hello Everyone:

I have spent more money than I care to admit in an attempt to find a full face mask that actually works as claimed and can stand up to my top end machine setting of 18.

Is there anyone out there who's setting is 18 or more and is having continued success with a particular full face mask? I have tried nearly all of them with no success.

I did find one or two nasal pillow masks that worked pretty well but nasal pillow masks cause me great irritation - and I have to use the dreaded chin strap.

The ONLY mask that I have been able to use with above average success is the Activa. I am desperate to find a FF mask that actually works. I'd appreciate your responses. Thanks.

track · Post by **track** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:46 pm

I have tried the UMFF at 18 but only in test runs where I was awake and moved around to different positions to simulate sleeping. I would guess it would work fine but it would have to be cinched pretty tight.
I measure out for a large UMFF but I have both a medium and a large and the medium seals better at higher pressures.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:53 pm

track wrote:I have tried the UMFF at 18 but only in test runs where I was awake and moved around to different positions to simulate sleeping. I would guess it would work fine but it would have to be cinched pretty tight.
I measure out for a large UMFF but I have both a medium and a large and the medium seals better at higher pressures.

Thanks for the response. I have an UMFF that I keep around for those times of severe nasal congestion (colds, sinus issues). While it is the "best" FF mask I've tried - that's a relative term for me. I have to crank the darn thing down so tight to minimize leaks that it actually breaks the skin on the bridge of my nose.

track · Post by **track** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:00 pm

Well I never had to screw it down that tight to get a seal. I typically have it in the second position from the bottom...the forehead adjustment. I might use the very first position if I had that much pressure.

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:23 pm

I have had pretty good results with my Hybrid with pressures up to 20. There are some minor leaks that the machine seems to handle or I just reach up and tighten a strap or two. When I put it on I adjust for a snug, not tight, fit. So sometimes I will have to endure a face fart or two that wakes me. I tighten the mask and fall right back asleep.

Your results may vary. My husband has problems with his Hybrid at a constant pressure of 10. (Not sure he is adjusting the straps correctly.)

Currently I am suffering a cold and am able to mouth breathe using the Hybrid without any problem (other than the miserable dry mouth and sore throat).

Susan

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:28 pm

I use the UMFF with pressure of 17, and have no problems now with it, however, it took my two months to get the adjustments right on it. The tighter you have the straps sometimes, the more it leaks! Be sure you wash you face before you put it on and wash the cushion every morning.

I agree with track about the forehead adjustment. That is about where I have mine, depending on eye leaks. And with a new cushion, seals best.

Rich03079 · Post by **Rich03079** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:35 pm

Use the UMFF best FF mask on market !!! If nose hurts then use the Pad-a-cheek for your nose

http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Nosebridge.html

This should solve nose issue?

Richard

Rich03079 · Post by **Rich03079** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:44 pm

Also I was 19, but I am have lowered my pressure from 19 to 17, and will do operation one-more time, and maybe lower to 15...?

You ask how....?

I had RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) PROCEDURE OR SOMNOPLAST
The Radiofrequency procedure can effectively reduce the size of the nose turbinates, and help you lower pressure. Turbinate Cautery will open nasal passages and allow you to breath better.

Richard
.

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:43 am

For dry mouth, you can try Oasis, OTC at many pharmacies. My oral surgeon recommended it. Lubricates our mouths, stop tooth decay, yada, yada, yada.

I use the Swift II nasal and once in awhile I wake up to answer natures call ---
and find I have a dry mouth. They say one application, I use 3-5 and wash it around the inside of my mouth. My mouth is not dry anymore.

I am also on 360mg of Allegra and two other drugs for Respiratory reasons other than XPAP. So I get dry mouth more than most people. Walgreen's charged about $6.50, but have half price sales. I bought a case.

I have a FF mask, the 431 I think it is. I rarely wear it, but tried it with the Respironics BiPap Auto SV and it leaked a lot. The Swift II has held 30 for several minutes at a time without leaks, too bad you can't use it. The only bad part is getting the "Super Glue" off my face the next day

I am going to order the Hybrid as soon as my doctor gets the prescription
to Apria.

The National Jewish Hospital Sleep Tech told me a pressure of 20 is like a
hurricane in our mouths. When I pull the Swift II away from my face for any reason, my wife says it sounds like a mini-leaf blower. But it works for me.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:21 pm

Thanks to everyone for your responses. As mentioned earlier in the thread, I've had an UMFF mask for quite some time now but can't use it due to the problems it causes my nose bridge. I did take the "pad-a-cheek" advice and ordered one. I'll see how that works out. Thanks again everyone.

EdAPAP · Post by **EdAPAP** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:38 pm

Jerry,

I have been on APAP at 18 cm with a nasal mask and leaks were within the acceptable range. Recently i switched to BiPAP and I'm still using the nasal mask. I actuallly had more leaks with the full face mask at 14 cm during titration testing. I asked about a FF mask and my respiratory therapist said she thinks they leak more.

glfredrick · Post by **glfredrick** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:22 pm

I'm at 16 with a Resmed Quatro FF. No problems at that pressure. I'd think that it could take 18. I don't even have it cinched down tight right now. Took me all of 3 days to get used to it. Either I'm built just right, ot it is a great mask, in any case I like it.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:34 am

[quote="glfredrick"]I'm at 16 with a Resmed Quatro FF. No problems at that pressure. I'd think that it could take 18. I don't even have it cinched down tight right now. Took me all of 3 days to get used to it. Either I'm built just right, ot it is a great mask, in any case I like it.

weirichk · Post by **weirichk** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:42 am

I had the same problems finding a mask, and still am not completely satisfied. I tried a couple and currently use a Fisher & Paykel 432. I still get leaks especially after about 6 hours of sleeping (it seems that my skin gets wet and the seal doesn't hold as well). I am running 23/19 on a bipap machine.

There are a couple of new FF masks out this year that I would like to try, but I have to wait until after the first of the year (and new insurance kicks in) before going to the sleep doc.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:51 am

[quote="weirichk"]I had the same problems finding a mask, and still am not completely satisfied. I tried a couple and currently use a Fisher & Paykel 432. I still get leaks especially after about 6 hours of sleeping (it seems that my skin gets wet and the seal doesn't hold as well). I am running 23/19 on a bipap machine.

There are a couple of new FF masks out this year that I would like to try, but I have to wait until after the first of the year (and new insurance kicks in) before going to the sleep doc.

Mask

Additional Comments: Strictly a side sleeper

Mask

Additional Comments: Strictly a side sleeper

Mask

Additional Comments: Pur-Sleep & Pad-a-cheek

Mask

Additional Comments: Pur-Sleep & Pad-a-cheek