Hi there, another Newbie here! HELP? :)

RyeZingSon · Post by **RyeZingSon** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:28 am

Hi all. Another newbie here. I have tried to search through the message board as best I can looking for answers, but I will post anyway. I certainly apologize if my post is another redundant one from a frustrated newbie.

My highest pressure is 14. I am currently using a nose mask and a chinstrap. My mask has the gel and while it feels pretty good, the chin strap is driving me crazy. I am a major mouth breather and would love to find a full mask.

I am not worried about feeling claustrophobic, I can get used to that. What I need is a mask that will not have a major leak at a high pressure at 14 and will fit my round face. Also, I really don't want to shave my goatee. I leave it as short as my trimmer will allow.

I am 38. 5'9 and about 250lbs.

Any advice?

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Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:51 am

Hi, and welcome. It's impossible for anyone else to pick a full face mask for you (sorry!), but popular ones to try would be the Resmed Mirage Quattro, Resmed (no I don't work for them Ultra Mirage II (which I use), the Hybrid, and the Soyala. If you look them up on Cpap.com you can find lots of pix and info. on all, and hopefully your supplier will let you try them for a week or two.

jimbassett · Post by **jimbassett** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:15 am

I weigh about the same as you and maybe a couple in. taller. I have quite a few masks both nasal, ff, and pillows. My favorite for both comfort and seal is now the ResMed Mirage Quattro. Put it on, get in bed, turn on blower and it seals w/no figeting around with it. When I wake up for a pit stop four hours later I cannot tell for sure if the mask is in place as it is so comfortable. It's been a blessing for me. I hope you will find it favorable also. jim

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:28 am

Son,
There are two approaches to handling mouth leaking. One is the full face mask but from what I have seen in the board over two years a lot of folks are not able to make them work well. The other approach is using some support for the lower jaw in the form of a chin strap and probably some adhesion like Polident denture adhesive between the lips to keep them together and closed. I use the comfort Lite II which is mounted on a pad on the forehead so everything approaches from above. No problem for my big 'stache or your goatee.

Good Luck in your quest,
TerryB

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 7:53 am

As others have mentioned, there is no way anyone can know what mask will work best for others. The Resmed Ultra Mirage FFM and the Resmed Quattro are my favorites--I use the UM FFM most of the time, find it the most comfortable and "leak proof." Good luck!

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:33 pm

Welcome to the board. It sounds like you've found the yellow lightbulb or the red question mark. There is a wealth of info there for newbies and veterans alike......

As others have mentioned, you're the only one that can pick and size a mask for you. Hopefully you have a DME that will allow you to try different masks and perhaps even try them for a couple weeks so you can form an opinion based on time. Some do and some don't.......

With the "goat" a FF mask becomes problematic. I'm in the same boat and keep mine trimmed pretty short. But that said, I don't use a FF mask (I have an HC431 that doesn't seal at all around the hair so it doesn't get used). I use a Headrest with Nasal Pillows. Over time, I have taught myself to keep my mouth closed -- it wasn't easy and it did take some time, but it can be done. Now and then I get a leak through the mouth - but only one or two before I catch it.....
I tried a chin strap but didn't have a lot of luck with it. Others swear by them, which is a perfect example of what works for some may not work at all for you.
Rested Gal is a proponent of using the legs off of Panty Hose tights. I tried that as a chin strap to no avail, but they work well as mask straps and straps to hold a mask in place.....(You'll learn to really not care what something looks like - only how it functions. Family and friends will just have to learn to deal with it!!!!! )
In testing for mouth leaks, I also used the polident strips. They worked well, though my leak rate didn't change, so I concluded my leak rate wasn't being caused by mouth leaks...You may want to give the strips a try....
With facial hair, you don't want to tape. Unless, of course, you don't object to trimming by ripping it out by the roots

Others will have more and different suggestions and advice.
My usual advice is "Stick with it. Don't give up and sooner or later it'll work itself out"......
Again, welcome!!!

Good luck
take care
cheers
goose