Titrated at 17cm

[RickE]

Once my pressure went from 13 to 17cm, I've had troubles with my FF masks. Most of the time, I've used the Fisher & Paykel Forma FF Mask. This worked well until the increased pressure. Now I have a red / sore / swollenn bridge on my nose and more leaks than I previously had. At the titration, they said I did better on the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF Mask but I find that very hard and I got blisters on my forehead at the center of the pads.

Who is at 17 or above and is satisfied with your mask and why - please? I need help.

Thanks,
Rick

[Guest]

i use the Activa mask at 18.5cm and sleep on the left site or supine, some leaks but low ahi most of the time.

Mckooi

[harry33]

BTW, the pressure setting doesnt indicate the seriousness of the apnea, some very seariou apnea sufferers have low pressures

some say a CPAP is likely to wear out sooned running at a high pressure

[mhurley3]

I use a Bi-PAP at 17/22 cm H2O. I use the Soyala Nasal mask and I am satisfied with it. It was used during my titration and was issued to me by the DME. My leak rate is not perfect, but I think any mask will leak somewhat at these pressures. I also use a chinstrap. I don't think I am mouth breathing. For some reason, I am able to open my mouth and wiggle my tongue without losing pressure. I usupect that somehow the soft palate is making the seal. Wierd.

[Wulfman]

Once my pressure went from 13 to 17cm, I've had troubles with my FF masks. Most of the time, I've used the Fisher & Paykel Forma FF Mask. This worked well until the increased pressure. Now I have a red / sore / swollenn bridge on my nose and more leaks than I previously had. At the titration, they said I did better on the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF Mask but I find that very hard and I got blisters on my forehead at the center of the pads.

Who is at 17 or above and is satisfied with your mask and why - please? I need help.

Thanks,
Rick

That would indicate that the mask was way too tight......and/or the forehead support was not properly adjusted.
The UMFF is capable of handling pretty high pressures. I started out (for a little bit) at 18 cm., but quickly found out that much lower pressures worked just fine and haven't had the inclination to TRY 18 again since then.....but I might one of these days just to see how my 4-year old UMFF will hold up to 18 again.

Den

[DoriC]

Most likely you've got the forehead straps too tight. The forehead support should just barely touch your forehead. You can adjust the forehead tab to the position that seals best without any nose bridge discomfort.

[roster]

Here are some more tips: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43776&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... n&start=15

[teresamichele]

I'm at 16, so while I'm not quite as high as you, I'm pretty high. I had the same problem with my FF mask till I realized - as most everyone will tell you - the mask should be resting on your face, not pressing into it. If you have red marks in the morning, you've got it too tight.

Also, when you're readjusting the mask on your face for a good fit, make sure you lift the mask up and move it - don't drag it, because that will just cause leaks elsewhere.

I also found it much easier to avoid leaks on my side than laying on my back. I just put a pillow between my knees to avoid morning back pain, and I'm good to go. I don't have a perfect leak rate, but it's much improved now that I stopped sleeping on my back.

[MGoBlue]

Mirage Quattro works great for me -- leak free even at 20. My hair is shaved short so I do put a paper towel under the lower neoprene strap in the back to avoid skin irritation, but other that that it has worked great. Twisting the knob on the front makes it easy to get just the right pressure on my nose and upper cheeks and the lower straps put just enough pressure on my lower cheeks and chin. No marks from the mask at all and I have had extremely low leak rates on my back. Side and stomach I occasionally get some leaks from the pillow pushing on the mask, but I do far better in those positions anyway so it isn't an issue.

[roster]

Mirage Quattro works great for me -- leak free even at 20. My hair is shaved short so I do put a paper towel under the lower neoprene strap in the back to avoid skin irritation, but other that that it has worked great. Twisting the knob on the front makes it easy to get just the right pressure on my nose and upper cheeks and the lower straps put just enough pressure on my lower cheeks and chin. No marks from the mask at all and I have had extremely low leak rates on my back. Side and stomach I occasionally get some leaks from the pillow pushing on the mask, but I do far better in those positions anyway so it isn't an issue.

Have you self-titrated for tummy and side sleeping? I was titrated at 19 cm on my back. I used my Encore software to titrate myself on my sides and tummy. 8.5 cm works fine and is much more comfortable. I just have to avoid rolling onto my back.

[PST]

I'm a 17 using the Mirage Quattro. I can really feel the difference as I ramp up. No problems at first, but if there are going to be leaks, they manifest themselves as the pressure approaches 17. I found it took a while to get the straps and nose adjustment right, so I'm careful to preserve them. I had a titration the other day, and the tech was startled when I let out an involuntary yelp as I heard the rip of velcro. I think sleep technicians tend to take the easy way out and tighten till it stops leaking. It took me a few days and a sore nose to get back to normal. For me, strapping pretty tight at the bottom and more gently at the top works. I need the cushion and face as oil free as possible. Also, I find sometimes that even though I'm getting little leaks as I lie on my back trying to get the mask just right, they go away when I roll over on my side and snuggle into the pillow. I realize many people find pillows a problem, but for me, my face sinking into an ordinary foam pillow often seems to provide just enough gentle pressure on the mask to seal the deal.

[MGoBlue]

Have you self-titrated for tummy and side sleeping? I was titrated at 19 cm on my back. I used my Encore software to titrate myself on my sides and tummy. 8.5 cm works fine and is much more comfortable. I just have to avoid rolling onto my back.

I'm still trying to get my AHI down as it has been in the 20's and 30's (I have a couple of threads on this). Side and stomach are much better for me, but I do wind up on my back a lot. I am currently working on improving that...

[RickE]

Thanks for all of your replies. They are so helpful!

So far I've noticed common themes:

1. The mask should just be sitting on face and not tightened too much.
2. Ensure that face and mask are as oil free as possible.
3. Mirage Quatro has several positive comments (the most of all that I noticed).

In response to Rooster's query, I haven't self titrated yet. I don't know how to do so although I expect I could find the information on the internet and I have the kind of machine that will allow me to do that, I think.

Do most folks stay with their prescribed titrations or self-titrate or run their machine on automatic adjustment?

Thanks,
Rick

[roster]

.......Do most folks stay with their prescribed titrations or self-titrate or run their machine on automatic adjustment?

Thanks,
Rick

RickE,

Most folks don't have a clue and unfortunately have suboptimal therapy and in many cases therapy that is barely effective. It is difficult for the sleep labs to prescribe an optimal pressure from one short night sleeping in a strange environment, often with anxiety - very unlike the patient will sleep at home.

The ones who take charge of their therapy usually start with the prescribed titration, observe the data, tweak the therapy, observe the data, tweak the therapy, .... until they get it optimized. That is no different whether you use a single pressure or a pressure range (automatic adjustment). It has been compared to diabetes: The diabetic gets a prescription. Then he checks his blood sugar, adjusts his medications, diet and exercise, checks his blood sugar, .... It is a little easier with CPAP because once you are running optimally the settings will be good for a long time unless you have a big weight change or something unusual.

Get the software and the members here can help you tweak the therapy. That is the easy part. The hard part for many people is finding the right mask and making it work for them - trial, error, perseverance.

Regards,

[roster]

RickE,

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