I need help finding a mask that doesn't leak.

[FamilyNature]

Hello,

I've been using a CPAP since December 1st. I have a loaner machine right now and have tried out several different masks but I still haven't found one that doesn't leak.

They gave me a nose mask to try but I haven't worn it longer than a few minutes. I know I sometimes sleep with my mouth open and I also, I just don't like the nose mask.

I've tried: ComfortFull 2, ComfortGel Full, and FlexFitHC431.

The ComfortFull and theComfortGell both leaked at the sides near the bottom, the ComfortGel was the better of the two. The FlexFit was really comfortable to wear -- I liked that it didn't rest on my chin and was really hoping that it would work out -- but it leaked like crazy out the bottom at my chin. I have a medium and I was wondering if a small would work better.

Anyway, the difficult thing is that the masks seem to be okay when I try them out in the office, and even when I get home and put it on, it seems okay. But then as I'm falling asleep and my jaw relaxes, it starts leaking. They seem to fit a bit better when I'm on my side but it's driving me crazy because the leaking is waking my up through the night.

So ... my question is: is there some secret formula for finding a mask that works for you? Or do I just have to keep on with this trial and error (which is making me crazy). Are there any old posts or websites that will help me figure this out?

Thanks,
FN

[cflame1]

have you tried the mask sizing guide?

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-sizing.php

[Portageegal]

Welcome to the club. I have gone through the same thing and so have many others. It's just trial and error. I am waiting for a new mask as we speak. Every ones face is different and has curves and unfortunately the mask designers make them for flat faces. If you get the nose right, the chin leaks and so on.
Good luck and I hope you find the one the fits you best.

[DoriC]

The reviews of the Comfort Full and Comfort Gel are not very good. They certainly didn't work out well for my husband. A lot of people do use the Flexifit 431and find ways to make adjustments. My husband uses the Resmed UltraMirageFF Standard Medium for 2 years with success, couldn't stop the leaks or sore nose with the Quattro. Of course, Everyone's different as you're discovering. Keep us posted.

[SnoozyQ]

What about a total face mask?

Try the sizing guide above....I didn't even know there was a sizing guide until I came here. And I had the wrong size--just bc that's what they gave me!

I'm not much help....my Quattro leaks too and I wear it tigher than I should, just to get it to seal. I'm looking at other options too.

I think the secret is to keep trying masks!

[Bons]

I've managed to stop my FP431 from leaking by making a felt liner to go between the silicon and my face. Make it a little longer at the bottom so that it hangs a bit below the mask when you have it on. I can now go most nights without a leak from the mask, and then it's only if my jaw REALLY slacks open. I also noticed that I've "learned" to sleep with my hand against the mask to hold it in place, just like you learn not to fall out of bed in your sleep.

[Mary Z]

The liner is a good idea. You can also try Macks Silicone Earplugs. You roll them ito a bead about the size of a pencil and place around the edge of the Mask. I am partial the the Respironics Fit Life Full Face Mask.

[FamilyNature]

Thank you for all the responses.

The day I posted this I went and exchanged my FlexFitHC431 med for a small and it's the best mask I've tried so far. My 30 day trial is up at the end of the month so I want to find something that I'm happy with before then. It's hard with the holidays and now that the kids are not in school. I think I can live with this mask ... but I also think that there is the perfect mask out there for me somewhere!

I didn't not know about the sizing guide and will give it a try.

Thanks again!
FN

[jonnybee]

I have the jaw-dropping problem as well. After three months of searching and spending money on different masks, I've gone back to my original Swift LT nasal pillow mask and use it in conjunction with a PapCap to hold my chin up. This is the best, most comfortable combo I have found. I tried the Hybrid which advertises a buit-in chin support, but it didn't do the job. Now it resides in the closet along with the Mirage Quattro. Unfortunately, like the others have stated, it's trial and error until you hit on something that works for you. The PapCap is ridiculously overpriced but it is the only "chinstrap" I've found that will actually hold my chin up. And too, I really look kewl in the cap and mask...............

[bobbiesue2]

Your mask needs help as all of them do. Trya Quietus Liner and 99% of your issues will disappear. Good Luck

BobbieSue

[Muse-Inc]

Try the RespCare Hybrid Universal mask, it's a combination of pillows and oral cushion that covers the mouth, has a chin flap that helps stablize the mask (some say it prevents their jaw from dropping), comes with 3 sizes of oral cushion and 3 sizes of pillows that can be set to 2 heights. A lot of us here wear it.

[FamilyNature]

Here's an update:

I extended my trial/loaner period for another month, so I have until the end of this month before I have to make a purchase. I'm still having leak issues. I had a second sleep study (for titrating) and my pressure is going up to 9 or 10. My machine is still set at 7 because they won't change my pressure until my dr. officially prescribes it. That won't be until mid-February when I see him for a follow-up.

But the problem is, that during my sleep study, after the tech turned up the pressure, I was having even MORE leak issues!! The tech (who isn't really supposed to tell me much -- I'm supposed to wait for my follow-up appointment to get all the details/results), anyway, I asked her about leaking. I knew it was leaking and to me, it felt like a lot. She said, "It wasn't too bad" I'm not sure exactly what "too bad" means but more than anything the leaking drives me crazy because it wakes me up. At home, the screen on my machine says 34.9 for leaks. I'm also not sure what that number means. What is an "acceptable" leak number?

The masks I have been using are loaner masks. I wonder how old they are and, if they are old, if there is some degrading which is making the mask more likely to leak? I will have to ask the company. (The place I'm using is Canadian Home Healthcare). I am going to go in next week to see what they suggest.

I used the sizing guide (thanks for pointing me to that) and it recommended various masks and I was surprised to see that it mostly recommended size small for me. With the exception of the mask I'm using now, the masks I've tried are medium. Maybe sizing is my problem?

I'm going to CHC next week to have them read my data card and talk to them about masks/leaks (again!). Maybe I'll try out something else in size small.

FN