Full face mask that accommodates jaw drop?

[jilliansue]

Hello,

I am considering going to a full face mask. I tried the Quattro FX, and I managed to sleep a couple of hours with it, despite having some leaking problems. But, I woke up and the bottom of the mask was practically in my mouth. According to the measuring device, I have the right size. I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for me? I don't want to use a chinstrap with a FFM, that is part of the reason for using one, IMO!

Thank you!
Jill

[LinkC]

RespCare Hybrid. It has a chin-flap that will keep your jaw from dropping.

[builta]

There are many of posts about the Respironics Quattro FX Full Face Mask. Search for them.

It may be that the head gear that you got with the mask is not the right size for you. That seems to be a not so unusual issue that is being reported. Go check with your DME about the fit of both the mask and headgear. Always make them fit you while you are laying down (your face is different when you lay down and it affects how masks and head grear will fit you.

Cheers.

[BlackSpinner]

I am with Link in this - The Hybrid made all the difference with this problem for me. I can even lay on my back without my mask ending in my mouth! This makes the cat very happy!

[BrianinTN]

I tried the Mirage Liberty, which is a similar design to the Hybrid, and really didn't like it. (Y'all using the Hybrid will have to tell me if you have tried the Liberty too.)

Anyway, I have the same problem as you with FFMs. One thing you can do is use a chin strap in addition to your FFM. Try to make sure there's no overlap between the fabric of the chin strap and the mask seal itself; my experience was that overlap can induce leaks. Eventually, you may train yourself not to drop your mouth such that the chin strap is no longer needed. It took me only a few days, but I seem to have broken that habit.

[avi123]

This Fisher & Paykel FF #432 holds my chin up. The foam with the Silicone on it needs to fit when your chicks are tight against your upper teeth:

http://www.directhomemedical.com/masks- ... bipap.html

Takes time to learn to tie the right headgear's strap clip. To release the clip pull the narrow strip forward from your face.

This one if you want the mask not to sit on your nose bridge:

http://www.directhomemedical.com/masks- ... 44047.html

[chunkyfrog]

Hubby's mask (Fisher-Paykel Flexifit 431) comes below the chin--and it comes in a fit pack (all three sizes--at least from CPAP.com)

[BrianinTN]

I use a F&P 432 and, despite the chin support, would still manage to drop my jaw. Using a chin strap with it helped, but like I mentioned in my earlier post, using the chin strap under the mask resulted in massive leaks.

[chunkyfrog]

I hate chin straps--I used poligrip strips and/or blue painters tape for several months while using my Swift FX.

[BrianinTN]

I hate chin straps--I used poligrip strips and/or blue painters tape for several months while using my Swift FX.

I don't like them either, but at my pressures (20/16), a nasal mask unfortunately isn't even a viable option.

[BleepingBeauty]

I tried the Mirage Liberty, which is a similar design to the Hybrid, and really didn't like it. (Y'all using the Hybrid will have to tell me if you have tried the Liberty too.)

Hi, Brian.

I've used both and, IMO, the Hybrid is far superior to the Liberty. Some Hybrid users here cut off the chinflap, but that feature makes all the difference for me. In fact, I realized recently that I'm not mouth-breathing anymore. (Had to use my Swift LT one night, and no leaks. Previously, I had to employ a chinstrap or tape - or both - in order not to mouth-breathe with the Swift.) I'm sure the chinflap on the Hybrid has trained me to keep my mouth closed, but if I need to mouth-breathe because of an illness or allergies or whatever, I can.

So I'm with Link and Spinner on this one. Hybrid, Hybrid, Hybrid!

Bonus: The Hybrid comes with three sizes of mouth cushion and three sizes of nasal pillows, so it's far more versatile than the Liberty. Makes it easier to get a good customized fit.

Hope that helps you and the OP.

[BrianinTN]

Cool, thanks, it does! One other question since we've hijacked this thread a little bit -- one thing I don't like about ResMed's masks is that their silicone seems "harder" or "stiffer" than some others (compared mostly my F&P 432, but also the Respironics ComfortGel Full that I've used). Any chance you recall how the Hybrid's silicone feels compared to the Liberty or other masks?

[LinkC]

I tried the Mirage Liberty, which is a similar design to the Hybrid, and really didn't like it. (Y'all using the Hybrid will have to tell me if you have tried the Liberty too.)

Yep, sure did. It's been a long while, but I don't recall noticing a big difference in the material. Just the fit...and the jaw-supporting flap.

[jilliansue]

Thank you to all who have responded!

I did try the Liberty and did not like it. It leaked around the sides of the mouth, and with the mouth part and the nasal pillows, it just seemed like too many interfaces to deal with. But I might look into the Hybrid.....

I am considering the Fisher Paykal 431 or 432. I like that the 431 comes with all 3 sizes, but I also like that the 432 has the extra foam cushion. Thoughts on this????

I would like to train myself not to open my mouth. Last night, I slept for 8 hours, comfortably, with my Swift FX, but I did wake up at one point with a very dry mouth, which tells me I am opening it despite the chinstrap. That is mainly why I really want to try a FFM, to avoid chinstraps, but mostly so I am not losing therapy through my mouth. Depsite my good sleep last night, I am tired!!!

[BrianinTN]

I like the 432 the best out of the half dozen or so masks that I've tried. I use the large and it seems to fit. The foam cushion is really comfortable. I've never had any facial irritation while using the mask, which I can't say for either the nasal mask (Swift FX) that I tried or the other FFMs I tried.

If you do try it, there are a couple tips I'd have for you. First, be sure to fit the top part of the mask first. The strap goes *around* your head. It's easy to find ways to put the mask on that have those straps not going around, so be sure you don't make the mistake I did. Second, there's a little plastic slider thing that moves back and forth around the mouth area. It's designed to help you deal with shifting as you sleep, but I've found that letting it shift too much can make me leak. The more "even" you can have it, the better.

I do have some leak issues sometimes as the night goes on, but I think this happens because of my skin getting oily. I need to look into a mask liner myself to see if it will help.