Full Face mask for giant head

SuperNoggin · Post by **SuperNoggin** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:01 pm

Hello,

I've tried several variants of masks, and can only use a full mask. I'm a mouth breather and have tried Fisher-Paykil full face that's supposed to come down beneath my chin. My head's so large that it only comes to the point of my chin, and air leaks all around the sides. I've tried Mirage Full face, but adjusting the head gear tight enoungh to seal around the sides makes very sore pressure points around the bridge of my nose. If I loosen it a bit, the air leaks. I've also tried just the nose type and nasal pillows with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed, but the air still comes out my mouth, and I wake up "whistling". My local respiratory supply place stopped carrying Oracle (someone had suggested this), because several patients complained that moisture built up behind the mouthpiece and stimulated the swallowing reflex, which they found rather disturbing. To get to the point, does any manufacturer make a larger full face mask than the two I mentioned? Keep in mind, I did use the largest of the models I mentioned, and the Fisher-Paykil (sic?) sales rep told my supplier it didn't come with an insert any bigger than the large one that's included. I would appeciate any advice anyone can offer.

Cordially,
SuperNoggin

mom8 · Post by **mom8** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:31 pm

I have the f&p 431 and I have the top about half way down my nose. It was making my nose so red and I tried doing this. I put it on before I hook it up to the machine and I can hear it sealing on my face. Hope you can find one that works for you. We are all so different.

snorzalot · Post by **snorzalot** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:42 pm

The Fisher Paykel FlexiFit431 worked best for me and seemed longer then the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face. I have not tried the Respironics Full Face, so I can't comment on that one. I had been told those three vendors pretty much were the only ones with full face options. However, I stumbled across this the other day I'd never seen before:

DeVilbiss Hans Rudolph Full Face Mask

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/third_tie ... olphFF.htm

It's doesn't look that special to me, but if you are desperate, and none of the other three have worked and you are certain you can't use nasal pillows or a nasal mask, consider that as an option or do a few searches online and see if you can find an individual or small mom/pop business that custom fits masks. That might be your only alternative.

Please note that FP now makes an "ORAL" mask that might be an alternative. I'm not sure how leak compensation would come into play with your nostrils open, but it looks new and might work - Oracle452 Oral Mask - http://www.fphcare.com/osa/Oracle452.asp

Good luck and keep us informed if you find another option or a solution!

snorzalot · Post by **snorzalot** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:08 pm

I'm not sure how I forgot this one from Respironics, BUT

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/total- ... onics.html

This is a full face mask (one size only) that is designed for patients who need to wear the mask for extended periods of time. My mother-in-law died with ALS and was on a 20 cm H2O BiPAP with the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face. She had two spots on her nose from the mask (she wore it 24/7) that were literally holes in the skin.

I had no idea at the time they made such a mask. I suspect it would have helped her dramatically ... and maybe you too if nothing else fits.

Thanks!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:01 am

Supernoggin, the Hans Rudolph masks seem to include some of the biggest full face masks. I usually wear a "small" in the major manufacturers' full face masks, but a "small" in a Hans Rudolph was humongous (and consequently extremely leaky) on my face. You might want to look into that brand, as they seem to run a lot larger than others' sizes.