suffocating with new mask (resmed mirage FX)

[diane278]

I just got a new mask as my old one is being discontinued through my insurance approved supplier. I got a resmed mirage FX. when I put it on to fit it, I felt like I was suffocating, even with the entire elbow assembly removed. The seal is excellent. When I attached the elbow to the machine, turned it on, and attached it to the mask, I felt like not enough air was available to me. I was having to inhale with a lot of effort to get enough air. Anyone else with this problem? The mask seems to fit well...I just can't get enough air.

[Julie]

Hi - the mask is unlikely to be the problem, but what is your pressure set at ?

If it's too low, then you will have trouble breathing of course - do you know what it's supposed to be?

[physicsbob]

While everybody's nose is different I have found for me my breathing felt restricted using the Resmed medium pillows compared to the large pillows. With the medium I have less leaks and it is more comfortable, but if my nose is congested I need to use the large so I can breathe. I also found that if the straps are tightened down too much, it pushes the pillows into your nose closing the pillows, making it harder to breath as well

[bailachel]

I have the same reaction to the Swift FX pillows. I had been using the medium size for many months, and they do "fit" the best but I felt like I was having to breathe hard to feel like I got enough air. About a month and a half ago, I tried the large just to see how it felt. I was surprised that it seems that so much more air is coming through at the same pressure level. I have more trouble with leaks with the large size, but really like the feel of more airflow. Since my AHI is staying in the 0.4 to 0.6 range with no large leaks, I think I am going to stick with the larger size. At least for now.

[DavidCarolina]

In my limited experience Id look for a deeper reservoir in your mask. I had a second sleep study done and they used a mask
that held a greater volume of air and i loved it.

Also keep in mind with heated water humidifiers that breathing warm air, although preventing dry mouth, can make you feel smothered.

Finally, there are systems that add oxygen to the mix. Your doctor can tell you if your eligible for that kind of system. Ive never tried
one myself, and im betting its expensive.

There is also hyperbaric chamber technology coming in, something to research.

[FizzyWater]

Do you know if you machine has a setting for the mask? I know mine does, and while it doesn't change the overall pressure, it does change the intake and outtake pressure, based on what is input. Maybe your medical supplier had that set up for your old mask?

[bayourest]

Do you by any chance have the ramp setting turned on? that can make you feel like you are suffocating, at least in FFmasks.

[robysue]

Folks,

Please read a bit more carefully:

1) The OP Is talking about the MIRAGE FX (a nasal mask) and NOT the Swift FX (the nasal pillows mask). The Mirage FX looks like this:


2) The OP Is not a newbie. He/She has presumably been wearing the old, now discontinued mask, for some time WITHOUT feeling like s/he can't get enough air on inhales. So the pressure setting on the machine is likely NOT the problem---unless this particular mask for some reason needs more pressure.

The most pertinent comments so far are: Check whether there's some kind of a mask setting on the machine that may need to be changed. And compare the "mask reservoir" of the new Mirage FX to the older mask. In other words, does the volume inside the Mirage FX mask seem to be visibly smaller than the volume of the old mask. If so, that might explain why this mask is not comfortable for the OP. What to do? Well, if the next size up still fits well, then that might help. If not, then it's time, alas, for some serious mask shopping to be done. Maybe you could ask to see multiple nasal masks at the DME and find something that resembles your old
mask much more closely than the Mirage FX
I've never used anything but a pillows style mask. So I

[diane278]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I found out that it was the fit of the mask. I have some serious sinus problems and the new mask was resting on just the wrong place, causing pressure and making breathing difficult. I changed masks and now all is well. I had preferred the smaller one simply because it was smaller and I hate the idea of wearing these ugly things but, in the end, I had to go with what fit best. My supplier told me that he was going to begin stocking some masks in pink for women. In my opinion, there is no way to make these things attractive. I can't see how making them pink will help. Even if you bedazzled them with rhinestones and glitter, they'd still be what they are...a medical device that reminds me of Darth Vader. Oh well.....

[justbreathe]

I also felt like I could not get enough air with this mask. They way it fit on my nose blocked the air flow. I require a higher pressure with this mask and all FFM. I am able to use a lower pressure with the nasal pillows and sleep much better with them.

[RandyJ]

Folks,

Please read a bit more carefully:

A losing battle.

[davelikesbeer]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I found out that it was the fit of the mask. I have some serious sinus problems and the new mask was resting on just the wrong place, causing pressure and making breathing difficult. I changed masks and now all is well. I had preferred the smaller one simply because it was smaller and I hate the idea of wearing these ugly things but, in the end, I had to go with what fit best. My supplier told me that he was going to begin stocking some masks in pink for women. In my opinion, there is no way to make these things attractive. I can't see how making them pink will help. Even if you bedazzled them with rhinestones and glitter, they'd still be what they are...a medical device that reminds me of Darth Vader. Oh well.....

I think you can still have fun with your mask even though it is a medical device. Do they sell masks that look Darth Vader's mask? That would be cool. I've also thought having a mask, mask strap and hose cover that looked like the face grabbing alien from Alien would be fun. Even something non-alien like a hose cover that looked like a snake that attached to a night cap that looked like the snake's mouth would be pretty hilarious. In my bedroom, that would look like a giant python climbing over my headboard trying to swallow me head first.

[chunkyfrog]

I have seen creative earmolds made for BTE hearing aids that are utterly amazing!
It's like a piece of art in your ear.
A similar application for a CPAP mask would have to take weight into consideration.
My thought would be custom fit silicone mask cushions in wild colors, with tentacles, fins, or paws.
Has anyone seen the wacky bike helmets they have at Target?
Addressing OP's problem; maybe a different mask.

[xenablue]

Me DME supplier HAS a Darth Vader mask wearing a CPAP!!

xena