Getting discouraged....can't get a mask that won't leak!!!

[carolinagirl2001]

I am now on my 5th mask, and still cannot find one that works.

I started out with a nasal mask. I loved it, but had to switch due to the fact that I have severe allergies and sinus problems. There are several nights a month where I cannot breath through my nose or I cough a lot, so I switched to a full face. I've tried 4 full face masks (technically 3 brands, one I tried in 2 sizes). They still all leak. I've tried a mask liner. It helps, but doesn't stop the leaks. I wake up every time it leaks because it blows right into my eyes. I think the problem is that I'm an active sleeper and everytime I move, the mask starts to leak. I'm starting to get discouraged and was really hopeful that CPAP would work for me.

Does anyone have a full face mask that doesn't leak?

[johnthomasmacdonald]

there's been a lot of success here reported by people with the fitlife by respironics - for me, it has been the best of a bad lot of ffms that i've tried,although far from perfect. Better though than: Repironics comfort, blue gel or Amara and the fisher paykel forma or the respironics Fx quatro- all the ffm masks i've tried unsuccessfully ( but if you get one that works, please tell us about it)

[johnthomasmacdonald]

why not try the sleepweaver elan? it's fabric so that should cure the allergies problem and you don't need insurance - it comes with a 30 day money back guarantee - it's $109 for the mask and headgear on cpap.com

[chunkyfrog]

Elan is a nasal mask; but it's comfort is incomparable--if you can get the leaks under control.
SleepWeaver Advance is also a nasal mask--the 3-point headgear gives it more stability if the "one size" is yours.
There has been some hinting that Sleepweaver may be working on a full face, but no word yet.
I found the P/R ComfortGel a more forgiving mask than any ResMed full face I've tried.
The gel cushion is thick and soft, but a bit heavy. A reasonable trade-off if the fit is there.
Our faces are all different, and many of us have tried MANY masks before we found one we could sleep with.
CPAP.com offers return insurance for most of the masks they sell. The cost range goes from free to YIKES!,
depending largely on the return rate. Some "good" DME's honor the manufacturers' 30 day free return policy
--you just gotta find a "good" one!

[cosmo]

I use nasal pillows and they don't leak at all. I have sinus problems and it works just fine. I have gone to bed with one blocked nose each night since I have started cpap 1.5 months ago.

[MyIdaho]

Have you tried the ResMed Mirage Quattro FFM? There is a good guide on how to tame the leaks, see: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/ I found that guide helpful plus I use the Pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap which dropped by leaks down to essentially zero. Good luck, whichever you choose!

[lisacaice]

I make a mask liner that stops leaks at the nose and reduces them at the chin. I am working on the leaks at the chin and after the last two nights sleeping with the new design I think I got it perfect now?

I have to have the masks in order to make the patterns and right now I only have the Mirage Quattro FFM ,the Quattro FX FFM, the Liberty hybrid, and the forma FFM. So I am able to make liners for those masks only at this point.

If you have one of those let me know and PM your address and I'll send you one. All I ask is that you provide me with feedback on the liner.

[Gabe]

I make a mask liner that stops leaks at the nose and reduces them at the chin. I am working on the leaks at the chin and after the last two nights sleeping with the new design I think I got it perfect now?

I have to have the masks in order to make the patterns and right now I only have the Mirage Quattro FFM ,the Quattro FX FFM, the Liberty hybrid, and the forma FFM. So I am able to make liners for those masks only at this point.

If you have one of those let me know and PM your address and I'll send you one. All I ask is that you provide me with feedback on the liner.

Can I try one of the Quattro FX liners? I have trouble with leaks on it, also. Thanks. Gabe

[Always tired]

Does anyone have a full face mask that doesn't leak?

Several of the members use the FitLife Total FF mask (the kind firemen use) and have success but it is not for everyone. The Quattro with a liner is a very comfortable mask to wear and the one I use when stuffed up--some nights I have low leaks with it and then the next it's all over the place with leaks with the same strap tension. The leak strap by Pad-A-Cheek and probably others also works well for some, but I found it too confining. It really comes down to what works for you.
What is your pressure?
Does you pulmonologist have a facility where you can test fit different masks and perhaps check them out for an overnight trial?
USC or Clemson fan?

[DoriC]

What type of bed pillow are you using? Do a Search for Bed Pillows here and you'll get lots of tips.

[qmx]

I have had great success with the Mirage Quattro Full face mask. It has an adjustable feature and it comes with good instructions as to how to initially put it on and then adjust it. Best of luck. DEAN

[carolinagirl2001]

What is your pressure?
Does you pulmonologist have a facility where you can test fit different masks and perhaps check them out for an overnight trial?
USC or Clemson fan?[/quote]


My pressure is 8.

Carolina graudate, season ticket holder, and super fan!!!

[Always tired]

Carolina graudate, season ticket holder, and super fan!!!

I knew you were an intelligent girl.
Give the Quattro and liner combo a try.
A T

[avi123]

It could be more meaningful if posters show graphs results of the leaks from their masks.
Words like "it works for me" don't tell much.

Resmed machines show net leak and should be below 24 L/min.
Respironics machines show gross leaks and the intentional mask leak should be subtracted.

Showing history of Leak (L/min) in SleepyHead:



Showing history of Leak (L/min) in ResScan:

Last 30 days,



Last 60 days,

[cosmo]

This is what I normally see with my nasal pillows. I made the screen shot for a different thread so I don't have the monthly totals in front of me.

The ResMed machine is the only machine that will show those upward lines. I think its mouth leaks. But it happens even if I tape my mouth.