Full face mask w/ high presures?

doodz · Post by **doodz** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 2:57 pm

I've been on VPAP for 27 days now and am having some mask problems. My prescribed pressures are 22cm IPAP and 20cm EPAP.

I was originally given an UMFF in med. I was able to get it to seal but it left a pressure sore on the bridge of my nose. After 3 weeks, I was finally able to get with my DME provider and get a different mask. I went home with the F & P Flexi Fit 431. I have been unsuccessful in getting this new mask to seal properly without having the headgear on so tight it hurts. I've tried both med and large and had the most success with the med, but again, the headgear is on so tight I can't stand it.

Does anyone have any suggestions on another mask to try? I'd like to maybe try a L UMFF of maybe the comfort fit 2. Any other suggestions on how to get a good seal with such high pressures?

Thanks!

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 4:38 pm

I am only on my 3rd day with a Bi-PAP with a high pressure 27cm Ipap 20cm Epap.

If the mask is not sealed it is very hard to breath.

When it is sealed it seems to be quite easy to breath. In fact it doesn't feel hard at all.

I had a Comfortfull 2 during my study which worked well. They had tried two other masks before that one during the study which didn't work well at all. The third was the Comfortfull and it make a huge difference.

I currently have a HC431 but I've had a lot of problems with it. I do have a Nija trick to get the HC431 to work, but if you didn't lke the nose problem you won't like the lines on each side of the face either.

I get a new Comfortfull 2 today which I will get to use tonight and hopefully a better fit like it was in the study.

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:07 pm

A couple other masks to consider would be the Hans-Rudolph one (I can't remember the model number but it looks most like a fighter jet pilot mask) or the "mojo" mask from sleepnet which is a full-face gel mask. High pressures are difficult no matter what mask you use, imho, but eventually you'll find one that works. The more important thing with a full-face mask is that they're hard to deal with if you're a side sleeper because they shift out of position ever so slightly and there's a little leak there all of a sudden. For back sleepers it's not a problem, though.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:17 pm

As stated earlier, it's hard to get a good seal with that high of pressure. Perhaps you can take your most comfortable mask, and use this "tacky" stuff to help it stick (and seal) better. Just put it around the edges of the mask and loosen up the straps a little.

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OwlCreekObserver · Post by **OwlCreekObserver** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:59 pm

I've used only the ComfortFull 2 since I started CPAP about 3 1/2 weeks ago, but my pressure is lower than many of the folks here (7). Even with that low pressure, I still have to deal with leaks on a regular basis.

One thing I've learned from this group is that "the perfect mask" just doesn't seem to exist. Overall, I'm fairly content with mine but I've had (fairly) good nights and several (really) bad nights. Just when it seems I have everything properly adjusted and the mask performs beautifully for a night or two, it will suddenly start leaking like a sieve again for no clear reason. There are so many variables that may be at work -- e.g. face shape, jaw movement, skin oil, humidity, room temperature, etc. -- I doubt that any mask will ever be 100% effective for all users.

I just ordered the ComfortCurve (as if my treatment hasn't been frustrating enough so far) because I really want to be able to read in bed and then drop right off to sleep, as I've alwasy done, without having to take off the glasses, put down the book, strap on the headgear, etc. This process generally wakes me up and it takes another 20-30 minutes for me to drop off to sleep.

From what I've read here, the ComforCurve has a steep adjustment curve, but I really want to make it work. We'll see.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:22 pm

Krelvin wrote:I get a new Comfortfull 2 today which I will get to use tonight and hopefully a better fit like it was in the study.

Last night was very good with the Comfortfull 2.

I actually was better with the mask sleeping on my side rather than on my back. I'm an original stomach sleeper...

Unlike the previous mask which I had to really pressure into my face, this one appeared to be looser. I think it will get a bit better as I use it more.

I woke up due to the humidifier running out of water in the morning rather than anything else. I think I will tap it down a bit tonight.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:41 pm

just be careful with that mask for the first few days, it left a painful pressure sore on the bridge of my nose, it stayed that way for a few days until it broke in, just a heads up. i used a band aid to help cushion it until i healed up.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:04 pm

maybe you need to "double" up on your mask cushions due to the high pressure you have. You can purchase the cushions on-line separately from cpap.com.

As I understand it, you take the 2nd UMFF mask cushion and slip it over the existing one that is installed.

I have NOT done this myself, but they say it works very well for stopping leaks with very high pressures. I do have 2 UMFF masks to try it but my pressure is only half of what yours is.

There are some others here who have done this, maybe they will chime in and confirm it. You also don't seem to be getting much relief with your ipap and epap pressures being so close. Have you tried lowering the epap a couple more cm's?

Note: One thing I've learned about UMFF masks after using them several years, is you cannot overtighten the straps where you crush the cushion, this will put a wrinkle in the cushion where it leaks even more. It likes to use the pressure to help make the seal. Sleep Labs like to put there knee in your chest and grab ahold of the straps and pull as during a titration you don't want any leaks to get a more accurate result.

But away from the lab it is nearly impossible to wear the mask that tight night after night, it is why you ended up with a sore.

You might check the size cushion you have to see if it is correct, the UMFF is measured using a 12" ruler from the center of the pupils of the eye to the center of the chin with mouth slightly open about 1/8". Then you measure the width of the mouth from corner to corner. If you then measure your cushion, it should be wide enough to cover the mouth and long enough to land in the center of the chin. Cpap.com has a sizing calculator where you can compare their sizing to what you have. I use the Std size, but use a Large in the nasal UM.

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