6 masks down, still haven't found anything that works.

[digitalepiphany]

My hubby just began using the Full Life by Philips Respironics. He usually wears a large mask, but the medium fits in this one best. He has used the Amara (first mask), then the Quattro Air, briefly tried the SleepWeaver Anew and all leaked to various degrees. He's been using this just over a week & NO LEAKS! Now before you get excited remember everyone is different, but you might want to give it a try. He had some rubbing at his nose bridge, but I had some Gecko pads & that stopped the rubbing without affecting the seal. Its a funny looking mask but it sure works for him.

I've considered that mask, but I tend to sleep on the side of my face a lot. Even when I go to sleep on my back. I figured that if I was having problems keeping a good seal on these smaller masks, that I'd have a really tough time keeping that one sealed. May I'm wrong though. But, that one is still on my list, even if it is near the bottom.

My hubby is a stomach sleeper, very occasionally rolls onto his side, & him maintaining the seal is not a problem. We are both stunned at how well he is doing with this mask. Did I mention he has a beard & moustache? I don't know if you have facial hair, but I'm amazed. I thought he would have to live with some leakage, I was wrong.

I did have a full beard before I moved away from the pillows. I couldn't get my first hybrid mask to stop leaking, so I shaved it off. Unfortunately. Like I said, I still have that mask on my list, but it'll be a while before I get to it. If I were a multi-millionaire like Mr. Drummond, I'd just buy a ton of masks and try each one. Instead, I have to prioritize. Which is why I'm looking for a FFM with chin support. Hopefully, though, the Simplus will work out. It seems to be doing fine so far, other than the first 15 minutes I wore it.

[robysue]

Digitalepiphany,

You write:

But, I'm going to say this one more time.

I DO NOT MOUTH-BREATHE.

I mouth-leak on occasion at night. I breathe primarily through my nose.

But you started the thread off by writing:

Without going into extraneous detail here (it's been covered in previous posts), I have to use a FFM. I've tried both hybrids (for a few weeks each), and those are no-gos.

If you don't mouth breathe, then WHY do you need a FFM???

Seriously, what's the problem you're trying to fix by using a FFM? If the problem is just a bit of mouth-leaking here and there, you don't need a FFM to fix it: A bit of mouth leaking is not a problem that needs to be fixed for the most part.

I covered the mouth-leak issue in separate posts. Yes, it's true that probably none of you have seen those posts. I just figured that you'd all take my word for it, and just give suggestions about FFMs. Regardless, the mouth leaks were a huge issue. It wasn't just a couple minutes at a time a couple times per night. My mouth would drop open and stay open for hours at a time, with therapy air leaking out the entire time. Now, I'm not saying that I don't mouth-breathe on those occasions, but I do go to sleep breathing through my nose, and generally wake up doing the same. I've woken up tons of times with my lips flapping because of this. This is why I cannot use nasal masks or pillows.

There is no effective difference between this kind of mouth leaks and real mouth breathing. So it doesn't really matter whether people talk to you about "mouth breathing" or "mouth leaking" when trying to help you. Pointing out that you're not mouth breathing is not really helpful in this case because most people interpret "mouth leaking" as occasional leaks coming from the mouth, not near constant ones.

If you really are leaking all night long at a high level, yeah, you need a FFM, but you need a FFM for exactly the same reason that someone who mouth breaths needs a FFM: When your mouth is open for long period of time, if you use a nasal mask the PAP air goes in through your nose and out through your open mouth.

So the semantics of what to call the "open mouth" problem is unimportant.

And that brings me back to my original post in this thread: Have you tried any FFM that have a more traditional forehead support that is fully adjustable such as Mirage Quattro FFM, the ComfortGel Blue FFM, or the Amara FFM? Have you tried any FFM that doesn't have a forehead support at all, such as the SleepWeaver Anew FFM, the Zzz-Mask FFM, the Quattro FX FFM?

The two FFM masks you say you have tried (the Quattro Air and the F&P Simplus) both have a forehead support, but the support is not fully adjustable---all you can do to adjust the forehead support is to tighten or loosen the top strap on the headgear. And maybe that's part of the problem with both masks.

[digitalepiphany]

There is no effective difference between this kind of mouth leaks and real mouth breathing. So it doesn't really matter whether people talk to you about "mouth breathing" or "mouth leaking" when trying to help you. Pointing out that you're not mouth breathing is not really helpful in this case because most people interpret "mouth leaking" as occasional leaks coming from the mouth, not near constant ones.

No, there is no effective difference, as far as needing a FFM is concerned. There is, however, a difference when it comes to other masks, such as oral masks. That is why I was stressing the fact that I mouth-leak instead of mouth-breathe. While both do require a FFM, mouth-breathers can get away with an oral mask. Since I generally breathe through my nose, an oral mask would not work for me.

If you really are leaking all night long at a high level, yeah, you need a FFM, but you need a FFM for exactly the same reason that someone who mouth breaths needs a FFM: When your mouth is open for long period of time, if you use a nasal mask the PAP air goes in through your nose and out through your open mouth.

I understand that. It's happened to me. That is why I went to a FFM.

So the semantics of what to call the "open mouth" problem is unimportant.

Not entirely. See above.

And that brings me back to my original post in this thread: Have you tried any FFM that have a more traditional forehead support that is fully adjustable such as Mirage Quattro FFM, the ComfortGel Blue FFM, or the Amara FFM? Have you tried any FFM that doesn't have a forehead support at all, such as the SleepWeaver Anew FFM, the Zzz-Mask FFM, the Quattro FX FFM?

No, I have not tried a FFM with traditional forehead support. But, that's not really an issue here. My main issue is keeping my mouth closed. I've tried a chin strap (I mentioned it several posts back). Not comfortable at all. The VA only offers one, as far as I know, and I don't have the money to experiment on my own. This is why I was asking about FFMs with chin support. I'l discuss this a bit more below.

The two FFM masks you say you have tried (the Quattro Air and the F&P Simplus) both have a forehead support, but the support is not fully adjustable---all you can do to adjust the forehead support is to tighten or loosen the top strap on the headgear. And maybe that's part of the problem with both masks.

The problems with the Simplus were reported by me during a first-wear situation. I reported back with an update on that mask. I'm no longer getting leaks into the eyes, after adjusting the crown straps to allow the forehead support to sit lower on my forehead, which drops the nose-bride part of the cushion down to where it should be. The bottom part of the cushion does sit near the bottom of my chin, but it allows my mouth to drop open, and doesn't cause any additional leaks (from my one night's experience with it).

I'll try to recap everything.

I cannot use nasal masks or pillows because I mouth-leak to an extent that requires a FFM.
I cannot use oral masks because I do not mouth-breathe. I primarily breathe through my nose.
My mouth does drop open at night, so I'm interested in any FFM with chin support that anyone has experience with.
The Simplus (after one night) seems to be working alright at the moment. Very low leak level. No shifting while asleep. My mouth dropping open doesn't cause major leaks. My only issue with it at this point is that I had to go a size big in order to accommodate my mouth dropping open. This requires me to over-tighten the straps. It is for this reason that I'm still looking at other masks, and why I'm looking for something with chin support (so that I can get the proper size mask).

Sometimes, I'm thinking things while typing, and they don't come across (because I didn't type them). Too bad I can't magically make my thoughts appear on screen. Of course, I might get some Google search results that I'd rather not see.

[robysue]

And that brings me back to my original post in this thread: Have you tried any FFM that have a more traditional forehead support that is fully adjustable such as Mirage Quattro FFM, the ComfortGel Blue FFM, or the Amara FFM? Have you tried any FFM that doesn't have a forehead support at all, such as the SleepWeaver Anew FFM, the Zzz-Mask FFM, the Quattro FX FFM?

No, I have not tried a FFM with traditional forehead support. But, that's not really an issue here. My main issue is keeping my mouth closed.

With a FFM there's no need to keep the mouth closed. The whole reason to use a FFM is so that the mouth can hang open at night without you losing any therapy air.

If the FFM can't handle what happens when your chin drops down and your mouth opens wide up, then the mask is NOT correctly fitted. Maybe the mask size is wrong. Or it may be the headgear is inappropriately tightened. Or it may simply be the wrong FFM for your face.

If you can figure out a way to keep the mouth closed when sleeping, then you don't need a FFM.

The problems with the Simplus were reported by me during a first-wear situation. I reported back with an update on that mask. I'm no longer getting leaks into the eyes, after adjusting the crown straps to allow the forehead support to sit lower on my forehead, which drops the nose-bride part of the cushion down to where it should be. The bottom part of the cushion does sit near the bottom of my chin, but it allows my mouth to drop open, and doesn't cause any additional leaks (from my one night's experience with it).

If your mouth is opening in a FFM like the Simplus and that does not cause any mask leaks caused by breaking the mask seal, then the FFM is doing its job---it's designed to allow the mouth to open without causing a loss of pressure through a massive mouth leak.

The Simplus (after one night) seems to be working alright at the moment. Very low leak level. No shifting while asleep. My mouth dropping open doesn't cause major leaks. My only issue with it at this point is that I had to go a size big in order to accommodate my mouth dropping open. This requires me to over-tighten the straps. It is for this reason that I'm still looking at other masks, and why I'm looking for something with chin support (so that I can get the proper size mask).

And what happens if you do NOT over-tighten the headgear?

In other words, I'm still confused about what you're trying to accomplish: A FFM has to be big enough to allow the mouth to open---that's the way it's designed. If you're using a FFM that won't allow the mouth to open, then what's the point of the FFM?

And since chinstraps are uncomfortable, have you considered using Chin-ups instead of a chin-strap? They are, in essence, rather like a very large bandage that helps support the chin without covering the lips. Here's a drawing of how they're applied:

[Kennerly]

Dexsuz mentioned the Quattro fx: +1 on that. I have trouble with leaks at the peak of the Amara and the Mirage Quattro but not the fx.

I use a lg size Qfx when I expect a lot of mouth breathing (nasal congestion) and the md when I think I can get through with just a little mouth breathing at the start. (The md falls a little close under my mouth but it‘s ok for 20 minutes of mouth breathing and makes for an easier seal.)

Pressures: I’m able to get a good seal when it peaks up to around 15. (Using auto bi-level pap so my pressure is lower most of the time.) I don’t see the fx being effective at higher pressures without adjusting the straps to “brain crush.”

Like Dexsuz I use a hack to keep the mask from creeping up. Instead of wearing the upper strap on top (sop) I wear it more at the top rear. Sounds like his approach of adding a small strap under the chin accomplishes the same thing and might provide the little bit of extra chin support you need. The headgear that ResMed puts on the fx isn’t as robust as that on the Mirage Quattro so it has to be replaced more often.

Whatever ffm you go with, for your skin’s sake you might want to put some cloth between you and the silicone. Padacheeks are good for low maintenance.

[chunkyfrog]

I also considered chin-up strips, but I tried a DIY alternative, made with blue painters' tape.
Here are the patterns I use (shown on quilting template for scale--your size may differ)
When applying, I pull my lower lip up over my upper lip, like a bulldog, before sticking the ends.

[jencat824]

My hubby just began using the Full Life by Philips Respironics. He usually wears a large mask, but the medium fits in this one best. He has used the Amara (first mask), then the Quattro Air, briefly tried the SleepWeaver Anew and all leaked to various degrees. He's been using this just over a week & NO LEAKS! Now before you get excited remember everyone is different, but you might want to give it a try. He had some rubbing at his nose bridge, but I had some Gecko pads & that stopped the rubbing without affecting the seal. Its a funny looking mask but it sure works for him.

I've considered that mask, but I tend to sleep on the side of my face a lot. Even when I go to sleep on my back. I figured that if I was having problems keeping a good seal on these smaller masks, that I'd have a really tough time keeping that one sealed. May I'm wrong though. But, that one is still on my list, even if it is near the bottom.

My hubby is a stomach sleeper, very occasionally rolls onto his side, & him maintaining the seal is not a problem. We are both stunned at how well he is doing with this mask. Did I mention he has a beard & moustache? I don't know if you have facial hair, but I'm amazed. I thought he would have to live with some leakage, I was wrong.

I did have a full beard before I moved away from the pillows. I couldn't get my first hybrid mask to stop leaking, so I shaved it off. Unfortunately. Like I said, I still have that mask on my list, but it'll be a while before I get to it. If I were a multi-millionaire like Mr. Drummond, I'd just buy a ton of masks and try each one. Instead, I have to prioritize. Which is why I'm looking for a FFM with chin support. Hopefully, though, the Simplus will work out. It seems to be doing fine so far, other than the first 15 minutes I wore it.

One of the reasons I mentioned this mask is that you asked for a mask with a chin support, see the link below. This mask HAS chin support, and I think the chin support might be the reason my hubby has had success with this mask.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html

The chin strap in the picture shows rather close to the throat, but in actuality it fits closer to the front of the chin. I know its further down on your list, I was just trying to respond to what you asked. I hope you find the best mask for you, whatever that may be.

[digitalepiphany]

And that brings me back to my original post in this thread: Have you tried any FFM that have a more traditional forehead support that is fully adjustable such as Mirage Quattro FFM, the ComfortGel Blue FFM, or the Amara FFM? Have you tried any FFM that doesn't have a forehead support at all, such as the SleepWeaver Anew FFM, the Zzz-Mask FFM, the Quattro FX FFM?

No, I have not tried a FFM with traditional forehead support. But, that's not really an issue here. My main issue is keeping my mouth closed.

With a FFM there's no need to keep the mouth closed. The whole reason to use a FFM is so that the mouth can hang open at night without you losing any therapy air.

If the FFM can't handle what happens when your chin drops down and your mouth opens wide up, then the mask is NOT correctly fitted. Maybe the mask size is wrong. Or it may be the headgear is inappropriately tightened. Or it may simply be the wrong FFM for your face.

If you can figure out a way to keep the mouth closed when sleeping, then you don't need a FFM.

The way the fitting guide shows to fit the mask (Quattro Air) is that the lower cushion should sit just under the lower lip. That doesn't seem like it's designed to allow open mouths. Now, I'm not saying that FFMs aren't designed to allow it, just that if the Air were designed that way, you'd think they'd have different fitting instructions. Regardless, I still have skin irritation from that mask (the last time I wore it was about 4 or 5 days ago), so it's out of the running altogether. Also, I used this mask for 5 weeks. I did everything I could to get the thing to fit properly. I think what helps me with the Simplus is that I can adjust the straps at the crown so that I can drop the mask farther down on my face, which you can't do with the Air.

The problems with the Simplus were reported by me during a first-wear situation. I reported back with an update on that mask. I'm no longer getting leaks into the eyes, after adjusting the crown straps to allow the forehead support to sit lower on my forehead, which drops the nose-bride part of the cushion down to where it should be. The bottom part of the cushion does sit near the bottom of my chin, but it allows my mouth to drop open, and doesn't cause any additional leaks (from my one night's experience with it).

If your mouth is opening in a FFM like the Simplus and that does not cause any mask leaks caused by breaking the mask seal, then the FFM is doing its job---it's designed to allow the mouth to open without causing a loss of pressure through a massive mouth leak.

Technically, yes, it's doing its job. However, if the mask fit properly to begin with, there'd be no need to over-tighten it. My sleep tech measured me for the mask (I was between sizes, just like with the Air), then went with the next size up in order to accommodate my opening mouth. If I fit this mask according to instructions, it leaks into my eyes. To prevent that, I have to drop the mask farther down my face. This causes leaking in the bottom half of the mask, which is why I have to over-tighten it. So, my problem is two-fold. I need to be able to keep my mouth closed. If I can't, then I need a mask that can properly accommodate that, and fit properly. This is why I was asking about FFMs with chin support. This would keep my mouth closed, thereby allowing me to get the proper size mask. Before the Air, my mouth only ever opened slightly. This should be easily accommodated with any FFM. I think what happened with that one is that it was such a close fit that when my mouth did open, the mask would ride up a bit, my mouth would open more, it'd ride up some more, etc. until my mouth was gaping open with the bottom of the mask cushion in my mouth. The only way to test this theory is to try the next size up. But, as I said above, it caused a lot of skin irritation, so I'm done with the Air.

The Simplus (after one night) seems to be working alright at the moment. Very low leak level. No shifting while asleep. My mouth dropping open doesn't cause major leaks. My only issue with it at this point is that I had to go a size big in order to accommodate my mouth dropping open. This requires me to over-tighten the straps. It is for this reason that I'm still looking at other masks, and why I'm looking for something with chin support (so that I can get the proper size mask).

And what happens if you do NOT over-tighten the headgear?

It leaks along the cheeks and at the bottom.

In other words, I'm still confused about what you're trying to accomplish: A FFM has to be big enough to allow the mouth to open---that's the way it's designed. If you're using a FFM that won't allow the mouth to open, then what's the point of the FFM?

The point of a FFM that doesn't allow my mouth to open is so that I can breathe solely through my nose, which would be perfect in my situation. With the pillows, I taped, used polygrip cream, polygrip strips, and nothing kept my lips closed 100%. It was more a moisture problem than anything else. One little spot comes loose, and I'd wake up mouth-leaking. So, I have no problem with breathing through my nose all night, so long as I can keep my mouth and lips closed. I breathe through my nose. It's only when my mouth drops open that I mouth-leak (which probably leads to some mouth-breathing). If I could keep my mouth and lips closed, I'd be set. Regardless, the issue with the Air wasn't that my mouth "opened." It was that my mouth gaped open, like I was trying to eat the mask. This could be a combination of things, like too small size, shifting mask, etc. Whatever it was, the problem was there. Since I got a lot of irritation from that mask, there's no way to tell what the actual problem was, as I won't be revisiting it. This leaves me in a bit of a quandry, however, as I now have to go with a different FFM without knowing why I had the problems with the Air.

As a side note, I did use saran wrap with my hybrids. It gets placed over the mouth cushion so that it sits between the mask and my face. This actually prevents you from breathing through your mouth, whether it comes open or not. So, yes, there is a benefit to a FFM that won't allow you to breathe through your mouth (this is more restrictive than a FFM that won't allow you to open your mouth, but this is actually what I want). If either of those masks actually fit properly, I'd still be using saran wrap. It was great. What wasn't so great was the placement of the pillows on the mask. I tried every fix I could find. The best one was whitebeard's. It still wouldn't work for me well enough to actually want to keep using it though. Also, I'm just getting sick of all these "fixes" and extra crap I have to do. Call me lazy if you want, but I want a mask that I can put on and then go to sleep, with no extra steps in-between or extra crap I have to do to the mask or myself every night before bed.

As I said above, I want a FFM that fits properly and allows for my mouth to open (or keeps my mouth and lips close; those don't exist though). Low leaks and comfort are priorities. Also, it should be quiet. I was really surprised at how loud the Air is. The Simplus is only outdone in this area by the Swift FX (comparing the masks that I've used). If my mouth only gaped open and "swallowed" the mask like I said above with the Air, then I could try the Simplus in the next size down. I don't have a problem trying that. My concern is, what if I do just gape my mouth wide open? This is one of the reasons I was asking about FFMs with chin support. I wouldn't have to do any testing to make sure the mask can accommodate a gaping mouth. The chin support will take care of that. This way, I can just concentrate on getting the proper size and the proper fit.

And since chinstraps are uncomfortable, have you considered using Chin-ups instead of a chin-strap? They are, in essence, rather like a very large bandage that helps support the chin without covering the lips. Here's a drawing of how they're applied:


As I said in a previous post, I don't have the money to try out things like this.

[digitalepiphany]

One of the reasons I mentioned this mask is that you asked for a mask with a chin support, see the link below. This mask HAS chin support, and I think the chin support might be the reason my hubby has had success with this mask.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html

The chin strap in the picture shows rather close to the throat, but in actuality it fits closer to the front of the chin. I know its further down on your list, I was just trying to respond to what you asked. I hope you find the best mask for you, whatever that may be.

I appreciate the suggestion. The chin support is one of the reasons that mask is on my list. The reason it's at the bottom though, is because it's really big, it seems like the air pressure would irritate my eyes, and it just seems like a mask for a last-ditch, extreme effort to get something that works. I'd prefer to try a "normal" FFM with chin support first. My reasons may not be rational, but it is the way I see the mask.

[knothead]

Also, it should be quiet. I was really surprised at how loud the Air is.


I just tried a Quattro Air and noticed it loud. I cannot get a good seal from it either, I tried the way they say to tighten straps, leaks, tighten more till my face looked like a alien. Still leaking, went back to my old trusty Quattro Mirage FFM. No leaks sleeping on my side and very quite, guess the air is my final test and will stay with the QM. Hope u find yours(perfect mask)...good luck.

[digitalepiphany]

Thanks.

[SleepySleepNeeder]

I use the Respironics Delue Chin Strap (https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... hleak.html), it's a huge wide soft stretchy band that is so soft and comfortable you can barely feel it, but can be adjusted to whatever tightness you need to keep your mouth closed. It has a wide velcro strip to securely fasten the main band, and comes with two velcro-fastened straps to keep its position on your head (I only use one of the straps around the back of my head above my ears). I sleep on my back in a super-size recliner called The Beast (which is just like a Craftmatic Adjustable Bed in letting you sleep in a reclined position but a WHOLE lot cheaper, at about $750, it keeps my head above the rest of my body and my butt is the lowest point and is very comfortable) which eliminates all issues with sleeping on your side that cause the mask to leak, and so because I'm on my back my jaw always wants to fall open. This chin strap totally solves the problem and with comfort (I always had problems with the chin strap that has a chin cup because of my larger chin size).

If you are having problems with your mask leaking, but can't use nasal pillows because you don't like the chin strap you've gotten, perhaps you should consider sleeping in a large recliner or elevating your head somehow so you can sleep on your back and using the nasal pillows mask with this very comfortable chin strap. Nasal pillows really are the best solution because they minimize the contact area and thus virtually eliminate the leakage issue, plus they minimize the rebreathing of your own exhaust the most out of any mask. I use the Swift II nasal pillows (http://www.amazon.com/ResMed-Mirage-Swi ... 00HCRZMAC/), which has an exhaust port directly under your nose so the exhaust is nearly totally eliminated from any intake air.

It's also possible you need to adjust your pressure upwards yourself. I also get my equipment through the VA, but my sleep study was done at a civilian hospital as the VA did two sleep studies and told me I did not have sleep apnea (and I have SEVERE sleep apnea, as the civilian lab determined). So I'm not OK with the VA's testing abilities in their labs. Anyhow, I was reluctant to change the pressure setting myself because the equipment comes from the VA, but recently changed my mind. I found instructions online (a YouTube video, actually) and upped the pressure a half-pound (I had previously asked the VA to up my pressure two pounds, which they did, but they said next time I needed another sleep study). That suffocating feeling you're getting tells me your pressure is too low, and you are probably rebreathing a lot of your own exhaust. Nasal pillows solve the rebreathing, and you can up the pressure yourself.

I also recommend CPAP wipes to keep your mask edges sanitized. Amazon sells these affordable citrus wipes (https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... hleak.html). And antibacterial ointment should reduce the inflammation in the mask contact areas. Also consider your mask my be too tight, you may have it tight to eliminate leakage. Nasal pillows solve the leakage issue.

You may want to conduct your own home sleep study. It's fairly simple to do. You can buy a recording pulse oximeter online (the finger clip-on that monitors blood oxygen level). CPAP.com sells a manometer (https://www.cpap.com/productpage/guage- ... ssure.html) that lets you verify your pressure levels at the mask. Find instructions online for adjusting your own pressure and monitor the results.

And I highly recommend the SoClean CPAP sanitizer (http://www.amazon.com/SoClean-CPAP-Clea ... 00FK79XFQ/) to eliminate bacterial issues. I had to modify my humidifier water tank to eliminate the airflow adapter provided by the SoClean, but it was very easy to do. Any questions please feel free to PM me.

[Fizzy42]

Hi try the flexifit 432 ffm or the forma as that has a foam chin support,
that's really comfortable.
Hope this helps

[digitalepiphany]

I'm not sure that you read any of my posts, other than the first one. I've been at this for 7 months (I didn't specifically state this any of of my above posts, I'm just pointing this out so that you know I didn't just get my machine last week or something).

The suffocating feeling was from the Simplus mask itself. No other mask has done that. I also stated in a follow-up post that it became easier and easier to breathe while wearing the Simplus, and it became even easier once I lay down. My pressures are fine.

Now, the CPAP I was first started on is a different story altogether. I have a thread about that too. It was basically me and Pugsy going back and forth with my data. I had TONS of CAs. For example, I had an AHI of ~98 one night (this wasn't too unusual, but it was the highest one), with something like 70 CAs/hour. That got fixed in November (I think), when I got switched to a S9 VPAP ST. I haven't had a CA since. My AHI fluctuates, depending on the mask. With the Innomed Hybrid, I was averaging somewhere around 0.4-1.0, but the "fixes" I had to make to the headgear to make it leak-free was just too uncomfortable (it would sometimes rub my nose raw, which took forever to heal). And, the "fix" began to fail over the long-term. Instead of having to "re-fix" the damn thing, be uncomfortable, and deal with sores on my nose more often than not, I finally threw in the towel and submitted to the FFM Gods. I didn't want to, but my hand was finally forced. Or, my nose, to be more specific.

As for the nasal pillows, I've tried everything I can afford to try. Believe me, I've scoured the four corners of the interwebs to find solutions. Alas, none worked for me. At least not sufficiently well enough to put up with the hassle. Taping? It was hit or miss. Lanolin? Didn't work at all. I even put saran wrap on my mouth and wrapped blue painter's tape around my head to keep it in place. It worked better than just taping my lips, but it was WAY too uncomfortable (and a PITA) to do on a regular basis. This was done in frustration after waking up to the tape half off my lips, and my lips flapping in the wind (literally). If you can imagine a half-asleep, sleep-deprived, angry man at 3AM standing in front of the bathroom mirror, angrily lashing tape around his head....well, that was me. I hope you get the same visual I have, causes it's actually kind of funny in hindsight.

I also stated that I cannot afford to buy anything extra on my own. A new chin strap is too expensive at this point, how am I supposed to afford a recliner? Although, I have considered it. It'd definitely prevent me from rolling onto my stomach like I normally do.

The mask wipes are the only thing I do spend extra money on, but that's only about $15 every 2.5 months (this might have to go as well; I'm on VERY limited funds ATM; like $400/month funds; gotta pay bills and eat first). That, and I'm too lazy to wash the mask on a regular basis. Well, lazy is the wrong term. I've been telling myself that I was a lazy sack of shit for so long, it's hard to not say it in normal conversation.

[digitalepiphany]

Hi try the flexifit 432 ffm or the forma as that has a foam chin support,
that's really comfortable.
Hope this helps

I assume you've used both of them? How'd they work out? Any issues?