Mask Problems

bellasmiles · Post by **bellasmiles** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:05 am

I'm really trying hard to get used to everything and seem to be adjusting ok, mostly, but I'm having problems with mask leaks. Most of the leaks seem to occur around my eyes. I've only tried two masks now...the one pictured below and a respironics model that is similar but has a gel cushion. (a 'disposable' version of it was given to me by the nice sleep lab lady to try. lol) I'm probably going to end up buying a new mask, but I really don't know where to start to a) find the right one and b) get the right size. Any suggestions? I do breathe out of my mouth a little, but am afraid of the nasal pillows on the hybrid. FYI, the DME people are sooooo not helpful. Thanks for any help!

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:12 am

I use the same mask (except for a trial of the Hybrid). Check to see if the leaks stop when you put some pressure on the bridge where it joins the mask-right over the area that leaks into your eyes. If the leak stops think about adding a strap that applies pressure in the same area-the simplest way to do it is with a leg from panty hose tied around your head/mask. See RG's famous panty hose fix with one her nasal pillow interfaces-it might work for this nasal mask too....Kay

bellasmiles · Post by **bellasmiles** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:00 am

When I put the pressure on , it does help...that's how I try to keep it sealed when I sleep on my side. I"ll check out the fix you suggested...thanks. You may become my new best friend! lol I think we use the same machine as well....do you have clinical manuals? How do I get them? Also, I want to get the software, but am a little afraid b/c I'm not sure I'll be able to figure it out!

northernlights · Post by **northernlights** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:41 pm

Hi:

I have the same mask as the one you described (with the gel pad). I think you're referring to the ComfortClassic. If you get leaking around the eyes you might want to try flipping around the gel pad (it has two positions, one where it sticks out further.) You'll find that this sometimes makes a big difference on the leaks. I actually have two masks, and this is my favourite because its so light and very easy to clean in the morning. Of course, fiddling around with the straps doesn't hurt as well - you've just got to get that perfect position (and don't forget to mark them!!!).

Best of luck -

Steve.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:44 pm

Those nasal mask all kind of look alike in those tiny pictures-it is actually a Flexifit 406.
Bella-If you can navigate around the internet you can use Encore (with or without MyEncore). I am an confirmed Mac user but the cost of the Mac that would run Windows XP, Boot Camp, and Encore was too much. So after reading about all the problems the computer savy folk had-I was not looking forward to installing Encore on my new HP-Compaq. The installer wizard took over-there was only one snag-which got inadvertently solved while looking for something else in the control panel. Beginners luck-or maybe I was just flopping around like a fish out of water and recognized the solution when I saw it. A more logical approach would have failed me.
I got the clinical manual as a "buy it now" item on e-bay. it is just a 5-6 page print out. I haven't tried e-mailing PDF's but would love to experiment-just PM your email address to me....Kay