DME says pressure of 13 is too high to use a hybrid mask?

I've been on CPAP about 3 weeks now and still struggling to find a mask. I tend to breath through my mouth, so have just been trying full face masks. I've tried the Medium Comfort Gel, Small Ultra Mirage and Small Mirage Quattro, each for a week. These seem to fit OK in the DME. However, ivernight I struggle between leaks (loud flapping seal) vs straps being too tight. I developed an open pressure sore on the bridge of my nose after 3 days that just keeps getting worse. I would like to try a hybrid style mask just to try to get something that doesn't go over the bridge of my nose. However, the DME says my pressure (13) is too high for that type of mask. True or not?

Also, I've found that on CPAP my nasal passages seem to open up and I can actually breath through my nose at night. Some of the masks seem to hold my mouth closed and that's actually OK. I'm thinking about trying a nasal prong or pillow - any suggestions? I think my mouth would still open while asleep. From the board, I get the idea that the papcap is very good at keeping your mouth closed - any input on trying the papcap and nasal prong or pillow?

Just FYI, my numbers are fairly consistent. Averages are around leak = .18 L/sec, AHI = 3.2, AI = 0.1, HI = 3.1. My biggest issue is the open sore on my nose. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the whole CPAP thing and am feeling good.

It takes a while to dial in a mask so it is both tolerable and effective. Obviously you are going to have to give your nose some time to heal. As an example to my point, I purchased a soyala full face mask that made the bridge of my nose extremely sore to the point I couldn't get through the night with it. I finally tried cutting a notch where it fits on the bridge of the nose in the silicone like interface which of course ruined the mask. I ordered a new interface for the mask and it still was uncomfortable. Fortunately I had a UMFF to use so I used it. After months had passed I tried the soyala again. I fiddled with the head adjustment by adding some layers of moleskin. Anyway..to make a long story short...a year and a half later I use the soyala with no discomfort and almost no leaking. You have to custom fit these masks by being creative...it's understandable these mask don't fit everyone perfect the first go around. Keep working at it ..don't quit...be creative and pretty soon that mask will feel like it's part of you. Good luck and hope your nose sore heals up soon.

Hello! Sorry you are having difficulties. You need to let your nose heal before going any further. Like PP stated you need to keep trying to adjust the mask you have. With 3 mask changes in 3 weeks, I can say that you haven't given one a decent try. On the quattro: play with the dial, on the UM FF mask, play with the angel adaptor.

Back to the original question: Yes the hybrid could be used at your pressure, however you may need to greatly increase your humidity.

Good Luck to you!

Bonnie corgi lover wrote:I've been on CPAP about 3 weeks now and still struggling to find a mask. I tend to breath through my mouth, so have just been trying full face masks. I've tried the Medium Comfort Gel, Small Ultra Mirage and Small Mirage Quattro, each for a week. These seem to fit OK in the DME. However, ivernight I struggle between leaks (loud flapping seal) vs straps being too tight. I developed an open pressure sore on the bridge of my nose after 3 days that just keeps getting worse. I would like to try a hybrid style mask just to try to get something that doesn't go over the bridge of my nose. However, the DME says my pressure (13) is too high for that type of mask. True or not?

NOT - I'm at 18/15cm using Aeiomed Headrest XL pillows after being unsuccessful with FFM. Of course, I had to learn to sleep with my mouth shut. A major accomplishment for Gumby

Also, I've found that on CPAP my nasal passages seem to open up and I can actually breath through my nose at night. Some of the masks seem to hold my mouth closed and that's actually OK. I'm thinking about trying a nasal prong or pillow - any suggestions? I think my mouth would still open while asleep.

Same for me, makes it easier to keep the trap shut. Keep your tongue planted on the roof of your mouth. Also there is less surface area to seal for leaks. My leaks are down.

And for those thinking, wow how could you, that would burn or blow me up. I thought the very same thing. After trying it, I realized the nose does just what it is designed to do, regulate incoming air. I can't even feel it.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

Bonnie corgi lover wrote:I would like to try a hybrid style mask just to try to get something that doesn't go over the bridge of my nose. However, the DME says my pressure (13) is too high for that type of mask. True or not?

Not true. A lot of DMEs seem to think that any pressure over 10 or 11 is "too much" for nasal pillows to stay sealed, and/or they think a lot of pressure straight into the nostrils will be noticeable and awful to the user. There are many people on this message board who use nasal pillows masks at high pressures with no trouble at all.

As for trying each mask for a week, I think that's PLENTY of time to know if a mask is suiting you or not. Keep in mind it might simply be a matter of needing a different size cushion.

During each trial with a new mask, I'd do as trackman suggested... look at everything about the mask that hurts, leaks, or bothers you and get creative about "fixing" those spots. Check out the Lab Rat award links for ideas:
LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

Look at ALL the fixes for every mask on that page...not just for the mask you have. Sometimes seeing what someone did to a completely different mask will give you a new idea for a modification that can be adapted to your own mask.

My edit -- just fixing the quote box. No words changed in the post.

My Auto BiPap is set to go to a maximum inhale pressure of 21 and I use either a Hybrid or a Liberty Mirage full face mask. Both work just fine if I use the tights leg fix based on Rested Gal's recommendation.

Even without the help of the fix, the masks both hold up to occasionally high pressures. A properly fitted hybrid should have no problems with a 13.

Thanks, everyone! Special thanks for compiling all those "fixes" in the lab rat award section. Gee, and I thought I was being creative with trying a blister bandage on my nose! I'll try a couple of the suggestions to see if I can't fix my present mask before moving on to yet another mask.