Fit Life Mask marks

I use the Fit Life mask and have begun to feel better finally (I hope this continues).

One problem with the huge honking mask is that it leaves marks on my cheeks - especially if I turn on my side. (the mask leaves marks - not the straps). I know someone will say I shouldn't pull the straps that tight - but if I don't, it leaks. My average leak rate is decent now and I don't want to go back to living on the edge quite yet. (And I don't want to go back to nose damage on the typical full face or nasal mask).

So, a solution? This morning I took the mask off around 6am so the last hour or two could be "strapless" and that helped some. ( I had a morning meeting). My apnea index in the initial sleep study was 0.5/hour and my AHI was 13.7 - so an occasional hour of this - say twice a week - shouldn't hurt too much. (Maybe I am wrong? My doctor said I could try cpap - that it was up to me).

My longer term plan is to try nasal pillows - one of the ones that seem to stay on better when you turn over and find yourself face down, etc. But, I might have to pay for the whole thing since insurance pay for another one till February, I think.

Any other suggestions? I would prefer to use the mask - when I take it off I feel like don't sleep as well. (And there is data to back that up, of course!)

Contact Karen(aka Padacheek) at http://www.padacheek.com and get some strap pads. You could also just PM Padacheek as she is a forum member. She makes wonderful stuff to help us all sleep more comfortably, and takes great pride in her customer service and workmanship. If you need something special just let her know, she is always willing to develop whatever we might need.

Brenda

Oh - I should correct my statement - they are not strap marks - they are mask marks. I am not sure padding the mask would keep the leaks low - would it?

I will correct the original entry - my bad.

Hi dkdc

I sometimes get mask marks, probably because of the variables that having a beard can cause.

If it looks too bad when I look in the mirror I get my massager out (a very good Japanese Matoba), and, using the multiple spike side, I massage my face until the marks are gone. Doesn't take long, and an added benefit is that a face massage first thing in the morning really wakens one up.

There must be cheaper massagers around, as mine cost about AUD$500, but is a very heavy duty one I can use on my back.

Also, using a feather pillow may minimise the marks you get when you turn on your side.

cheers

Mars

My FF used to leave mask marks (AND strap marks!)

I found the hot water involved with washing/shaving in the morning helped a lot, along with some fingertip massaging of the area.

When I first saw pics of the FitLife I couldn't imagine it would be comfortable unless you stayed flat on your back. I didn't consider the marking problem, but I can see how that big sucker might.

I don't think giving up therapy for an hour a night is a good idea, but that's your call (you might ask your doc what he/she thinks...) I'd find another solution, if it were me.