Mask Problem - Escalating

I don't know what I'm going to do now --

From my other thread, every F&P 431 I have leaks terribly through the valve. Even brand new ones. I used a Respironics ComfortGel Saturday night and it was okay -- workable. Not great but workable.

Last night did NOT go well. I could NOT get the mask to stay secured and could not get it to stop leaking. I tried tightening the straps, loosening them, everything. No matter what I did, it leaked terribly and was blowing into my eyes and everything. It also seems that the valve on this mask isn't quite as wide and I pulled the hose off three times. I was getting so irritated. I tried, but I finally gave up at 4am and turned everything off and went back to sleep.

This is NOT a good thing -- I felt it immediately that it was much harder to breathe, but without a mask that will work, what the heck am I supposed to do?

I still do NOT understand how a perfectly good mask (431) that works fine for a year, suddenly doesn't work.

What a lousy time you're having - especially just when you think it's going well! Is it possible you've gained or lost a few lbs? Or possibly the mask material has just reached its 'sell-by' date.. it does deteriorate even if not visibly. Have you tried the Mack's to help with leaks? It's the sticky stuff actually sold for ears(?) but makes a good mask seal.

Julie wrote:What a lousy time you're having - especially just when you think it's going well! Is it possible you've gained or lost a few lbs? Or possibly the mask material has just reached its 'sell-by' date.. it does deteriorate even if not visibly. Have you tried the Mack's to help with leaks? It's the sticky stuff actually sold for ears(?) but makes a good mask seal.

Thanks for piping in here, Julie. I appreciate it. As far as weight loss, no. I tend to stay stable on that front. No loss, no gain. But it was a good thing to consider.

I haven't tried Mack's (haven't heard of it truthfully). The ComfortGel mask was never one I liked -- it just wasn't comfortable. Plus, I HATE the clips because I can't work them.

The F&P 431 has been my mask of choice for over a year -- it's been comfortable and worked well. The leaks that I'm experiencing on it are not from the mask itself, but from the valve -- the exhalation ports on the valve itself. The mask I was using was only a few weeks old, but I had two other ones in my closet as spares. We hooked up each one and all of them did the same thing -- leaked terribly from those exhale ports on the valve.

My husband's logical mind says that it's not the masks but something with the ventilator -- but I have no clue. I'm going to call my DME today, but I'm not sure what they're going to be able to do for me.

One thing is certain -- I can't NOT use the ventilator -- the results of that would be -- unfortunate.

I'm sorry you're having this problem. Wish I had suggestions to help.

"MACK'S earplugs. Less than $4 at Walmart. They also have them at Walgreen's, but it costs more. Maybe even other places. Nothing wrong with going to the store--unless you can't get out."

One example (of many) after a search on forum under "Mack's". You don't use them like earplugs, but as mask stabilizers (my word) - you kind of work the stuff to mold the mask to your face.

Thanks Katie & Julie --

The 431 is the best mask for me, both fit wise and ease of removal. The Respironics mask has those silly ball joint clips and I cannot operate them with my weakened hands. The 431 seals fairly well for me, but this new problem is problematic and causes my leak rate to increase significantly.

I spent a couple hours at my DME today, testing and trying to figure out what the heck is going on. We have a "work around" solution that I'm going to try tonight, but there's no guarantee that it will work or work well.

But thanks for trying to help. I really do appreciate it.