Mask questions

Morning all,

I'm still having alot of problems with my mask, and the DME company has tried to fix but we can't find the happy medium. I current use a Fulllife Full CPAP mask. My problem is the straps are cutting into my ears to keep the seal on the mask. If I fix my ear problem I loose my seal. They have tried 3 different mask(1st was comfortgel full face, and 2nd was comfort2). The other didn't work as I woke up either unable to breath comfortable or drowning(regardless of my humidifier settings). So far the Fulllife is the most comfortable, and I tolerate best.

My question is IF i drill additional vent ports on either of the other 2 mask will it corrupt the mask? I'm worried about killing the intergity of the mask with the new holes. My DME company seems to have a limited selection of mask or they are holding out on me i don't know which. Does any one a similar problems with their mask or have a recommendation for a different mask in the same style that I might be able to bully my DME into getting for me. I'm sure the RT is getting fustrated with my calls, and running out of options, but I gotta get this working for me.

TIA

I also have a mask that hurts my ears.
I've been thinking of making little pillows to tack to the headgear over my ears.
--or the cotton roving that salons use during perms--what is it called?
They sell it at Sally Beauty supply; it's cheap, too.

dnrperez wrote:My question is IF i drill additional vent ports on either of the other 2 mask will it corrupt the mask?

Yes, it will mess up the effectiveness of the mask. Not something I would ever consider doing.

How about using the mask trial program to try something your DME doesn't carry. Look for something that the straps don't come near your ears.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials.html

For your rain out problems have you tried other things besides changing humidifier settings? Hose cozy? I recently got a heated hose and it has totally eliminated my rain out issues even at my really high humidifier settings.

dnrperez wrote:Morning all,
I current use a Fulllife Full CPAP mask. My problem is the straps are cutting into my ears to keep the seal on the mask. If I fix my ear problem I loose my seal. They have tried 3 different mask(1st was comfortgel full face, and 2nd was comfort2). The other didn't work as I woke up either unable to breath comfortable or drowning(regardless of my humidifier settings). So far the Fulllife is the most comfortable, and I tolerate best.
... Does any one a similar problems with their mask or have a recommendation for a different mask in the same style that I might be able to bully my DME into getting for me. I'm sure the RT is getting fustrated with my calls, and running out of options, but I gotta get this working for me.
TIA

Hi, TIA in San Antonio. I surely would think that in San Antonio you could get any and all masks available by checking around at different providers. You might try either the mask trial suggested above, or check with your insurance to see who else in the City can be covered.
I didn't research your previous posts, so I don't know if you're a mouthbreather or why you wear the FFM. The humidity issue makes me think of suggesting my SleepWeaver cloth mask, becasue if anything, it refuses to hold too much humidity. Admittedly, many folks have issues sealing the mask, but if you can tolerate a nasal mask, the SW is absolutely the most comfortable. I hope something works out for you.

Tia: I am a little curious as to why your mask strap is around your ears. I use the Philips Respironics Fitlife Total Face mask. I notice in the manual that the strap you are referring to sits higher up the back of the head. Mine fits right above my ears. When I try to slide the mask up (close to where the manual shows), the mask slips off. I figured this was due to the shape of my head.

Have you tried to slide the mask up above the ears and re-adjusting the tightness of the mask?

Sheriff

the only way we have been able to keep the mask on my head is that way. Even the RT said at the time of the fitting that we not following the diretions exactly. I know my wife has always said I have a big head, but damn figured she was being herself.

You might do better with a Resmed mask, it seems all they're trying on you are Respironics which may not be a good fit for you.