Need A Technician

Hi,

I bought a s9 elite, and now I'm having trouble with mask fit. It seems like i have to strap the mask down so tight that it's giving me welts.

In my sleep study i had no such problem, so I think I need the help of a good technician. How should I go about finding one in AZ?

WoodsyTheOwl wrote:Hi,

I bought a s9 elite, and now I'm having trouble with mask fit. It seems like i have to strap the mask down so tight that it's giving me welts.

In my sleep study i had no such problem, so I think I need the help of a good technician. How should I go about finding one in AZ?

you might get some useful hints if you mention what kind of mask you've got.

full face masks that aren't the right size are almost impossible to get to quit leaking.

Lots of different masks out there... check them on Cpap.com and then ask any questions back here. You don't need a technician, just better advice on fit.

WoodsyTheOwl wrote:Hi,

I bought a s9 elite, and now I'm having trouble with mask fit. It seems like i have to strap the mask down so tight that it's giving me welts.

In my sleep study i had no such problem, so I think I need the help of a good technician. How should I go about finding one in AZ?

Yes, need to know which mask.
Masks should not be cinched down tightly because that will make them leak worse.
Wrong size, wrong mask, wrong adjustments.........could be any of those.


Den

.

Oh wow, thanks for the responses and information!

I've got the EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask - large size. I don't know what the size indicates, but I've got a big head so I assumed that's what I would need.

I seem to have leaks from below my mouth and my cheeks when the machine kicks up the pressure. The leaks wake me up, so I try tightening the straps and shifting positions, but I feel like im fighting a losing battle, and I'm tightening the thing down so much it hurts. Last night I just gave around 3 AM, and woke up groggy at 6:30.

Should I just go for another mask? What do I do with the old one? What if the new one doesn't work?

I'd like to try a nasal mask - I'm thinking that wouldn't be so bad?

Oh I just saw wulfman's post - holy cow that's good to know. I though I might have to deal with this thing squeezing on my melon.

WoodsyTheOwl wrote:Oh wow, thanks for the responses and information!

I've got the EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask - large size. I don't know what the size indicates, but I've got a big head so I assumed that's what I would need.

sizing guide http://www.devilbisshealthcare.com/file ... 281%29.pdf

guessing what size you need isn't a good idea.

WoodsyTheOwl wrote:Oh wow, thanks for the responses and information!

I've got the EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask - large size. I don't know what the size indicates, but I've got a big head so I assumed that's what I would need.

I seem to have leaks from below my mouth and my cheeks when the machine kicks up the pressure. The leaks wake me up, so I try tightening the straps and shifting positions, but I feel like im fighting a losing battle, and I'm tightening the thing down so much it hurts. Last night I just gave around 3 AM, and woke up groggy at 6:30.

Should I just go for another mask? What do I do with the old one? What if the new one doesn't work?

I'd like to try a nasal mask - I'm thinking that wouldn't be so bad?

Oh I just saw wulfman's post - holy cow that's good to know. I though I might have to deal with this thing squeezing on my melon.

Here's a link to the manufacturer's site for that mask.

http://www.devilbisshealthcare.com/prod ... it-silkgel

There are some links below the "Literature" section which include:

EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask Sell Sheet

EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask Instruction Guide

EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask Cleaning Instructions

EasyFit SilkGel Full Face Mask Quick Start Guide

EasyFit Full Face Mask Sizing Gauge

Check those out and see if they help.


Den

.

Holy cow!

I need a small mask. Thank you so much!

Now what do I do with my old mask? Can I order just a small fitting?

If the mask is recently issued by a medical supplier, it is probably returnable within 30 days. Even if you bought it online, the seller may have a return policy. If the mask has been in use longer, or was obtained through another channel, you just need to choose a mask style and type you can live with. Do you breath through the mouth, or do you think you can use nasal pillows? Those are the lightest and easiest to use, but they are not for every one.

I fired off an email checking if I can return the mask.

I normally do sleep with my mouth open, but I recently lost 20 lbs, and it doesn't bother me (now) to breathe through my nose. Also, if it could make a more comfortable experience, I think I could do it with a chin strap. On the other hand, I'm thinking I should give the full mask a shot with the right size - it seems like a good thing to have on hand if you have a sinus problem.

Once you have a good fit, if you still have leak issues, you could try a mask liner. They are good at controlling the leaks - they don't completely stop them, but many of us have found them to help, and in my case they were a game changer. No more whoopee cushion sounds and blips on my face; I can sleep through the night, and rarely have a leak that wakes me. Two sources are Pad-A-Cheek and RemZzzs... google either of those or simply "cpap mask liners." RemZzzs are available from many DMEs as well

Wow thanks everyone, all the great advice was a really big help and relief!

WoodsyTheOwl wrote:Wow thanks everyone, all the great advice was a really big help and relief!

feel free to register, and and stick around

With some masks, the mask inflates and seals itself to your face like a hovercraft, so tightening it too tight can make it leak more. However, it still has to fit somewhere close in terms of size and shape for your face. The wrong size or the wrong mask may not work no matter how you adjust.

When you're putting it on, you may find yourself tensing up to keep it from leaking. It will then leak when you fall asleep. When you put on the mask, try to relax and let it leak. Then adjust straps to make it seal with your face relaxed.

If you're using ramp or have an auto machine, you may need to do some tricks to adjust it at full pressure, instead of the starting pressure.