Wisp Nasal Mask Fitting Issue

All,

I have become pretty comfortable with a ffm. In this process, I decided to use tape to prevent my mouth from opening and causing my mask to slide toward the opening. It worked great and gave me a lot of comfort and reassurance. It really was a huge step in a positive direction. After doing this a while, it occured that I didn't think I was opening my mouth with the tape. Thus, I decided to try some of the low profile nasal masks to see if I could go with them without losing therapy. I got a Wisp fit kit and a F&P Eson in medium and large cushions. Of course, positive results could lead to a nasal pillows trial as well.

First night with the Wisp was great! I had great numbers on Sleepyhead and no mask leak issues. I guess the tape works pretty well. More importantly, something clicked with the sleep and breathing. Everything just worked so much better and felt more natural. Yet, as always with xpap an issue. I got a pretty good mark on the nose. It wasn't sore, and I don't think I had it too tight. I have never had any marks with therapy so far with the F10 ffm I've been using, which I do tighten somewhat. It seems to hit higher on the nose close to the forehead, where the Wisp hits a little more mid-nose

The fit guide for the Wisp said I was S/M but I tried the large because it seemed to fit the depth of my nose a little better. I'm clueless with nasal mask fitting and hoping for some help. I really don't want to get in the whole nose sore issue, but I do want to give the interface a fair shot. Do these things go away or if you get them with a mask is that model pretty much a no go right from the start? Of course, I've got Lansinoh going and plan to address the spot with some tape at first. I have all kinds of tape at hand along with bandaids, moleskin, etc. Just how should I proceed. Try the Wisp again (maybe in S/M with less tightening). Switch over to the Eson for a night or two. Go back to the ffm for a few nights. Most of the redness is gone now that late afternoon has arrived. I'm just not versed in this area and need some opinions> I really appreciate your thoughts as always.

Best,

Mike

If you scroll toward the bottom of this link you will see a Pad a Cheek liner for the Wisp. I bought one for my N10 an the liner made it more confortable and kept the air from blowing in my eyes. http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
There are also Remzz liners that I tried first and they also worked but they are supposed to be changed daily, although some members said they got a few days use, but for me they were more of a bother.
Some members also take an old soft cotton tee shirt and make their own.

OkyDoky wrote:If you scroll toward the bottom of this link you will see a Pad a Cheek liner for the Wisp. I bought one for my N10 an the liner made it more confortable and kept the air from blowing in my eyes. http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
There are also Remzz liners that I tried first and they also worked but they are supposed to be changed daily, although some members said they got a few days use, but for me they were more of a bother.
Some members also take an old soft cotton tee shirt and make their own.

I have thought of trying with my ffm, plenty of room. However, the Wisp is so small on my nose that I'm afraid that the Padacheek would impede the function in my case. The same with the Remzz. If I trimmed them to keep the fabric out of the nasal cushion cavity, I suspect it would be hard to get them to stay on or fit properly. Perhaps, one could just use a section on the nose. I take it this wasn't a problem you had with the N10. It does seem many people use them effectively. One thing I'm learning with xpap is that there is absolutely no one preffered solution for just about any therapy aspect.

Best,

Mike

Once I put it on my face with the N10 I didn't notice it. You can trim the center back some if it seems too big.

Well, I decided to stick with the Wisp in large for another night. After a short trial with the Eson, I wasn't ready to bring another into the mix just yet.

A little Lansinoh under a small section of 3M micropore tape semed to help. I also went very loose on the straps, probably too loose. I got more leaks trying to give the nose a rest. I did notice that I had the large Wisp a little low on my nose. Repositioning it up more on the bridge got it to a tougher spot. The medium hits lower but might need a lot less tightening as it fits pretty snug. It might be the way to go as it is the size I measure for, not that size guides are always accurate. I'll give it a try when the nose is perfect.

Best,

Mike

I use the Padacheek liner on my Wisp and LOVE IT. It's an ingenious design that uses the Wisp cradle itself to secure it in place. It fits well and does not slip or stretch. I had to do some very careful trimming so that the fabric did not block my nostrils, but the Padacheek liners are meant to have you "customize" it to your face--Karen includes directions how to do this.

Like other air cushion masks, I find tightening the lower straps a bit more leaves the top of the mask very loose to fully inflate around the nose without pressure. It does sit lower on the nose than a ff mask, but if you try my tip it is so soft on the nose that it is the most comfortable mask ever.

My quibble with the wisp is that the strap at the top of the head is not adjustable and it's too big for me. I tend to slide it back to rest on my occipital ridge, but now that part is stretching out. It's time to go at it with my sewing machine. I get face marks on the right side of my face because of the headgear pressing into my pillow, so I may invest in some Padacheek strap covers.

Janknitz wrote:I use the Padacheek liner on my Wisp and LOVE IT. It's an ingenious design that uses the Wisp cradle itself to secure it in place. It fits well and does not slip or stretch. I had to do some very careful trimming so that the fabric did not block my nostrils, but the Padacheek liners are meant to have you "customize" it to your face--Karen includes directions how to do this.

Like other air cushion masks, I find tightening the lower straps a bit more leaves the top of the mask very loose to fully inflate around the nose without pressure. It does sit lower on the nose than a ff mask, but if you try my tip it is so soft on the nose that it is the most comfortable mask ever.

My quibble with the wisp is that the strap at the top of the head is not adjustable and it's too big for me. I tend to slide it back to rest on my occipital ridge, but now that part is stretching out. It's time to go at it with my sewing machine. I get face marks on the right side of my face because of the headgear pressing into my pillow, so I may invest in some Padacheek strap covers.

Thanks. I'm in. You guys have convinced me. I'm game to try anything and will put some on my next order. Will get one for my F10 ffm as well. I might as well try everything. I never would have thought to tape without reading all the posters who did. You guys know your stuff. Nothing beats experience! My only problem is my wife rasing her eyebrows every time my next purchase shows up. I told her I wanted to go through the learning process in months not years. I said to think of it as in investment

Best,

Mike