FFM recommendation needed- I have a “weak chin”

Does anyone else have a weak chin and use a FFM? I have very high leak rates, but haven’t found a good solution. Here’s my profile. And laying down with a relaxed face. I have to smash the mask to my face, and sleep with my neck craned back to try to keep a seal. Yes, I know how to properly fit a mask, but this is the only way I can minimize the leaks.

I use a Simplus FFM, and my pressures are in my signature. I go up to full pressure about 5 times a night, and get over 20 all the time.

TIA.

Bump

Hi TG,

I don't know if I have a weak chin or not But, I use a Resmed quattro FFM, normally a medium with a pad a cheek liner. Now when I want to wash the liner I will swap to my backup mask, a resmed quattro FF SMALL with pad a cheek and I have noticed the small rides up on my bottom lip more than the medium. Both masks seal good for me. Maybe you could try a smaller mask, it may offer a better fit...just a suggestion.

I have a receding chin and believe I have additional mask fitting problems because of it. My first mask was an AirFit F10 FFM. I had major leakage problems, particularly when my pressure went over 14. There were a few things that cut down on the problems, though. I made some mask liners out of cotton fabric, and those helped a little.

A very helpful item to cut down on my chin dropping below the mask was to wear a firm foam cervical collar. I tried a 2.5 inch one first, but it didn't do an adequate job. A 3 inch one is just a little wide for me, so I can't wear it as tight as I'd expect, but it does a better job of keeping my chin from dropping. It seems to prevent any inhaling through my mouth, though when the pressure starts getting higher, I still seem to want to explode with exhales through my mouth.

The thing that helped the most for me, though, was getting a small shaped pillow designed specifically to put under one's knees. Though primarily helpful to relieve back strain when lying on the back, it had the side effect of forcing me to stay on my back. My worst mask leakage problems were when I had tried to roll to my side.

Maybe if you can tolerate lying on your back all night and if rolling to your side in your sleep is part of the problem, this idea will help. It wasn't a good long-term solution for me, as I have another condition that causes a lot of pain if I lie in one position too long. Therefore, I was never able to get more than four or five hours of sleep a night with this solution, and even that had to be in at least two and more likely three sessions, with time between with no mask or knee pillow to give me a position break. But with the knee pillow plus the cervical collar, I was able to get my AHI down below 5 and with more reasonable levels of leaks during the time I did use the CPAP.

I've since tried a nasal mask, which I'd hoped would work with the cervical collar, but the leakage has been horrible with 30-60% of time over leak redline. So I, too, am looking for another solution and will likely have to try another FFM.

excuse me if you've stated this elsewhere, but does it have to be a full face mask?

I've got a weak chin also. The Airtouch F20 (with memory foam) allows me to tighten the lower straps on my headgear tight enough that i don't get leaks when my mouth drops open. Without feeling uncomfortable. Worth considering.

Thanks to everyone for your ideas.

I have a few ideas now. I do need a FFM, my pressures are very high, and the air goes right out my mouth instead inflating my lungs. I will try a collar and knee pillow. I have a lot of trouble sleeping on my back, but maybe the knee pillow will work.

I have only worn small masks. Interesting thoughts. I sometimes wake up chewing the bottom part of my mask. When my chin drops during sleep,the bottom of my mask goes in my mouth. I will try a size M. I am trying to get a F20. I’m supposed to get a new machine and everything (Crapria. It was ordered for me in the beginning of June- but they can’t seem to get it together. Absolutely ridiculous. )

Try my hybrid-style full-face mask (click on it in my signature): pillows, covers mouth, comes with 3 sizes of pillows and oral cushions). Many of us wearing it make an additional strap (I use looped pony tail elastics) to ensure the pillows stay positioned properly throughout the night. I have a small chin.

Back sleeping is discouraged as it increases apneas. In my case, I injured both shoulders and for 6 months had to sleep on my back -- my events quadrupled and my sleep was not as restful.

Quattro FX is the only mask i've found that doesn't leak on me.

Thanks for the hybrid reference. I'll give it a try!
El

I thought you and I were the same person when I saw your picture!!!! My issues mirrored yours, and djams and I have the same things to say...even better a new inner mask (cushion) is needed every month so no real extensive daily cleaning is involved.
Keep telling us how it goes!

Thanks for the endorsement MimiLou. I'll let you know how it goes.
E.