CPAPtalk.com

Hi
Newbie here. I've been using an Airsense machine since October. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I slept 5 hours straight since then. I seriously dread going to sleep now because it seems like too much work, but I do feel a little better (fewer days needing afternoon nap) so I'm keeping with it.

I am experiencing a lot of leaking through the top of the mask, which is an Airfit F30. I think this is due to the fact that the silicon mask is not suited to the shape of my nose. I am using a small, so the width seems OK and I check every night to make sure the holes are lined up with my nostrils (sometimes the mask feels like it is compressing my nostrils). But there is gap between the tip of my nose and the mask. It gets compressed somewhat when I strap in and it was ok the first few nights but lousy since then.

So my questions are:
1. Does anyone have any recommendations for a mask that is better suited for a wider flatter nose? I have an appointment on Thursday to try out a new mask.
2. I feel that the silicon gets soft and mushy over the course of the night so a good seal at 11pm is not going to stay until 5 am. Anything to help with this?
3. I've been looking at mask liners online -- are you supposed to breathe through the fabric?

Thanks. This is forum has been very helpful so far.

1. This mask comes in wide..but it's a nasal mask. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Resmed ... h-Headgear

2. A softer cushion will seal better than a stiff cushion when filled with air

3. No

This is my opinion... with your issues, I would get away from using the F30, because of the nose issues. I would try on a F20. You may consider a silicone pad for the bridge of your nose. I never could get the mask liners to work for me. My leak rate would sky rocket. Trace your mask on a piece of paper or thin cardboard, and cut out a temporary mask liner out of an old t-shirt. If it works for you, I would buy a permanent liner from Karen at padacheek.com.

Sheriff

When I initially tried full lace masks I had some leaks like that, blowing into my eyes.

I ended up with the P10 nasal pillows. They work well and have diffused exhaust venting.

Well Sheriff, might this fellow try the "mask of the last resort,' the FitLife Total face mask?

To the OP: The body tends to change during the night, including, in my case, losing fluid and swelling off the face, which can lead to mask leaks.

A mask liner is only under the silicon seal of the mask. So no, you do not breathe through it. There is a cloth mask, which basically blows up like a fabric balloon. I don't think their is much air loss through the fabric. It still has a seal around the skin and the base of the fabric. Some like that mask a lot, it does not have things to stick up the nose, so it is whether it conforms to the face where the seal is. Their is a nose mask and a full face mask in the cloth. Cloth mask is "sleep weaver," think.

Karen, AKA Padacheek is her website name, has sold to me and is a reputable business person. I think everyone on the forum who has dealt with her is satisfied. She makes mask liners, and strap pads and some other neat things.

I have learned, that if one is going to see a doc, or a Respiratory Therapist, just ask their opinion. They have such a broad breadth of experience, that they can glance at a face, the condition of the skin, (dry, more elastic) and usually make a good suggestion, but not on the phone. On the phone they always mention the mask they have little interaction with customers about, and that seems to work for them. In the end, it is, and should be, your decision what to try.

I discovered a hose hanger, which you can make a substitute for nearly nothing. Or spend a bunch of money on one from the internet.

My time limit for sleeping is often limited by physical pain. Even though I can not determine exactly where the pain is. I can take Acetaminophen, and sleep soundly for the term of the protection of Acetaminophen, there is a thing called Tylenol PM, which has some kind of stuff for allergies, which can help. There is also, I wake up and the water tank is on empty. Why that should wake me up - dunno?

Better times are likly coming for you. Sleep Well.

Thanks all. I think I am going to ask to try either the Dreamware or a nasal mask of some time. Had so much trouble last night -- leaks from top of my nose and from cheek area. I keep reading that the mask should not be that tight, but unless it's tight, leaks from the bottom.

Does anyone know if the *headgear* (edited) contributes to hair loss from all the rubbing?

" . . . hair loss."
Not that I have noticed.