Strangled by Mask or Pelted in the Eye,

One week in and I don't understand the point of CPAP. I felt like I was sleeping fine before I got my CPAP but now I have a choice of being strangled by my mask or having it pelt me in the eye with dry air. This seems like a medieval torture device that is actively making my life worse.

I got the largest possible mask, the Resmed F20 size large and it still doesn't fit properly over my nose and makes me feel like it's going to break a bone it is so tight. Actually, it fit better the first few days than it does now. I need a full face mask because I breathe through my mouth. . But if I don't make it painfully tight, it blows dry air into my eye. I'm not sleeping better and I am starting to think that this whole CPAP thing could just be a scam by my doctor to try to get me to spend more money with him.

Anything else I should try?

Yes, go to Cpap.com and take a good look at the large variety of masks - there will be something that works for you in time (we all go through different ones before finding the 'right' one). Having chosen the largest size to apparently accommodate your nose, you've left yourself open to leaks... at least with that mask, but there are so many other choices, take the time to try more.

Do you put the mask on then turn on machine, or do you turn the machine on, then out on the mask? Putting the mask on after turning on the machine allows the cushion to fill with air. This is important and allows you to loosen the straps. I just went thru the same scenario.

Sheriff

Getting the correct mask is the hardest part.
Trial and error is the only sure way.
You either need free return policy (cpap.com) or a bucket of money.
Some DMEs will do it, but not enough of them or often enough for the few who do.

A mask leaking in the eyes is not a good thing, nor is a very tight mask. But neither of those issues makes this a scam. It's an adjustment you have to make to have successful therapy.

Let's see if we can get it not to leak. If not, you will need a different mask.

First, try to find the "Mask fit" feature of your machine. That will set it at the highest pressure temporarily, so you can check the fit of your mask.

Your mask has an AIR cushion, so in order to fit well without leaking, the air cushion needs to inflate. if it's mashed hard to your face, it can't inflate and mold to your face as your face moves throughout the night.

1. Loosen all the straps of your mask.
2. Lie down and put the mask lightly over your face.
3. Turn the machine on while holding the mask lightly to your face with one hand.
4. Adjust the straps just enough to keep the mask from leaking. Ideally you want the lower straps around your chin a little tighter than the upper straps. You want the cushion fully inflated in particular around your nose so that the mask gets a good seal.
5. Now move into your usual or favorite sleeping position and make small adjustments to keep the mask from leaking in that position. You should be good to go from there IF you were able to keep it from leaking with these adjustments.

If you can't seem to adjust it to prevent leaking, you have two options:
1. Purchase a mask liner from Padacheek.com. This may help with leaks.
2. You may need a different mask that doesn't leak into your eyes. There are many models of full face masks, and the one you're using may not be "the one" for you. Contact your DME.

Take a look at the Amara View face mask. I also have a rather prominent nose. When I used that mask, I used the large cushion because of the size of my nose. You can down load a copy of the fitting guide and print it out to see what size cushion you would use. It can be a little tricky to get it adjust correctly, but once it was adjust properly I didn't have any leaks with it.