Mask is causing sore swollen lips

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
svenlehner
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Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by svenlehner » Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:12 am

Good Afternoon,
I used my Cpap for the first time last night. My lips are so swolen and sore. I believe the Airfit F30 they gave me is too small. To get it to seal it is very tight around my lips and they jut out like a fish. I am not sure a larger size will help. This is awful. Does anyone have a better selection for a mask?

Thank you!

clownbell
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by clownbell » Mon Sep 05, 2022 12:04 pm

Are you CERTAIN you need a full face mask? That seems like a interesting mask type to start with. They are often hard to seal because they must seal a large area with variable surfaces. A study at National Institute of Health says pillows are better than nasal which are better than full face - in terms of comfort, ease of adapting, and long term success. I recommend you consider the ResMed AirFit P10 and the Fisher & Paykel Brevida. Both seal well and are easy to adapt to. Just one guy's opinion though.
ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset with built in humidifier
Resmed P10 pillow mask

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Sep 05, 2022 12:31 pm

And one frog's opinion.
Personally, I am convinced that full face masks were inspired by Torquemada.

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babydinosnoreless
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by babydinosnoreless » Mon Sep 05, 2022 12:50 pm

If you can't do a pillow mask try the nasal. I find the N-20 very comfortable and easy to seal. I also found smaller size and frame fit my features better.

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ozij
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by ozij » Mon Sep 05, 2022 2:18 pm

Sounds to me that the mask is far too tight!

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Janknitz
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Janknitz » Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:49 pm

First, if a mask isn't working, contact the provider and ask for a different size or different mask. If they try to tell you that you will have to pay for another mask, call them out on that. Manufacturers have a return policy that permits the supplier to return masks that don't work out for credit for another mask.

Second, an air cushion mask should NEVER be tight. The Airfit F30 has an air filled cushion. It depends on filling with air from the CPAP to inflate and seal. If you have it too tight, the cushion cannot inflate and make a good seal. Now in your case it may be that the mask is too small. But while you are waiting to get the mask replaced, take a look at my "Taming the Mirage Quattro" mask in my signature to get some tips on how to properly fit the mask. Try this out tonight and you may find that it works with the size mask you were given, but if not, you will know it's not right.

Also, try some chapstick on your lips to keep them from drying out.

FF masks are the hardest to fit because they have to seal against more surface area than other masks. People often think they are obligate mouth breathers at night, because they've been opening their mouth during sleep due to air hunger. And some people have sinus issues. Some clinics start everyone off with a FF mask (not a great idea, but . . .). Whatever the reason, if you think you might do better with a nasal mask, give one a try.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by ChicagoGranny » Mon Sep 05, 2022 4:49 pm

svenlehner wrote:
Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:12 am
Good Afternoon,
I used my Cpap for the first time last night. My lips are so swolen and sore. I believe the Airfit F30 they gave me is too small. To get it to seal it is very tight around my lips and they jut out like a fish. I am not sure a larger size will help. This is awful. Does anyone have a better selection for a mask?

Thank you!
Whichever masks you try, including this one, find the exact model on youtube. Carefully watch three or four videos on fitting and adjusting.

This mask should not be adjusted tightly. None of them should.

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Jlfinkels
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Jlfinkels » Tue Sep 06, 2022 7:54 am

Janknitz wrote:
Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:49 pm
[snip]
Second, an air cushion mask should NEVER be tight. The Airfit F30 has an air filled cushion. It depends on filling with air from the CPAP to inflate and seal.
[snip]
Kudos to Janknitz for stating this so succinctly…

This is an extremely important point that should probably be in a FAQ if it is not already there (happy to write it if Pugsy is interested). The cushions on most masks with a silicon seal are not meant to be strapped tightly to your face as it defeats the purpose of the seal. It is an air cushion that needs to be just tight enough to keep it in position to get a good air seal. Not a silicon seal, an air seal.

Assuming you have a properly sized mask on (which is a critical element not to be overlooked), try this…

1. Put the mask on loosely and get into your normal sleeping position
2. Run “mask fit” or your usual pressure
3. Slowly and gently tighten the straps until the leaks stop
4. Done
5. Have yourself a drink, you earned it

If it leaks after that then the straps are stretched out, the silicon is failing, your face or mask is oily and needs a wipe with a gentle cleaning wipe, or positionally you have done something different. Sometimes you have to wash, rinse, repeat, a few times to really get it right.

Plenty of videos on YouTube from LankyLefty and others explaining this, but sometimes we need to be repeatedly reminded of the bloody obvious.
Sometimes it is the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one imagines

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Pugsy
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Pugsy » Tue Sep 06, 2022 8:21 am

Jlfinkels wrote:
Tue Sep 06, 2022 7:54 am
This is an extremely important point that should probably be in a FAQ if it is not already there (happy to write it if Pugsy is interested).
:lol: :lol:

I will gladly let you do it and how about this...we can start a thread for hints for newbies and I will even make it a sticky....BUT
be forewarned....don't be surprised if no one bothers to read it or take the advice.

I will start it in just a little bit and you can (and others can also add to it) the little tricks that you all have learned.
It will be fairly obvious so look for it in about 15 minutes.

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I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

Janknitz
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Janknitz » Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:20 pm

FAQ's get so leggy, I don't blame people for not reading them. But perhaps a sticky that is titled "How to fit an air cushion mask".
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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Pugsy
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Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Pugsy » Tue Sep 06, 2022 5:18 pm

Janknitz wrote:
Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:20 pm
FAQ's get so leggy, I don't blame people for not reading them. But perhaps a sticky that is titled "How to fit an air cushion mask".
I don't want a main page of the forum being a sticky for one thing and then another sticky for another...and so on.
People still won't bother to look though.

Will be too many stickies for sure....but I will do one sticky that sort of encompasses the most common problems or questions and let people add to that thread whatever they want to address.

In fact...it's already done.

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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

Janknitz
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Location: Northern California

Re: Mask is causing sore swollen lips

Post by Janknitz » Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:32 pm

Thanks, Pugsy.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm