Anyone Tried Respironics Total Face Mask?

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:50 pm

shippy wrote:Where on earth did you get that thing

Got it from a local DME. When I showed up with the prescription they tried to give me a full face mask. I explained that it said Total with an underline. They then presented me with a new one and wanted to charge me $325 CDN dollars. I then said the prescription was for a trial. They said they didn't have a trail unit. I persisted and then they said I would have to talk to someone else. I waited for 15-20 minutes and then someone appeared and said yes they do have a trial unit but I could only have it for 3 nights.

shippy wrote:And as snoredog said the hair under the seal would cause a major leak.

Yeah I just poped it on quickly for the pic. I actually am careful to get the hair out of the way at night. The place I have problems with leaks is mainly around the eye area where the face kind of dips inward. This mask is a recipe for leaks from what I can tell. If they could improve upon the sealing mechanism it might not be to bad (despite its appearance)

lawdognellie · Post by **lawdognellie** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 3:55 pm

Sarah - why are you looking at this mask rather than a Full Face mask?

I'm looking at this because EVERY mask leaks at the top of my nose into my eyes. My nose is really narrow and I can't seem to figure out how to fix this. I figured this mask wouldn't have this problem.

sarah

cohodependent · Post by **cohodependent** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:15 am

So, Jskinner. You have the Flexifit 407 and the 432 FF? Have you ever tried any of the other Nasal mask like the Activa, Comfort Gel ect? If you are having problems with nasal edema, swelling, with just those two mask, I would start to wonder if you are having a reaction of some sor to the Foam that is used in the mask. Perhaps some kind of allergy or some thing. If you have not tried any of the others I would suggest giving an Activa a try to see if that causes the same reaction. Also, I would suggest more heat for your humidifer to see if that helps as well.

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:11 am

cohodependent wrote: You have the Flexifit 407 and the 432 FF? Have you ever tried any of the other Nasal

I've tried the following masks:
Flexifit 407
Flexifit 432
Total Face Mask
Hybrid

All result in the same thing. Namely nasal congestion to the point where I eventually can't breath though my nostrils. It happens slowly during the night so when I wake up in struggling to breath. For the first 4 months of therapy I had no problem. During Dec and Jan it was the worst and it only took a few hours to become very swollen. After having used mostly the Oracle mask for the past 2 months I can now sometimes manage a full night before it becomes unbearable (unsafe)

cohodependent wrote:If you are having problems with nasal edema, swelling, with just those two mask, I would start to wonder if you are having a reaction of some sor to the Foam that is used in the mask. Perhaps some kind of allergy or some thing.

Thats an interesting idea but since it also happens with the Total Face Mask (although slower) I don't think thats the problem? (Unless its to the plastic itself?)

It seems to me like its caused by one of two possible things:

1) There is some problem with my nose that has not been diagnosed and the addition of the CPAP air irritates it (seem most likely to me)

2) My nose just can't handle the CPAP air flow. This is the assumption my doctors are working under.

cohodependent wrote:Also, I would suggest more heat for your humidifer to see if that helps as well.

Level of humidification has no effect on the swelling. (I have mine cranked and I even tried adding a second inline humidifier)

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:37 am

James, did you use the Total Face Mask again Wednesday and Thursday nights? If so, please give us a breakdown of the pros and cons that occurred these two nights. Was there anything better or worse than the first night?

Thanks. James, I pray for you each night when I pray for my family.

Regards,

Alisha

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:04 pm

Alisha wrote:James, did you use the Total Face Mask again Wednesday and Thursday nights? If so, please give us a breakdown of the pros and cons that occurred these two nights. Was there anything better or worse than the first night?

Following nights where much worse. I think that he first night I was so tired that just having the apnea more under control I would have slept through anything. On the second night I had a really hard time getting much sleep with leaks and the mask rubbing up against. I tossed and turned all night. The shape of the mask just didn't fit my head quite right. Sleeping on my side was problematic as it only made things worse with respect to leaks and chafing.

By the second morning I was getting swelling again and by half way though the third night (Thursday) I gave up as I was struggling with each breath against the congestion.

In the end it looks like anything that puts air though my nose is going to cause the swelling to happen

I don't think the Total Fase mask would be easy to use long term. I just don't think a one-side-fits all mask would ever contour to a head enough to make a proper seal and be comfortable, at least not in my case anyway.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:02 am

James, do you have the "Aussie" heated hose? That is the best money I have spent since being on cpap. I am having a lot less congestion with it than ever before. Can keep my humidity cranked up on high without rainout anywhere. It is GREEAAATTT!!!

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:38 am

Anonymous wrote:James, do you have the "Aussie" heated hose? That is the best money I have spent since being on cpap. I am having a lot less congestion with it than ever before. Can keep my humidity cranked up on high without rainout anywhere. It is GREEAAATTT!!!

I bought a simple hose cover last fall that allows me to crank up the heat with rainout. The only time I have had rainout recently is when I tried two humidifiers connected in series. I keep my Humidifer at 4 all the time now. I would run it at 5 except I run out of water by morning if I do that (not a pleasant experience on the Oracle) Level 4 seems fine. The congestion doesn't seem to be related to dryness.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 3:11 pm

jskinner wrote:
Anonymous wrote:James, do you have the "Aussie" heated hose? That is the best money I have spent since being on cpap. I am having a lot less congestion with it than ever before. Can keep my humidity cranked up on high without rainout anywhere. It is GREEAAATTT!!!
I bought a simple hose cover last fall that allows me to crank up the heat with rainout. The only time I have had rainout recently is when I tried two humidifiers connected in series. I keep my Humidifer at 4 all the time now. I would run it at 5 except I run out of water by morning if I do that (not a pleasant experience on the Oracle) Level 4 seems fine. The congestion doesn't seem to be related to dryness.

There is NO comparison between a hose cover to the Aussie heated hose, that is only for controlling rainout conditions. The heated hose also does that but its main function is to warm the incoming air. A hose cover only maintains existing temp. The Aussie heated hose also comes with a cover but with the heating element it can get much warmer.

With the heated hose there is no added or reduced moisture, it simply warms the incoming air before it reaches your nose. If too much moisture is causing your turbinate tissue to work overtime the Aussie heated hose allows you to turn the humidifier down without sacrificing any lost warmth on the incoming air.

The warmer incoming air (as opposed to humid) can offer a soothing effect to your nasal passages. You only have to ask those here that use it to confirm that.

But the Aussie heated hose is not cheap, I just got my 2nd one the other day and it was $155AU. But it works great, when I travel that is all I use, I don't hassle with the humdifier.

During the summer months here it can get and stay over 100F so I don't use it during those months as I prefer the cool air coming in.

It comes with a 12VDC 1AMP power supply, for me, that gives too much warmth, so I switch and use a 9VDC 800ma power supply with mine and it is just right. I should just find that universal power supply I have that goes from 6volt to 18volt then I could have a temp adjustment for it.

My newest one for my 420e comes with a better clear 90 degree elbow and keeps the hose from being kinked.

For your nasal condition, I would certainly try the heated hose. I know common mold likes to grow in a warm humid environment, why would your nose be any different?

Maybe warm dryer air is what you need vs more humid air. the heated hose may help with that.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:10 pm

Two thoughts here:

1. I agree that the heated hose might help you, because it will deliver warm air instead of cold air. Remember, you didn't have much of a problem until the winter time up there in "Ice-Land".

One of my allergies (I believe) is temperature change. And cold air blowing up my nose is a sure trigger for nasal congestion.

2. (I forgot). Oh ya. Since air up your nose bothers you, have you tried a full face mask with nose plugs? You would have to breathe through your mouth -- but maybe you could do that and not get congested.

And if you have to use a FF mask and Nose Plugs, we definitely need a picture. ..

Bless your heart, you poor guy.