Blowfish Needs Mask

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:19 pm

I had the blowfish look when I was not using the CFlex feature at pressures of 14 or higher.

Especiaqlly if I taped my mouth and there was nowhere for the air to go. I do not think I ever swollowed air. I would have to remove the tape to let the air out.

With the CFlex and lower pressures of 10-12, I do not have an issue with the blowfish effect either with the NA II or the hybrid.

I know someone else with a pressure of 14 and a nasal mask and no pressure releif on their machine and they get the blowfish effect.

Brookbank · Post by **Brookbank** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:29 pm

I also had problem with blowfish - great name.

My Mirage FF mask was great the first time I used it but then developed leaks, I was told to tighten it as much as necessary to stop the leaks and developed the nose bridge open sore.

I was given a nasal pillow to try. My main complaint with this was that I developed a sore nose and being a mouth breather, the chin strap they provided was not comfortable and did not keep the mouth adequately closed.

I have switched to the comfort gel nasal mask with a respironics chinstrap and have had great luck.

I am in my second month of therapy and first week with the comfort gel mask but am seeing improvement.

Long story short, there is an answer somewhere but it may be difficult to find.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:50 am

You may not have the blowfish problem because of the Hybrid, not necessarily because of the CFLEX. The Hybrid is so much easier to breathe out of than a full face mask (at high pressures, for sure, and probably lower pressures too).Try to breathe against 14cm with your full face and then with your Hybrid. You'll feel like your breathing against half the pressure.
I just found an old article on cpaptalk that I remember said the same thing. As crazy as it sounds, it seems to me that it's true. I've been saying it all along since my first week on the Hybrid.
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.a ... e=13821421

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 10:05 am

Brookbank, yes there is an answer for everyone. Keep visuallizing great sleep. You will find the right settings and interface for you. I am glad you are finding better solutions for you.

Neverbetter,

No, this was before I tried the Hybrid. It was with the nasal pillows. When I was first starting out and trying to figure what everything was on my Auto and how it worked for me.

I have not tried the Hybrid without CFlex or at higher pressures. May do that and see what it gives me one day.

I have never used the usual type of Full face mask, so I can not compare those to my Hybrid or the pillows and prongs I have tried.

sleepytom · Post by **sleepytom** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:37 pm

Well, to check in, I've had two good nights with the Ace bandage wrapped horizontaly around my mouth and cheeks! I'm using the nasal pillows, which also are working fine.

Wish me luck on night three, and thank you for all the helpful people on this board. I appreciate all your posts.

Tom

hayeswildrick · Post by **hayeswildrick** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:16 pm

I had terrible "blowfish" effect with Swift. Last night was my first with the Hybrid and no blowfish. Great numbers too, despite a 15 minute period around 2:00 with a large leak. My AHI was 1.6. Wow.

Blowfish Needs Mask

2 Good Nights!