Size does matter.....

mdintex, it really sounds like the mask is too small for you. I hope you can get the larger size to see the difference.

Always, my husband wears a Medium Standard UMFF. The cushion sits right in the indent above his chin and right on the nose bridge, I guess where his glasses sit. We don't make the top straps too tight, all the tension is really on the bottom straps. We adjusted the headrest position to one up from the bottom but we're experimenting now with full upright position to see if we get a better seal.

I think the medium might be too big but if I get the chance, I will definitely try a medium.

Watch my latest thread. Getting red marks now below lip and above chin on my Fit Life.
viewtopic/t45695/Got-this-sore-spot-und ... -chin.html

Interesting about the leak numbers. I mean low leaks are important, but the real thing is you gotta feel better. If AHI's are low, then I'd think the leakage should be secondary. Still, its troubling to hear about the redness. Have you tried the Pad-A-Cheek's? http://www.padacheek.com/

I found it reduced redness on the nose bridge for the Comfort Gel, but it was still red. But it works great for others.

great post - very informative.

i struggled with the nasal pillows when i first got them. i started with mediums because i just didn;t want to admit to the size of my schnoz. but, alas, turns out my nose is too huge for medium, had to switch to large. since then, and a few more tweaks and adjustments based on some great suggestions from jnk and others here in the forum - i've finally reached 0.0 leaks for a few nights in a row.

but i know someday, i may have to try the ffm. when that day comes, i'll refer back to this post for some great tips.

thanks again, c-man. keep up the fight!

Never hurts to re-read posts like this... c-man, I mean, any suggestions on how to know what size to pick other than trying them all? I'll keep the UM FF mask in mind for future consideration.

GaryG wrote:Watch my latest thread. Getting red marks now below lip and above chin on my Fit Life.
viewtopic/t45695/Got-this-sore-spot-und ... -chin.html

Interesting about the leak numbers. I mean low leaks are important, but the real thing is you gotta feel better. If AHI's are low, then I'd think the leakage should be secondary. Still, its troubling to hear about the redness. Have you tried the Pad-A-Cheek's? http://www.padacheek.com/

I found it reduced redness on the nose bridge for the Comfort Gel, but it was still red. But it works great for others.

Well, my nose healed up and I got to use the UMFF small last night. Just stuck to using good ole paper tape on my nose. It worked well and I've got minimal redness. In fact, the whole mask worked really well last night. I started off mouth breathing due to congestion and as the humidity cleared that up, I transitioned to breathing from my nose. Woke up feeling good and with good numbers.

That's great news. Glad to hear the UM FF gave you a good night. Let's hope your MaskQuest 2009 is winding down...

It seems there is always a Quest goin' on somewhere in the world. If a scientist isn't wondering if there is life on Mars, then movies are featuring Harry Potter's on-going Quest adventures? IMHO, the quest that brings the greatest amount of frustration to the largest number of people, is the quest for a cpap mask that actually fits. I'm talking about one that has a minimum of leaks, allows you to lie on your side, back, or tummy. A mask that does not damage the bridge of your nose, or the inside or your nares. etc.

I 'd like to paraphase the folk saying, "If we can put people on the moon, why can't the manufactures make cpap masks that actually fit?

My personal quest for Cpap Mask began January 2009, with nasal pillow marks because of claustrophobia:
1. Swift for Her. couldn't keep it on my head and irritated my nares.
2. Swift LT. Increased irritation in my nares.
3. Because of claustrophobia, tried the Mirage Swift 11. Developed raw sores in nares, then infection.
4. Convinced myself I had cured my claustrophobia. Bought Mirage Micro Nasal Mask. Developed eye irritation.
5. Zest Nasal Mask. A good light-weight mask, but put pressure on nerves & muscles by corner of eyes. Caused eye pain, which lasted for hours each day.
6. FullFace Mask. I like the mask, it has some leak & fit problems which I think are solvable. The first time I used it, I
used B.B.'s solution to prevent "Sore Nose Syndrome." Even with moleskin, the bridge of my nose was raw. I am
working on my 4th variation of nose pads using moleskin & MM tape. I still have bruising and a sore nose.

Currently, I am experimenting with FF and using the Zest mask. I am not picky, but I am getting desperate. I know I am not the only person looking for a satisfactory fit.

Jan

Edit to add, I have used Rested Gal's tight solutions. They have kept the masks on my head, but couldn't help other problems.

Great post CarbonMan. I use a medium UMFF. It makes me wonder if I should try a small.

DreamDiver wrote:It makes me wonder if I should try a small.

A year later.....the UM small has been rock solid for me.

Combined w/a Padacheek forehead pad and Pur-sleep PapcapII,
we're talking comfortable and consistent mask fit, every night.

Just say NO to neoprene.

SaltLakeJan wrote: Currently, I am experimenting with FF and using the Zest mask. I am not picky, but I am getting desperate. I know I am not the only person looking for a satisfactory fit.
Jan

Hi Jan, I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with MaskQuest. But speaking of the UMFF, now that you seem to have conquered your claustrophobia, would you consider giving that one a try. My husband tried many FF and he had problems with all of them mainly sores and leaks. The straps on the UM are easily adjustable as well as the forehead support to help with proper fit. Then of course there's the right bed pillow, hose management, pressure setting ,comfort setting, humidity setting,etc. And of course if there's the Full Moon! I sometimes wonder what these mask designers are really thinking. It should be mandatory to have them sleep with any mask they design for at least one week. Good luck. Dori

DoriC wrote:Then of course there's the right bed pillow, hose management, pressure setting ,comfort setting, humidity setting,etc. Dori

...noth'n to it, right Dori???

DoriC wrote:And of course if there's the Full Moon! Dori

....let's not get technical.....you'll scare the newbies.