F-P Full Face Mask Lining Not Staying Put/Finding a Comfy Ma

Hi--

I have a Fisher-Paykel full face mask that I got through Apria, recommended by my doctor because I just can't seem to find a comfortable mask that doesn't make my face hurt, trigger migraines, or make my nose bleed (nasal pillows). They didn't fit it for me or anything, naturally, being Apria. I tried all three of the soft liners that came with it. I wore the medium for a while but eventually went up to the large--I'm a woman but I have a high nasal bridge and a big head. Now liner just keeps popping out. The last three or four nights my sleep has been lousy because of this. I washed everything yesterday, but that didn't help. I tightened the straps (which have been causing migraines again) and that didn't help, and loosening them just mad it leak into my eyes.

Sigh.

Any ideas on how to make it stop doing this?

Or, suggestions for another mask to ask for? I can't seem to find a mask that doesn't drive me straight up the wall--this is probably my 5th or 6th one; I've tried the standard ComfortGels, nasal pillows, and a couple others...My cheekbones and the back of my head seem to be pretty sensitive, and I have long, thick hair which also doesn't help, I suppose.

Thanks!

Have you tried an Activa yet? You can wear that pretty loose and it seals really well. For me it does put a little bit of pressure on the cheekbones, but not on the back of the head or on the forehead.

Or are you looking for a FFM?

Which F&P FF are you using -- 431 or 432? I use the 432 and have found that you have to make sure both the gray cushion and the seal are seated in the grooves well or you get leaks. I had trouble with this at first, but have been able to get them in there securely the last several weeks. This probably holds true for the 431, except that it doesn't have the big cushion.

F&P makes a mouth only mask which might help since it wouldn't put any pressure on your forehead or cheek bones. I've been looking at it, but I'm not sure how it works. I assume you have to plug your nose, but maybe not....

Hang in there, it does get easier.

CorgiGirl wrote:Which F&P FF are you using -- 431 or 432? I use the 432 and have found that you have to make sure both the gray cushion and the seal are seated in the grooves well or you get leaks. I had trouble with this at first, but have been able to get them in there securely the last several weeks. This probably holds true for the 431, except that it doesn't have the big cushion.

F&P makes a mouth only mask which might help since it wouldn't put any pressure on your forehead or cheek bones. I've been looking at it, but I'm not sure how it works. I assume you have to plug your nose, but maybe not....

Hang in there, it does get easier.

I guess it's the 431, because it only has one part that you have to seat--the silicone part that goes around the nose and mouth. It also has a pad on the forehead, but that isn't moveable.

The thing that's driving me crazy is that I've been using this mask for a few months now, and it's been kind of OK--not great, but OK--and now it's almost unusable! bleh!

echo wrote:Have you tried an Activa yet? You can wear that pretty loose and it seals really well. For me it does put a little bit of pressure on the cheekbones, but not on the back of the head or on the forehead.

Or are you looking for a FFM?

I don't think I've tried an Activa. It looks good because it says "for people who move a lot," but the problem is that my mouth structure means my lips tend to part when I sleep, so a FFM is probably best. Hmm.

If you are looking for another FFM, have you tried the Mirage Liberty? I have a high nasal bridge too, and get a much better seal with the hybrid style masks.

You don't say what your pressure is??

For either 431/2 you have to make sure the seal is in the grove ALL the way around or it will leak. The thing the RT's never tell you is to place your chin in (chin cup) FIRST then gently move mask to the face pulling headgear into place without the hose attch'd. If it doesn't feel right you need another size. Turn the machine on to your highest pressure then adjust the straps making sure to lay down.

If you have 3 seals it's a 431. The 432 only comes with 1 size which run smaller bc of the foam taking up space inside the mask.

I found that even after adj. straps it would leak later during the nite. I did 2 things that helped me there.
1. I replaced the FP headgear with Resmed headgear. YES, any Resmed. it's a chore but can be done. Resmeds straps don't seem to stretch out over nite like the FP.

2. I used knee-hi nylons to make a custom strap to keep the mask from lifting off my face. This helped so I didn't have to crank the headgear quite so tight but help the keep the seal. My pressure was 17cm so the mask was under some pressure esp. during exhale.

Just wrap the knee-hi around your head to get the right size and tie it in front (so you can see what you're doing). I tied mine under the (inlet) elbow but make yours fit you.

It's not unusual for either mask to leak by the eyes or under the chin. At my high pressures I just had to give up.

If you can wear nasal pillows I highly recommend the Aeiomed Headrest -
http://www.aeiomed.com/products/headrest.php

Here is a link to the Lab Rat Awards page. You might find some fixes that would work well with your mask's:
LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

Or use the advanced search at the top of each page to find more posts by Rested Gal use tights or straps for a search word.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

GumbyCT wrote:You don't say what your pressure is??

For either 431/2 you have to make sure the seal is in the grove ALL the way around or it will leak. The thing the RT's never tell you is to place your chin in (chin cup) FIRST then gently move mask to the face pulling headgear into place without the hose attch'd. If it doesn't feel right you need another size. Turn the machine on to your highest pressure then adjust the straps making sure to lay down.

I use an APAP, but it's usually around 10. I always make sure the seal is in the groove before I lie down, but it keeps working its way out. It's really irritating. I have been putting my chin in first, based on advice I read here, but I had been doing it after I turn on the air--I'll try doing it before.

I've tried 2 different nasal pillows and both made my nostrils crack and bleed incessantly (I have eczema, which is largely in remission, but probably that's why--can't win for losing!).

Thanks, I'll look into the recommendations!

roubai wrote: I guess it's the 431, because it only has one part that you have to seat--the silicone part that goes around the nose and mouth. It also has a pad on the forehead, but that isn't moveable.

The thing that's driving me crazy is that I've been using this mask for a few months now, and it's been kind of OK--not great, but OK--and now it's almost unusable! bleh!

Roubai, have you been using the same seal for the last few months? I find that with my particular skin chemistry, I have to change the seals often when I start to get "raspberries" and leaks...like once a month or so. Maybe you need a new seal? My insurance allows two seals per month, so check with them to see what your supplies allowance is....

CorgiGirl, it's been a few months with this seal. I'm new to this insurance (HealthNet) so I don't even know if I need to contact Apria or my doctor, but that's definitely worth a try.

Also, to CRS, I haven't tried the Liberty; might be worth a try.

Thanks!

All right, that inspired me to call Apria and get everything replaced. Hope that'll help.