new FF mask questions

I recently switched from a comfort gel nasal mask to the ultra mirage full face mask. I did this because my data was showing alot of leaks that I believe was from mouth breathing and I was waking up with a very dry mouth. I am using CPAP @ 9 cm H20 w/c-flex @ 3. After the switch, the data for leaks was nearly flat averaging 17 LPM (which appears to be a huge improvement). My OA, H, and AHI have reamined the same between the masks @ ~ 2 to 4. Can anyone answer a few questions?

1) The manual for ultra mirage FF mask states a flow rate of ~32LPM @ 9 cm H20. Why are leaks @ 17 LPM? What is the relationship?
2) My vibratory snore index with the nasal mask was ~3 to 4. After the switch to the FF, my vsi has increased x10 to ~30 to 40. Why and does it matter?
3) My dry mouth condition really has not improved. I will begin increasing the humidifier settings to see if this helps. Is a dry mouth condition normal for a FF mask?

Any input would be appreciated.

That's what I was wondering too, only three answers, either the mask is defective, or you have your face barried in the pillow blocking the vents, or your machine is mis-reading or you are miss reading it. 17 LPM isn't a high enough leak rate to flush the CO2 out of your mask.

I am glad to hear you are looking to control your leak rate so your treatment will work, which software do you use, Encore Pro or Encoreviewer. If you are counting on the LCD for data, that \may be your problem also, mis-leading and unreliable LCD data. I'd read the CD or manuel on the mask and try to sort out it's vent rate. Jim

Fisher paykel came out with a new full face mask it is called the forma. I have been useing the hc 432 full face mask from fisher paykel ilove it. I want to get the forma full face mask it looks good.

Hello & Welcome, wakedog! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

I had really bad issues with dry mouth--the key, I think is to keep one's mouth closed. Someone on this forum suggested practicing keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth. I have that down now, and I use a moisturizing spray and a chinstrap. Good luck!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

I can't reply to the first two questions, but can add to the last. Rip is on to something with the tongue postioning in the mouth. Now that you are wearing a FF, you will note the lower part of the mask cushion has an influence on your jaw position. For myself, I've noted it slightly drops my jaw (open) if I relax. I then get a different, more active, air flow pattern in my mouth. Normally I park my tongue against my front teeth. You may want to experiment and see what is comfortable to you.

I also use a heated humidifier normally on 3 position, but currently using 4 due to severe cold/dry condition in my location. I would suggest increasing your settings to your comfort level, but not to a point where you get excessive condensation in the mask & hose. If it gets too wet in the mask, the cushions will lose their grip/seal and more leaks will result.

Thanks for all the input. I have both the encore pro 1.8.49 and encore pro analyzer 0.8.9 software however I primarily use the encore pro. Below are typical charts using a nasal mask vs a full face mask.

comfort gel nasal mask:



ultra mirage full face mask:

My suggestion would be to eliminate the Ramp and bump up your pressure one more cm.
Also, if you're using a lot of humidity, you might try turning it down or off as it may contribute to mouth-breathing. Mouth-breathing can happen in a full face mask, too......resulting in dry mouth.


Den

wakedog wrote:1) The manual for ultra mirage FF mask states a flow rate of ~32LPM @ 9 cm H20. Why are leaks @ 17 LPM? What is the relationship?

I know some machines reduce the value reported as leak rate by an assumed flow rate for the mask. My ResMed VPAP III has a setting where I tell it what mask I'm using and it compensates to give a more accurate LEAK rate. Even with that its not perfect. I know that when my machine reports a leak rate of 0.02 L/s for my Liberty mask, its really zero.