mask leak ideas: Silly putty, RemZzzs, Aryl Gel, anyother??

other than self strangulation with the straps, for controling mask leak I read strange ideas on this forum like:

1- Silly putty : I still don't know what is that? or where I can get it from
2- RemZZZ: I tried it and it didn't work for me
3- Aryl Nasal Gel, or lanolin, or KY Jelly : this is for nasal pillow which I don't use but I put it in here to be comperhensive for all people

anyother ideas about controling mask leak?
Thanks for your thoughts

Try a different mask!

williamco wrote:other than self strangulation with the straps, for controling mask leak I read strange ideas on this forum like:

1- Silly putty : I still don't know what is that? or where I can get it from
2- RemZZZ: I tried it and it didn't work for me
3- Aryl Nasal Gel, or lanolin, or KY Jelly : this is for nasal pillow which I don't use but I put it in here to be comperhensive for all people

anyother ideas about controling mask leak?
Thanks for your thoughts

Williamco,

Here's a link to silly putty at Amazon.com, so you can read the description and see what it looks like: http://www.amazon.com/Binney-Smith-08-0 ... 557&sr=8-1. I don't know where you live, but it's commonly available in the toy section of stores in the U.S. I don't know anything about how it's used with masks, but I wouldn't think it would be very effective.

I use the same mask that you do -- Mirage Activa LT. Assuming that the mask itself is the right size for you, it's quite possible that you are OVER-tightening the straps. Loosen them until the mask is actually leaking, and then tighten them just slightly. There should be about two fingers' width of give on the sides under the straps. If that doesn't help, then the mask cushion may be the wrong size. You could try another size, or you may need to try another model or style of mask.

I use Ayr Saline Nasal Gel inside my nostrils with my nasal pillows mask. That helps to keep them lubricated. And I use Lansinoh lanolin cream on the outside of my nostrils, to help the pillows seal better.

I hope that answers your questions and helps you.

~ DreamOn

Thanks DreamOn. actually the Activa LT nasal is working great, the problem is not able to find a full face mask that works with me without considerable leak when my nose get congested from allergy(common with me) or flu

I live in USA now, but apprently I had no childhood in order to miss out on Silly Putty

as far as trying different mask, I tried half a dozen, they all have the same problem, not only leak but peeping sound leaks

williamco wrote:other than self strangulation with the straps,

You might try LOOSENING the straps. Many masks have a sweet spot...either too loose or too tight will cause seal failure (leaks). And just "a little dab will do ya".


(How did you make it thru childhood without Silly Putty???? )

Please DO NOT use SILLY PUTTY! Chemicals in it will destroy the seal part of the mask.

FatiguedMe : have you tried it and it messed up your mask? what did it do to the mask? and in how long?

if you don't like silly putty... some folks have used Mack's silicon ear plugs (not sure if I spelled it right).

williamco wrote:I live in USA now, but apprently I had no childhood in order to miss out on Silly Putty

Well then, you should buy some Silly Putty now, just to play with! It bounces and stretches. We used to flatten it out on top of newspaper. It would pick up the ink and then we would stretch it. It's been sold since 1950. If you need a distraction, here are some more ideas how it can be used: http://www.sillyputty.com/silly_science ... cience.htm.

~ DreamOn

I've found there is a product called "Mack's Pillow Soft Ear Plugs".....available in the ear/nose section for about $5 for 12. They are little discs of silicone putty material.
I take one of them, break it in half and then roll 1/2 between my fingers into a small rope about 2 to 2 1/2 inches long, then flatten it a bit and press it onto the mask seal part that fits around the top of your nose. If you make sure your fingers and the mask seal material are clean, it will stick, although loosely at first. Then I take the remaining 1/2, break in in 1/2 and roll out 2 more little ropes, about 1" long, then flatten them and put one at each side of the bottom of the cheek seal. Then, I carefully put on the mask.....adjusted pretty loosely...and it seals like a dream!

williamco, this may be what you're referring to. There are many posts about Mack's Ear Plugs.

Sorry, I copied someone else's post here just for your information. My husband doesn't use this himself. Dori

Thanks DoriC . it sure sound great. I am eager to try it

My mask seals very well as long as I do not break the seal. Once broken I may as well get up and start over.

I have oily skin and clean my face and mask cushion daily with detergent then apply Witch Hazel liberally to cushion and face where mask fits then put on mask while still wet. That works for me but I've also used apple juice and once even pancake syrup (very lightly) when visiting friends and the other not available. If nothing else works you might try the syrup as it really sticks things together.

williamco wrote:FatiguedMe : have you tried it and it messed up your mask? what did it do to the mask? and in how long?

Hi William,
I have not personally used it. I found where a person who used one time, it stuck to the seal and was not able to be removed without alot of force (for a better word). Once removed the seal was very weak and no longer useful.
I don't have money to purchase a seal or mask just so I can see if this works. You are free to try whatever you like, I just wouldn't advise it.

I haven't tried Silly Putty on a mask, but it is "silicone-based" (just as Mack's earplug material is)...and so are mask seals.

From what I've read, the Silly Putty is difficult to remove from the seal. But if you are customizing the fit, so what? Isn't that a GOOD thing? I also read where rubbing alcohol will remove it.

Has anyone here ACTUALLY damaged a seal by using either of those products?