Masks for people with a large face

Hello all. I wanted to know what masks are out there for people with a bigger face? I use the forma extra large full face mask.

Can anyone recommend any other ones? Also what is a good way to avoid leaks?

Thanks!

Here is a fairly full list of full face masks - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/full-face-cpap-mask.php

When you open up a page for one of the masks look for the "Important Tips" tab. Under this tab many of the masks have a link to the manufacturer's sizing guide.

As for tips on leaks, make sure the mask is properly sized, the headgear should be adjusted so that the mask is aligned evenly from left to right (unless you have a lopsided face haha) and centered vertically over your nose and mouth, don't overtighten the straps, and pay close attention to hose management so that the hose is not pulling on the mask.

jarablue wrote:Hello all. I wanted to know what masks are out there for people with a bigger face? I use the forma extra large full face mask.

Can anyone recommend any other ones? Also what is a good way to avoid leaks?

Thanks!

Nasal pillows will fit the largest of faces, with beard even.

I use the Aeoimed Headrest but there is a new one (Aloha) that is all the rage now. Using the link above search for pillows or Aloha.

Lansinoh helps to seal the pillows and avoid any irritation.

I have a large face and a big nose (honker ). I use the fitlife total face mask (see my mask below). If you can handle a nasal mask, it is less intrusive. A full face mask is great, but you need to find one that is comfortable with no leaks. To find a mask that doesn't leak is like asking what shoes feel good. I may be able to have a particular mask that doesn't leak for me but make leak badly for you beacuse each face is different. Shop around and find one that you like. To me, finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is the key to sucess.

Sheriff

Point of order:
Nasal pillows are much easier to seal since there is far less contact area with the skin. Which is where the leaks occur.

GumbyCT wrote:Nasal pillows will fit the largest of faces, with beards even.

I will add that many DME's will tell you that at any pressure above 10cm you cannot wear nasal pillows. I was at 17cm when I started with FFM. Some new people may be intimidated even by much lower pressures going directly into your nose.

My bipap pressures are 18/15 sometimes reaching IPAP 20-21cm. Nasal pillows NO Problem (NpNP)

The fact is the nose does a very good job of regulating the air it does allow in. I was prob a year or more into my therapy before I had enuff moxie to try nasal pillows. But I will say, that I now find any FFM far more uncomfortable.

There is no turning back for me. You must be able to breath thru your nose or this will NOT work.

You, a senior member, are pushing this new member toward nasal pillows when he has started out using a full face mask?

There is a reason he was given a full face mask and it is probably because he is a mouth breather. He should try several full face masks before he gives up and starts trying to use nasal pillows and chinstraps.

Therapist wrote:You, a senior member, are pushing this new member toward nasal pillows when he has started out using a full face mask?

There is a reason he was given a full face mask and it is probably because he is a mouth breather. He should try several full face masks before he gives up and starts trying to use nasal pillows and chinstraps.

Isn't the reason most patients are given a FFM is cuz it is the easiest way out? Not the best but the easiest.

Exactly what kind of therapist are you anyway? A Secret T?

GumbyCT wrote:Point of order:
Nasal pillows are much easier to seal since there is far less contact area with the skin. Which is where the leaks occur.

A FFM certainly doesn't seal better.

Did you ever bother to read what I wrote?

GumbyCT wrote: I was prob a year or more into my therapy before I had enuff moxie to try nasal pillows. But I will say, that I now find any FFM far more uncomfortable.

Everything I posted was just the facts maam.

I am posting the facts for ALL to see - new or old.

Now YOU may go to the end of the line.

Therapist wrote:You, a senior member, are pushing this new member toward nasal pillows when he has started out using a full face mask?

There is a reason he was given a full face mask and it is probably because he is a mouth breather. He should try several full face masks before he gives up and starts trying to use nasal pillows and chinstraps.

Hybrids are nasal pillows with a mouth cover and work very nicely. Most ENT's will tell you nasal pillows are best for you because you should be breathing through your nose. The Respcare hybrid has a chin flap to keep you jaw closed and encourages nasal breathing.

Therapist wrote:You, a senior member, are pushing this new member toward nasal pillows when he has started out using a full face mask?

There is a reason he was given a full face mask and it is probably because he is a mouth breather. He should try several full face masks before he gives up and starts trying to use nasal pillows and chinstraps.

I used a full face mask for over a year because I am a mouth breather when awake. I switched to a nasal mask a two weeks ago, without a chin strap. Since then I woke up ONE time ONE night because I had breathed through my mouth. It can be done.

on the other side of this coin, it is irritating when you talk about bad mask leaks and the first thing you hear is nasal pillows, nasal mask. since i was a little boy i have been a mouth breather. when i got older i found it it is a deviated septum. so all the older people that always said billy close your mouth can take a hike. i remember all of them. it was open for a reason. surgery at one time was an option. now as i get older and have more medical problems it is out of the question. nothing nasal works for me. i have tried over and over. hybrid doesn't work either. one nostril is always plugged and the other one can't take all the pressure. yes i have tried all the different sprays. the best way i can describe my experience with nasal is close your mouth and block off one nostril. now put the full force of your cpap thru the one open nostril. as foreign as it sounds to alot of nasal pillow users, some people just can not use nasal no matter how bad you want them to. I'm not angry, just had to say it.

greatunclebill wrote:as foreign as it sounds to alot of nasal pillow users, some people just can not use nasal no matter how bad you want them to. I'm not angry, just had to say it.

Let me make sure I understand your point.

Because you never had your problem fixed and can't/won't use nasal pillows. The use of nasal pillows should not be discussed here?

Thinking back, reading back I am resolutely certain my suggestion was not to or for you.

Tho I will say the very first thing anyone trying to use a cpap should do is to learn to breath thru your nose. IF you can't get it fixed. That problem likely has contributed to your problem and will likely limit your success.

IF for some reason your nose remains non-functional just have it removed. It will increase your mpg's not carrying the extra weight.

greatunclebill wrote:it is irritating when you talk about bad mask leaks and the first thing you hear is nasal pillows, nasal mask. since i was a little boy i have been a mouth breather.

That just proves my point that "we" (people) take breathing for granted.

IF you have to mouth breath you are not getting enuff air for some reason. IF you want to live with it does NOT mean everyone else should.

greatunclebill wrote:on the other side of this coin, it is irritating when you talk about bad mask leaks and the first thing you hear is nasal pillows, nasal mask. since i was a little boy i have been a mouth breather. when i got older i found it it is a deviated septum. so all the older people that always said billy close your mouth can take a hike.

Good one!

A long hike daily would do some members good!

You keep right on using that full face mask greatunclebill and enjoy your nights!

Therapist wrote:A long hike daily would do some members good!

thank you. i wasn't going to bother with a reply because have your nose removed when other medical conditions prevent surgery, sooooooooo put me in my place. LOL.............

greatunclebill wrote:

Therapist wrote:A long hike daily would do some members good!

thank you. i wasn't going to bother with a reply because have your nose removed when other medical conditions prevent surgery, sooooooooo put me in my place. LOL.............

Therapist wrote:

greatunclebill wrote:on the other side of this coin, it is irritating when you talk about bad mask leaks and the first thing you hear is nasal pillows, nasal mask. since i was a little boy i have been a mouth breather. when i got older i found it it is a deviated septum. so all the older people that always said billy close your mouth can take a hike.

Good one!

A long hike daily would do some members good!

You keep right on using that full face mask greatunclebill and enjoy your nights!

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