Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
violetpro
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 2:42 pm

Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by violetpro » Sun Apr 27, 2014 6:42 pm

I'm looking for a full face mask that might fit with a narrow jawline. The Quattro FX in medium is a good fit from nose bridge to chin, but it leaks around the sides of my mouth, even with the padacheek liner. I've also had the same problem with the Quattro Air. And with summer coming, I'm resisting buying the anti-leak strap as "one more thing" around my head on a hot California night. I've chatted with cpap.com for suggestions, but they don't really have a way of searching for masks for narrow faces...they just suggest a smaller size, but then the mask is too short from top to bottom.

I've been successfully wearing the Swift FX nasal pillows, but it requires that I tape my mouth every night to not lose air. This works ok, but it's a bit hard on the skin, and I can't really envision taping for the rest of my life. A chin strap keeps my jaw from opening but doesn't keep my lips closed. Hence my desire to explore full face masks which my insurance will pay for in another month.

So, have any of you with a narrow jawline had success controlling leaks with a full face mask? Thank-you for any suggestions or hints you may have.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: APAP pressure 7-9; climateline heated hose; mask size medium

User avatar
BlackSpinner
Posts: 9742
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:44 pm
Location: Edmonton Alberta
Contact:

Re: Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by BlackSpinner » Sun Apr 27, 2014 6:54 pm

The respcare hybrid works well for odd shaped faces.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Additional Comments: Quatro mask for colds & flus S8 elite for back up
71. The lame can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle. The deaf, fight and be useful. To be blind is better than to be burnt on the pyre. No one gets good from a corpse. The Havamal

Janknitz
Posts: 8494
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:05 pm
Location: Northern California

Re: Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by Janknitz » Sun Apr 27, 2014 7:08 pm

I have a very small and receded lower jaw. I use the regular Mirage Quattro, and I really tighten it down around the chin (but very loose at the nose).

This works fairly well with a Padacheek liner, and I actually like the pressure, BUT I will tell you I'm a side sleeper and I'm having trouble with my teeth because of how tight this has to be. And it leaks quite a bit when I'm on my back, unless I prop up the mask with one of those U-shaped neck pillows.

I have a consult next week to see about a different mask. Fortunately, I can use a nasal mask most of the time, I don't have a mouth breathing issue.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

User avatar
Julie
Posts: 20019
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:58 pm

Re: Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by Julie » Sun Apr 27, 2014 7:40 pm

I use the Resmed UltraMirage FF in a size Small Shallow (never mind the 'shallow' part - it's misleading, but the mask is small compared to other size smalls of other masks) but I have similar issues and find the mask - which I've worn x 7+ yrs) to be pretty good, if just barely narrow enough at the bottom... but everyone needs to try masks for themselves, lying down and turning on occasion, readjusting as you go because your face changes a lot from standing, from being on your back vs side, etc. and bone structure can be deceiving when it comes to how you look on the outside. Pad-a-cheek liners are really helpful when it comes to filling the gaps for some people, as is not overtightening. My mask has a little adjustment piece on the forehead (down to the nose) which changes the angle of the mask in relation to your face, and it's also very helpful.

violetpro
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 2:42 pm

Re: Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by violetpro » Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:00 pm

Thank-you, ladies, for taking the time to reply with your experiences and suggestions. I'll make an appointment with my DME to try the masks you mention. I'm grateful you wrote.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: APAP pressure 7-9; climateline heated hose; mask size medium

User avatar
zoocrewphoto
Posts: 3732
Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:34 pm
Location: Seatac, WA

Re: Anyone with a narrow jawline using a full face mask?

Post by zoocrewphoto » Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:16 pm

When I first put on the quattro fx, it leaks around my mouth, but then I readjust the cushion downward, and it stops leaking.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Resmed S9 autoset pressure range 11-17
Who would have thought it would be this challenging to sleep and breathe at the same time?