Frustrated

Hi there. I am new to this forum and to all of this. Trying to learn as I go. I feel so frustrated and ready to give up on this. I've been using my mask for almost 3 weeks and I think I've felt refreshed maybe 2 days. The mask is always leaking, which wakes me up. I took it off at 2 this morning. Even though I have the humidifier on, I still wake up with a dry yucky mouth. I have a full face mask. I was given a nose mask and a chin strap and I just couldn't handle the chin strap. I appreciate a place to go and vent where people can relate and understand what I'm going through.

stopsnoring wrote:Hi there. I am new to this forum and to all of this. Trying to learn as I go. I feel so frustrated and ready to give up on this. I've been using my mask for almost 3 weeks and I think I've felt refreshed maybe 2 days. The mask is always leaking, which wakes me up. I took it off at 2 this morning. Even though I have the humidifier on, I still wake up with a dry yucky mouth. I have a full face mask. I was given a nose mask and a chin strap and I just couldn't handle the chin strap. I appreciate a place to go and vent where people can relate and understand what I'm going through.

HI stopsnoring

Welcome to the forum.

If you could use the link in my signature to fill out your equipment profile, that would better help members tailor their responses to your situation.

Which mask are you using? There might tips to help you avoid the leaks or it may be a case where this isn't the mask for you and you need to exchange it. And since most DMEs have a 30 day return policy, you may not have much time.

Regarding the humidifier, you will have to play with the setting to figure out what works best for you. Some people like a high setting and others prefer it low.

Anyway, again welcome.

49er

If a chin strap is uncomfortable, you could try a soft cervical collar. This will hold your chin up without the pulling of the strap.

Try a height of 3 inches unless your neck is quite short.

Crank that humidifier up! The mask "search" is normal. All the full face masks are different because all our faces are different. Call your DME (the place that gave you your equipment). See if they will let you try a different mask. Get them to show you how to adjust the mask. Ask them to hook the mask up to a display cpap machine set at your pressure. See if you can get it to stop leaking at the DME's office. If you can't stop it from leaking at the DME, you will probably not be able to stop it from leaking at home. Don't give up! We'll help you thru your issues.

Sheriff

Thanks for the feedback. I have the Mirage Quattro full face mask. I was able to get an appointment with someone at the sleep clinic for next Friday, so hopefully I can get some help.
As for the chin strap or neck collar, I sleep hot as it is, I just can't imagine having those on all night!
I do have the humidifier up to 5. I'm hoping this appointment will help. I was just sent all of this without any help or review.
At least I'm past the point of almost crying like I felt this morning!!

stopsnoring wrote:Thanks for the feedback. I have the Mirage Quattro full face mask. I was able to get an appointment with someone at the sleep clinic for next Friday, so hopefully I can get some help.
As for the chin strap or neck collar, I sleep hot as it is, I just can't imagine having those on all night!
I do have the humidifier up to 5. I'm hoping this appointment will help. I was just sent all of this without any help or review.
At least I'm past the point of almost crying like I felt this morning!!

Hi again stopsnoring,

Try this, http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/, to see if it is helpful.

You also might find this video helpful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeFoOCUuKIE

And see if turning down the humidifier helps anything.

49er

Thanks 49er! I actually read that yesterday and I did try the recommendations, but last night didn't end up being a good night. I will try again tonight. Thanks again for your help.

stopsnoring wrote:I have the Mirage Quattro full face mask

Know that most folks here either love or hate that mask... don't hesitate to try another full face... I use the Mirage as my back up. I was determined to get it to work after nearly drop-kicking that sucker into the next county. Was finally able to "tame" it, but don't hesitate to move on from a particular mask.

Sheriff

Thanks Sheriff!

I have a suggestion. I'm a relative newbie myself, and was given no information apart from how to turn the machine on and apply the mask... no information on mask fitting, or the adjustment period or anything else. I came here for answers and I got plenty! So, you are in the right place. I was outfitted with the Quattro Air FF mask, and it leaked like crazy, face farts and blips galore! My first week was horrible, but then after scrounging around on here, I learned about mask liners, and went to my DME to get some after googling to see what's available. I bought a box of RemZzzzs, and WOW, they were a game changer... One week after starting CPAP, I was able to sleep through the night! They didn't stop the leaking entirely, I don't think any mask ever would, but it tamed them considerably, and now leaks rarely wake me up. No more noises except from the vent, which is normal, and no more blipping/farting all over. They act like a gasket between your face and cushion. I do wash my face well to eliminate natural oils, makeup etc. and I don't use any lotions afterward. I want a completely clean, dry face.

It might be, as another poster suggested, that you need a different mask. Some people have had to try many, many masks to find one that worked for them for any number of reasons. I decided to try to make my mask work for me before trying others, and the liners made it possible for me. You might choose a different path, so watch for other suggestions in case you like another approach better. There are other liners besides RemZzzzs to try as well. Good luck, and Welcome to the Forum!

Oh, I forgot to mention the dry mouth issue. I had a really dry mouth and what I did was buy, at Target, a large covered mug that comes with its own straw. I filled it half full of water. If I woke up in the night with cotton mouth, I pulled the elbow out of my mask, took a sip of water through the straw, popped the elbow back in, turned the machine back on and went back to sleep. It was wonderful to have handy first thing in the morning as well. The straw that came with the mug worked for me because my mouth is directly in line with where the connector pops out of the mask, but if your mouth isn't in line with that, regular straws with the spirals that allow you to bend them should serve you well. With either straw, it's a little awkward, I think, but certainly possible. Interestingly, I have found that my mouth is not so dry anymore, and I suspect that I've gotten used to it after almost 3 months on the hose. I'm not getting up to take a drink much now, usually just take a sip if I get up for some other reason (bathroom) and then again in the morning. I just recently started to pay attention to what my mouth feels like when I first get up, and I'm beginning to think that my mouth really isn't as dry now.

Thanks Library Lady! I read about someone else using the mask liners. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks again for all of your suggestions and support.

Hi stopsnoring, welcome!

Regarding your mask, it could be worthwhile to describe here the specifics about your leak problems. Although it's unlikely that anyone can steer you directly to the perfect mask, given specifics the folks here may be able to help you avoid some mistakes.

For example, I also started with the Quattro (as have many) and I had a problem with leaks into my eyes. My nose has a somewhat narrower bridge than what the Q was designed for. If your situation is similar and you go looking for another ffm I would steer you away from the Amara (because I had the same problem with it) and perhaps towards the Quattro fx which is cut narrower at the top and can be set at a more inward angle at the top.

On the other hand if the Quattro leaks into your eyes but your nose bridge is too low and wide for the cushion my experience won't apply but someone else's will.

Armed with specifics and feedback from others on the forum you may be able to avoid a mistake or two and find the right mask sooner.

Common problems with leaks include face farts (noisy leaks often at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions), issues with the mask riding too low or high below your mouth, leaks at the sides of your chin, etc.

Your therapy won't be effective without a good seal so that is the place to start. Comfort is equally important but there are more "fixes" available for comfort problems.

Thanks Kennerly. I mostly get the leaks, as you were stating, on the sides (9 and 3). I am a side sleeper, which doesn't help much. I was waking up with headaches (I think from the forehead strap) and bridge of nose red - but I have tried looseing the straps and I think that is helping. Right now, it's the leaks that are waking me up. I'm already playing games in my head - should I wear it tonight or not! I've really been trying to stick with it.

A few people have complained about the MQ (Mirage Quattro) doing a number on their nose. I have one of them and will tell you that it's pretty narrow at the apex of the nose section. It actually pinches off my nose some and I can't breathe through my nose with it on. Since I'm a mouth breather anyway that's not a huge issue for me.

I'm currently using a Simplus and it's a good deal wider at the nose section than the MQ is.