My face.. Is farting?

Hi everyone,

With my new ASV and FFM, is seems like I'm being woken up frequently by what I can only describe as 'face farts' - When there is a pressure swing, the mask ripples on my face noticeably and makes a 'pfffft' sound and vibration.

Does this happen to anyone else? If so, how to eliminate it, because it's waking me up!

Thanks

justinjustin wrote:Hi everyone,

With my new ASV and FFM, is seems like I'm being woken up frequently by what I can only describe as 'face farts' - When there is a pressure swing, the mask ripples on my face noticeably and makes a 'pfffft' sound and vibration.

Does this happen to anyone else? If so, how to eliminate it, because it's waking me up!

Thanks

Unfortunately, because that is a problem I dealt with constantly regarding FFMs, I switched to the nasal cloth mask listed in my profile. Hasn't led to improved sleep but I also have other issues I am dealing with.

Anyway, is there any reason you can't use nasal pillows or are you a definite mouth breather who needs to use the FF masks?

49er

That's an adjustment issue for your mask. An ASV machine does pressure swings unlike any of the regular CPAP machines.
When it kicks in and decides to switch to ventilator mode, the pressure, in my case, flips from 10 cm H2O EPAP to 25 cm H2O IPAP breath to breath.

So to get properly fitted is a challenge since the pressure while you are awake won't be doing that. If you are willing, you can temporarily set the pressure quite high while you do the fitting adjustments and that might help. Of course, remember to restore the original setting when you are done.

If you can breathe through your nose, then a nasal mask is preferred. Doing that has its issues with learning to keep your mouth closed but it is better for you. If you sometimes can't breathe through your nose, then the FFM type mask you are using is a good choice. If, when you mask up and lie down, your nose just closes up (like me), then you might consider an oral mask like I use. It has its own problems. If that seems reasonable and the other mask types don't work for you, read my post on using the Oracle 2 mask before you just up and order one (link in signature block.)

I've read really good things about simply adding a mask liner to the full face mask, as well. They're supposed to cut down on leaks, farts, etc. and make the mask a bit more comfortable.

I have an ASV now also and had to deal with exactly what your talking about, my old masks (not FFM) just could not handle the pressure swings like they could with the constant pressure....

So, 6 masks later..... drum roll.......

I found the Pilairo Q and tried it.... This is the mask for me, as the pressure rises, the mask "pillow" inflates and seals around my nose and everything is good in the world.... Your mileage may vary but its worth a try... as an added bonus, my AHI went down about 2 with this mask also...

I'm on the Trilogy (which is even more complex than an ASV) and have that problem with my mask mainly when I'm on my back. I've found if I stay on my side more, the pressure of the pillow helps keep the mask in place better. And my minimum IPAP is 18 so I start out on pretty high pressure.

Just so you feel a little better, I've been doing this since 2010 and just LAST NIGHT, my husband poked me while I was on my back because of mask farting (it had woken me up too, but I was too tired to move).

Tatooed Lady wrote:I've read really good things about simply adding a mask liner to the full face mask, as well. They're supposed to cut down on leaks, farts, etc. and make the mask a bit more comfortable.

Justinjustin, I ditto the above, from personal experience. My Quattro Air leaked and farted like crazy when I first began this journey. I played around with the straps, etc. to get a better fit and nothing helped, but the minute I started using mask liners the farting and squealing stopped. I've been using liners ever since. Karen, a member of this forum, makes nice ones that you can buy online (http://www.padacheek.com), or you can purchase RemZzzs from our forum sponsor, and most DMEs carry them as well. Lately I've been making my own version of the RemZzzs out of old t-shirts that I wash and reuse.

Lately I've been making my own version of the RemZzzs out of old t-shirts that I wash and reuse.[/quote]

Thanks everyone for making me feel like it's not just my ineptitude!

Do you find the home-made versions work as well as the RemZzzs?

Yes, absolutely the home-made ones work as well.. I started wih RemZzzs and then used them for a pattern to cut my own. There's also a DIY pattern available online... google "DIY cpap mask liner".
I actually use the RemZzzs and my own liners interchangeably, and I actually wash and iron all of them. I put them in a mesh wash bag in the washing machine, and lay them out flat to dry... when I take them out of the bag they are all curled up into a little ball, so they need to be pulled back into shape... ironing takes out remaining wrinkles, and I think helps them retain their shape.

Liners (mostly) did it for me. Instead of Phbhbhbhbhbhbhbt! I now get mostly silent or whooshing leaks, with the occasional melodic trumpet.

For me it happens when the mask is nudge off-center, so that one side is prone to leak (and honk).

I wish I could use a nasal mask...that would make things a lot easier.