Getting a full face mask that works
I am new to CPAP and getting very frustrated with finding a mask that works. I have the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset machine with pressure set from 5-15. I tried nasal pillows initially but could not get used to them. I have now tried a few full face masks and prefer them, currently the Fisher Paykel Simplus. When I ran the Mask Fit test last night, I couldn't get it to stay green. I wasted almost an hour adjusting and readjusting the mask, and in the end just gave up and went to sleep. When I woke, the leak had been over 30. Whatever mask I have tried, I am having to adjust almost every night and getting high leaks often.
I am using a wide chin strap to try and minimize mouth breathing and have a short beard.
I seem to have reached the limit of the knowledge of the company that I am dealing with.
Any help appreciated.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
I use the Resmed F20 Air Touch and it works for me. You may have already tried it though. Might help if you listed the masks you've already tried.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
You might try
Supplier #31 they sell pads/liners for various masks to help seal them better.
Question, why a chin strap with a full face? Seems it would not be necessary unless your mouth opens a lot and breaks the seal?
It is tempting to think that making the mask tighter will stop the leaks but that actually makes it worse in most cases. The full face masks typically have a cushion that inflates (kind of) when you have air pressure and that helps to seal the mask on the face. Tightening up the mask will defeat that design.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
I had previously tried the Airfit F20. My supplier does not have the Airtouch.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
08-02-2018, 11:25 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-02-2018, 11:28 AM by Coffee Man.)
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
stillaliveca,
Have you had leaks with your mask using your treatment pressure range? I use a nasal mask and have it relatively loose. It does not leak with my treatment pressures (5.8-15), but will leak with the mask fit test. So, I don't use the mask fit test, but never have major leaks.
I you are having leaks with the mask at your treatment pressures, then probably need to try a different mask.
Do you have SleepyHead? You can download data and see if you have significant leaks that way.
I see that you write that you have high leaks often. When I first started, I had some pretty high leaks, but it was because I would swat the mask off of my face. Once I got used to the mask, I don't unconsciously dislodge it any longer. So, I guess you need to make sure the leaks are happening due a poor seal, and not to you trying to remove the mask.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
Coffee Man is correct....on ResMed machines, the fit test is done at 20cm H20 (pretty much the max unless you are on a bipap or asv machine), but most people don't need that much pressure. It could be the mask fits well, but doesn't handle the extreme pressure from the fit test.
It can also help to wipe down the mask and your face to help the seal "stick" and a short beard will impact the quality of the seal. Liners are an option, but also getting a little thicker beard can help too...sometimes you can hit the reverse-goldilock spot and have just the right amount of facial hair to prop the mask up and not get a good seal.
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RE: Getting a full face mask that works
(08-08-2018, 12:09 PM)PsychoMike Wrote: Coffee Man is correct....on ResMed machines, the fit test is done at 20cm H20 (pretty much the max unless you are on a bipap or asv machine), but most people don't need that much pressure. It could be the mask fits well, but doesn't handle the extreme pressure from the fit test.
It can also help to wipe down the mask and your face to help the seal "stick" and a short beard will impact the quality of the seal. Liners are an option, but also getting a little thicker beard can help too...sometimes you can hit the reverse-goldilock spot and have just the right amount of facial hair to prop the mask up and not get a good seal.
Just a small correction. The mask Fit test will test at the maximum pressure set on the machine. So if you have your maximum pressure set at 15cm that's the pressure it will test at.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
I use the Resmed AirFit F10 and find that works well for me.
I used the AirFit F20 for a while when it came out, but went back to the F10.
Leaks are more likely if you have a beard.
I used to have a beard, but shaved mine off. I also run an electric shaver over the beard contact area on my face each night (even though I have a wet shave every morning) in order to minimise leaks.
Faced with a choice between having a beard or having fewer leaks, I'd opt for the latter every time.
Another advantage of shaving your beard off is that you will look younger.
RE: Getting a full face mask that works
(08-10-2018, 03:51 PM)Kadenz Wrote: Another advantage of shaving your beard off is that you will look younger.
Each to their own i suppose.
I prefer the "wise old greymuzzle" look myself
but yes, beards and leaks go hand in hand, 3 days stubble and i can't get a seal, leave it a week or so and the leaks reduce, get out to 10 days and they come back. Of course "your results may vary"
