I have been on CPAP for over 12 years. I have always used a full face mask since I am a HEAVY mouth breather
Due to the recent CPAP machine recall, I was supplied with a ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto. For the first time, I was getting daily feedback on my previous nights activities (until recently, I had never even heard of OSCAR (my bad) and could not get the Respironics app to ever work. I am now using the myAir app. Here is my issue. I started using the new machine with the mask I had used for years, the ResMed F10 Full Face Mask. Immediately, I had trouble. My physician cranked the pressure up and I was getting leaks and "fart" noises galore! I tried two different chin straps thinking that my jaw was dropping but they did not help. I have used three different types of mask liners (Snugz, RemZzzzs and the blue cloth reusable thingies). The RemZzzzs sort of work, but if I tough my mask at all at night the seal gets disturbed. I have had absolutely no luck with the other two products. I was getting really poor grades on the mask seal (over 60 L/min). What was interesting was that my AHI readings are really good! (.5 or below every night). My concern was that the leaks were not addressing my episodes and that I was getting bad readings on the AHI as a result.
At my own expense, I purchased a ResMed AirTouch F20 mask. The mask is comfortable I guess. My confusion is that when I end my therapy in the morning, I see two green "Happy Faces" on the CPAP machine indicating that I had an acceptable length of therapy and that my seal was good. Unfortunately, the myAir app is telling me that I still have an average of over 60 L/min of leak!!! I have tried tightening, loosening and adjusting the mask to no avail. I tightened it so much that I left a strap mark on my face for the entire day!! I have tried all of the mask liners mentioned above and get worse readings (to include a red frown face on the machine in the morning).
At my wits end, I ordered (again at my own expense) a ResMed AirFit 30 thinking that less contact to my face will result in less leakage. I should get the mask tomorrow and will post the results.
In the interim, I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this and if there are any suggestions??? Is it possible I am getting bad readings on the myAir app for example? Should I be adjusting the straps in a different manner? Should I shoot myself??
I guess I am wondering if ignorance was bliss when I was not checking my results on a daily basis. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.