Full face mask recommendation s for high pressure

[slumberland]

My pressure currently is 12 (min) -16 (max).  I've been told it might need to be even higher (13-14 min).  I am currently using the Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask.  As my pressures increase I need to keep tightening the mask to avoid leaks.  The mask has caused permanent lines in my face.  I was hoping for some recommendations for comfortable full face masks that work well under high pressures and won't leave permanent marks on my face.

I welcome all suggestions but one I am considering is the Philips Respironics Amara View.  Anyone have experience with this mask?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Melman]

I suggest your take a look at the mask primer: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ask_Primer

I'm not familiar with your mask but most full face masks should handle those pressures without excessive tightening.

[Gideon]

With any mask it's all about the fit.  YOU MUST TRY masks UNDER PRESSURE and in a sleeping position.  What works for me or anyone else may or may not work for you. While I (a mouth breather) us the P10 (pillows) as my primary mask, my backup is the Amara View.  I was using that at 25/21 so I know it works FOR ME at those pressures.  Be sure to read the fitting guide for the mask because it is different.  My Avatar is me in the Amara View, so it can also work with a full beard.

In general you try masks from the least intrusive (Pillows) to the most intrusive (FFM).

There are other ways of managing mouth breathing, so I'll ask why a FFM?  

I do suggest that you read or re-read the Mask Primer, lot's of good info there.

Fred

[anita967]

I love that you recommend trying a mask under pressure and lying down!! Now if we could get the DME's to understand this. I went to the office to try a new mask and had to ask for a machine to try it out under pressure. I also asked for a place to lie down with it on and nothing but the floor was available!! Umm no thanks!!

[robertbuckley]

Masks are really personal and as Bonjour says it is all about the fit and what works for you. I am always looking for what might be an improvement - but, that said I have personally had better success with first the ResMed Quatro, then the F-10, then the AirFit F-20, and now the AirTouch F-20 (which is the AirFit frame with a cushion that is finished with memory foam). I am a fairly restless sleeper with an ASV at high pressures, and it works well for ME - doesn't mean it will for you. Also sizing can be very strange from one mask model to another, even with the same manufacturer. I always used a large with Respironics products and the Quatro, but with the F-10 and 20s I use a medium. So, this is not a science - you have to sleep with the darn things a couple of nights before you know. And then after you have washed and dried the head gear, let alone replacing, you start all over getting it just the way you want. Good Luck!!

[PaytonA]

I will give you three recommendations. The first is an older mask-the Resmed Mirage Quattro. It was the first FFM that I got to control the leaks. It took some work and some time and patience but once I got the adjustments right, I could just don the mask and push the GO button on my machine without having to adjust the mask every time. My pressure is up around 20 cm/H2O and can go as high as 21.6.

The Philips-Respironics Fitlife mask is a total face mask that covers your eyes as well as your nose and mouth. I was told that there are some people using it at 40 cm/H2O on faces that it fits well. I have no experience with it.

The Resmed Airfit F20 has proven itself to be as good for me as the Mirage Quattro. Took me a while to get everything dialed in but now I think that it leaks about the same as the Mirage Quattro.

When I say that I have low leaks, I will tell you that on occasion my leak statistics for the night are median leak=0, 95% leak=0, and max leak=0.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[JimZZZ]

The Simplus works for me (pressure 9 - 14) but I keep the harness fairly loose so the mask "floats" on my face. As the pressure ramps up, the seal gets better. Maybe I got lucky with the fit.

[lsat]

If you like your current mask, go to Commercial Link Removed, instead search Supplier #31, and look at mask liners and strap cushions.

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[PaulaO2]

I use/used the Simplus at pressure range of 15-20. I used the Remzzz liners which helped with leaks. The tighter you make a mask, the more the chance of leaking. Make sure you have the right size. Try going one lower. The Simplus also sits lower on the face than other FFMs which is why I like it.

That said, consider using a nasal mask or nasal pillows. If you breathe through your mouth when you sleep, a chin strap can help.