Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
After one week of cpap, it seems to be going well. Feeling better than ever!
My only concern is with my mask. It is still quite uncomfortable. I'm now using the Gecko pad (had nose blisters after the first two nights). Even with the pad, my nose feels like it was punched!
AHI's are well under control and leak rates are as follows: 0.0, 1.2, 0.0, 0.0 in the 95th percentile and one night had a maximum of 6 with the other three nights less than 2.
Big question: My mask is a medium and I'm pretty sure a large would fit much better. Should I even consider exchanging to the large with what seems like pretty decent numbers?
I still have about 2-3 weeks or so to make an exchange.
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures....
04-18-2014, 09:55 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-18-2014, 09:58 AM by justMongo.)
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
I have a big face -- And I use a medium. A large would be too low on my chin which is where I have to have it just right or I get a big flapping leak.
Does your mask have the adjustable nose bridge? Seems like that should prevent the nose bridge irritation. It has a forehead pad and an adjustment knob to move the top of the mask to/from the nose bridge.
BTW -- for anyone wondering what size their RMQ mask is -- there's a letter on the bottom of the mask cushion -- "M" is for medium.
Like this one:
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
(04-18-2014, 09:55 AM)justMongo Wrote: Does your mask have the adjustable nose bridge? Seems like that should prevent the nose bridge irritation. It has a forehead pad and an adjustment knob to move the top of the mask to/from the nose bridge.
It does. It's the same mask, actually. I backed off the knob a few clicks last night. Might have to try a few more tonight. Just so worried about screwing up my leak rate.
Being new to cpap, I'm not sure what the balance is between comfort and results. Guess it's a tweaking process for a while.
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures....
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
I back off the knob (ccw when viewed looking at my face) until I feel it blowing in my eyes, then turn cw until the leak stops.
Every evening takes a little re-seating of the mask to get it right. And as the head straps stretch, I have to readjust those occasionally.
I find a new mask cushion takes takes some time to settle in. It leaks at first. It think because the new cushion has dents in the mask cushion from insecure packaging. But, after about a week, it's like an old pair of comfortable slippers (sans smell.)
Everyone is different; but I like the RMQ mask -- I'd be like a processor that's done a jump and is executing data as instructions without my RMQ.
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
(04-18-2014, 10:48 AM)justMongo Wrote: I back off the knob (ccw when viewed looking at my face) until I feel it blowing in my eyes, then turn cw until the leak stops.
A much better approach than the one I've been taking. I put too much into my DME's advice on only backing off a few clicks!
Will try your more logical and common sense method tonight.
As always, appreciate the advice, Mongo!
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures....
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
(04-18-2014, 10:05 AM)Stargazer Wrote: Being new to cpap, I'm not sure what the balance is between comfort and results. Guess it's a tweaking process for a while.
Always comfort comes first. I would not stress about leak numbers, around 24 L/m is acceptable, even above is not the end of world as long as not coming near my eyes or disturb my sleep. If one mask does not work, try another, plenty of fish in the sea
ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP Mask Fitting Guide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5idVkGS954
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
Another thing you might want to look at for adjusting your mask is a blog called MASK ARRAYED. Google it and then click on "Taming the Mirage Quattro". There is another fix for the nose bridge problem if all of this does not work. Keep us informed of your progress.
Best Regards,
PaytonA
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
(04-18-2014, 02:25 PM)zonk Wrote: (04-18-2014, 10:05 AM)Stargazer Wrote: Being new to cpap, I'm not sure what the balance is between comfort and results. Guess it's a tweaking process for a while.
Always comfort comes first. I would not stress about leak numbers, around 24 L/m is acceptable, even above is not the end of world as long as not coming near my eyes or disturb my sleep. If one mask does not work, try another, plenty of fish in the sea
ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP Mask Fitting Guide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5idVkGS954
+1
Perfect leak lines with a sore nose mean you're working too hard on the leaks and not enough on the comfort.
The name of the game is to sleep WELL and COMFORTABLY, not to have perfect numbers.
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
This was the mask I used my first time 4 years ago. It took me two weeks to adapt to it. Leaks drove me insane until I got it right. I don't think upsizing will help as there are big differences between the sizes. Don't panic on leaks. Small leaks are fine and the machine compensates for that.
Think of the nose adjustment as a balancing act between the nose and the chin. You have to dial it in just right to get a good fit. Do work on shifting the mask up and down in tiny increments as that can drastically impact the fit (especially on the nose).
RE: Minimal leakage but uncomfortable mask question
Much, much better night. For the first time, my nose/face feel almost like I didn't have the mask on.
Great suggestions and the blog and link were VERY helpful as well. Cannot thank you all enough!!
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures....