The Simplus gave me a full-face hickey and other mask indignities

[HalfAsleep]

Walla Walla, you’re a genius.  

[Gary1of2]

There is a Fitlife total fit full face mask that you might check out.

[DeepBreathing]

Getting back to your original question about the Simplus (and by extension, other FFMs)...

If the mask is so tight that it's affecting your capillaries, then it's too tight. It needs to be firm on your face, but not tight. If it's too tight then you will get skin issues as you have described, probably additional leaks and very likely wake up with a headache.

You might want to try a mask liner, which is basically a fabric which fits between the mask and your skin, Pad-a-cheek make some quite elaborate ones which work very well but are a bit pricey. Remzz make a much simpler type, which is cheaper but only lasts a few days. I've used Pad-a-cheek masks in the past and found them effective. I haven't tried Remzz.

If the problem is limited to the bridge of your nose, then you can easily make a mini-liner. Get hold of some pyjama fabric (flannelette). Cut a strip about 100mm long and fold it so you get three layers about 20 mm wide. Lay this over your nose with the loose ends hanging down on your cheeks, then place the mask carefully such that the fabric lies between the mask and the skin. (Easier to do than explain). This will protect your nose and stop any leaks into your eyes. Just be careful the loose ends don't stick into your eyes. You will likely have to experiment with the width and length to suit your own face.

[trish6hundred]

From what I have read, the Sleep Weaver mask, )made by Circadiance,) has an 18inch long hose )Feather-weight Tubing,)that fits between the mas and the hose.
I haven't seen that tubing, but you might take a look for it at Supplier #1.
Good luck, just keep trying masks, some of us have tried many of them before we were able to find one that works.

[MitchS]

supplier 10 has a two foot hose extension. It's on the 2nd page of the hose section.

Thanks, Walla Walla. I’ll have a look at it. All of the two foot hose extensions I have looked at so far are 22mm and stiff. I would like to have a short hose along the lines of the short hose th P10 has. I need the extra length when using my Hose Buddy. The 22mm are just too heavy and stiff.

From what I have read, the Sleep Weaver mask, )made by Circadiance,) has an 18inch long hose )Feather-weight Tubing,)that fits between  the mas and the hose.
I haven't seen that tubing, but you might take a look for it at Supplier #1.
Good luck, just keep trying masks, some of us have tried many of them before we were able to find one that works.

Thanks Trish. Sounds like it may be just what I’m looking for. I’ll check it out.

[HalfAsleep]

Last night was my first experience sleeping with an FFM. I used the Airfit Touch F20 for Her. (I haven't tried the No-Touch).

I find the mask very comfortable, and it seems to fit the contours of my face. I didn't have issues with my mouth dropping open below the lower lip of the mask. I didn't even have issues with soreness on the bridge of my nose (I just used micropore tape and it seems that was adequate for protection).

All was great until the pressure went up and the mask exploded off my face. I couldn't make the hissing stop. But when I woke up this morning (after a long break in the night to eat cheerios and develop strategy for tackling mask leak) and evidently another long break after I seem to have tossed off the mask), the leaks on SleepyHead didn't seem to be that egregious compared to my experience.

See here. This is like, my best ever leak record (my worst ever AHI, though that might have mitigated with more hours of sleep)....



Questions

1. Does that mask constantly have air circulating inside the lip, so it has the leak feel even though it's not leaking? Does that swirling air have a hissing noise?

2. What do I do to keep the mask exploding off my face when the pressure goes up? Tightening the straps seems to backfire.

Any input welcome!

[HalfAsleep]

From what I have read, the Sleep Weaver mask, )made by Circadiance,) has an 18inch long hose )Feather-weight Tubing,)that fits between  the mas and the hose.

Thanks, Trish. I looked at pictures of that hose, and it looks like one end might be threaded. (Maybe something specific to the Sleep Weaver). Bummer.

[sonicboom]

Try Supplier #31 for all kinds of padding and hose covers.  This should help with your face marks considerably.

[GrammaBear]

Try Supplier #31 for all kinds of padding and hose covers.  This should help with your face marks considerably.

I agree with sonicboom.  This supplier is a cpap user and understands totally what the frustrations can be.  She even worked with me to 'modify' her hose cover to accomodate my needs.  Best wishes to you.

[dracus]

OMG, a full face hicky does not sound pleasant at ALL. They used a simplus on me during my tritation. I have a beard so no face hickies that I was aware of. Thanks thouigh for alerting me to the possibibilty.