Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - Printable Version

Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - Printable Version

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Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - SkinTone - 08-06-2016

Hi All,
I'm not familiar with things to check for when looking at mask fitment and therapy effectiveness, so I figure you all can help me if I publish the results from sleepyhead. I would like to know if I need to change my mask or my settings need to be revisited by my doctor. I'm currently using a nasal pillow.

[Image: TyNikMg.png]

TIA.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - Sleepster - 08-06-2016

A leak rate graph should be nearly a horizontal line. Yours goes up and down quite a bit indicating that you're leaking. This can mess up a good night's sleep. Make sure your nasal mask fits well. Try a chin strap. If that doesn't work, a full face mask.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - SkinTone - 08-06-2016

Hello Sleepster, thanks for your response. I was wearing a chin strap during the recording chart shown below. I have been wearing it for at least 3 weeks now actually. I guess this means that I'm fighting through it. A full faced mask might be a better fit for me.

Thanks, I will visit the CPAP office to get fitted for a full mask. Are there any specific ones that come highly recommended? I came across discussions on this board talking about Amaraview and Simplus masks.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - eseedhouse - 08-06-2016

(08-06-2016, 04:56 PM)SkinTone Wrote: A full faced mask might be a better fit for me.

Sometimes a chin strap can help with a full face mask as well if you tend to get a dry mouth.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - SkinTone - 08-06-2016

(08-06-2016, 05:47 PM)eseedhouse Wrote:
(08-06-2016, 04:56 PM)SkinTone Wrote: A full faced mask might be a better fit for me.

Sometimes a chin strap can help with a full face mask as well if you tend to get a dry mouth.

I don't get a dry mouth when I wake. And the only times my nose feel irritated and/or stuffy is when I fail to fill the humidifier chamber.

The other thing is , I use a nasal cushion. After a bit of reading, I realize there are nasal cushions, nasal pillows, and nasal prongs.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - PaulaO2 - 08-07-2016

Nasal "cushions" are normally just called nasal masks. They fit completely over the nose but just the nose.
Nasal pillows fit just onto and/or just into the nostrils, forming a seal.
Nasal prongs are just like the cannulas they use in the hospital when a patient is on oxygen. No clue how they work to maintain positive airway pressure.

Full face masks (FFM) cover the nose and the mouth.
Total full face masks cover the nose, mouth, cheeks, and eyes.
Oral masks are like SCUBA diver's mouth pieces. The nose is held closed.
Hybrid masks are part nasal pillows, part FFM. Instead of covering the nose, they have the nasal pillows.

Then there are chin straps, mask liners, pads. Strap covers, hose covers.

The trick is to find which one of all of these is right for you. Each person is different due to sleep patterns, face shape, and tolerance level.

RE: Does My Mask Fit Properly(?) - SkinTone - 08-07-2016

Hi Paula that was absolutely comprehensive. THANK YOU! I sent an email to the CPAP office letting them know I need a mask change. I have gotten used to the nasal cushion (mask), but after posting the sleepy head data here in this thread it looks like I keep leaking.

I have tried a medium and a large. No luck. The nasal pillow I used is uncomfortablessed and irritates my nose.