Cervical Surgery needs new mask

[DEJONES1954]

     Been on CPAP for 5 years with great results. Had cervical surgery C2-C7 with a lot of Titanium rods and plates (hardware) last year. Now my ResMed f20 air touch head straps put pressure on my hardware and I cant wear it without pain and severe headaches and have been without therapy the past year. I found better, not complete, comfort with a Fisher Paykel Flex Fit 431. I am a mouth breather and tried Res Med pillows with no success. I am looking for a full face mask with wider head straps  to eliminate the neck pressure.

[SarcasticDave94]

How about the new Fisher and Paykel Evora Full? I've got it and it works great, light tension and it's sealing well. My VAuto can go up to 25 IPAP if needed, and the Evora Full takes it fine.

[DEJONES1954]

Seal is not an issue its the head straps putting pressure on the hardware. Need to widen and move the straps off the hardware. 
Might need to become a seamstress. 

[Jay51]

Soft but thick foam (maybe an inch or 2 inches or even 3 inches thick) placed between your neck/head and the straps could decrease the pressure on your hardware by spreading out the compression force of the straps to a larger area on your head/neck.  If you could tolerate the foam (hot in summer) and if the straps will widen out that much.  Just a thought.  Don't try anything that hurts your neck though.

[DEJONES1954]

I'll give it a shot. All ideas accepted. Thanks

[DEJONES1954]

After many attempts to purchase something to help with this head gear strap pressure on my neck I had to get creative. I was in the machine shop and welding business 35 years so I had material and hand shears (aviation snips) on hand, I also had some thin malleable aluminum, 22 ga, 1/32" and cut a loop sort of piece and formed it to my neck. Sanded all edges smooth. Purchased a cover from Amazon to cover the halo. The loop is 11" long and 3 1/2" at widest area and 1 1/2" where it wraps around my neck. Forming it took some trial and error to get it just right and curve to my neck and keep the strap pressure off. It is actually more comfortable to wear now than it was even before surgery. My AHI is staying below 1 since I started wearing it 3 months. Maybe this will help other's that have had cervical surgery. PM me for more.  
           

[jdougc]

Great job with your creation!
I had a similar posterior neck surgery and can't take anything touching the incision area, not even a soft cervical collar. I am also a mouth breather at times.
I have some success with the P10 pillow cushion, I have to use mouth tape and a chin strap that I modified. The chin strap pulls my chin up, not back. I get the occasional large leak as I roll over.

[DEJONES1954]

I completely understand the mouth breathing. Thats why I wear a full mask. Tried pillows and tape but I like my beard n mustache too much so the tape didn't work out, I tried them all, so I stick with the AIRTouch along with this device addition and cover. The aluminum loop actually makes the mask head gear more stable and comfortable I have less air leakage no matter what position I'm in, I'm a side sleeper. This loop is a prototype, pat pending , I will make mods and improvements seeing how it worked out and I'm retired with time to burn   
Hope it may help others that have had similar surgeries and can't tolerate the strap pressure.