Mask Leak Issue/Proper Mask?

netsweeper · Post by **netsweeper** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 3:21 pm

Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping a seal on my ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask? I had been having a problem keeping the seal on it from around the edges. Last night while I didn't have any issues with edges of the mask, my jaw dropped open and underneath the mask.

On a related note I did purchase a nasal mask, but when I told my DME they advised me that I really needed a full face mask for proper treatment. How they came to this conclusion, I have no idea. Especially since when I had my titration I was on a nasal for over 90% of the night. It wasn't until about an hour or so until the test would be over that they switched me to the full face mask.

Any suggestions on either part of this? Do I need a different mask? Can I use the nasal and be "ok"?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:38 pm

You might look at the different sizes of the UMFF -- maybe a different size or "shallow vs standard" would make a difference.

It seems to me that they switched you to a full face mask because you started mouth breathing/leaking during your titration study.

If you are willing to tape your mouth closed at night, you might try a nasal mask or pillow.

Assuming you have insurance, they will probably replace your mask at least every 6 months. You could let them continue to pay for the more expensive full face masks, and you could purchase the nasal pillows from cpap.com at your own expense.

netsweeper · Post by **netsweeper** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:20 pm

Ok, so I went back to review my mask and found out I am using a "medium/shallow" sized mask. And while I have attempted to re-adjust the mask every night to get a better fit, I can't seem to get it.

If I adjust the mask to put more pressure on my chin, I get a leak at the top and vice versa. And just when I think I have it in an optimal position I get a leak in the middle of the seal. VERY UPSETTING!!! Sometimes it's almost as if I need an additional strap to adjust the mask in the middle.

But this has got so bad that I am now getting a message on my machine advising me that I had a very bad leak for the previous session (for the past 5 nights or so now!).

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:23 pm

Do you clean your mask well daily? I use a 1:3, vinegar and water soak for 5-15 minutes after washing the mask. This seems to cut the soap residues and makes the mask 'stick' better. Worth a try!

Brenda

netsweeper · Post by **netsweeper** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:42 pm

Well so far I've cleaned it twice. I've read to clean it everyday in some places and every week in others. I travel frequently so I'm not able to clean it as much as I would like. But the mask doesn't feel oily from my face so I don't think it's slipping (but who knows at this point!).

Currently I'm using a "pure" soap that has no added conditioners or scents. I'm not really able to carry around much with me so what I do keep with has to be multipurpose.

I'm beginning to think about using the "Oracle" mask. I see some people don't like it due to humidification issues, but I already have that from a leaky mask (my humidifier is bone dry in the morning), so it may help at this point?

Swolcott · Post by **Swolcott** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:00 am

I also used the UMFF mask when I first started Cpap. I had the most trouble with it leaking in my eyes and I would wake up with puffy eyes.(Not a good thing. I switched to an activa nasal mask which has worked better but think I need a shallow. I did figure out from reading these posts I needed to mouth tape and it is going much better.

As far as cleaning the mask I had read on one of the forums that someone uses Tucks to wipe off their mask daily and then wash it with soap 1x week. This is what I started to do and it has worked great. I like the size of the little disks and the container fits in the travel bag with no problem.

I also had a RT tell mr to us baby wipes with NO alcohol. Haven't tried those yet but plan to.

Sam

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:18 am

I would love to tape my mouth, but I have a beard and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. If someone has been successful without ripping out all of their facial hair let me know.

I also love the nasal mask (which I do have one of), but my lips get pushed open from the air. I'm getting ready to order the Oracle, but would still like to see if I can get this mask working properly.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:58 am

Anonymous wrote:I would love to tape my mouth, but I have a beard and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. If someone has been successful without ripping out all of their facial hair let me know.

Try poligrip strips on your lips instead of tape. You can find several threads that discuss this if you do a forum search.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:10 pm

netsweeper

Most mask seals (nasal or FF) have to be washed everyday to remove the facial oils so they seal properly again.

Have you considered that maybe this mask type is not the best one for you.

I would contact the DME and show them the data. When you were first fitted with this mask, were you laying completely down and in the postition you sleep in, not reclined but like in a bed. Was the mask fitted at the pressure you are using it at? That is the way to properly fit a mask.

As for the jaw falling open, with a FF mask, openning your mouth is ok, unless the seal is broken causing leaks.

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier