Narrow Nose Bridge=LEAKS!

[Sheriff Buford]

I use the Fitlife Total mask and I am a side sleeper too. I use the Contor pillow (see cpap.com) which has cut-outs for side sleepers and it works for me. Have you tried a nasal mask? As far as your mask, know that there are a bunch of folks using the Quatro and seem to either love or hate it. The complaint I've always seen is because of the excessive leakage. Look at Resmed.com. They have two or three full face masks that are made for shallow and wide noses. I have never seen anyone here report on these masks, but they are there. If it sparks your interest, call Resmed and speak to a tech. Tell them about your issues and see if your DME will order the mask for you. "Mask shopping" is normal. I went thru a half dozen or so before I found mine.

Sheriff

[kaiasgram]

Is there a mask that is "shape-able" over the bridge of the nose? If not, they should design one (or many) !

I was just looking online at a mask that says you can boil it before first use and press it to the shape of your face. Can't remember which one but I'll see if I can retrace my steps. I don't recall any threads about this mask in the three+ months I've been on the forum.

[kaiasgram]

Found the 'shape-able' mask here -- https://www.cpap.com/productpage/comfor ... onics.html

I almost ordered it yesterday but instead decided to try the Sleepweaver first, everyone says it's light as a feather and that's what the bridge of my nose needs. If it didn't work I'd still try the comfortgel mask. I don't know if there are other masks that are 'customizable' via boiling.

[mdintx]

How about the Gecko Nasal Pad?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Gecko-Nasal-Pad.html

It would add some girth to your nose and provide a barrier as well. I used it successfully with the Mirage SoftGel.

[ReadyforRest]

Is there a mask that is "shape-able" over the bridge of the nose? If not, they should design one (or many) !

I was just looking online at a mask that says you can boil it before first use and press it to the shape of your face. Can't remember which one but I'll see if I can retrace my steps. I don't recall any threads about this mask in the three+ months I've been on the forum.

Thanks kaiasgram for that information. Unfortunately, I'm a mouth breather, so am looking for a full face mask to use when I have a cold and can't use my nasal pillows mask which I currently use with a chinstrap. But like the OP, I am finding that they all tend to kill the bridge of my nose with just a half-a-night's use, then it is sore for days afterward. I did check around after you posted that link, trying to find a similar product that has the gel and is a full face mask. Problem is, none of the ff masks seem to be moldable like the nasal mask you linked to.

[ReadyforRest]

mdintx ... that Gecko nasal pad looks like it might be a great solution.

[chunkyfrog]

With a little bitty nose, I find the P/R Comfortgel full face mask gives me the lowest leak rates of any FF mask I've ever tried. I sometimes have to use a band aid the first couple of nights to prevent a blister.

[rlreklaw]

Hi All,

An update.......
I raised all kinds of hell with my HMO (Kaiser) about their not being willing to allow me to try a different mask(s). Next thing you know I am referred to a sleep clinic in a different Kaiser facility. The tech was AWESOME! He actually had me bring my machine and mask to the clinic for evaluation. Once there, he made some minor adjustments to my BiPAP settings. Then he says "I think you need a nasal mask instead of a full face". I told him I was a mouth breather. He says "I don't think so. I think you were simply breathing through your mouth because you have SLEEP APNEA !" He then had me try a Mirage FX nasal mask with my machine and settings WHILE LYING ON A BED IN MY SLEEPING POSITION! (What a novel concept!)
Long story short......I have been using the FX nasal mask for over a week now with NO LEAKS! Sleeping through the night regularly. I did purchase a Pad-A Cheek mask liner and strap covers for additional comfort. They are wonderful!

Thanks to Mark Eliasson at Kaiser in Vallejo, CA. I am on my way to being a successful BiPAP patient!

[Xney]

Glad you got a good tech!

It's amazing how they don't let you try masks on, laying down on pressure... since that's when you would notice whether it fits or not.

[Janknitz]

Rlreklaw, that's one good thing about Kaiser--if you're not happy with something you can ask to see a specialist or a clinic at another facility within the system. I've driven from Santa Rosa to Vallejo, SF and Oakland to see better specialists. Good self-advocacy there--absolutely a must if you belong to Kaiser!

The Santa Rosa sleep clinic is pretty good, but they do tend to fit masks with you sitting up in a chair. However, they will let you take (and keep) several masks home to try in your own bed.