How do you know if your mask is too tight?

I have a philips wisp nasal mask. The doctor gave me an XL size because anything smaller would sit on the bridge of my nose and it would cause a red sore. The issue with the XL is that it seems to leak alot so I need to tighten it often which lead me to ask..How do I know if a mask is too tight? Am I suppose to wakeup with a big red outline around my nose? Is there suppose to be a slight pain that I'm just not used to yet? I've only had this for 3 days so maybe my skin just isn't used to it yet.

Your mask should not make your face sore ans should not leave red marks on your face. Slight marks from the straps are common and can be relieved through the use of strap pads such as Padacheek sells.

Or get a different mask.

In addition to what has already been mentioned...some people have skin that is so fragile the least little thing rubbing or resting on the skin can cause abrasions or problems even when things aren't too tight. I have always called it "paper" skin and it's fairly common to have the skin get more fragile as we get older but it isn't a problem only with the "older" population.

If the Wisp is leaving red marks and still leaking....maybe it just isn't the right mask for a person and I would be looking at something else...maybe something that didn't touch the nasal bridge area if someone has thin skin and is easily abraded or leaving significant red marks.

If the Wisp is the only thing you have tried then try something else.

Padacheek.com sells mask liners for the Wisp. Using one may help to relieve the red marks you are experiencing and may allow you to use a smaller size mask. It's important not to tighten the mask too far--the mask needs to inflate a little, like a hovercraft--and the extra tightness may make red marks worse.

You can also treat your skin with a dab of lanolin (Lansinoh brand, sold in the baby section of drug stores; a lubricant used by nursing mothers to ease sore nipples) which may help your skin recover from the redness.

Jean

There are some masks that actually seal better when they are loose rather than tight. I'm not familiar with the wisp but the F&P masks that I use have an air bladder that seals better when it has some room to inflate.

I'd start out with any mask as loose as possible then with out tightening the headgear position the mask were it needs to go and then tighten the head gear only enough to take out any slack. Then lay down like your sleeping and continue to gently tighten the headgear only enough to stop most leaks. Once the mask is more or less set move around a bit and see if you need to tighten it any more to stop movement leaking.

Rule for me is you want the mask as loose as possible while still maintaining a leak free connection. A lot of the masks are designed to sort of float on your face. Only the most delicate part of the mask seal should be in contact with your skin. The rest of the seal is just there to provide stability and support. If your having to squash the mask to your face your ether tightening it too much or the mask is not right for you and you need to try another mask.

I feel the liners are not going to help if the mask is leaking badly or is just not sitting right from the get go. But if you have a mask that mostly works a liner will do wonders for helping minimise the little leaks or face buzzing or just improving over all comfort.

Rest well

Gryphon

Which frame does your Wisp have?
The fabric frame or the silicone frame?
The silicone frame lifted the cushion away from my face-
-but the fabric frame allowed the cushion to press harder on my face.
I was only comfortable with the silicone frame.
The two are interchangeable, and you can buy each frame separately.