CPAP Supply USA Community

  I need help in selecting a new mask. Currently use Respironics Comfort Full Face 2 and it is comfortable but I have major issues in getting it to perform.  I like the design of the FlexFit series as I have a beard and mustache and these seem to be designed better for people with beards.

I have been using a CPAP for about 3 months now and it does help with the hypopneas. The pressure is set to 12 and that is not causing any issues. It is the fit of the mask and the design weaknesses of the Respironics that are the main problem. I am a mouth breather and the current mask does not seem to be very well designed for this kind of use. Plus, I sleep on my side and roll around often so the mask has to fit well and not move with me moving.It seems that the Respironics is not well suited for people like me as it leaks easily and not robust enough to handle the different sleep positions.

 I am planning to have surgery on my nose in the near future and the ENT is also suggesting that I have my tonsils removed and a UPPP done. As my OSA is rather mild and most of my events are due to low O2 levels, she says that there is a better an average chance that the UPPP and tonsil removal will help/cure my OSA. From what I have read, this sound reasonable. As I have issue getting to sleep and then staying asleep, any help to remove discomfort and the hassle of a CPAP mask is in my favor. Thus the reason for a different mask. The big complaint is that I have a lot of problems in getting the mask to fit properly each night. I can get it good for one night but have repeated issues with leaks and the mask coming apart other nights (bad design). I can't say how many times I pondered the idea of seeing the mask sail into the hall way.

As suregry is pending, I don't want to spend a lot on a new mask but I need something soon. Beside the Fisher&Paykel FlexFit 431/2, I am also looking at the Hans Roudolph maks. Having the mask fit under the chin, having what appears to be more room around the nose (deviated septum and dry nose), and what appears to be a more solid design once it is fitted, all point to these two mask as being superior to what I have now.

Any help from the RT group, or even the public, is welcomed.

Thanks, Ron

Getting the best fit with full face mask can often be difficult, particularly if you had the challenge of facial hair.  The Fischer and Payckel 431 is certainly a good mask and offers the advantage of coming with 3 size cushions.  I also recommend using the sizing gauges available on our website to get the correct size.

Another helpful hint is to try a pillow especially made for CPAP users.  These are also featured on our website.  The SleePAPillow will allow you to turn on your side and avoid the mask pressing into the pillow and creating a leak.

I also recommend making adjustments for your mask while in the position you think you will be lying in most of the night.  Loosen the straps, turn the CPAP on and then tighten the mask just to the point you feel it seal and the leaks stop.

As to other masks, the Resmed Quatro is a very popular mask, but I would like to reinforce :  Make sure you choose the correct size and don't tighten the mask too tight.

Anyone else have some suggestions?  We are always happy to hear from you.

Debbie Shirley,RRT

 Thank you Debbie. I have looked at the sizing guides and found that I fall in between a medium and large sizes for most masks. I have also looked into the pillows but those represent their own challenges as I have a neck issue making using such pillows a problem. I suffer from a chronic issue with degenerative disc disease and already have three vertebrae fused. This happens to be what all of the doctors were focusing on for the chronic headaches I have. Only after complaining about the lack of sleep for a few years did any of them think of trying a sleep study to see if that was a potential cause. As I do not sleep that well regardless of using the CPAP and roll around during the night, it is hard to get a mask that will fit when laying on one side of the face and then the other. Couple this to the fact that I can not breath through my nose at night, I have several issues to overcome.

 As my current mask is not working out very well, I thought that one of the mentioned masks would be a better choice. I like the idea of having a mask that fits below the chin rather than on the chin or lower lip. Given that the  F&P 431 comes with all three sizes for the foam cushion, that looked to be my best option to try. With it on sale right now makes it even a better choice. I will look at the Resmed Quatro as well to see how it stacks up.

 Unless there is something else I'm missing, I will most likely go with one of the two masks suggested. If it does not work, I'm only out a little money and gain some more experience on fit and design. I really want the CPAP to work but so far the results are only marginal. It is bad when you sleep for only a couple of hours, turn over, and the mask starts to leak and wakes you up. Having to spend several minutes to get it to re-seat just makes it worse. So much so that I have just taken it off as it was more trouble than I felt it worth.

 Thank you again for the help.

Ron

debbie shirley:

Getting the best fit with full face mask can often be difficult, particularly if you had the challenge of facial hair.  The Fischer and Payckel 431 is certainly a good mask and offers the advantage of coming with 3 size cushions.  I also recommend using the sizing gauges available on our website to get the correct size.

Another helpful hint is to try a pillow especially made for CPAP users.  These are also featured on our website.  The SleePAPillow will allow you to turn on your side and avoid the mask pressing into the pillow and creating a leak.

I also recommend making adjustments for your mask while in the position you think you will be lying in most of the night.  Loosen the straps, turn the CPAP on and then tighten the mask just to the point you feel it seal and the leaks stop.

As to other masks, the Resmed Quatro is a very popular mask, but I would like to reinforce :  Make sure you choose the correct size and don't tighten the mask too tight.

Anyone else have some suggestions?  We are always happy to hear from you.

Debbie Shirley,RRT

 Debbie, have you updated this posting (10/28/08)? My sleep/mask problems mirror Ron's, and have used the Fisher-Paytel 432 since Dec. '08, with slight success (also have a closely trimmed beard). My sleep doc had me try a new hybrid, but that was worse than either nasal pillow types or previous face masks.

Surely there must be some manufacturer hoping to get rich off of the millions of OSA folks looking for one decent night's sleep.

Thanks for any new suggestions -- regardless of price (I, too, am more than willing to pay).

Mike