I have a deviated septum and because of that,every mask that I,ve tried so far has with air leakage problems which irritate my eyes. Is there a mask out there that would solve this problem?

You didnt mention if you are using a full face mask or not.  If you are not, you might try a nasal pillow type.  Because they only touch the nose, leaks near your eyes just don't happen.



Last edited by Mike on Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

I have tried most of respironics and fisher paykel full face masks.I am currently using a nasal aire II, and I still have problems with air leaking into my eyes.I also tried the breeze sleepgear but I found the nasal pillows to be irritating.

Each brand of nasal pillows interface can work and feel very differently on different people.  I wouldn't rule out "nasal pillows" masks in general just because one particular brand didn't suit.  The headgear is very different from brand to brand.  For some, the ResMed Swift nasal pillows do best.  For others, the Breeze nasal pillows.   My personal favorite (with considerable modifications since the headgear is often too large on women's heads) is Aeiomed's Aura nasal pillows.

Other pillows interfaces are Adams Circuit, Respironics ComfortLite.

I think the Nasal Aire II is considered a "prongs" interface -- goes up inside the nostrils more than "pillows" interfaces do.  "Pillows" sit against the front of the nostril openings (the nares) with only a tiny bit of the open ends being barely inside the nostrils.

I don't know if a deviated septum per se would cause air leaks.  I'd think it's more a matter of the fact that any interface which doesn't fit a person well sure could spring leaks....up toward the eyes or any which way, regardless of septum condition.

Hi,
  Most masks have an adjustableT shaped piece that rests against the forehead.  Moving the forehead pads further away from your forehead lets the angle of the mask sit closer at the top, forming a tighter seal.  minimizing eye leaks.  Another thing many new users do is overtighten the lower straps, which also tilts the eye area of the mask away from the face.

  Many brands of masks have a size "shallow" cushion.  The V at the top of the mask for the nose bridge is not as deep, they recommend it for people with low nose bridges, as in asian faces.  Depending on brand, you may not have to replace the whole mask, but can just buy the cushion replacement.

  As for triangular nasal masks, I think the best sealing mask on the market is the Activa.  It inflates and molds to the shape of your face, and doesn't loose its seal easily with movement.

  You don't mention your sleeping position, but sometimes the mask seal is compromised by pressure against a bed pillow.
Another culprit can be allowing the full weight of the air hose to pull against the mask.  Supporting part of the hose wt. with clips or eleastic bands/hooks can help reduce tugging at the mask from the hose.

Thanks for for the advice.I live in Canada and I've never heard of a lot of the companies/products mentioned here.I have an appointment with my sleep therapist tomorrow and I will certainly be talking about all this to him.As I said,I am currently using a nasal aire II but I have tried full face masks before.I have al;so used an oral mask but I found air was blowing through my mouth back up into and out of my nose.