The end of the month my insurance will pay for a new mask.  I am trying to find a mask that will work for me.  I started cpap 5 months ago.  I started with the mirage swift nasal pillows.  I didn't know it wouldn't work if I was a mouth breather.  I did the taping and chin strap for a few weeks and then I ordered the F&P431.  I could not stand (or thought I couldn't stand) the full face mask. So then I ordered the Hybrid.  I thought I had found my mask.  But after about 6 weeks of usage, I begin to have problems with it sealing around the nasal part.  Plus those of you who have the Hybrid know that the headgear leaves a lot to be desired.  Then I read about someone who was having great success with the Oracle.  I ordered that and I couldn't tolerate it at all.  Air in my stomach, vomiting, sore mouth and pain in my jaws.  In the meantime I went to see a sleep doctor (finally).  He had my smart card read and my cpap was not working for me, my apneas were just as bad with the cpap as without it.  I had been on cpap 3 months at this point.  He ordered an apap for me.  It is set to go from 8 to 16.  It took a month to receive my apap.  Now the Hybrid will not stay sealed at all.  If I can get it situated and get to sleep, I wake up about every hour with a leak.  I have put it away and am trying the F&P431 again.  It is uncomfortable and leaves deep red marks on my face.  It also begins to leak after I fall asleep.  I have read that sometimes you have the mask too tight.  But I have to have it tight to stop the leaks.  I am waking up every hour or two and getting up to adjust my mask.  I have come to the conclusion that I do need the full face mask, I just don't know which one.  I purchased all my mask on line, except the first one (the mirage swift) I got from my DME. It will be 6 months Nov. 26 and my insurance will pay for another mask.  I would like to hear from others who use the full face mask.  I would like to know what has worked for them and any suggestions they might have in choosing a full face mask.  I am a female and of average weight for my height. I am open to any and all suggestions or advice.  Even though I am struggle with this, I have been 100% compliant since day one.  I just will not give up on this.  I have no choice.  I am determined to make this work but I need help. Thanks
Quin

Hi Quin,

First off I want to say that I admire your determination to make this work for you. I use the F&P 431 and a trick I found to stop leaks in the chin area at least is to run a velcro strap under the chin area of the mask frame. I then run this strap through the glider strap on both sides and fasten it behind my head. This works very well for me. I get marks from the mask too, but they are gone in half an hour or so. You might want to look at the new F&P 432. It has a foam insert in the cushion that apparently is much more comfortable and stops leaks without the headgear having to be so tight. It only comes with 1 size of cushion and apparently fits a little smaller than the 431. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!

Brian

Quin, does your DME carry a decent variety? Would it be possible for you to try a few of their masks out and see what might work better now that you have more experience on CPAP?

FWIW, I switched to the hybrid from an Ultra Mirage full face, and I had the same problems with the UM that you're describing. It leaked if I didn't tighten it down so tight it left marks and usually began hurting, and tightening it down probably defeated the purpose of the inflated air cushions too. It was just a frustrating experience and no amount of adjustment helped. Same thing, I'd get it set and then wake up a couple of hours later having moved my head a bit and having leaks.

It is interesting to me that the hybrid worked for you for 6 weeks and then started leaking. I've only had my hybrid for a little over a week now. Did anything happen to your mask to cause the problem that you could tell?  I wonder if replacing the mouth cushion piece would help you with that mask?


_________________
<--Will-->
http://www.inside-corner.com
http://www.willwillis.us

Quin, I have a comfort lite FF and will be getting a F&P 432 next week. I'll let you know ASAP what I think. Sara


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Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage 19 pressure, ASI was 39, now 0!! Mask is F&P431 w/soft cap and pad a cheeks!

For mouth breathers (me)!  luv it!

try padacheek for padded strap covers, they really workwell, i have them. also make sure you clean your face with soap and water before putting on the mask and also clean the mask, it helps it to seal better.

quin-unfortunately there is no dream mask out there. The F/P 431 is a good mask-Brian-glad that you found it; but it has some issues. I think if someone could invent the perfect mask they would be a billionaire


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EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A TOUCH OF GREY
-Grateful Dead

I have found it to be very comfortable and I sleep on my stomach. I have very few lines on my face in the morning and those that are there are gone after a shower.

Downside: the headstraps sometimes get tangled, but I find that to be a minor inconvienience.

Good luck.


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As a Christian, you may be the only bible someone ever reads.

I have a F&P 431 also.  I tried the Respironics FF and teh ResMed masks and hated them.  I like the F&P pretty well, but I also have a leakage problem unless I strap in on so tight that I have grooves in my face.  The marks lasted until about 3pm today!  I also have a small mask that just covers my nose, but I find that I grind my teeth when I use it.  DOn't know why this is, but I wake up every morning with sore teeth!

I have tried to find other masks but all the places in my town carry the same masks -- the ones I've tried already.  I wish I could find a mask that fit and was fairly comfortable.  I won't quit using the CPAP -- I feel so much better these days -- but it's hard to keep it up when you're so uncomfortable.  I've talked to the folks at the sleep clinic about this and while they're sympathetic, they offer no solutions or suggestions.

Does anyone know a place that makes custom masks?  I'll pay for comfort and good health.

Geeez...A custom mask...now THAT would be the BOMB!!


Ok, I got my F&P432 and I love it but....you know what? It frickin' leaks when I drop my chin. I have a full round face and it leaks at the side chin area by face pooting. It's wakes me up after a while...now if I can keep my chin up it goes away. I can sleep on my side very well with it but the minute I go back to my back the pooting begins. Ah hah though, I have not given up!! It has to be tight but its much more comfortable around the nose and eyes. Sara


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Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage 19 pressure, ASI was 39, now 0!! Mask is F&P431 w/soft cap and pad a cheeks!

I have a HyBrid mask and I found that putting a small amount of odorless petroleum jelly on the nasal pillows helps to keep the seal... especially when I change sleeping positions.

You might try that... a little dab 'l do ya.  


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As a Christian, you may be the only bible someone ever reads.

Okay, so I'm relatively new to the whole CPAP thing.  I started in August 06 and have really been trying to make this work.  I am a mouth breather, so I have to have a full face mask.  During my initial sleep study, my SPO2 dropped to 52% (Normally 96-99%) and they put me on a CPAP three days later.  I went in the following weekend for a titration study, and they adjusted my pressure from 11 to 16.

When I first received my equipment, I selected the F&P431 mask.  It felt comfortable and I liked the way it sealed around my chin.  However, during the titration study, they said it was leaking too much and gave me a Comfortfull 2.  I tried this mask and I cannot use it.  When it's ramping up, there is low air pressure and the mask almost forces my mouth shut.  It seals just above your chin, and in order for me to get it to seal correctly I have to tighten it to the point that it digs into the bottom of my teeth.  Once the air pressure if up to 16, it blows my cheeks out and dries out my mouth.  I have tried cranking the Heated Humidifier up, but it doesn't help.

In an attempt to remain on CPAP I switched back to the FP431.  This allows me to sleep, but I am still having problems with leaks from time to time, and now I've gotten a sore across the bridge of my nose that will not heal at all.  Furthermore, I've never cared for having the mask seal so closely to my eyes, it doesn't seem to leak there, but it's a pressure that I don't care for.

I am very seriously interested in this Hybrid Mask and just about willing to dump the 175$ for it.  I spoke with my DME and they don't supply this mask and say that they can't order it for me.  Before I go through with this purchase, I have a few questions for those that have used it...

1)  Does this seal beneath your chin like the FP431 or does it dig into the front of your chin for a seal like the CF2?

2)  Seems that I have read people saying this mask is great, even with high pressures like 17, etc.  Can anyone confirm this?

3)  I prefer having a goatee.  It's usually not "too" long, maybe half an inch at most.  However, I'm not the most religious shaver and sometimes my cheeks get a bit fuzzy.  How sensitive is this mask to facial hair?

4)  I've heard that most four point masks straps (connection) will work in case you don't care for the headgear that comes with the Hybrid.  Anyone know if the CF2 or the FP431 will work?

5)  Anything else you can add would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,

Sleepypdx

1) there's a flap that goes under your chin for support, and which takes the brunt of the pressure. You shouldn't experience the same type of pressure with the hybrid in the area below your lip like you're describing.

3) For me, I find that it is sensitive to my shaving habits (or lack thereof). If I go a few days without shaving, I don't get as good of a seal. So, I end up having to make sure I shave at least every other day (which keeps my wife happy as well).

5) the sore on the bridge of the nose was the showstopper for me with previous FF masks that kept me from staying compliant. As far as CPAP therapy goes, I can't really complain about the comfort of the mask. No facial marks when I wake up is something new to me with CPAP :)   But keep in mind I'm only at a pressure of 10, I have no idea how well it performs under higher pressure.


_________________
<--Will-->
http://www.inside-corner.com
http://www.willwillis.us

My dream mask would be made of latex rubber, look something more like an anesthesia mask, and would have lots of straps going all over my head so that I could get a really good adjustment made just for me.  Oh, and quick release buckles are always nice, too.

Thanks for the info Will,

Does the hybrid allow your mouth to open fairly easily?  One thing I like about the FP431 is that I can actually have my jaw relax and open enough to breathe comfortably.  On the other hand, the the CF2 holds my jaw more closed at the lower pressures and I have to hold my lips open to breathe.  Trust me, this is not in any way comfortable.  Falling asleep with the combination of this and the pain/pressure of the seal against my chin is near impossible.

Would the chin flap allow or prevent the opening of your jaw? Also it seems that I have read that some people have removed this chin flap?  How does that work out?

Thanks...

sleepypdx